From the Principal

Yesterday, we acknowledged the many students across Primary and Secondary who participated in the ICAS competitions this year. I am pleased to see so many students willing to stretch themselves. Congratulations to our students who received merits, credits, distinctions or high distinctions. Please see later in the newsletter for more details.

Today we have enjoyed the Infant Athletics Carnival. What a delight to see our youngest learners enjoying themselves. Participation and fun are the main emphasis for this event and these were both in abundance across the oval. Thank you to our staff and to our student leaders for their organisation and running of the event.

This week, Mrs Adams-Bell and I have been interviewing Year 9 students who have applied for leadership positions in 2025. We are excited by the number of young people who have expressed an interest in taking on areas of responsibility. Through their applications and their interviews, it has been evident that each of them values their school and wants to contribute to our community. They especially want to be able to represent the student body and invest in initiatives that will benefit a wide range of students.

One of the questions we asked each individual was how they felt about the public speaking components. Unsurprisingly, many replied that it was ‘not their thing’. However, they also stated very clearly that they knew it was necessary for the role, that it would be a beneficial experience for them, and they did not want that hold them back from being part of the leadership team. One student told us that she would rather the discomfort of public speaking than sitting back, knowing she could have been involved.

I appreciated many of them talking about what leadership in a Christian school would mean for them. Some were very clear that they wanted to be an example of Christ in their interactions with others or that they wanted to ensure they modelled our College values of courage, compassion, faithfulness, generosity and love.

There are many examples in the Bible of those who were called to leadership, who doubted their capacity to fulfil the task. I think particularly of Nehemiah who was compelled to act following reports of the distress of the remnant in Israel following the exile. Nehemiah asked King Artaxerxes for permission to return to Judah, to commence the rebuilding. This was an audacious request from an exiled cupbearer to the king of the conquering nation. Nehemiah records he was afraid but prayed to God that he would receive a favourable response from the King. Throughout the rebuilding process, Nehemiah and the others faced insults and threats, but they persevered, keeping their focus on the task that was so dear to them.

I am encouraged that many of our students recognise that they can overcome personal discomfort when there is the right reason. Certainly, the risk they pose is nowhere near as significant as what Nehemiah or other biblical figures faced but it shows they are on the right path to being able to put their faith and values into action for the benefit of others.

Jodie Bennett

Principal