Chaplain's Chat

Aspiring to character – Foundation Day 2026

Foundation days have come a long way from the early days of only a few buildings and gathering under a marquee. This year, we were all together in the Stadium, in a school full of buildings and a thriving community. Just as a school grows one step at a time, so does the life of each person within it.

Our Bible readings pointed us to the character of God as our model of living well, and that our thinking is crucial to the growth of our character, as revealed in Philippians 4:8: Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.” 

This quote, which I remember from my youth, helpfully captures this connection

Plant a thought and reap a word;

plant a word and reap an action;

plant an action and reap a habit;

plant a habit and reap a character;

plant a character and reap a destiny.

“Friends, today we gather not just to remember a date on the calendar, but to stand on the very foundation that has carried us this far. Those who came before us dreamed of a community where students would grow in life, learning and faith. We can be thankful to God for all that has gone before us and excited about what we can become as individuals and together.”

I hope these words from Foundation Day 2026 encouraged us all to continue striving towards our motto of…

Honour and Excellence.

Kind regards,

Rev. Tim Bowles

Chaplain