From the Chaplain
December 3, 2025 – Edition 16
Even Though We Don’t Have To
It was an absolute privilege to attend the Year 12 Retreat and to share in a Chapel with our students there. The theme we explored was “Even though I didn’t have to” six words that, in many ways, make our school function. We have our Parents and Friends Committee who give up their time to provide countless opportunities for our students, including last week when our 2026 Year 7 students enjoyed a sausage sizzle for their Orientation Day.
Each time I put out the call for students to volunteer at Backpacks 4 Vic Kids or to be involved in a Chapel service such as the Year 12 Retreat or our upcoming Christmas Chapel students always come forward to give their time… even though they don’t have to. Already this term I have had students in Year 12 tell me they are busy preparing an incredible group Harmony Week performance for March 2026.
There are countless examples through the year, many of which will never be formally recognised, but bit by bit they build us up as a community. It is a wonderful testament to one of the strengths of our community that people participate, give of themselves and generously volunteer to do a wide range of things that make our school a better place.
A big thanks to our leaders who contributed to the Year 12 Retreat. I am really looking forward to working with our leaders in various capacities in the coming year.
Christmas Generosity
The concept of “Even though I didn’t have to” is poignant within the Christmas story as we remember that Jesus as God, came to earth as a newborn baby. This generosity in giving us the ultimate gift: Jesus as the one who brings hope, joy, peace and love through his life, death and resurrection, forms the original reason people gave gifts at Christmas.
Today, our school community continues to spread joy and hope through your generous donations to our Christmas Appeal. Once everything is processed, I will send out a letter detailing the totals. Being involved in this project is consistently one of the most humbling, beautiful experiences of my year.
My sincere thanks to everyone who has been involved in our Christmas Appeal. If you would like to contribute, we welcome your donations, knowing they are very much appreciated by the organisations we are proudly support.
Junior School Christmas Chapel
The Year 5 students and Mrs Mathews have been hard at work to prepare our Junior School Christmas Chapel that will be taking place this Thursday, 4 December.
Families of our Year 5 students are welcome to join us at 9:50am in the Performing Arts Centre (PAC) where we will be sharing a fun and musical version of the Christmas story, as well as formally presenting the Junior School Christmas baskets to the Salvation Army.
As our final newsletter of the year, I wish each of you a blessed Christmas and a happy new year. In the midst of everything, it can be very busy. Yet may you find pockets of peace and opportunities for reflection where you might look back on the year and sense how God has been walking alongside you through it all.
If you are interested in attending a Christmas service this year, there are many local churches where you can share in this story of how a little baby, born in a manger, grew up to shape the lives of so many.
Every blessing to you all at this special time.
Monique Riviere Pendle
Chaplain
