From the Principal 

Early on Sunday morning we farewelled nearly 60 Year 9 students as they bused, and probably slept, their way to Melbourne for the city week component of the Micah Program. The program has them volunteering with the Fare Share Kitchen program and the Big Issue, hearing from speakers of other faiths and with varied life experiences, exploring laneway art and its place in the cultural life of the city, and experiencing a taste of tertiary study at The University of Melbourne. I was delighted to see the breadth of the program and that our students have the opportunity to have their view of the world expanded in these various ways. 

Simultaneously, our Year 10 students are well into planning their fundraising for the Central Australia trip in the mid-year holiday break. You may have seen the invitation to bid in the silent auction for an Engel car fridge as one of these fundraising projects. I encourage you to support the students where you’re able, as the funds raised go to support the important work of the Royal Flying Doctor Service.   

As we begin to explore ways in which we might rekindle international relationships and opportunities post-COVID (well, post-COVID restrictions), I share my belief that programs like the Micah Program Melbourne experience and the Central Australia trip, as just two current examples, contribute hugely to the growth and perspective of the young people we collectively care for. When challenged in unfamiliar contexts, young people come back more mature, more ready for the world, and more able to navigate and respond to what is asked of them academically at school. Beyond-the-classroom activities really do have benefits in the classroom as well. In the fullness of time, I look forward to being able to further plan for, and then discuss and share more opportunities for our students to get out there.   

Michael Horne

Principal