Welcome to Term 3. Our theme for the term is Looking Forward and for me this is apt as we positively look toward a term with fewer interruptions to the learning environment. We have been blessed to live in South Australia, where the lifting of restrictions has enabled us to enjoy some greater flexibility and normality, particularly for schools, to now move to resuming sporting competitions and to hold events and camps.

As we begin the term, we welcome two new staff members: Emily Nelson, Community and Events Coordinator, who is an Endeavour College 2008 Graduate and Dionisia (Dee) Blucher, a teacher of Business Innovation, Christian Living and English. We look forward to them joining our community and using their gifts to continue to serve others. We also welcome four new students and their families as they begin their educational journey with us.

The theme, Looking Forward helps us to reflect on how God looks forward in preparing the way for us, His people, as we carry out His plans and purposes, and in His care and provision in our lives.

Can you remember a time or times when God has been looking forward in your life and provided or made a way for you? I can certainly see that God had a plan for my life as I look back over the years. It is easier to see His hand in all that has happened when we look back, but this term we are challenged to look forward, trusting that although our future at times may seem uncertain, even messy, God has a plan that is not always evident to us! Jeremiah reminds us "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

What are you looking forward to as you begin a new semester? I’m looking forward to the resumption of some of our extra curricular activities! I know these activities add excitement to our learning environment and bring joy and anticipation in staff and students. The Cabaret in Week 5 will highlight the amazing musical talents of our students and the Year 10 Drama and Senior Years productions also kick off. These events showcase our students’ wonderful abilities and are great to be part of!

Course Counselling also happens for the Senior Years’ students! Students and families work with Course Counsellors to plan for the future. Discussing students’ aspirations and opportunities available to them together with subjects and courses that can help prepare them for the future is exciting!

Year 12s have twelve weeks of study left. Their Retreat last week was an opportunity for them enjoy one last unpressured time together, focussing on what lies ahead. Students will welcome the return of sporting programs that bring joy as they play alongside their peers representing Endeavour in the many sports offered. These and many other activities support and enhance the great learning that takes place in our classrooms!

One event that we have had to cancel due to the restrictions, and time constraints, is our Major Production, Untitled Hero. Of course, we are disappointed for the students who were preparing for the production and looking forward to sharing their skills with our community. We also acknowledge the extensive hours that staff have contributed to preparing for the production including writing the script, selecting music, and designing sets. There will be students who will now miss this opportunity, but we hope that for most students, there will be opportunity to be involved in future productions. The Production Team, Jamie Richards, Catherine Stanley, and Andrew Harten are to be commended for their planning, energy and enthusiasm for the project and the College thanks them for their work and commitment.

Construction of a permanent and waterproof roof on the west side of the Mall is almost complete, and we are grateful that the work has been done with minimal disruption to classes. Large overhead fans to improve air circulation in the Mall, particularly in the summer months have also been fitted. Finishing touches will continue into the early weeks of the term.

Whilst South Australia has been blessed with low numbers of COVID-19 cases, families are reminded to continue to be vigilant in encouraging the use of good hygiene practices, washing hands, using sanitizers provided, and staying home if students present symptoms consistent with COVID-19, and to get tested if advised by a doctor. If parents/caregivers and family members are attending school functions, please be reminded to observe the 1.5 metre social distancing. We want to continue to keep our school community safe. In doing so, we will be able to maintain this more inclusive approach to programs at the College.

In the event that the College is required to close due to an outbreak/identification of COVID-19 at the school, we are well prepared. Should the College be required to close under the direction of SA Health, we would hope that this would occur at the conclusion of the day. In the event that we were required to close during the school day, parents/caregivers are encouraged to discuss with their students, an action plan for them to return home.

As we look forward to this term, I pray that you are able to trust in God’s plan for you, knowing He has a future planned for you, that will be prosperous and give you hope.

Blessings for the term ahead,

Heather Vogt

Principal

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

The Anchor

23.11 · 31 Jul 2020

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