As we come to the end of Term 2, I want to recognise all that has taken place across our College community. It has been a long and full term, with much to celebrate, acknowledge and give thanks. In the busyness of College life, I am reminded again that God is generous and present with us. I am deeply thankful for His faithfulness, and for the support, encouragement and partnership of our families, staff and students throughout the term.
One of the joys of my role is the opportunity to see learning in action across the College. This week, I was invited into the Year 11 Ancient History classroom, where students are currently studying civilisations and significant sites from around the world. Their learning has taken them to places that have been excavated more than once, each discovery revealing more about the life, beliefs, traditions and practices of cultures from long ago.
The students transformed their classroom into a mini museum, and I was taken on a journey into the past by the students. Each exhibit reflected their thoughtful research, and they were able to share a genuine depth of knowledge and understanding based on the work they had done. I was particularly impressed by the detail students were able to explain, and by the way they connected artefacts, sites and evidence to the beliefs and daily lives of ancient peoples. Many thanks to Mrs Pearson, Coordinator of History, for inviting me to visit and to join the lesson.
This glimpse into ancient cultures connects beautifully with the excitement we have enjoyed this week as the flags of the modern world have been proudly flying around the College for our annual Unite Week celebrations. With the World Cup coinciding with Unite Week this year, there has been a wonderful sense of energy, colour and joy across the campus. I know that we all come from different backgrounds, with different heritage and experiences, but there is much that brings us together.
Just as ancient civilisations were shaped by their traditions and beliefs we too are shaped by the customs and communities that form part of our own stories. Our multicultural heritage is rich with distinct experiences and unique histories and these impact who we are today. At the same time, we share a common humanity: a desire for belonging, safety, dignity, friendship and hope.
Football, or soccer, has a remarkable way of reminding us of this. It is a truly global game, understood and enjoyed by people across many nations. We may cheer for different teams and proudly recognise different flags, but we can also appreciate the shared rules, skill, discipline and joy that the game brings. In this way, the World Cup offers us a small but meaningful picture of unity within diversity.
As a Christian College, many of us also share a common faith, and we are reminded that every person is made in the image of God and worthy of respect and care. My prayer is that our students continue to grow in their curiosity about the world and look for opportunities to live with kindness to others.
Thank you again for your support throughout Term 2. I hope you will have an enjoyable break.
How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!
Psalm 133:1