Head of Senior School
2020 has been a year of many losses and consequently a year of discernment of what is valuable.
During the periods of relaxed COVID restrictions, the students made the most of any opportunity presented. For example, Year 11 Leadership Camp was booked, postponed, rebooked and at the last minute cancelled and then it was decided to host it on campus.
The students embraced the camp and its agendas to connect with others in meaningful conversation and to value people and relationships. Sophia reflected that “It was amazing to see how God moved in everyone’s lives, and we had so much fun when we all came together”. The Year 11s have had good role models in student leadership with the 2020 Seniors.
The Seniors started the year well being the pioneering group of the ATAR system. The College Captains and Vice-Captains had a retreat weekend where they studied the bible and prayed. From the weekend they decided on their mission statement for the year, “Actions of Love, reflecting Faith”, which they used to guide their leadership activities for the year.
The first activity of the year would be leading Booth, Elliot, Graham and Wesley in the Interhouse Swimming Carnival on a rainy summer’s day at the Lawnton Pool. This was our first year using this venue and we enjoyed the covered grandstands from which each house cheered on their swimmers; ultimately Booth House won the day. Little known to us this would be the last carnival of the year.
COVID struck and ended the Term 1 a week early while rapid preparations were made for remote learning. Term 2 started with most students learning from home. The Senior Student leadership changed their focus to become an e-leadership team and started Northside News, an online College news report hosted by the College Captain’s, Leanne and Sindiso.
The multiple episodes of Northside News covered the events happening on and off campus, interviewed staff and students through Google Meets and provided some much needed light comedy. It was not long before students were back on campus with a new norm of restrictions.
As restrictions eased with Queensland being a relatively COVID-free state, the students made the most of running lunchtime activities like Sports Week, Science Week, Missions Week and Grade of Origin touch football game. Interschool sports competitions resumed, and life suddenly was back to busyness. Even with the relaxation of restrictions, the College Formal was limited to a student-only event for the first time in 24 years of Northside formals.
Despite the losses and uncertainty, we are thankful for God’s provision and safety for our College, and for a year still full of opportunity and activity and unity that we experience through Christ.
Mr Stewart Smith