This term we are exploring in Chapel services our school values of Mutual Respect and Inclusivity. 

We had a special guest performer at Primary Chapel last week – Dan Warlow. We use some of Dan’s songs as part of our Chapel music, and it was a great delight and encouragement for our students to dance and sing as he taught them new songs and shared about his faith.

Some students from our Human Rights Group, Goori Group and Environment Group travelled to Brisbane for the Anglican Schools Goodji Festival, and hopefully next year we can take more students. Read here our Service Captain Matilda Watson’s report.

The Anglican Church has been in the media over the last week. The head of the Anglican Church in Australia has released a statement about the situation. This has not led to any change for our school or diocese. In effect, a new Christian denomination has been formed by some Anglicans who have split away and left the Anglican Church of Australia. Feel free to chat with me about it if you’re interested and want to find out more.

Wear it Purple Day is taking place in secondary this week. This is a day when all our secondary students and staff are invited to wear the colour purple as a sign of wanting to foster a safe and inclusive environment for all students but most especially those who identify (or come from families who identify) on the LGBTQIA+ spectrum. I know from research that these students are at much greater risk of bullying, depression, and suicide. I am passionate about creating an environment where everyone has a right to be proud of who they are, and this is deeply rooted in my religious convictions of justice and compassion and reflected in our school values. Please reach out to have a conversation with me about this if you’d like to dialogue about this issue.

Weddings, Baptisms, and Confirmations are always available for members of our school community – please contact the Chaplains to find out more.

Rev Naomi Cooke
Chaplain