Another term has flown past us again. Here we are in Week 10 of Term 3 in the blink of an eye, it seems. I would like to say how proud I am of our students. You may be thinking, “Yes Mark, that’s what principals are supposed to say about their students.” Let me assure you, I’m not saying it because I have to. I really am so proud of them!

Last Thursday evening, I witnessed our Year 7s presenting to families, friends and staff, their Future City Projects. I am really proud of the depth of understanding they showed in their work. I am proud of the displays they produced and the presentations they put on the screen. However, I was most proud when I saw students stand to present and then realise they were in front of a large audience, and that all they really wanted to do was leave, and yet they took a deep breath and pushed on.  That right there is absolute gold for me, in the lives of our students. Preparing for something, working through the difficulties, the personality differences, teamwork complications, and then at that crucial moment realising, “This is hard, but I will keep on going!” - Resilience in learning and resilience in life. The knowledge gathering is important, but the skills are what truly allows growth.

Tonight we have our Middle School Concert. Here is another time for our students to be challenged by the “out of the ordinary” once more. I know they will rise to the occasion. They have been practicing hard. Teachers, staff and families have been putting costumes and props together and Mr Harris, with help from Miss Calais, have been burning the midnight oil in preparation. Star Quest Middle School Concert will be one to remember.

Challenging our children academically is important, but so is providing opportunities for our children to be faced with the uncomfortable and find a way through, over, under or around the situation and emerge from it with the knowledge that they can do it. Like our Chess team, who went out to a tournament the other day in a competition they had never entered before, in a place they hadn’t seen and played players they had never played before. Mrs Vice said that she was so proud of the way they adjusted to things and did their very best and played in such a way that the other players could witness what a difference Jesus makes in our school and in their lives.

I would like to wish all our families a restful school holiday break and we pray God’s protection on you all if you are travelling. We look forward to a great Term 4 with all the celebrations that it brings.

Have a great break with you kids,

Mark B