Special Events

50th Founders Celebration Afternoon Tea

On Sunday 13 August we hosted our third 50th Anniversary event, a special Anniversary Afternoon tea. During this time, we honored past Board Members, past Association Members, past Long Serving Staff and Principals, and of course, some of our founding members. It was such a blessing to have a gathering of 140 people all responsible in some way for MECS being what it is today. 

The room was alive with conversation as people reconnected, some after many years! We heard from Sue Goudswaard (current Board Chair) as she spoke of the original vision of the school and the importance of imbedding God’s word into curriculum. Our local MP Aaron Violi shared how important faith-based schools are and what a wonderful opportunity it is for parents to partner with us in their child’s schooling. Michelle Dempsey (CEN CEO & incoming Principal) reflected on past Principals and honored each one beautifully. Michelle also spoke about our hope filled future and how important it is to step out in faith. 

It was a privilege to host this event and such a blessing to spend time with people who have created such a rich history in the MECS story. 

Enjoy the photos, and hopefully you can spot some familiar faces!  

Loey Riches

Executive Assistant & Office Manager

The afternoon started off with a buzz as people started to arrive and saw friends. Narelle Sketcher opened the afternoon followed by Sue Goudswaard and Michelle Dempsey. We then watched a video with past Principals and Founders sharing the Vision they had for MECS that is still evident today. The buzz continued after, with everyone catching up with people they had not seen for a long time. The atmosphere was so vibrantly warm and inviting as the hum of people talking filled the room. The godly men and women who built the foundations of MECS all together created one magical afternoon indeed. 

Jenny Taylor

Community Relations

Last Sunday my husband Ken and I had the privilege of remembering and celebrating the beginnings of MECS with those who were involved from the 1970s and 80s at the Chirnside Park Country Club. My overwhelming feeling was one of coming home. All these people were so dear and familiar to me from my childhood and early adult years.

I started at MECS in Year 6 as a 12 year old in 1973. My parents' plans were that I would attend MECS for that one year of Primary School and then move away to High School. But as the year progressed the decision was made to extend the school into Year 7 and so I continued on. Little did I know at that stage that this would lead to a lifelong association with MECS at all the stages of my adult life. 

I met and chatted with Cor Koole, my Year 10 teacher, and Doug Blomberg, my Year 11 and 12 teacher. I caught up with parents of former students from the time I was a Year 10 teacher myself in the mid 80s. I met parents of my new students from my current Year 8 classes this year. There were just so many people that I knew!

It was also a time of honouring the past. Former Principals were invited to stand and were honoured with applause. Former Board Members were invited to stand (Ken served for over a decade on the Board). Former staff... Former students...

We reflected upon God's goodness to our school over the years and over the generations, in all its facets. We heard of the plans for the future too. I think of my grandson who has just started Prep at Swan Hill Christian School. The blessings of Christian Education flow on from one generation to the next.

It was a wonderful day and I thoroughly enjoyed the gathering from the past!

Sharon Tromp

Secondary Indonesian Teacher