I am sitting at my desk writing my last article for The Way as Deputy Principal, a position I have had the privilege to hold for the past 17 years. When I first visited the College 18 years ago it was surrounded by paddocks with the occasional unpleasant smell wafting in from the nearby farms. I visited the school as a polite gesture to the new Principal, Mr Whelan. I had no intention of trekking out of the St George area to a school that, at that time, was on the edge of the city. However, when I arrived on site in 2007, I could see that there was a sense of order and more importantly a vision to establish a school of excellence. I heard the heart of then Chairman of the Board, Dr Geoff Huard, the desire to see a Christian school of excellence in the heart of the South-West. More importantly, I sensed God give me a peace to give serious consideration to working in this new environment. That peace would develop into a genuine love for the community of Thomas Hassall; a love for the students that were representative of different cultures from all over the world; a love for the parents that had sacrificed and committed to giving their children the best that they could to give them a solid start in life; and a love for the staff of the College who had each committed to not only being good teachers, but also to sharing their hope in the Lord Jesus.
Above everything, however, I must give credit to God for I believe it was His love that was being poured out in my life for the Thomas Hassall Community that has sustained me over these past 17 years.
Now like all things in life. I have many shortcomings and so the expression of God’s love has not always been well executed. I have had many occasions where I have needed to come back to an individual to apologise…. students and staff. I learned that our community is very forgiving if ‘love is the motivator’. Oh, I am not talking about the ‘world’s love here…. The world’s love is conditional. I’ll love you if you do this for me… or I’ll love you until it doesn’t suit me’. I would not have stayed at Thomas Hassall if I had operated with this kind of love. The love that has sustained me has been the love from heaven, poured out by the Father through my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. That is the love that has brought me through and that is what I am so grateful for.
As I look around, I am very grateful for the facilities that we have at this school. These are a blessing for our college community to enjoy for future generations. Some of the students I taught in 2008 have their own children now enrolled at the school … they will enjoy the planning and hard work of those who have gone before. I am also thrilled that we can share these facilities with our broader community. This reflects the great generosity that God has for our wider community.
Finally, I know that if each of our students were to commit their hearts and minds to the task of being good scholars/ athletes/ students then we will fulfill the potential that we have to be amongst the top academic/ creative arts and sport schools in the South-West. It doesn’t matter what you have been given in terms of talent; if you use what you have with diligence you will reap a great benefit for all our community to enjoy.
Finally, am so thankful for the great staff we have at the College. We have had and currently have some fantastic leaders, including our Principal Mrs Easton. As I sail off into the sunset I will continue to pray and look forward to the positive reports coming from the College. The personal achievements and the wonderful progress of the College. More importantly, I look forward to hearing of many more students, parents and families impacted by the love and grace of God that comes through Jesus Christ.
Thank You Thomas Hassall Anglican College and please have a restful and peaceful Christmas break.