Mr Bray has asked me to write this last Bytes for Term 1, so that I can give you a glimpse of what has been happening in the Secondary Department.
As I reflect on this past term, we have had a range of new things: new classrooms; a new student diary; a new way to stimulate thinking called Essential Questions (EQ); a new teachers’ aide; a new theme this year which is the ‘Many Names of God’, as well as a new parent teacher interview system!
We also have changed a few things: Morning assemblies are now just on Mondays. Students are in year groups for AM, in the morning, instead of mixed year groups and we no longer place students on detention for not getting their diaries signed!
Change can be hard. Some of us cope better with changes than others. But, thankfully, when all else is changing, Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever (Heb 13:8). He is always loving, forgiving, gracious and just. And always there to listen to and help us in our times of need (Heb 4:14-16).
Other things that stay the same are exams, assemblies and awards. While the Junior Secondary (Years 7-10) were busy learning, our Seniors (Years 11-12) have been busy completing their Preliminary end-of-year examinations. This also marks the end of our Year 11 course, and moving into the HSC course next term, after the Secondary camp.
Last Friday, the Secondary assembly was a hit as Mr Petts shared about how God has continued to provide all our needs and to celebrate the many students in our school community who were recently baptised. Mrs Arthur also did a segment on Mythbusters which was highly entertaining and engaging to see how Science came to life! The music was led energetically by Mrs Stewart who was on the drums and Mr Harrison on the guitar with students on different instruments. It was fantastic to see one of our senior students, Jasmine Dickinson (our School Captain) reach the Silver Level in the perennial Duke of Edinburgh Awards. Our superstar, Ruari von Prott, another Senior student, shared about her amazing opportunity to represent the Illawarra at the All Girls Rugby Tournament in Hong Kong recently. Ruari hopes that, one day, she will represent Australia in the Commonwealth Games!
Change brings opportunities to grow. Just two weeks ago, our Secondary teachers had very positive parent-teachers interviews. One of the strengths and goals of our school is to continue to grow our partnership with parents. Teachers were immensely encouraged by the growth in the number of parents/carers who made appointments to discuss their children’s progress. Personally, I love parent/teacher interviews. It is a privilege to work and pray with parents, and to learn more about students in these interviews. We would love you to provide us with feedback on how we can further improve the Secondary parent-teachers interviews.
Yesterday, we welcomed another change. For the first time, Years 9 & 10 Food Tech students provided morning tea for ‘guests’ they had invited: their parents, carers, siblings, grandparents, even some lucky staff members.. There was a beautiful range of food: sausage rolls, scones, muffins, fruit and refreshing drinks. The students did an amazing job under Ms Axtens’ supervision. Well done!
In all these changes, it is comforting that some things stay the same each year, like Anzac Day (25th April). As we celebrate it on the 25th April, it’s an annual reminder of those who sacrificed their own lives to save, protect and win freedom for others. It should point us to the eternal sacrifice of the only truly innocent one, Christ, who did no wrong, yet gave His life, so that we can have eternal life and hope through His resurrection from the dead.
We wish you all a safe and restful holiday, rejoicing in God’s eternal goodness to us in Christ, and look forward to seeing you back again, after the break, for Term 2.
Mrs Evelyn Meek, Head of Secondary
