College Connections

Principal's Press

Dear Parents and Carers

 

Ephesus was one of the largest cities in the Roman Empire - a bustling port and trade hub. It was also home to the grand Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The city was steeped in competing spiritual ideas, mystery religions, magic, and idol worship.

Paul spent 2–3 years in Ephesus teaching about Jesus. Acts 19 tells us he “spoke boldly,” “argued persuasively,” and that “God did extraordinary miracles through Paul.” Many turned from idols to follow Christ. But after Paul left, and as years passed, the Ephesian believers struggled to hold on to their identity in Christ amid cultural pressure and spiritual confusion.

Does that sound familiar? Today, our children face a world filled with sophisticated and competing messages about identity, worth, and truth - delivered constantly through every form of media.

Paul wrote to remind the Ephesians of their secure position in Christ. Jesus died to redeem them and rose to prove the promise of eternal life. In Ephesians 1, Paul outlines the spiritual blessings we have in Christ:

  • Adoption as God’s children (v.5)
  • Redemption and forgiveness (v.7)
  • Revelation of God’s purpose (v.9)
  • A secure, eternal inheritance (v.11)
  • The Holy Spirit as a seal and guarantee (v.13–14)

The key implication? Our identity is secure in Christ. In a world that constantly questions who we are and what gives us value, Ephesians 1 reminds us - and our children - that we are already deeply loved, chosen, and treasured by God. I pray that this truth can anchor their self-worth and guide their growth. 

 

Christian Ministry Partnership Night

As a Christian College we seek to honour and promote Christ in all of our activities and dealings. It is part of our core work to provide an excellent Christian education in partnership with parents and local churches. The question arises though, what do we mean by Christian education? What makes us distinctively Christian? What does partnership look like? What does this mean for our loved non-Christian families and students?

This is my fourth Christian school I’ve worked in, and even across the dozens of Christian schools that my extended family, friends, and connections work in, every school answers these questions differently. It is important therefore for us to work out and be clear on what will be distinctively Christian here.

 

I’d like to invite you to join me on Monday 30 June at 7pm to discuss this important question. I have been developing a Christian Ministry Plan that will guide the future development of the Christian distinctives of the College. This plan will run in parallel to the College’s strategic plan and guide the development of our Christian distinctives.

I invite you to partner with me in this work. At this event you will hear from me some thinking for the future of the College in this important area, have an opportunity to give feedback and be invited to join us in partnership and prayer to see Christ honoured at the College.

Please RSVP here to help us plan for the event.

 

Second-Hand Uniforms – Generocity Op Shop

It is with great thanks to Generocity Church that I am sharing that they have offered to take on the work of hosting our second-hand uniforms. We have heard regular feedback from families that an option for purchasing second-hand uniforms is wanted and this is a great opportunity to foster this. 

The Generocity Op Shop is located at 194 Lake Albert Rd, Kooringal and is open Fridays 10:00 am – 3:00 pm and Saturday 10:00 am – 1:00 pm. They are happy to accept donations of second-hand uniforms and will ensure that affordable sustainable options exist for College uniforms.

 

Staff Changes

This fortnight we have welcomed:

  • Mrs Katherine Oastler – Preschool Admin & Community Relations Assistant

    Kathi comes to us from Port Stephens and has previously worked in a Christian College and other administration roles. She is married to Jonathan and together they have 3 adult children and 1 new grandbaby named Phoebe Maeve. In her spare time she travels and paints. She feels so welcomed already. 

  • Mr Bruce Tenhave – Maintenance Officer  

    Bruce has a background in building and is a carpenter by trade.  He attends CRC Church in Narranderra and is married to Christine, They have 6 children ranging from 11 to 25 years. His "spare time" is taken up with ferrying children to different sports and being a dad, which he loves. He is looking forward to being part of the College.

     

 

 

I am also sad to announce that Mr Daniel Strachan, our IT manager, has left the College.