From the Head of Secondary's Desk

Last week was a big week for our Year 12s. The week started with some fun as they came on Monday, dressed as superheroes and villains. On Tuesday was their final assembly including the prefects all giving a speech on behalf of their Year 12 classmates. They each spoke so well, mixing humour with meaningful memories, honouring their teachers, peers and our Lord. They reflected on what the school had done for them, their achievements and struggles and urged the younger year levels to make the most of their time and to know that Jesus loved them.

On Thursday it was our time to honour them at the Valedictory dinner. What a wonderful evening, with our graduates all dressed the part, very much looking like young men and women with something to celebrate and be proud of. For each student, a staff member got to share some reflections, encouragements and highlight character qualities we saw God had placed in them and where they had shone. Staff each prayed for a Bible verse for the student and shared that with them. We are so proud of our Year 12s, of who they are and not just the results they will get.

The end of night finished with a prayer from Pastor Danny, focusing on asking God to show His PURPOSE to each graduate, highlighting that often purpose is a greater motivator and source of peace. He hadn’t realised that the verse (beneath the photo of our Year 12s) through the night had been Romans 8:28 – “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

I believe God is communicating something, not only to our graduates but also to our Heatherton community. As I stated in my last newsletter article, Christian Education is “Education on Purpose” (see Issue 12). And we saw students at Valedictory graduating with a strong sense of identity and hope. 

As the Head of Secondary, I extend a big thank you to all the staff who spoke so well to and about the students. Your heart for the students and your sense of what the Lord would have you say on this special occasion were clearly evident.

While the Year 12s have now commenced their exams, there is still plenty happening at school. From Heatherton Creates, Christmas Child boxes, Year 9 100km bike ride, Grades 3 and 4 have just returned from camp and Grades 5 and 6 are about to head off to their camp, the upcoming Years 9-11 exams and much, much more. School life is never boring at Heatherton. Enjoy! And let’s keep learning in the light of eternity.

Darren John

Head of Secondary