WHAT'S BEEN HAPPENING (1 of 1)

An Unforgettable Journey:                                               Year 12 Mission Team Serves in Thailand

BY PETER CLIFFE (PRINCIPAL)

On November 20th, nineteen Year 12 students, accompanied by staff Peter Cliffe, Glenn Booth, and Hannah Denny, and parent/nurse Yolanda Cox, embarked on an inspiring 11-day Mission Trip to Chiang Mai, Thailand. 

The journey perfectly balanced thrilling adventure with profound purpose. Our students experienced the beauty of the region through exhilarating activities like ziplining through rainforests and sharing joy with majestic elephants, alongside exploring the vibrant local culture at the night bazaar. The true heart of the trip, however, was our service, particularly with children. The team dedicated significant time to supporting children in vulnerable situations, running vibrant kids' clubs and youth programs. A key highlight was successfully leading a two-day English camp for students in a remote mountain village school. Our students were deeply moved by the incredible resilience and infectious joy of the children they served, gaining a powerful, faith-building perspective on life.

We are immensely proud of the BHCS students; they demonstrated exceptional commitment, truly going "all in" from start to finish. Our daily devotions and evening reflections fostered a strong community and provided a meaningful way to share personal growth and encouragement. For future Year 12 parents, this mission trip stands as a truly life-changing opportunity—one that significantly strengthens faith, builds confidence, and creates unforgettable memories of service.

Student reflections

The trip to Thailand was an eye opening experience where we were immersed in Thai culture. We were warmly welcomed to The River with delicious meals and an amazing team. The highlight for me was visiting the elephants where we got to feed them, cover them in mud and wash them. It was an amazing experience where I felt so much joy and happiness. I felt like I couldn’t stop smiling at getting to spend time with these precious creatures. Teaching at the mountain school was truly a blessing. Although it came with its challenges, seeing how much love and appreciation the kids embodied was truly a fulfilling opportunity. I loved the kinder session where the kids were full of energy and joy. The walk through the local village, led by some of the students offered incredible views and insight into how the local people live. Despite language barriers we could see the strong impact we had on the students and it was rewarding. From the trip I felt a strong sense of community with forming new friendships and growing closer to the team. I have so much gratitude for this trip, it has been life changing with memories and lessons that I will cherish and carry into my future. 

- Maddy S, Year 12

From just finishing my exams to heading on a plane to Thailand, I initially thought that I would be so exhausted for this mission trip. However I met so many amazing people and experienced an entirely new culture that it wasn't about how I felt, instead it was about how I could impact others. Teaching kids English in the mountains and seeing their faces light up as they had fun in group activities, inspired me to be more grateful and joyful. God's presence could be felt in the beautiful worship night with Thai and English voices singing the same song in unity. This trip helped me rely on God's strength and gave me a fresh perspective for the coming year.

- Annalise M, Year 12

The highlight of the Thailand trip for me wasn’t the water park, the elephants, or even the time up in the mountains. My highlight was making friends with the locals and fishing with them by the creek at night. The time spent fishing will stick with me above all the other activities of the trip, because it opened my eyes to how the Thai people actually live, beyond what we saw at tourism hubs, or up in the mountains. The fisherman told me all about their upbringing, their faith, and what it is like to live as a Christian in Thailand. Overall, the trip as a whole was great fun. Bartering at the markets, Kenrick's ‘white girl music’ in the taxis, and teaching in the mountains are all experiences that will be remembered, but it was the relationships formed with my fishing mates that will be the thing I remember most of our trip to Thailand.

- Aaron D, Year 12

Going on this missions’ trip to Thailand has been such an amazing and rewarding experience in all aspects of my life. Going out and experiencing the sounds, smells and textures of a foreign culture has been so fun and eye opening. However, even more rewarding was the time we spent growing as a team and investing into the communities around us. It was so much fun having the opportunity to teach Thai kids from a whole range of ages new word in English and learning how to create activities that drove connection and engagement. Seeing the mountains kids so quickly pick up what we were teaching and engage so adamantly and joyously amidst the poverty that they faced day to day was such an eye opening step back on the western culture that so aggressively surrounds me. Furthermore, the time that we spent together as a team: regrouping, planning, sharing devotions, seeing each other’s personal growth and witnessing the Lord’s moving hands was so enriching to my emotional and spiritual walk in Thailand.  I feel so blessed to have been apart of this trip and the community that it had created. Being able to deepen relationships with people I barely knew before the trip was so worthwhile and even finding myself at BHCS for this trip amidst the trials and tribulations that the closing of Mountain District Christian School had over me is such a testament to God’s providence and gracious will. And for the year 11s who may be unsure about this trip and if it’s really that amazing, I thoroughly encourage you to give this trip a chance. It is an opportunity (and price) that you likely won’t ever find again, with a group and a mission that will certainly change your life for the better if you put in your all.

- Kenrick S, Year 12

Year 9 City Camp – A Brilliant Finish

By Ben White (Year 9 Coordinator)

Our Year 9 students ended their City Experience and the entire 2025 Year 9 Program with an exciting three-day City Camp packed with discovery, teamwork and memorable moments. Students explored Melbourne through a Yarra River Cruise, the MCG Sports Museum, and the breathtaking Eureka Skydeck, gaining new perspectives on the city they’ve spent the year investigating. Students chose from fun electives including the Melbourne Aquarium, Strike Bowling, and Monopoly Dreams, adding variety and personal interest to their camp experience. The program concluded with a high-energy Amazing Race, where students demonstrated independence, navigation skills, and excellent teamwork as they raced through the CBD. Our students represented BHCS beautifully showing maturity, positivity and strong community spirit throughout the camp. 

A huge thank you goes to our dedicated staff team whose support and enthusiasm ensured a smooth, safe and joy-filled three days. 

Well done, Year 9's on a fantastic finish to an outstanding year!