Dempsey's Digest

CEN Conference

I was quite torn last week as I headed to Sydney and attend the CEN conferences. I attended the New Principals gathering (hosted by Narelle Sketcher!) on the Wednesday and then the Executive’s Conference, followed by the CEN AGM and National Conference. It was great to catch up with people, but I realised that my brain has certainly done the switch and I found it hard to be away from our MECS community. It really is a special place in so many ways. 

The conferences were a good opportunity though, to pick up some new ideas and hear about how others navigate the challenges of school life and systems. 

NAPLAN

From all reports, NAPLAN went very smoothly last week. There’s a few catch up days during this week for students who might have missed the test day. I remind you again, that whilst NAPLAN is a capturing of a moment in relation to literacy and numeracy skills, it doesn’t even begin to capture the really important things about a student; their character, creativity, humour, interests and gifts. 

Whole School Assembly

There was a great vibe in the gym last week as we had our first whole school assembly for 2024! The Junior Secondary worship band were fantastic as they rolled out some songs and praised God with enthusiasm. We had the opportunity to meet our new student leaders across Primary and Secondary and we were introduced to two students who have been granted special scholarships. The Melbourne University Kwong Lee Dow Young Scholars Award has been granted to Irin Khuk Zawn (Year 11)​ and the Cowey-Selman Kokoda Scholarship has been awarded to Zephaniah Kunst (Year 12). Zeph will be walking the Kokoda trail during the holidays. What a great challenge! 

Camp Week

This week is camp week for our Junior Secondary students. Year 8 students are at Golden Valleys, Year 9s on the famous MECS City Camp and Year 7s are camping at Phillip Island. What a wonderful opportunity to experience school in different ways. At a campsite, in a tent or in the city! We pray for protection over our students and for them to have meaningful experiences with their teachers and peers, that point them to a deeper understanding of God’s world.

Primary Cross Country

We are excited about the Primary Cross Country and Colour Run today! Look out for lots of colourful dust and excited children! 

Holidays

As I write this editorial, I can’t quite work out where the term has gone. It’s been a wonderful term packed with many opportunities for learning and growing. With only a week to go before the end of the term, I pray a blessing on all of our families over the Easter period and subsequent break.  

It’s my prayer as well that as you savour some chocolate at Easter, or attend a service, or find yourself out camping, or even hanging out at home, that you would be reminded of the incredible, sacrificial love of God.

May everyone enjoy the break (Prep - Year 12 school finishes on Wednesday 27 March, Kindergarten on Thursday 28 March) and come back refreshed for a new term on Thursday 18 April.

Cheers, Michelle