Secondary School

A Report from one of our School Captains

This semester I have had the privilege of being the MECS School Captain, along with my fellow leader Owen Payze. In this role I have been able to develop and grow in my leadership skills and navigate being a leader in a school context to my peers. This leadership role has offered me so much personal growth and the opportunity to mix with other people I would otherwise not have the chance to interact with, like connecting with younger students and being a positive role model to them. 

I grew up quite shy and quiet, so being able to fill a role like School Captain was something I never would have imagined. As I have grown older I have found confidence and strength in my relationship with God and that has guided me to realise that if you show your willingness to God, He will use you, an ‘ordinary person’ to impact the lives of others. My role as School Captain has been a joy to fulfil and a blessing to have the opportunity to lead my peers around me. 

I hope my role as Student Captain will further have an impact on the MECS community in the coming semester. My deep hope for our MECS community is that we can continue to grow and have strength in our relationship with God, believing as the Bible teaches us that we should act as God’s chosen people with ‘compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience’ - Colossians 3:12. I pray that I can express this personal belief in my role and mentor my peers to do the same.

Acacia Smith

Young Christian Thinkers Symposium

Inspiring Students' Reflections on 'Living in Light of the Gospel'

On 16 May, the historic Wesley Uniting Church on Lonsdale Street buzzed with the energy and insights of young minds at the Young Christian Thinkers Symposium. This inspiring event showcased how students can offer insightful, critical, and creative responses to the profound question: 'In light of the Gospel, how should we live?'

Among the highlights were presentations from two groups of MECS students, each bringing their unique perspectives to the table. Zac, Levi, and Ollie from Year 10 captivated the audience with a skit-like show that followed two science students on a quest for answers, with their teacher. Their narrative explored the idea that, while we can never be perfect like Jesus, His sacrifice allows us to walk with Him, rather than being ensnared by sin. Their performance challenged the audience to ponder whether inherent goodness or badness matters, emphasising instead the freedom from sin offered by Jesus' actions on the cross.

The second group, composed of Jacob, Judah, Mia, and Olivia from Year 9, delivered a thought-provoking presentation on God's love. They engaged with the theme of the event by delving into the nature of true love. According to them, true love emanates solely from the Holy Trinity, which created love in its purest form. They argued that one cannot truly love others without first knowing the Holy Trinity. This understanding, they suggested, cleanses one's life and enables a deeper, more genuine love for others and for God, fulfilling the commandment to "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength" (Mark 12:30 NIV).

The symposium was a resounding success, featuring numerous thoughtful and engaging presentations from students of various CEN schools. Each participant received a certificate in recognition of their hard work and their courage in articulating their faith to a large audience. The event not only highlighted the intellectual and spiritual insights of young Christian thinkers but also fostered a sense of community and shared purpose among all attendees.

Paul Joiner

Secondary Teacher