From the Executive Principal's Desk

If you have ever watched a Hollywood movie depicting life in a school, whether it be from the student or the teacher's perspective, inevitably it will depict a struggle that most likely centres around conflict, often between teacher and students. Usually, justice will prevail in the end but quite often there are casualties along the way and clear lines are drawn between the “good guys” and the “bad guys”, as is the case in most Hollywood movies regardless of the context.

One of the things that I like to say to students when addressing them at assemblies or in a classroom setting is that at Heatherton Christian College, there is no such thing as US and THEM. Instead, we are a community where we are all in it together to support and succeed as ONE. Of course, conflict is a natural part of being human as we are not perfect, but ultimately in our Christian community, conflict should be the exception, and instead harmony would be the rule.

It is not stated often enough, but the single most important skill required in an effective teacher is not subject knowledge nor the ability to engage students with exciting learning tasks but rather the ability to build relationships with the students in his or her class. There is a saying, “Students do not care what you know until they know that you care”. This speaks for itself. Yes, the knowledge and skill of a teacher are important, but without first establishing care and support of students, those qualities will not bring about learning as much as they could if built upon the foundation of a caring and nurturing classroom environment.

I am always inspired and encouraged here at Heatherton when I observe our staff putting relationships first in their professional practice, giving a living illustration of the kingdom of God being outworked here on our campus as described in Ephesians 2:14, “For He Himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility”. Unlike the Hollywood movies depicting division and conflict between teachers and students, instead we see ONE body of Christ, working in harmony together. Of course, we are not perfect and occasionally face challenges of our own making, which, with God’s help we work through together, but ultimately, we are CONNECTED and not divided and will always strive to strengthen our connections to one another and to our Father in heaven by looking to Jesus daily.

My hope and prayer is that our College community will continue to grow in Christ as we strive together as one body and increasingly influence our world, opening people’s eyes to God’s kingdom.

Grace and Peace.

Damian Higgins

Executive Principal