From the Chaplain
March 10, 2026 – Edition 3
Celebrating Leadership
After returning from Canberra, our Year 6 students were quickly preparing for another special event: their Commissioning.
It was our pleasure to come together and mark the beginning of their final year of Junior School and to formally commission our Junior School Leaders. It was a wonderful opportunity to reflect on their journey so far, and to share this milestone with their parents.
In our reflection, we discussed the Bible story in which Moses hears the voice of God in the burning bush. His response, ‘Here I am’ is a challenge to us all about being present and responding to what is in front of us, reminding us of an important part of leadership. Moses’ willingness to hear the voice of God changed the course of history for his people. Even in 2026, the concept of being willing to respond in the moment remains deeply relevant.
A First Acknowledgement for New RAP Reps
Part of implementing our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) is having Year 3-6 RAP Representatives in every class in Upper Primary to represent their peers at various events.
Their role is to promote Reconciliation through involvement in activities, then share their learning with their class. We began this process partway through 2025, and it was wonderful to see so many students apply for the positions this year. Thank you to all who did, and congratulations to the successful applicants. There will be another opportunity for those who missed out to be involved in the program in the second semester.
The first role for our new RAP Representatives was to lead guests in a symbolic acknowledgement of Country at the official opening of the Joan Reid Learning Centre last week. It was lovely to celebrate the history of the land together and remember that it will always be Bunurong Country, whilst also marking the new developments that will shape our future at Casey Grammar School.
Harmony Week on the Horizon
Almost every day over recent weeks, the PAC has been full at lunchtime while various groups rehearse for their Harmony Week performances. A letter will soon be distributed to all families with details of this important week in our school calendar. Please look out for this, and consider contributing a pantry or toiletry item as part of our fundraising for the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre.
Each year, Harmony Week takes a slightly different form as we continue to evolve and try new things. This year we have wonderful Senior School choreographers who have created dances to teach some of our Junior School students.
It has been amazing to see the dedication and work of Lilybelle (Sri Lankan dance), Fateh M, Fateh D and Mehar B (Bhangra) and Tessa, Gurnoor and Veda (Bollywood) as they have given up their lunchtime to create dances for our younger students. A huge thank you to our choreographers/ coaches for their hard work and dedication. We cannot wait to see the end result!
John Leaver’s Memory Lives On
Each year, all of the Ecumenical Schools, of which Casey Grammar School is a part, select a Year 11 student who has made a significant contribution to the school to receive the John Leaver Award.
This award was created in memory of the Reverend John Leaver after whom the award, and our own Leaver House, is named. Each recipient is then invited back the following year to receive their award. Recently I had the pleasure of accompanying Tessa to experience this day of connection and community. Along with hearing from a range of special guests, students were treated to an art lesson by a guest artist (pictured below).
Tessa has shared her reflections with us:
“Attending the John Leaver Day was a truly meaningful experience that I thoroughly enjoyed. It gave me the opportunity to connect with like-minded students from a range of schools and form new friendships in just one day.
We heard from representatives of The Big Issue, and it provided a powerful insight into the reality of homelessness in our country, and listening to real-life experiences was really eye opening. We were also privileged to hear from Mrs. Leaver and the wonderful stories she had to share about Reverend John Leaver.
Overall, it was an incredibly rewarding experience, and I am very grateful to have been part of it.” – Tessa
Congratulations to a well deserving recipient of this prestigious award!
It’s been an exciting few weeks, and there is more to come before the end of the Term: Harmony Week and Easter for a start!
Please note: We will be marking Easter in a range of ways. Families are invited to join us for our Communion Service which will be on Monday 30 March at 3:30, followed by shared Hot Cross Buns. Please look out for a letter in the coming weeks with further details and respond to m.riviere-pendle@caseygrammar.vic.edu.au if you would like to attend. All are welcome.
Every blessing in the weeks ahead
Monique Riviere-Pendle
Chaplain
