Despite the hectic nature of the past term, we had a great start to the year! It was refreshing to come back from summer holidays and readjust to our school routine, reuniting with old friends and teachers, which always brightened our day.
One exciting change this year was the introduction of a new facility designed specifically for our Year 1s and 2s. The space was tailored to cater to the needs of our younger generation, providing a perfect learning environment along with spacious playgrounds for their energetic endeavours. The opening ceremony brought our school community together, allowing us to reflect on our progress and express our gratitude to God for how far our school has come.
Our Year 12s had the opportunity to enjoy a three-day camp trip in Anglesea at Camp Wilkin. It was a much-needed break from our studies and gave us the chance to bond with each other before our final year comes to an end. Some of us learned how to surf for the first time, while others faced their fear of heights on the high ropes.
As the Captains and Vice-Captains, we were privileged to attend the Compass Conference in Canberra. This four-day Christian Youth Leaders conference taught us effective leadership skills as Christians of our generation. We made lifelong friends and even had the chance to witness the workings of Parliament House while seeing Albanese in action!
For many of our Secondary students, the Athletics Carnival was definitely the highlight of Term 1. Despite the cold and rainy weather, everyone was focused on running, jumping, throwing and passionately debating which house would win. In the end, Taylor emerged as the winner.
The Swimming Carnival, which had to be rescheduled due to extreme heat, finally took place and exceeded our expectations, providing a memorable day for all. Although not everyone loves to swim, each student and teacher showed participation, providing team spirit through dressing up in Hawaiian shirts and encouraging their peers. Overall, Judson took the win.
Lastly, our term concluded with a heart-warming moment as the Heathdale community came together in prayer. The Captains and Vice-Captains invited Secondary students and staff to an Easter breakfast on the last day of term, where we shared hot cross buns and tea, and ended the morning in prayer. Standing united in our community, we expressed our gratitude to God for the gift of His grace and prayed for His message of love to flourish.
Heathdale has had a fantastic start to the year overall, with Term 1 providing numerous memories and opportunities for students, teachers, and staff. We are eagerly looking forward to Term 2!