This term, I had the pleasure of teaching Year 8 Quest (Christian Studies). We have been exploring the Bible as one epic story. Over the weeks, we considered how the events and key figures of the Old Testament all pointed to the good news of the coming Messiah and how Jesus Christ fulfilled the prophecies from 1000 years before he hung on the cross. At the end of the lesson this week, I challenged the students to consider what the true focus of Easter is.

Easter is a reflective occasion just as much as it is a celebration. On Good Friday, we remember and acknowledge the suffering that Jesus went through—not only as he hung on the cross after being tortured, but also the anguish of isolation and separation from God as He took on the sin of humanity as a sacrifice. However, Easter Sunday is a day of celebration and eternal hope. It’s the day that changed everything—the moment Jesus rose from the grave, defeating death and offering us the gift of new life.

In John 11:25, Jesus says, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die.” That’s not just a future hope—it’s a present one. Because of Jesus, we’re reminded that there is always the possibility of new life, fresh purpose and a future that’s never beyond redemption.

Easter is not just a story we tell—it’s the foundation of the hope we live. I pray this Easter season, you are able to find a time to remember, a time to rest and a time to celebrate.

Happy Easter!

Supporting Wellbeing Through Community & Belonging

Over the past two editions of our College newsletters, we have been examining our guardrails as a College. Our third guardrail is:

'We Support Wellbeing Through Community and Belonging.'

We know that children and young people thrive when they feel seen, known and valued—and that wellbeing grows best in a community where students and have genuine connections and purpose.

In 2024, The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare reported that 1 in 7 children under the age of 17 had experienced mental illness (2024). Our priority is to develop a physically and psychologically safe community where people feel secure in asking questions, sharing thoughts and opinions, and taking risks without fear of judgment. These communities are established when each person takes on the responsibility of “loving your neighbour as you love yourself.” (Mark 12:31)

Our Thrive Wellbeing Framework provides a proactive approach to support the development of a healthy, holistic approach to personal wellbeing. It is currently being explored in our connect classes each week.