We have a great deal to celebrate and thank God for as we finish the school year. Our 2020 Yearbook, which has been distributed today, is full of wonderful colour images and interesting stories about student achievement, student experiences and rich learning, all of which has been based on a firm foundation of Christian education and a community that feels like family.
The prayer, unity, love and care that has always been abundant at our school has sustained us over the last 12 months as we faced unique challenges and some considerable sadness. Trying to thank everyone who has contributed, cared and prayed during 2020 in a single newsletter is impossible; however, I cannot overstate how much I have appreciated:
- Those who have prayed and shared words of encouragement as we have faced our trials.
- Those who have given gifts to help the school and individuals.
- The staff and parents who have graciously invested many extra hours into the school this year.
- People who have perceived a gap and jumped in filled it without anybody knowing.
- Students who have thoughtfully and maturely pressed on throughout the year and learnt to the best of their ability.
- Students who have been kind to other students who have struggled with the consequences of the challenges presented to us.
- Parents who have been gracious and patient with the school as we have done our best, and possibly made some mistakes along the way, to provide the best quality Christian education we can under trying circumstances.
On behalf of Mrs Nicole Smith, I would like to thank the countless people who have expressed their sympathies, prayed and provided support following the sad and sudden passing of our Head of Secondary, Mr Greg Smith. The details of how to view the recording of Mr Smith's Celebration Service can be found here. The Secondary School held a touching and fitting assembly to honour Mr Smith this week. The tributes shared by students and staff demonstrated that Mr Smith touched the lives of many. He will be remembered with great fondness.
As we reflect on the year that was – the highs and lows, the joys and sorrows, the predictable and the surprises - we should all give praise to God who has comforted and enabled us, remembering that in him we live and act and have our being (Acts 17:28). As you reflect on the year that was and look forward to 2021, I trust that this passage of scripture will help guide your thoughts and prayers.
Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. Romans 4: 1 – 4
Mr Brett Hartley
Principal
Back to All News