Letter to Family and Friends

Dear Pilgrim Families, 

Last week Julie Wicks, Lisa Newbury and I attended the Christian Schools Australia National Leadership Summit in Brisbane. We appreciated Elizabeth Sarre and Yiota Chesterfield being available to serve as Acting Principal and Deputy Principal in our absence.

As one of the conference activities I participated in a climb of the iconic Brisbane Story Bridge. The bridge was designed by John Bradfield and built between 1935 and 1940. John was also the mastermind behind design and construction of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Our guides explained the process of building the bridge during the Great Depression and how the government saw the construction as an opportunity to provide employment and support for many families in Queensland.

As our team climbed the heights of the bridge and we reached the very top we paused and looked into the distance together and down to the traffic below. It was a significant height and there was a shared sense of purpose in working together to reach this point.

The construction of the Story Bridge is a great analogy to depict our involvement at the National Leadership Summit. The conference provided opportunities for our Leadership Team to attend sessions and workshops and engage in heartfelt conversations listening to the stories of others and sharing our own journey as a school community. Each leader they met represents not just a school, but a community with its own stories, challenges, and dreams. Over three days we created bonds that are professional and personal with many other Christian schools in our nation. Together we are building bridges and connections between different organisations and supporting and growing the potential of each school community involved.

This conference is more than just a meeting; it is a blueprint for the future, where each leader's unique perspective and experience contribute to a stronger, more interconnected network of Christian schools. Through these bridges, schools will not only survive the challenges they face but will thrive, creating a unified landscape where students can walk the paths of wisdom, compassion, and faith; fully supported by a community of schools that are connected, not just in purpose but in heart.

The South Australian delegation to the conference, from many different Christian schools in Adelaide, was significant. This group of leaders meets, networks, and connects regularly and we readily share and support each other. In a few weeks’ time Pilgrim will be hosting the South Australian Christian Schools Australia Principals Network Group on our site to continue this active process and to share some of our story and future directions.

The inception and construction of the Story Bridge reminds me that as we work in partnership, we are blessed to have strong connections with other Christian schools here in Adelaide and that we share a mutual vision to see high quality Christian Education where young people can Belong, Explore, Flourish and Serve. 

These strong partnerships enable us to support students from Pilgrim transitioning to secondary pathways in likeminded schools that will continue to nurture and grow young people emotionally, intellectually, physically and spiritually.

The image of a bridge between two different communities inspires and encourages me to be reminded that at Pilgrim School, we believe in the power of collaboration and community and will continue to strengthen and build connection with others.

Blessings, 

Andrew Edmondson

Principal