Principal's Report

We have come to the end of a school year like no other; one that for all of us will be etched in our memories, and no doubt in history books, as a year of turbulence and uncertainty.  It will also be remembered sadly as a year when many people lost their lives to Coronavirus. For many, it has been a year of struggles and challenges.

Our theme for the term has been Moving Forward - a call to action! We are reminded of God’s action plan to save us, sending His Son into the world to show us the way!

Candles are used in worship to remind us that Jesus is the ‘light of the world’.  Many people look on Jesus in much the same way as they look on a candle.  Candles are from a bygone era; they are nice if you want a soothing atmosphere. Others see them as no practical value – we have much better lights today.  The only time a candle comes in handy is when the power goes off. Relating that to Jesus; yes, he is the light of the world, but to some that is seen as old fashioned. He is nice to have around, to help us feel good about situations and when in trouble, but otherwise we can get our power elsewhere. 

As we head toward Christmas, we are reminded of God taking action and sending Jesus into the world to be with us, not just in the past but now, in our present day. Jesus said, ‘I am the light of the World.  Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life’. So, when we see a candle at church or in another setting, it is a reminder that Jesus has come to be our light in a world of darkness and trouble.  He offers grace, love and forgiveness to help us on our journey.

Thank you to all parents and caregivers for your support of the College throughout 2020. Thank you for your patience and your responses to the changes, some at short notice that have impacted your lives, those of your children and family.  Thank you throughout the year for supporting your child and their learning, especially through the times of on-line learning where you supported them at home. Many cancelled events meant you were not able to fully engage with us at the College, or us with you, but we are grateful for how you adapted and managed these times.  Reading though the many student reports, it is wonderful to see the resilience of our students!  There are many outstanding academic achievements and equally many students that continued to engage in extracurricular activities and contribute to the College, serving in leadership and giving their time for others. Congratulations go to all students for their efforts –they all deserve a wonderful break.

As the end of the year draws to a close it is opportune to thank those staff leaving the College. We thank Dee Blucher for her time here at Endeavour, supporting classes in the second semester. Kyle Cameron has supported our Sport Teams and Physical Education classes over two years, and we thank him for all he has done.  We wish him well as he moves into his career as a teacher. We thank Annie Keane for her time and energy in the Maths classroom and also Alistair Knight who has served our College over three years, contributing to many areas, from Technology to Mathematics.  We also thank Carol Shaw for the significant work she has done as leader of the Adaptive Education team, ensuring our students individual learning needs are met.  Finally, we also farewell Thomas Keller who, through his twelve years at the College has been instrumental in helping to transform the Design and Technology and Digital Technologies learning areas. 

We thank all staff leaving and acknowledge the love and care that each of them has shown through their work and to the students in their charge, inspiring them to achieve their best! 

We also wish Simon Maddern a refreshing break as he takes Long Service Leave in Term 1 next year.

My thanks to all staff, for their wonderful dedication to our students and the broader community this year. 2020 has been extra challenging as our community felt the impact of restrictions imposed due to the Coronavirus and the importance of these to maintain the health and safety of all in our state.  I am grateful for the willingness to adjust, be patient and enduring as this occurred throughout the year.  Despite the many changes to plans, our staff have been flexible, resilient and gracious, and continued to provide many wonderful learning opportunities for our students throughout the year.     

To all those families who are completing their time with Endeavour College this year, we thank you for working together with us and wish you well for the future. 

I wish all families a wonderful break and a blessed Christmas and New Year. 

Blessings,

Heather Vogt

Principal

I am the light of the World.  Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life - John 8:12.