Acts of Service

By Vicky Fraanje

(Head of VCE & VET)

You don’t have to look far at BHCS to find these; they are prevalent and in fact abundant among both staff and students. I thought today I would just highlight for you some of the things that our VCE school leaders have been up to.

Our VCE leaders need to apply for a leadership position at the end of Year 11, they are interviewed by Mr Davidson (Deputy Principal), Mr Seskis (Head of Senior School) and I, they have to complete an application form and finally deliver a speech in front of their peers and staff. After this, a vote from VCE students and staff is held. It is a rigorous process, and this year we have been blessed with a wonderful group of leaders, two of which become our School Captains.

So far this year, in amongst many commitments, they have excelled themselves particularly in acts of service, and I have been very proud of the way they have selflessly given of their time and energy. For example, once a fortnight, they run a student worship session that attracts between 150-200 students from Middle and Senior School, this includes, games, worship, a message and an opportunity for prayer. On the alternate Wednesday they go into younger homegroups and run devotions, establishing relationships with students from different year levels. They have organised various sporting events as a way to integrate different year levels and provide entertainment at lunchtimes, and they facilitate and actively participate in the Senior School assembly. They also help out with BOOM Day activities. They get up at crazy early times to attend prayer breakfasts with other students from Christian Schools. This week they organised a morning Tea for the Cancer Council, with a goal to raise $250 and exceeded their expectations and raised $370.40. This is all whilst they hold down part-time work commitments, engage in sporting interests and apply themselves to their own Year 12 studies. They are a remarkable group of students who live out their faith and actively serve others.

There are 10 “official” VCE leaders; however, they are regularly and thankfully assisted by many other VCE Students. As we know only too well, you don’t need to have a badge to be or show leadership. Leaders need people to support them, to encourage and follow. 

It is true that in giving we do receive, it is a blessing to me to see our VCE students living out Philippians 2:3-5, “Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”

I do not believe our students involve themselves in extra activities for the applause or acclamation. I believe they do it because they have servant hearts and receive joy from giving to others.

I am blessed every day to work with an awesome group of young people.