The Value of OSHC (Outside School Hour Care)

Children gain real world experiences here at OSHC that enable them to grow and develop holistically. Students enjoy celebrations from around the world and diverse cultures coming together as an extension of their home and classroom settings.

Working within the early primary years, we as educators, have the unique opportunity to greatly influence the growth and development of our OSHC children in various capacities. This includes self-regulation, the ability to respectfully interact with their peers, and develop their vocabulary as well as providing physical opportunities to extend their gross and fine motor skills.

At OSCH, we are able to support this, particularly through the time spent with other children and while ‘play’ takes place. Play is a much underrated but incredibly vital part of a child’s development. Our philosophy stems from a child’s right to play and leisure. We are passionate advocates for children’s rights and feel that children are capable to take on risks in a safe and supportive environment. We feel that children are competent, and if provided the opportunity, will learn by trial and error and provide allowance for making mistakes.

Our program is based on our natural environment and extends beyond the classroom setting. Through this setting, we can promote respect and understanding of a sustainable future. Our service is unique as it offers integration of all primary year levels. It is through this, that we have found children have formed trusting relationships with one another.

For the first time over the past six months, we have opened our doors to our youngest entry level, the Preppies. OSHC has provided the opportunity for these students to form relationships with the older peers and with this, they feel more supported with the transition into their primary years.

Our program and environment allows us to be inclusive of all interests and needs. We base our program on taking a flexible approach, allowing children to solely drive the program. Children are involved in decision making through sharing their interests and desires. We welcome all feedback, encouraging children to voice their opinions, which forms our reflective practice.

It is truly a collaborative partnership where relationships are our key outcome, both with our families and the children that we care for.

If you’d like to join our OSHC Family, please email Susan Cooper  or visit our website.

With thanks,

Susan Cooper

Genesis OSHC Director

 

 

Farewell Class of 2020

Farewell Class of 2020! Year 12 is a challenging journey in a “normal” year, but for the Class of 2020 it was especially difficult. Navigating …

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Farewell Class of 2020

Farewell Class of 2020!

Year 12 is a challenging journey in a “normal” year, but for the Class of 2020 it was especially difficult. Navigating a new Senior system and subjects added to the challenge, before COVID and online schooling hit, throwing things into disarray. Further challenging the Genesis Year 12s were the tragic events of Term 3.

After all these ups and downs, it was an emotional and heart-warming final week for the Class of 2020! Different from previous years, external exams filled much of Term 4, before a whirlwind final three days packed with the Senior School Presentation and Awards ceremony, muck-up day, Valedictory service, and to top it all off, the Formal functions!

Highlights of the last week included an engaging and humorous address from Valedictorian, Rowan O’Hara, the traditional Genesis guard of honour, and a glamorous Formal function that included dancing – something which had not looked possible for much of the year! After such a tough year it was fitting to finish on a note of celebration.

On behalf of the Genesis community, we wish all students from the Class of 2020 every success and blessing for the future!

Kind regards,

Rohan Mills

Care and Conduct Leader – Year 12

Year 6 Graduation Dinner

Farewell Year 6! As Primary School draws to a close for our Year 6 students, one of the most exciting events on the calendar is …

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Year 6 Graduation Dinner

Farewell Year 6!

As Primary School draws to a close for our Year 6 students, one of the most exciting events on the calendar is the Year 6 Graduation Dinner.

This dinner is a celebration of the journey through Primary, and it is amazing to see how far the students have come. The evening also provides the rare opportunity to dress up a little! Our students had the chance to show their maturity and manners as they talked with friends and teachers alike about their favourite (and perhaps not so favourite) moments of the year.

We were fortunate to have some thoughtful and challenging words from the 2021 Year 7 Care and Conduct Leader, Miss Lauren Klingberg, as well as a vote of thanks from Mr Jeremy Williamson. Mr Paul Cobb made a surprise video appearance despite being many miles away to wish the Year 6 cohort well. The teachers provided great entertainment through the ‘How Well Do You Know Your Teacher?’ quiz, as many weird and wacky facts came to light. We were also fortunate to have Andino, the illusionist come along and share some truly mind bending tricks that had everyone reluctant to believe their eyes.

Just as unbelievable is how much these wonderful Year 6 students have grown in the past seven years! Many photos of their journey were shared, and it is wonderful to see how much they have matured.

We congratulate our Year 6 Class of 2020 for their achievements in Primary School and wish them all of God’s blessings as they begin their next chapter in Middle School.

With thanks,

Paul Johnson

Care and Conduct Leader – Year 6

Secondary Sport

Secondary Sport Thank You I would like to extend a sincere thank you to all the Genesis families for your support this year with the …

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Secondary Sport

Thank You

I would like to extend a sincere thank you to all the Genesis families for your support this year with the College Secondary Sport program. This has been a challenging and unprecedented year and your patience and understanding with the changing landscape of sport in 2020 is valued and appreciated. Whilst this has been a disappointing year with a number of sports not being able to take place, the resilience and character of our Genesis students has shone through. A special thank you to all the coordinators of sport, teaching staff, outside coaches, parent and student volunteers and House Captains for all your efforts. I hope and pray that you have a restful break with your families and looking forward to 2021 as we launch our new sport program in the College.

Equestrian – Qld State Interschool Championship Results 2020

Congratulations to Freya K and Morgan L for their achievements in being selected for the Queensland Equestrian Team. This is a tremendous achievement and we hope that next year there will be the opportunity to take part in the National Championships which were unfortunately cancelled this year due to COVID.

  • Freya K:
    • 3rd Qld State Senior Working Hunter (National Qualifier)
  • Morgan L:
    • 2nd Qld State Combined Training (National Qualifier)
    • 4th Qld State Intermediate Working Hunter (National Qualifier)

Triathlon

Genesis students competed at the All Schools Qld Triathlon Championships which were held at Kawana on Sunday 25 October. The placings of students are as follows.

  • William M – 24th place
  • Kate C – 31st place
  • Mitchell W – 18th place
  • Haley W – 11th place
  • Malayah D – 35th place
  • Reagan B – 37th place
  • Meg A – 47th place
  • Luka L – 25th place

These students have all been selected to take part in the State Triathlon Championships in Hervey Bay from the 11-13 February as part of the Met North Team. Hayley W will also be taking part in an upcoming event at Runaway Bay as part of the Triathlon Queensland development program.

 

Kate C has been selected to be a member of the Queensland School Sport 13-19 Years merit team for Triathlon in 2020. Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, Queensland teams will not be competing at any higher competition in 2020. Congratulations to Kate with this achievement in Triathlon this year.

Queensland Reds Rugby Sevens Tournament

After around 6 weeks of training, Genesis competed in the Queensland Reds Rugby Sevens tournament and played against 5 other schools. The boys played games against Matthew Flinders, West Moreton Anglican College, North Lakes State College, Sunshine Coast Grammar School and St. James College. The boys won one game which was an excellent effort coming off limited training. Every student in the team showed a committed to training and gave 110% in each and every game. A special thank you to Queensland Reds development coach, Andrew Chapman from the Albany Creek Brumbies, Tim Walker (Rugby Coordinator), Johnny Caldeira-Santos and Bruce McDougall (coaches) for all their efforts with preparing the students for the tournament. Without these dedicated people, it would have been impossible to develop the Rugby program this year. Well done to all the players:

 Ben M (Captain), Jake S (Vice Captain), Zac C, Tyler L, Lachlan H, Daniel T, William P, Alex C, Coach (Bruce McDougall)

Rowing

Jaeve P and Ella S (Year 11) were recently presented with their Queensland representative suits from Rowing Queensland for their outstanding achievement of being selected in the Queensland team. Well done to Jaeve and Ella for their selection.

The “come and try” days for Rowing were successful with several students attending the sessions to experience the sport for the first time. We look forward to next year with the rowing program in the College and thank you to Ashley Smith (Rowing Coordinator) and the Pine Rivers Rowing Club for their support of the Genesis Rowing program.

Kind regards,

Anthony Arro

Director of Sport – Secondary

Primary Sport

Primary Sport – What a great finish to our Sporting Program for 2020! Schools Tennis Tournament: Three teams took part in the Schools Tennis Tournament. Our …

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Primary Sport – What a great finish to our Sporting Program for 2020!

Schools Tennis Tournament:

Three teams took part in the Schools Tennis Tournament. Our Orange ball team consisted of Deezil P, Jack S, Thomas N, Asher T and Oscar P who put in a great effort on the day, giving every match 100% effort and conducting themselves with a positive and encouraging attitude.

Our Green ball 1st team consisted of Elijah N, Manie VT, Hayden D and Jackson S and our 2nd team included William S, Jackson G, Jackson M and Nicholas A. Our 1st team prevailed top of their pool and made it to the final playoffs, eventually finishing 3rd for the day, and narrowly missing out on qualifying for the state finals.

Swimming Carnival:

Congratulations to all our Years 3-6 students for their participation at our Years 3-6 Swimming Carnival. It was a brilliant day! Special congratulations go to our Age Champions:

8 Years Boys

1st Keegan H

2nd Deezil P

3rd Bailey S

8 Years Girls

1st Holly M

2nd Ruby K

3rd Zoey P

9 Years Boys  

1st Theo H

2nd Mark B

3rd Thomas M

9 Years Girls

1st Amelia L

2nd Indigo K

3rd Charlie B

10 Years Boys

1st Felix N

2nd Matthew T

3rd Jared H

10 Years Girls

1st Kiara V

2nd Abby H

3rd Alexandra B

11 Years Boys

1st Ralph N

2nd Mitchell E

3rd Logan T

11 Years Girls

1st Madison R

2nd Mackenzie B

3rd Taylor B

 Congratulations to Amelia L who broke the 10 Years Girls 50m Backstroke record with a time of 43.36!

And of course, congratulations to our champion swimming house – GILEAD.

Congratulations Mackenna

Over the past 3 months Mackenna M has completed a trial process and has been accepted into the Queensland Academy of Sport U13, 2021 Female Football program. This is such a phenomenal achievement, and we are so proud of you Mackenna!

Congratulations Santiago!

Congratulations to Santiago R who has been selected for the South East Queensland Futsal 2020/2021 and NPL Queensland Fútbol 2021. What an amazing achievement!

Kind regards.

Louise McCarthy

Director of Sport – Primary

 

 

 

Instrumental Music

Instrumental Music Performance Music at Genesis in 2020 has been unique and creative. We have enjoyed new ways of performing, including recording videos to share …

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Instrumental Music

Performance Music at Genesis in 2020 has been unique and creative. We have enjoyed new ways of performing, including recording videos to share and playing in ‘pop up’ concerts around the College. We have been so thankful to also perform in some memorable concerts.

Strings in Spring

On Thursday 22 October the College was proud to finally present our first formal performances for the year, Strings in Spring. The evening included performances by all College String Ensembles as well as chamber ensembles and a special performance from Genesis alumni, Amy Hosking. This was also the very first performance from our newest Genesis musicians, Beginner Strings, who started learning their instruments at the beginning of Term 3.

Concert on the Green

Genesis Music was excited to present Concert on the Green, an outdoor event featuring all College concert, brass and jazz bands. Music families brought along lawn chairs and picnic blankets, purchased a delicious dinner from the food trucks and enjoyed a relaxing and fun evening’s entertainment.

Mr Hannah sincerely thanked our outgoing Year 12 musicians and presented them with a farewell gift. Audience members commented on the fun, relaxing atmosphere and warm community feel.

Thank you to all of our musicians and of course our biggest supporters, our music parents.

 

Pastoral Care

Well what a year! I am not quite sure how we got to the end of 2020, but here we are.   Recently I heard …

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Well what a year! I am not quite sure how we got to the end of 2020, but here we are.  

Recently I heard someone talking about a practise that they like to do at the end of every year and that is to reflect on the year that’s been in an effort to not miss the meaningful moments, the lessons and the blessings through the good times and through the hardships. As I reflect on this practise I can see the power of this activity for 2020. We can reflect on what we are taking with us into 2021 and what we might want to leave behind, so that no matter the season, we are still learning and growing in life. This activity can help us and our family to feel grounded amongst the turmoil, give us a renewed sense of direction, helps us to recognise what we are grateful for, recognise what is still in our control and what we value.

As I reflect, what stands out the most this year for me, it is a deeper understanding that life is short and the question I have found myself asking is, “am I making the most of it”? Am I pursuing that which is meaningful or what I value the most? This is a challenging thought, but one worth pursuing each day so that life doesn’t just slip by us.

One of the activities I often do with students is an activity to help identify their values and understand how to use them to make choices that add value to their life, helping them to become the person they want to be rather than choices that take them away from this.

Living from our values can help us to create purpose in our lives despite the challenges, because this is always something we can control. Most of the time students identify that family relationships are what they value the most as well as attributes such as love, kindness and connection. Despite how your child displays this, deep down this is something they desire because this is what God has created and hard-wired us for. The family is where God designed for us to experience this connection the most. What are you doing or can you be doing to foster this connection on a deeper level in your family relationships, despite the busyness and fast paced, technologically driven world we live in.

Sometimes, depending on what age or temperament your child is, this can be challenging, but find what works for you both and do more of this (TIP – read this article!).

These holidays, I want to encourage you to go back to basics. Think about the words of the famous Christmas song, “all I want for Christmas is you” and perhaps this is all our kids really need and want – time together with us. Remembering that physical, mental, emotional and relational connection are all protective factors against mental illness, low self-esteem, poor decision making and being easily influenced by others. Strong and secure young people are as a result of a strong, secure and safe base.

What family or faith rituals this Christmas/holiday time can you return to or start as a way to connect with your children, providing a secure and safe base for them. I am always encouraged by the bible verse:

‘Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it’. Proverbs 22:6

It is amazing how these rituals of faith and fun can become the very practise that bonds us with our children or brings great comfort to their lives when they are older because it was a consistent practise in their younger years.

For a quick 4 min video on the importance of family rituals by Maggie Dent, and some other great articles on building connection with your children over the holidays see below:

On behalf of the Pastoral Care team at Genesis, we want to wish you all a big Merry Christmas and let you know that we are praying for you and your family, for a safe and blessed holiday break. We look forward to seeing you all again in 2021 and please feel free to reach out to our Pastoral Care Team at any time if you have any questions or concerns about your child’s wellbeing.

Blessings,

Louise Klar

Head of Pastoral Care and Growth & College Counsellor

Primary School Highlights

Primary Highlights                                          As the year draws to a close, it is time to look back on the wonderful year we have had at Genesis, especially …

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Primary School Highlights

Primary Highlights                                         

As the year draws to a close, it is time to look back on the wonderful year we have had at Genesis, especially in our Primary school. Our students and staff continuously amaze me, not just with their exceptional results across sporting, artistic and academic endeavours, but also, and perhaps more importantly, with the dedication to training and studying, humility, and selflessness with which they do this. Our Genesis students consistently perform at the highest levels in all of these areas, within our culture of high expectations, and now is the time to rest and unwind as we head into the holiday season.

2020 has been a year like no other with, having to not only negotiate the impositions of a global pandemic, but also re-designing how we learn and make adjustments to almost everything in College life. The learning however has been enormous, and as teachers we have never had to learn so much so fast! The great thing about this is that Genesis staff have adapted quickly and we are purposefully using the things we have learnt, to make education only better into the future.

Covering all of this of course, is our Christian culture; through which we observe and design everything, and ultimately understand learning and our world. With the help of God, and seeking his will in all things, 2021 will be another great year in the Genesis community.

 Staff Farewells

Each year some staff move on from Genesis, and we are beholden to thank them for their work at the College

  • Deb Hey – has been an integral staff member of the College for 29 years. Mrs Hey was one of the first few teachers to ever work at Genesis, and commenced her first classes out of the back of Bray Park Community Church hall, well before any of the Genesis you see today was built. Mrs Hey also wrote our College Anthem, as well as numerous other things which have contributed to the Genesis we see today. We will formally farewell Deb at our staff luncheon this year, however we want to publicly thank and acknowledge Deb, upon her retirement, and wish her God’s richest blessings for the next season of her life.
  • Amelia Wooderson – has been teaching in Prep this year, and will be moving to the southside of Brisbane for 2021.
  • Deanna Hatcher – will be moving to another private school on the Sunshine Coast which is much closer to home for her.

 2021 Staff Appointments

We have been very blessed with the high quality of staff who desire to work at Genesis, and we are excited to announce the following appointments for next year.

  • Grace Lin – will be joining the Prep team. Grace comes to us with significant experience in Christian Schools in Melbourne and Brisbane. Grace describes herself as a passionate educator with a desire to provide a safe, secure and nurturing learning environment for any students in her classroom.  We’re so glad to be welcoming Grace to our Genesis family.
  • Zac Stirling – will be joining the Year 1 team. Zac comes to us with previous experience in both state and Christian schools.  Zac aims to create fun and engaging units of work, making all of his lessons interactive and informative. He encourages his students to reflect God’s love to others, utilise their unique strengths and to try their best to serve others. Prior to his teaching career, Zac was a mechanical draftsman and industrial designer, therefore his particular skills benefit his teaching, particularly in the areas of STEAM. Visual art, numeracy and digital technologies. We are so happy as well, to be welcoming one of the rarest species, a male role model to the Lower Primary School.

We’re looking forward to a great 2021.

Primary Colours Assembly

Recently we conducted our Primary Sports and Colours Co-Curricular Awards which combine Sport, Cultural and Service Awards. We have had a considerable number of students achieving these awards and this is a very healthy sign of a growing program and also an expanding commitment to activities that the College offers beyond the classroom.

Through the Colours system, we not only recognise the efforts of many students but also demonstrate to all the many and varied ways of contributing to our College life. By doing so, students gain so much more fulfilment, a sense of worth and a sense of service and well-being, and these attributes are so necessary for a balanced and healthy lifestyle.

The Colours Scheme provides students with a small incentive to be involved in activities beyond the classroom. Students accumulate colour points varying on the commitment required for training or involvement. All activities are College based and the Colours system operates across the whole College with a small roll over of points from Primary into Secondary. Both systems are similar in nature with the end goal for Primary, a Gold award and in Secondary School, full colours, worn on the College blazer.

Primary Celebration Services

The last two weeks of school saw our annual Primary Celebration services for Prep, Year 1&2, Year 3&4, and Year 5&6. These services were a fine demonstration of student achievements throughout the year. One particular aspect of the P-4 services special to Genesis is the individual citations. At Genesis, we believe that every student is special in God’s eyes, and brings their own unique skills and talents to make our school a better place. Therefore, we don’t just celebrate academic, sporting and cultural achievements, but other aspects of life such as citizenship and character in every student.

I will however give special mention below to our Major award winners from Year 6, as they represent the pinnacle of Primary school achievement.

  • Most Valuable Contribution – Upper Primary Choir – 2-way tie – Samantha C/Rachael N
  • Most Valuable Contribution – Primary Concert Band – Sianna W
  • Most Valuable Contribution – Primary Strings Ensemble – Maya L
  • Most Valuable Contribution – Guitar Ensemble – Olivia Y
  • Most Valuable Contribution – Brass Band – Joseph A
  • Most Valuable Contribution – Flute Choir – Tessa J
  • Susan Hay Memorial 2nd Runner Up to Best and Fairest Girl – 2-way tie – Isabella J/Emily P
  • Susan Hay Memorial 2nd Runner Up to Best and Fairest Boy – 3-way tie – Nicolas A/Owen H/Manie VT
  • Susan Hay Memorial Runner Up to Best and Fairest Boy – Xavier CB
  • Susan Hay Memorial Runner Up to Best and Fairest Girl – Olivia Y
  • Susan Hay Memorial Best and Fairest Boy – Ralph N
  • Susan Hay Memorial Best and Fairest Girl – Ella P
  • Christian Citizenship Award – Male – Prosper M
  • Christian Citizenship Award – Female – Jemimah D
  • Year 6 Runner Up to Dux – Alice B
  • Year 6 Dux – Elijah N

Yours sincerely,

Jeremy Williamson

Head of School – Primary

Secondary Highlights

Secondary Highlights As tempting as it is to fill my final newsletter with words like ‘unprecedented’, ‘COVID’, and ‘Christmas’; my ambition is to avoid this. …

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Secondary Highlights

Secondary Highlights

As tempting as it is to fill my final newsletter with words like ‘unprecedented’, ‘COVID’, and ‘Christmas’; my ambition is to avoid this.

There is a very real sense that staff and students are looking towards 2021 as an optimistic horizon. It is surprising how simple things can give bright hope, how new beginnings fill us with possibility.

As more communication comes about Launch 2021 (the week prior to school resuming), please make time to have your children collect everything they will need for classes on Day 1 and sign-up for the many co-curricular endeavours that enrich their schooling experience.

A new school year is also a time for new school clothes to fit those rapidly growing teenage bodies. I am looking forward to seeing boys with size 10 feet wearing size 10 socks (it might be time to throw out those smaller ones) and tall torsos wearing shirts that stay tucked in! Please review the shoe policies as well, as I’d hate for you to buy shoes needlessly. A particular reminder would be that Sport shoes are to be predominantly white.

The new school year will also see us enjoying the College’s performance of Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical. The cast and crew have shown enormous determination and resilience to ensure an amazing start to 2021. Performances are in Week 3 of Term 1, and tickets go on sale in early 2021.

My Christmas encouragement to one and all, is to declare to each other at the end of your Christmas lunch how you have become stronger throughout 2020. The unprecedented COVID challenges have been met and overcome. We are more resilient, more connected and more purposeful.

Then give thanks to our Lord for His steadfast love; for He so loved the world, that He gave us Jesus.

Blessings,

Stuart Taylor

Head of School – Secondary 

Curriculum Matters

Curriculum Matters – What is in your Hands? At the beginning of the year, our Principal, Mr Sterling, asked Genesis staff the question, “What is …

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Curriculum Matters – What is in your Hands?

At the beginning of the year, our Principal, Mr Sterling, asked Genesis staff the question, “What is in your Hands?”  This turned out to be a very pertinent question, considering the year that we have had. 2020 has certainly brought its challenges, but what it has also highlighted is the strong foundation on which we, as a learning community, find ourselves.

The Genesis community banded together to support learning from home, and the rapid development of learning platforms, online learning and remote care for students and staff alike. What was very clearly in our hands was innovation, creativity and problem solving – skills that we endeavour to teach and learn throughout.

The Year 12 cohort recently completed their External Assessments, and despite a number of difficult circumstances this year, arrived prepared and confident to embark in their final assessments. No doubt the Year 12 teachers played a pivotal role in preparing our students for these final weeks of their formal schooling journey, but the collective contribution of the learning community assisted in building these strong foundations long before Year 12.

We wish our Genesis community a blessed Christmas.

Kind regards,

Nichola Welsh

Head of Teaching and Learning

Season’s Greetings!

Season’s Greetings!  So, let us be thankful. My hope is that in the midst of our 2020 memories, we can rejoice in the good things …

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Season’s Greetings!

Season’s Greetings!

 So, let us be thankful. My hope is that in the midst of our 2020 memories, we can rejoice in the good things as well as the challenges.

We can be thankful for the growth we have seen in our children and ourselves; thankful for the hurdles jumped; thankful for the obstacles we have navigated; thankful for further developed talents and milestones reached and thankful for the school community that our children enjoy here at Genesis.

2020 has probably brought us more growth than we realise, and I am thankful for our strong, supportive community that has sought to encourage one another through the highs and challenges of the year. I am personally thankful for the welcome that the Genesis community have offered me and my family this year. So often we tell our children the difference that attitude and positive words can make, not only to themselves but to those around them, so I encourage you to leave 2020 with thankfulness and a positive spirit.

Genesis Celebrates 30 Years in 2021

 2021 is set to be an exciting year at Genesis. 2021 marks the 30th Anniversary for the College and we look forward to celebrating this significant milestone.

Lower Primary Redevelopment

 2021 will also see exciting College redevelopment plans begin. The Stage 21 Building Project will focus on the redevelopment of our Lower Primary School and includes the renovation of eight general learning areas, one LOTE specialist room, two large flexible learning areas, two offices and one large staffroom/staff training centre. Click here for further information and a virtual fly through of the project.

Thank you to our families for partnering with us again this year. We would have loved to see you around the campus more throughout 2020, and we look forward to a time when COVID restrictions ease and will allow this freedom to occur.

I extend my warmest wishes for a happy and holy Christmas season and trust that your family can enjoy a refreshing Christmas holiday. We look forward to seeing you again in the new year.

Luke 2:11 – For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord.

Blessings,

Paul Sterling

Principal