Principal's Report

HSC Trial Examinations

We are now half way through Term 3 and our school year is definitely gaining momentum. Our senior students will be sitting for their HSC Trial Examinations next week from Wednesday to Friday, 26-28 August. Please mark these dates on your calendars as a reminder to pray for our HSC students during this time.

TAS/Visual Arts Building Update

We are now very close to completion of the entire complex. Most of the internal joinery, painting and floorcoverings have now been completed. The exterior of the building is looking very smart and this is further accentuated as a result of the laying of a large area of turf lawn that has responded enthusiastically to our recent rainy weather. 

NCS 40th Anniversary

As you would be aware, this year marks the 40th anniversary of Nowra Christian School. The current COVID-19 pandemic certainly put a stop to many of the plans that we originally had for celebratory events that would have seen large crowds gathering together. However, our 40th Anniversary Planning Committee recently held a Zoom meeting and I am pleased to report that we have come up with many creative ways in which we can recognise this important event during the final stages of this year and into next year as well. Please stay tuned for further information as we unveil a number of exciting initiatives designed to give thanks to our faithful God for His rich blessings on our school community over these past 40 years.

CSA Annual General Meeting

Nowra Christian School is a member of the larger Christian Schools Australia (CSA) family that comprises 124 schools throughout Australia. Last Thursday, I had the pleasure of joining with Mr Paul Dickinson, our Board Chair, as we participated, via Zoom, in the Annual General Meeting of our association of schools. We were presented with informative reports from various members of the National Council, including from our Chief Executive Officer. 

It was very encouraging to learn about key initiatives and programs that are being rolled out to ensure that our schools remain vibrant and committed to the provision of quality educational programs presented from a Christian perspective. 

Mr Harrison is on Long Service Leave and we welcome Mrs Simpson

Mr Stewart Harrison has commenced a period of Long Service Leave for the remainder of this term. Mr Harrison is a member of our Secondary teaching team, specialising in the area of PDHPE (Personal Development, Health and Physical Education). We trust that he will have opportunities for rest and refreshment during his time away from our school. 

I am pleased to announce that Mrs Olivia Simpson has been appointed to cover Mr Harrison’s teaching load during this time. Mrs Simpson has considerable teaching experience in this area and we are grateful for her availability.

COVID-19 restrictions

Further to my letter last week, the NSW Government has now implemented further COVID-19 measures which will impact schools. One of the major changes announced related to Year 12 Graduation ceremonies and dinners. (I have communicated directly with all of our Year 12 families in relation to these changes and, consequently, will not be writing a further letter to all families at this time.) We are currently working with our Year 12 students and their families in order to plan the most suitable alternative arrangements within the guidelines. Please also uphold these students in your prayers during what is always regarded as being a very important time of celebration in the life of every graduating student.

Dealing with anxiety

I consider myself to be very fortunate to work at a school where I can begin most days by participating in a devotion presented by a member of staff. Recently I was particularly challenged in one of these devotional sessions and I would like to share what was presented with you. 

We were reminded that, in many ways, we are living in an anxious and uncertain time. The COVID-19 pandemic has certainly significantly increased this sense of anxiety as we often feel very uncertain about what the future may hold. Experiencing some degree of anxiety when faced with uncertainty is in some ways quite a normal response. However, if this emotion of anxiety controls our lives, it will prevent us from living the life that God has planned for us. 

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

Philippians 4: 6-7 provides a proven antidote to anxiety. It reminds us to look to our faithful God and to come before Him in prayer, bringing our concerns and requests to Him. And the amazing outcome is that our God will provide us with a peace that is greater than we could have ever imagined. What a wonderful promise this is at any time, but especially during a season when our whole world seems to be struggling with the ramifications of COVID-19!