Next week marks my final days at Shire Christian School—a place that has been like a second home to me for the past 13 years. Before I leave for the Asia trip with some of our wonderful Year 10 students on Saturday, 30 November, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on my time here and express my deep gratitude to this incredible community of students, staff, and parents.
Shire Christian School has been a source of immense joy and satisfaction for me, even amidst the daily challenges that come with leading Secondary School. This community has taught me so much, and I consider it an honour to have worked here.
As I think back on my own schooling, I’m reminded of the teachers who left a profound impact on my life. Their guidance, encouragement, and example shaped who I am today. A significant reason I became a teacher was to pay that influence forward—to be a positive example in the lives of others, just as those teachers were for me. As I prepare to step into the next chapter of my journey, my hope is that in some way, I’ve been able to encourage and inspire others here at Shire Christian School.
Before I go, I’d like to say a massive THANK YOU.
- To our parents: thank you for trusting me with the responsibility of leading your child’s education. Your partnership has been invaluable and I have loved connecting with you, whether it was over the phone, at bus duty or at one of the many events we have each year.
- To our staff: thank you for your tireless dedication, your passion, and the way you strive to bring out the best in our students. The laughter and tears we’ve shared have left a lasting impression on me and I look forward to continuing to connect.
- To our students: you are the heart of this school and the reason for so much joy in my job. I have cherished every opportunity to connect with you and watch you grow. I look forward to the day I cross paths with Shire Christian graduates in the future, shaking hands and celebrating the incredible individuals you’ve become.
I’d like to leave you with a final challenge. The most important part of my life is my relationship with Jesus. Serving a God who is both infinitely powerful and intimately close brings me immeasurable joy. He is the Creator who became man in the form of Jesus, the God who knows us by name, hears our prayers, and walks with us through every season of life. This same God invites each of us into a personal relationship with Him through His Son, Jesus Christ.
As Isaiah 41:10 reminds us:
"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
So, my challenge to our students, parents, and staff is this: make knowing and loving Christ your highest priority. Seek Him through His Word, trust Him in prayer, and reflect His love in your daily lives. Be a light in the world—one that not only knows Jesus but is transformed by Him, bringing His hope and truth to those around you.
Shire Christian School will always hold a special place in my heart. Thank you for the privilege of walking this journey with you.
Mr Peter Richardson
Head of Secondary School
P.S. As a side note, I will begin my week next week with a run commute to work. The main reason for me leaving Shire is to work closer to home. I will be running close to 70km from south of Wollongong through the night on Sunday/Monday morning to arrive at school by the start of the day. I’m doing this to raise money for Forever Projects as part of our school fundraiser this term. If you would like to sponsor me, please do so here. Thanks!
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