Dempsey's Digest

Learning Opportunities

The weather might be getting colder and the trees might be a bit soggy, but that’s not stopping our teachers and students from getting into some great learning opportunities. It’s great to hear the joy of learning as I pass by classrooms, or hear kids run past the office with loads of laughter and fun. My favourite thing to watch on a Friday, usually when I’m in a meeting, is the Kinder kids with their high vis vests on, making their way out to Bush Kinder. What a joy to take their learning to their own spot in the bush! 

There is no doubt in my mind, that our teachers, right from Kinder to Ranges TEC, care about our students and they care about the pathway the students might take, to get them closer to realising what God might be calling them to, in relation to a career or future. It was such a pleasure for me recently, to be a part of a pathways conversation as we discussed the subject options we hope to provide and the different ways forward through Years 10 to 12. Hearing the hearts of our teachers and leaders to want to assist every student, is nothing short of inspiring.

VET Performance 

One of our pathways, allows students to choose a VET (Vocational Education and Training) subject in Senior School. One of those subjects is Music Performance which takes place at Billanook College on a Wednesday afternoon. I had the privilege recently to see these groups perform and was very impressed with their musicality and ability to work as teams. Well done to our Year 11 group and their outstanding performances. 

Staff Board Gathering & MECS AGM

It was great to have an opportunity for our board to get to know our 'new' teachers over dinner, before the AGM. Our Chair, Sue Goudswaard did a lovely job of introducing the board and sharing some thoughts in relation to our school. There was some great conversations and good laughs. It was also great to then join the AGM and share in association matters with such a vibrant association community. The Association were invited into giving some feedback around the things that they love about MECS, the things that we should protect and the things that we should consider changing. There was excellent discussion over these questions. 

Whole School Assembly – Wear it Yellow! 

It was great to see the flood of yellow in the gym on 'Wear it Yellow' day! As part of Reconciliation Week, the whole school was encouraged to express our support for our Indigenous neighbours by wearing yellow. This was also a fundraiser for Children’s Ground. 

During the assembly, it was great to see strong student engagement and contribution as the Secondary students led us in singing and worship. We also got the chance to hear from our Primary student leaders in relation to reconciliation and we also had a word of prayer and blessing from our school captains, Owen and Acacia. 

We also watched this short video on kindness that you might like to check out. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXudxua0IKo

Lunch with Pastor Van and Pastor Ram

It was very special last week to have Pastor Van and Pastor Ram visit us. These gentlemen are pastors at the Victorian Chin Baptist Church and we enjoyed a lovely lunch together (Burmese food from a small restaurant in Moorolbark called ‘Little Burma’). The purpose of their visit was to say thank you and farewell to Dr Gerry Beimers. Gerry is finishing with us at the end of the school holidays and Pastor Van and Pastor Ram wanted to honour Gerry before he finished, acknowledging the significant part that Gerry played, in introducing the Chin community to MECS. To note this, Gerry was gifted a beautifully woven shawl, that the pastors showed him how to tie and wear appropriately. This was a very special moment and a lovely way to honour Gerry’s work at MECS. 

Thanks to our wonderful Cultural Liaison Team, especially Clare, Jenny and Lily for organising this opportunity.