Principal's Reflection - 24 July

"Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us."

While we are now two weeks into the semester, it is my first reflection since the break, so I would like to say a warm welcome back to all our families, including several new families who have recently joined the St Luke’s community. It is also with a great deal of joy that we welcome back Mr Matthew Cathcart, whose recovery has progressed extremely well. Last week Mr Cathcart and our Youth Minister, Mrs Amy Griffin, led a Worship that resonated across many levels. Of course, it had its roots in our practice of Christianity, but like many things, you don’t need to be a believer to have benefited from the service. At both the Middle and Senior service, and the Primary service later in the day, we heard about the “race to the finish”. In part, the theme was chosen in recognition of our Year 12 students, who have now commenced their last semester of schooling, a semester that for many is primarily concerned with preparation for external examinations (and the Formal!) It is very much a finish line that they are heading towards. Additionally, the theme spoke to the vision for St Luke’s; Inspired by Christ, educating to develop exceptional individuals. Exceptional looks different for every student, and we were reminded of this in the service when students were asked not, “Did you win the race?”, but rather, “Did you run the race God gave you?”

There was also an underlying message of helping others with their race. Students watched a famous video from the 1992 Olympics, where Derek Redmond tore his hamstring but finished the race. I later said to the Middle and Senior students that while plenty of athletes did amazing things and won medals, I couldn’t tell you who they were, but I did remember Derek’s father pushing his way through security to help his son. Derek’s father apparently said, “You don’t have to do this”, and Derek replied, “Yes, I do”. Mr Cathcart and Mrs Griffin reminded our students that at St Luke’s we are called to be a different type of person. A person that is just as invested in other people’s races as our own. In fact, part of being exceptional, for us, is a deep care for the people around us. Students were encouraged to be the one who notices the lonely, the one who sits beside someone who is struggling, the one who encourages instead of criticises, or the one who helps carry another's burden.

As we enter a busy, exciting, but sometimes stressful and exhausting semester, I encourage all students to focus on their race, knowing that everyone’s race is different, but also to notice those around them and be part of their race too. 

ParentConnect Session

Earlier this week I wrote to our community about the ParentConnect session to be held at 6.00 pm on 10 August in the Learning Hub. Parent and carer feedback and ideas are vital to the type of environment we can provide to students, and to the ongoing success of St Luke’s. A reminder that these sessions were created to provide an avenue for two-way, in-person communication. The two topics to be addressed are the use of recognisable images of students in publications and Artificial Intelligence (AI). Both are challenging, emerging issues and the School would very much like to incorporate parent thoughts and expectations into our approach. I ask that those intending to participate RSVP below by 10.00 am, Monday 3 August.

RVSP for ParentConnect

Community Fair

We look forward to welcoming St Luke's families and the wider Bundaberg community to campus for a day of celebration and connection at our upcoming Community Fair. Entry is free and ride tickets can be purchased via the link below, with early bird pricing available until Monday 10 August. Further communication regarding details of the day will be sent to families early next week.

Purchase Ride Tickets

Thank you for your ongoing support of our School.

Mr Matthew Hughes

Principal

Date Claimers