It is a great privilege to serve as Chairman of Shire Christian School. This has been especially true during the last two years, as the professionalism of the staff and the resilience of the entire School community have been tested by the pandemic and the government’s response to it.
This year’s extended lockdown and greater restrictions have been particularly hard for many families and members of staff and I am thankful for the numerous accounts of parents, teachers and staff demonstrating genuine care and Christian commitment in recent months.
Guiding the School through its pandemic response has been our second longest serving principal Mr Brett Hartley. Sadly, I inform our community that he will be taking up the position of Principal of Rouse Hill Anglican College, commencing Term 1, 2022. I am grateful to God for Brett’s faithfulness and diligence in leading our School these last seven years, and am prayerful that this new season will be a blessing to him and Kara, and to the cause of Christian education elsewhere.
During Brett’s time as Principal there has been significant growth in student numbers, a strong financial position, a commitment to delivering quality Christian education and being accessible to all families, an improved tone and culture, a focus on professional development, improved assessment systems and student behaviour management, good communication tools and systems for engaging with school families, and improved school facilities to meet the needs of our students now and into the future. Under God, Brett’s work has been a continuation of that of former school leaders who built on firm foundations for those that followed.
Please be praying for Brett and Kara in their preparations as they leave the Shire and Shire Christian School, that they will stay connected to friends and family, settle well in their new community and church, and keep trusting the Lord Jesus to protect them and make their paths straight in what he has planned.
The Board is pleased to announce that Deputy Principal Mr David Stonestreet will be Acting Principal from Term 1, 2022. David has taught at Shire Christian School for over thirty years, including as Principal from 2005 to 2008 and Deputy Principal since 2009. Please also pray for David and Elissa, and the entire School Executive, with the added burdens and responsibilities that come with this temporary arrangement. And for all staff, that they would be united in purpose so that the coming year will be one of continued growth and renewal, and a smooth transition back to face-to-face delivery of quality Christian education.
I will keep the school community updated as we seek God’s wisdom over the coming months and begin the recruitment process.
Your brother in Christ,
John Ishak
On behalf of the Board
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