College Chaplain

Biennial Anglican Schools Service 2026 

Article by Reverend Peter Landry, College Chaplain 

Last Thursday, 23 July, I had the privilege of accompanying student representatives from our Middle School, Year 9 and Senior School cohorts, together with the Head of Yirramboi Campus, Mr Michael Weier, to the 2026 Biennial Anglican Schools Service at St Paul's Cathedral, Melbourne. 

Held every two years, this special service brings together Anglican schools from across Victoria to celebrate our shared Anglican identity in worship while supporting the Melbourne Anglican Fund. It is a significant event in many school’s calendars and reminds us that we are all part of a much wider community of schools committed to nurturing faith, service and learning. 

Although schools travelled from across the state, including East Gippsland, our journey into the city was thankfully much shorter. Upon arriving, our student representatives joined a colourful processional of school banner bearers from across the Diocese, marking the beginning of a service that beautifully reflected the richness and diversity of Anglican tradition. Students from several schools led prayers and Scripture readings, while combined choirs guided the congregation in worship through music. 

The sermon was delivered by the Anglican Archbishop of Melbourne, the Most Reverend Dr Ric Thorpe, who reflected on Mark 4:35–41, the account of Jesus calming the storm. Speaking directly to the students, Archbishop Ric reminded them that the same God who spoke creation into being is present with them in every season of life. He encouraged them to remember that God is not distant from the challenges they face but walks alongside them, inviting them to place their trust in Him through life's uncertainties. 

The service concluded with a collection of blankets for those experiencing homelessness and a gold coin offering in support of the Melbourne Anglican Fund. As our students joined the recessional and made their way from the Cathedral, they did so having experienced a meaningful expression of faith that connected them with the wider Anglican community. 

For me, the highlight of the day was watching our students represent Overnewton with confidence, respect and genuine pride in a setting that was new to many of them. They embraced the occasion wholeheartedly and were wonderful ambassadors for our College. Events such as these remind me that faith isn’t just something that we learn about, but something that we experience together in community. 

I would like to sincerely thank the parents of the students involved for their flexibility and understanding regarding the adjusted collection arrangements. My thanks also go to the operational staff at Overnewton, whose care and support ensured the excursion ran smoothly and that our students were well looked after throughout the day.