Primary Young Christian Thinkers Symposium

Over 10 weeks, our 2 groups of SP Young Christian Thinkers embarked on a journey of exploring God’s perspective on both disability and ecological life. After being inspired by video presentations from speakers in these fields, students studied God’s Word to find what the Scriptures had to say about these topics. They then took this research and created a presentation which they delivered to other Senior Primary students, teachers and parents on the 28th May at Crossway Baptist Church.

MECS Team 1 focused on how God’s love is like a light that finds individuals when they feel ‘invisible, unnoticed, or unwanted’. They studied the Bible to find that God calls Christians to show love to all people and care especially for those who may be disadvantaged in our community. This group started with a short skit and then read through 4 Scriptures related to this topic, unpacking their meaning and application.

MECS Team 2 used the format of a TV show called ‘Nature Nerds’ to discuss the responsibility of people to be Creation Keepers and being mindful of the impact humans are making on the environment. The hosts interviewed two scientists to ask their perspective on how endangered and extinct animals effect the ecological world and how we can respond to this, using God’s Word as a guide.

What a privilege it was to join with students from other CEN schools as we encouraged our students to wrestle with topics from a Christian perspective. On the Presentation Day, students were asked to write encouragement notes for other groups following each presentation. These notes were then given to each team to bring back to school as a way to reflect and encourage our students…the gift that keeps giving! At MECS, part of our Mission Statement is to ‘challenge each student to actively live for God in His world’. It is our prayer that opportunities like these will encourage students to do this in authentic ways while growing their connections with others, as part of both our MECS and wider CEN communities.

Stephanie Wenger and Carly Russ

Senior Primary Teachers

Student Reflections - 

The bus stopped. Everyone on the bus was thrilled to finally be here, after having 10 weeks to practise, this was our big moment. The nature nerds were right next to us; we all knew each other would succeed but we were still shaking with nerves. We were second in line just behind Donvale Christian College, our minds were locked and our scripts were refined to tip-top shape. This was our moment to shine. We finally got to show what we had practised and rehearsed for all this time. The host called our group to action, so with suspense in our hearts, we went up to the stage that looked so nerve-wracking. We all knew we could not mess this up. Not one singular second could go wrong. 

This was just as we rehearsed, the skit went smoothly - as intended, and all the worries we had in our head were nearly gone; all we had to do now was to make sure we controlled our pace when reading our scripts, while being clear and on time. 

Caleb received the mic and started speaking with a confidence we had never seen before, the smile on his face with his clear speaking, paired with the movements of his lips helped us understand we had succeeded. 

Caleb gave the mic to Hayul. He spoke clearly and carefully, as if he had done this one thousand times before. It was astonishing to know that we were in the same group as Hayul. 

Hayul handed the mic to Matthew, he spoke with a fluency that was extraordinary, the clarity in his words made him sound like a child prodigy, born to do public speaking. Next was Kem. He spoke like he never had before, he was so sure in his grammar you could argue that it was perfect. 

This was the best start anyone could have!

Matthew T & Caleb W

As I walk through the big doors of Crossway Church, it is breathtaking. The small groups of students from different schools are nervous yet determined. We were warmly welcomed by everyone around us; we even saw Mrs. Sketcher! (Our old School Principal). As the amazing groups around us smoothly gave their presentations, I grew nervous as my group’s turn edged nearer and nearer. And then finally it was our turn! I slowly made my way up to the stage and sat down at the Nature Nerds desk. I opened my mouth and it went past as a blur; we had the crowd laughing and the costumes were as wacky as ever!

Olivia B

On the 28th May 2026, we went to the Young Thinkers Symposium at Crossway Baptist Church. At the very start of the session, Sam told everyone that after a group presents, we would write a compliment on a piece of paper and put it in a bag, which meant that each group got around 60-80 compliments. I was nervous, my heart was pumping because my group was to present second. When we presented, I tried my best to project my voice and to have emotion, but generally I thought our group did a good job. It was a blast being there! At the end of the day, we were all given our encouragement bags and even a bag of lollies!!! Overall, I enjoyed the day, and all the groups were super entertaining!

Kem S