Published on: 23 November 2017

Here we are with the final CCGS World for the year, and only one week of school to go.

The past week has been a very positive one which started with my time at Venture, partaking in a 20km walk and an 18km paddle. This is an extraordinary program for our boys and I found myself reflecting on the fact that challenging oneself is when we have the most development. This doesn’t mean we have to have significant challenges all of our lives, but we should at least try to always find something that stretches us. For the boys on Venture, they weren’t just developing skills and knowledge, but the challenges they were experiencing were helping them grow their belief that ‘they can’.

Yesterday we met with the newly appointed Old Boys’ Association, which is now led by President, Tom Nattrass. It was a very productive conversation about the intersection between the School and the Association and confirmation of our shared direction and focus on maintaining and growing a sense of connection and belonging with our boys and extended community members for perpetuity.

I enjoyed lunch with our Mitre Society members on Tuesday, which is always a pleasure with fabulous dialogue and many shared memories. The Mitre Society honours and recognises those who during their lifetime offer commitment and generosity to Christ Church in the form of a bequest. I would like to thank Carolyn Turner and her team who continue to convey the message about ‘giving the gift of time, treasure and talent’ and work diligently in what can be a very challenging part of the business.

Over the next few weeks I will be conducting my final Preparatory and Senior School tours for the year. This year we welcomed 295 families to tour the School. I really enjoy taking the tours as I know how important it is for parents to make the right choice, to ensure there is a fit with their family and values. On tour, they meet the people who will be educating their son, they get a first-hand look at our facilities and grounds, they can ask questions of the Principal and staff and most importantly they can see the level of student engagement in the classrooms, science labs, on stage in the Drama Centre and on the oval etc

I look forward to seeing many of you at the Advent Service in the Chapel next Wednesday at 7.30pm.

Wishing everyone a very safe and relaxing holiday season.

Alan Jones
Principal