“Maybe Christmas, he thought, doesn’t come from a store. Maybe Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more”. The Grinch 
 

The lights are on the houses, the Christmas tree is up. The shops are getting hectic and time seems to be running out. There are Christmas parties seemingly every night, and what’s this, school has broken up?

As we draw the academic year to a conclusion, we celebrate as a community for all the blessings, gifts, growth and achievements of 2016. In closing our school year, our Final Assembly looked back on the events, moments, friendships and joy that has created another wonderful memory for us. In marking this time together, we formally commence the transition from one year to the next.
 

Student Celebrations

My congratulations are extended to the many students who have received right recognition through events such as the Year 6 Graduation, the Year 9 Ritual, the Middle School Awards and Australian Business Week.

We often think that days will somehow get quieter and more relaxed as we draw nearer the end of Term 4, when in fact, there are more events as we seek to allow each individual student and opportunity to conclude in a positive and fulfilling manner.
 

Staff Thanks 

I thank Ms Sarah Hoff-Zweck for undertaking the roles of Head of Middle and Senior Schools for much of this year and her commitment to ensuring continuity and leadership for all families and staff during a significant period of change.

There will of course be new faces amongst our community in 2017 - new students, parents and staff. We will introduce our new staff to you at the commencement of next year. 
 

Staff Farewells 

In recognising our student achievements over recent weeks, we have also had the chance to recognise staff who are in periods of transition:

• Mrs Emily Corbett, concluding her contract in Year 4
• Ms Tarina Revink who concludes her contract in the Middle/Senior Schools • Ms Natalia Slight who concludes her contract in Year 1
• Ms Hannah Squire who concludes her contract in Year 5
• Mr Lachie King as he concludes his contract as Youth Mentor
• Mr Graeme Whitmore who commenced retirement after serving as our Network and Systems Manager for nearly two decades
• Ms Bronwyn Self concludes at the end of the year as Senior School Learning Enhancement Teacher
• Mrs Kristy McRae has resigned from the College while on parenting leave
• Mr Paul Andrejic as he commences retirement in January after 18 years of service as Business Manager

I also recognise all our teaching and support staff who have worked tirelessly and passionately for each child. They are unwavering in their care for each child and their commitment to ensure that each child discovers their self-worth and experiences individual success.
 

Christmas Blessings 

As the traditional Christmas ‘Grinch’ recognised, perhaps there is a deeper meaning to Christmas than the gifts, the store fronts and the commercialism. Perhaps this Christmas, we have been gifted with the ability to stop, love, reflect and just ‘be’ – we are called to be in relationship with other people and most importantly this Christmas I encourage you to share in the peaceful nature that Christmas can bring if we so allow it.

May deep blessings and grace be upon you this Christmas, in the hope that you have opportunity and time to rest with your family and friends. May the peace of Christ be amongst us all these holidays and return us safely to our community in 2017 as we serve and enrich each other. May your eyes be lifted to the heavens and may we recognise the most precious gift of all – that of our Saviour and Christ.

“His name shall be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace”. Isaiah 9:6

Mr Cain McDonald
PRINCIPAL