Welcome to Term 2. This is the term with the most public holidays and the most College community events, both of which we can look forward to. 

Cultivating Christian Character: Rain or Shine

Last week’s weather for our Cross Country Carnival provided more than just puddles — it gave us a practical example of how Christian character is cultivated. On Thursday, the forecast was for rain and it delivered. Our Cross Country Carnival could easily have been postponed, but instead, we made a decision to carry on. Why? Because one of our guiding principles is that we build perseverance through intentional challenges. Supporting students to give their best, even when conditions were not ideal, allowed them to develop resilience.

That same attitude was on display again the next morning. Over 50 students and their families turned up, with CalCC umbrellas in hand, to represent the College in the Caloundra ANZAC Day March. I was so proud of our community and our students’ conduct as they stood tall and walked proudly, honouring those who served our country in war. There were no complaints, just quiet respect and a willingness to show up — not because it was easy, but because it mattered.

This is the heart of our fourth guardrail: We Cultivate Christian Character. At CalCC, we believe that Christian character develops through a growing relationship with Christ and aligning our daily actions with His teachings. Integrity, compassion and courage are foundational traits that equip students to navigate life’s challenges with purpose and hope. Cultivating Christian character is a lived experience where students grow through reflection, practice and the intentional guidance of biblical principles.

Romans 5:3-5 (NLT): 'We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.'

Thank you for continuing to partner with us. The character our students are forming today is shaping the people they will become tomorrow — and it is a privilege to be part of that journey with you.

Question Time

Each week, I am keen to share one or two of the questions that I have heard along the way or that have been sent to me via email, so I can provide some clarity for all parents.

QUESTION: Why can’t parents walk their children to their Primary classrooms and park and pick them up anymore?

ANSWER: CalCC is, first and foremost, a ministry — one that partners with parents to support our students. At the same time, we operate as a not-for-profit organisation, which means we must also meet workplace regulations and uphold fair working conditions for staff.

Under the previous arrangement, Primary teachers supervised students in their classrooms from 8:15 am — 15 minutes before the official start of the school day. While our teachers regularly go above and beyond in their hours and commitment, this arrangement meant they were working beyond the award hours outlined in our Enterprise Agreement. It also placed pressure on their ability to complete final preparations, collaborate with colleagues and begin the day well. The revised structure gives staff that small but important window back — something we believe is vital for both staff wellbeing and the quality of teaching.

That said, we have not closed the door to parents. Families are still very welcome to walk their children to class between 8:25 am and 8:35 am, when classroom doors open and staff are present. In the afternoon, parents can access the Primary areas from 2:55 pm for pick-up. These adjustments are designed to balance safety, staff capacity and parent engagement.

We have also noticed a flow-on benefit. Students starting the day on the basketball courts are getting more physical activity before class and many are arriving more settled, focused and ready to learn. It is a small change that has already had a surprisingly positive impact.

We are also working hard to free up more on-site parking. Once plans are finalised, we will share those details with families.

Vince Wakefield

Principal