Principal's Message
Isaiah 43:19
Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?
I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.
Dear Parents and Friends,
How fantastic is it that we have everybody back onsite? Personally, I am loving having the students back, the sound of students echoing around the College has given the place its mojo back.
However, in a strange juxtaposition, just as we get all the students back to the College, the Year 12 students started winding up as they prepare for their final examinations. Part of the winding up process was the Year 12 'Thank You' Assembly which, for the first time, was presented via live stream. This was an interesting experience for all of us, and as is the case with most things, there were a few pleasant surprises that I would like to share with you.
As you are aware, I have felt a loss at not being able to have parents and friends of the College in attendance at key events, and I know from a few parents with whom I have spoken, that parents too are lamenting not being able to be present at key events like the Year 12 Thank You Assembly. What is interesting is that via the live stream we had more parents 'in attendance' at the Thank You Assembly than we normally would have in previous years. Furthermore (and wonderfully) the live stream enabled family from as far away as England and the Netherlands to share in the assembly. Similarly, we had parents who would be unable to get away from work click in and watch, which in the past they were unable to do.
The Netherlands! How good is that? It is a little embarrassing to admit that this discovery was an accident, stemming from a response to COVID restrictions (as were the lessons learnt when Parent-Teacher Conferences went online earlier this year), rather than being born from a great innovative idea. Regardless, thanks to Daniel Andrew's restrictions, I have been forced to reconsider how the College can and should partner with families into the future.
My concept of community and what it means to gather as a community has been seriously challenged, which is good news. It is good to be challenged, and I am excited that there are good things coming out of COVID restrictions; things that will strengthen and build our community rather than tear it down. This forces me to ask myself, “why am I so surprised?” Isaiah 43:19 reminds us that we should not be surprised by things that come out of situations and circumstances that we see as less that ideal. Isaiah 43:19 reminds us that God is working even in the mess of COVID.
Now it is important to note that God did not send COVID-19. The truth is that He had much better things planned for us until the fall. But the Good News is that even in the brokenness of the world, God continues to work through us and every circumstance to fulfil His plan. To this end, He will ensure that something good can come, even in the deepest, darkest of times and places. I wonder what you will learn from COVID? If you have not thought about it, let me encourage you to stop and think. You might be surprised to discover that God has been working in there somewhere.
Andrew Manning
Principal
Pray for Bayside
Please pray for our VCE students as they prepare for their upcoming exams.
Pray in thanks that important transition sessions for Kinder, Prep and Year 7 students are now able to take place.
Please pray for the leadership and board of the College as they make decisions and continue planning for the end of the year, into 2021 and beyond.
Pray that the Lord would meet the needs of College families still feeling the affects of restrictions in work and relationships.
Bayside Prayer Group
Our heart is to support the College through Christ-centred prayer, while creating a platform for students, parents and staff to connect with God’s heart and His purposes for us. We welcome our community to join together, believing for God’s love to be poured out over our College, bringing transformation, empowerment, miracles and blessing.
Please join the Bayside Prayer Group in praying for our wonderful College community! The group meet Tuesdays fortnightly via Zoom commencing at 8pm. The next session is 17 November.
Meeting ID 7335684639
Password 0nxxiU