Editorial

We recently held a Founders’ Morning Tea. This was our first opportunity in several years to gather with our Founders and their families. It was a joy to see so many represented, reconnecting and sharing in fellowship.

As we listened to their stories, we were reminded of the extraordinary faith, sacrifice, and commitment that established Mount Evelyn Christian School all those years ago. Again and again, one theme stood out: our Founders trusted deeply in God’s leading. They believed in the vision of a Christian school for their children and grandchildren. They believed the York Road site was the right home. And they believed that God would provide what was needed, when it was needed.

And He did.

Now, as MECS enters its 53rd year (with Ranges TEC celebrating 13 years), we find ourselves stepping into a season that calls for that same kind of faith.

As we look toward the next 50 years, there is a meaningful opportunity for our whole community to continue partnering with the school. This partnership will look different for each of us depending on our stage of life, but it begins with what matters most—prayer.

We invite you to pray for our school, our students, our staff, and all those who come into contact with MECS as we continue to Seek the Kingdom of God in Education.

In addition to prayer, partnership may also look like:

• Volunteering and engaging in the daily life of the school
• Joining and strengthening our Association which is so vital to the ongoing life and foundation of MECS and Ranges TEC
• Supporting the school financially, including through our Building Fund

Each contribution matters. Together, they reflect a community united in purpose.

As part of this journey, we want to share an update on a significant future development; the building of our Learning & Hospitality Hub.

First introduced to the community in 2023, this project was placed on hold for a period. After careful consideration, the Board believes that now is the right time to prayerfully move forward. This was recently shared at both the Founders’ Morning Tea and our AGM in May.

Why now?

• Growing enrolments mean we must continue to thoughtfully expand, while maintaining our desire to remain a connected and relational school community.
• Aging facilities present an opportunity to create modern, flexible learning spaces that serve not just the next decade, but the next generation.
•  Strategic development - the proposed location supports the long-term development of our campus, allowing us to thoughtfully enhance both Secondary and Junior School areas into the future, whilst preserving and enhancing our natural environment.

At its heart, this project reflects three key values: Welcome, Hospitality, and Christ-centred learning. These are an embodiment of who we are as a community.

A welcoming presence 

Positioned at the entrance, the ground level will house reception, meeting rooms and provide a warm and intentional welcome to all who arrive. Warm and welcome is central to both the Gospel and our identity as a school.

A space for hospitality 

Level 2 will include a new Food Technology hub alongside two, versatile learning spaces that can be opened and adapted to host events, gatherings, and wider community activities. More than just functional spaces, these areas are designed to cultivate connection, enrich community life, and create opportunities for genuine hospitality and fellowship.

A place for learning

The third level will include four classrooms, two small breakout rooms and also staff amenities. These flexible learning spaces will be supporting education and learning outcomes that are collaborative, purposeful, and grounded in Christian Education vision.

So, how will we bring this vision to life?

Just as our Founders so powerfully demonstrated, it begins with faith—and with prayer. Their story reminds us that what may seem beyond reach is never beyond God’s provision.

The Board is committed to stewarding this vision wisely and plans to fund the project through a combination of:

• A government Building Grant (applied for earlier this year),
• A bank lending facility (which will form the majority of funding), and
• Fundraising through our tax-deductible Building Fund. This is where our community can play a vital, tangible role.

In addition, the Board is actively exploring a number of future fundraising initiatives, with more information to be shared in the coming months. These will provide further opportunities for our community to engage, contribute, and be part of bringing this vision to life.

This is where you can partner with us.

We are inviting every part of our community—Founders, alumni, families, and friends, business owners—to prayerfully consider how you can partner. Whether through a one-off gift or ongoing support, your giving will directly shape the spaces where future generations will learn, grow, and encounter God.

This is more than a building—it’s an investment in Christian education for decades to come.

If MECS and Ranges TEC has been part of your story, we invite you to prayerfully consider being part of its future.

Let us move forward together—praying boldly, partnering generously, and trusting fully in God’s provision. All glory to God for His faithfulness.

“Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labour in vain.” — Psalm 127:1

Rob Lichtendonk & Michelle Dempsey