At Valedictory Night, Northside Christian College introduced a new tradition: the Academic Mace. Its first use marked the passing of student leadership from one generation to the next, as our outgoing and incoming captains exchanged the Mace for the first time.
Before the handover, Principal Leighton Kuss explained the design and symbolism of the Mace. He described it as a reflection of who we are, where we have come from, and what we hope to see grow in the lives of our students.
At the very top stands the Cross
The Cross is the foundation of everything we do. It reminds us that our College exists because of Christ and that our education is not separate from our faith. Our motto, “Character through Christ,” points us towards the kind of young people we seek to develop: not simply students who are knowledgeable, but people whose character is shaped by Jesus.
Beneath the Cross is the castle form
The castle represents strength, security and permanence. It speaks of the foundations upon which this College has been built and of our responsibility to provide a place where young people can be educated, challenged and equipped. It also reminds us that we are building something that is intended to endure beyond any one generation.
Around the bell are four medallions, each carrying its own meaning
The first carries the Northside Crest and the words “Character through Christ.” This is our identity, and a reminder that character formation is not an addition to education; it is central to it.
The second is the Lion of St Mark. The lion has long been associated with the Gospel of Mark and represents courage, strength and the proclamation of the Gospel. It reminds us that Christian education calls us not only to know our faith, but to live it with courage.
The third is the Triquetra, representing the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. It speaks of the Trinity and of our deep desire that God be at the heart of our College.
The fourth medallion combines a star and a dove. The dove represents the Holy Spirit, while the star points us towards His guidance and light. Together they remind us that we do not undertake the work of educating and discipling our students in our own strength. We seek the guidance, wisdom and work of the Holy Spirit.
Running through the centre of the Mace is a timber shaft
And perhaps this is where the story of this Mace becomes most personal.
At the base is a separate piece of timber taken from our founding church. This timber was discovered in the roof space of the church and was part of a cross made many years ago. It is indeed special that a physical piece of our history now forms such a pivotal part of the Mace. The timber connects us with those who came before us, people who built, prayed, taught and served so that the College we know today could exist. It is a reminder that we have inherited something, but we are also responsible for what we pass on. The timber from that old cross is now part of an object that will be carried at academic assemblies, graduations, formal ceremonies and significant occasions in the life of the College.
It connects our past with our present, and our present with our future.
And that future is captured in our Mission Statement:
“To make disciples of Jesus Christ, educated and equipped for any future.”
The Mace brings together all three parts of that calling.
Christ: represented by the Cross and the symbols of our Christian faith.
Education: represented by the academic purpose and ceremonial role of the Mace.
The future: represented by the generations of students who will pass through our College, carrying with them not only what they have learned, but the character that has been formed within them.
Every time this Mace is carried, it will remind us that education is about more than preparing students to succeed.
It is about preparing them to live.
To live with character.
To live with courage.
To live with wisdom.
To live with faith.
And ultimately, to live as disciples of Jesus Christ, educated and equipped for any future.
This Mace is therefore not simply a symbol of academic achievement. It is a symbol of our identity, our heritage, our faith and our calling.
May it serve as a reminder to every generation of Northside staff, parents and students that what we do here matters, and that everything we do is to be built upon Christ.
From the maker
Master craftsman Peter McClenaghan reflected on the privilege of creating the Mace:
“When I was first asked to design and make an Academic Mace for Northside Christian College, I must admit I was a little unsure about the idea, having known very little about academic maces or their significance. However, as I began researching their history and purpose, I soon developed a real appreciation for what they represent. I felt genuinely honoured to be entrusted with creating something that could become part of Northside’s history and continue to serve the College long after I am gone. One of the most exciting parts of the journey was exploring the Stakes in the Ground that define Northside and searching for the heart of our College: what makes us who we are and what we stand for.
“I thoroughly enjoyed the design process, bringing together the various symbols, materials and meanings to create something that tells the story of Northside. To then be invited to take part in the presentation of the Mace to the College community was a real highlight and a wonderful way to bring the journey to a close. I hope and pray that the Mace will become a lasting symbol of our College, inspiring the generations of students and staff who pass through Northside to embrace its values and continue its story well into the future.”
With thanks
A special thank you to Peter McClenaghan, the master craftsman behind the College Mace. Peter was assisted by past parent and local business owner Nigel Cathcart and his lead craftsman, alumnus Steven Brody, who expertly crafted the Cross as well as Mr Chris Rose.
We also thank our Year 9 Design class, who took on the Academic Mace design challenge this term, exploring how symbols, shapes and materials could represent the identity, values and history of our College.
We are deeply grateful to all involved for their skill, generosity and contribution to creating this significant symbol for our College community.