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• Captains’ Lunch
• Christmas Carol Service
• Year 6 Farewell Assembly
• Sony Day
• School tours

Each term, I host a Year 6 Captains’ Lunch, creating a valuable opportunity for our student leaders to connect with one another and with staff in an informal and collaborative environment. On Tuesday, I had the pleasure of welcoming our Term 4 2024 Year 6 leaders to lunch. These gatherings serve as an important component of our leadership development program, providing a platform for students to share experiences, discuss challenges, and reflect on their responsibilities. They also foster a sense of camaraderie among the leaders, equipping them with the support and guidance they need to excel in their new roles as leaders within the Christ Church community. Items discussed include, what they had learnt of themselves as a leader, global issues and what values they live their life by.

Yesterday, we hosted Sony Day, a great initiative that forms part of the Sony Program. This unique program brings together students from Christ Church Grammar School and Methodist Ladies’ College to care for children with diverse needs, providing their families with valuable respite. The day was filled with vibrant activities, including painting, aquatic fun in the pool, and engaging music sessions, all supervised by our dedicated students and staff.

Last night, our annual Christmas Carol Service took place in the School Chapel. The event featured outstanding performances by our Community Choir, Preparatory and Senior School choirs, providing a wonderful evening for members of the Christ Church community. Each year, this service continues to be a highlight of the festive calendar, providing a chance to celebrate the joy of Christmas as the academic year draws to a close. We thank Reverend Russell and the Music Department staff for their amazing work. Please click here to view a short video from the evening.

Tomorrow, we will formally farewell our Year 6 students from the Preparatory School during a special assembly, marking a significant milestone and rite of passage in their educational journey. The transition from Preparatory School to Senior School is a pivotal moment, signifying both personal growth and the beginning of an exciting new chapter. This service provides an opportunity to reflect on their achievements, celebrate their time in the Preparatory School, and acknowledge the foundation they have built for future success. It is also a chance for the students to express gratitude and bid farewell to the teachers and staff who have guided and supported them throughout this important phase of their Christ Church journey.

A rewarding part of my role as Principal is welcoming prospective families to the School and guiding them on tours of both the Preparatory and Senior Schools. I take every school tour of prospective families and in particular, I enjoy the opportunity to connect with families during what is often their first introduction to our school community. A highlight of the tours is the involvement of our students, who share their personal experiences and offer an authentic perspective on daily life at Christ Church. Their insights allow families to truly understand the inclusive and supportive nature of our community, the strong bonds among peers, and the diverse range of opportunities available beyond the classroom.

Earlier this week, we had the pleasure of welcoming old boy and recent Rhodes Scholar recipient, Jason Lu (’20), back to Christ Church. It was inspiring to hear about his journey and the dedication that led to this remarkable achievement. I was delighted to extend an invitation for Jason to address our Scholar’s Assembly at the beginning of 2025. His story will undoubtedly serve as a source of motivation for our current students and the recently graduated members of the 99 Club, who will be invited to attend this special event. Please see an interview with Jason here.

2024 has been another outstanding year at Christ Church, and I extend my heartfelt thanks to our community for their invaluable contributions and support. I would like to wish all families a wonderful Christmas break and trust that you will have the opportunity to catch up with family and friends. I look forward to an equally wonderful year in 2025.

Alan Jones
Principal

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• Year 10 Venture returns
• Staff farewells
• End of term

As we look towards the conclusion of the 2024 school year on Tuesday, I reflect on the successes of the year and the great buzz around campus recently with the return of the Year 11 students from exams and the Year 10 Venturers today. We will have a chance to acknowledge the achievement of the Year 10 cohort at the beginning of the Final Assembly however, I would like to take this opportunity to commend the students, as well as the staff and outdoor pros on their efforts, stamina, support of each other and overcoming many challenges (whether they were physical or mental) to complete the 160 kilometre journey. The Kooringal team and base support staff, under the guidance of Ryan Myles once again organised and facilitated an outstanding experience for the students. It is not an easy task to put together a program of this magnitude, but they do it magnificently, so I extend my thanks and congratulations on the success.

For a few students and staff, the next week will be their last at Christ Church. The following staff are moving on from the teaching staff for various reasons. Claire Molinari (Science), Melannie Nazzari (Co-ordinator of Learning Development), Sharyn Flinn (English), Jo Hillam (English), and Marguerite Crawford (English). Undoubtedly, the role of a teacher at Christ Church is challenging and rewarding. I want to take a moment to acknowledge the efforts of these staff over varying periods of service and the positive outcomes they have created for the students over their time at the School.

On Tuesday 3 December from 11.00am to 12.15pm we will be hosting the Years 7 to 11 Final Assembly and Prize Giving. This assembly celebrates the students’ achievements over the past year and provides an opportunity to acknowledge those who are leaving. The event is held in the Chapel where space is at a premium. Regretfully, we cannot accommodate all our senior school parent group and therefore only parents of prize-winners will receive invitations to attend. Please remind your son that it is important to wear his formal uniform for this occasion. All students will be able to leave the campus at 12.15pm.

To the staff and students heading off at the conclusion of the school year on the Rowing Camp, USA Basketball Tour, SIA Cambodia Trip, and the Water Polo tour, all the best for a safe and successful trip.

Even though we still have a few more days left of school, I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a safe and restful holiday period with family and friends and look forward to welcoming everyone back on Tuesday 28 January.

Upcoming Senior School Events

• Year 10 and 11 students released at 12.45pm (no activities programs) – Friday 29 November
• Years 7 to 11 Final Prize Giving Assembly – Tuesday 3 December (11.00am to 12.15pm)

Mark Morrissy
Deputy Principal/Head of Senior School

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• Year 6 Farewell Assembly
• Activity Day
• Nativity Play
• End of the academic year

The last two weeks of the year are always a busy time, and it provides us with an opportunity to celebrate the wonderful year that we have all completed. This Friday, the Year 6 Farewell Assembly is a celebration of the cohort and their journey through the Preparatory School. William Lewis, School Captain for 2025, will address the Year 6 students and deliver his message of taking advantage of all the opportunities Senior School has to offer. As the boys transition to Senior School in 2025, I wish them all the best for the next stage in their journey.

Next Monday, our Activity Day will host a range of activities run by the Prep School staff to provide our boys the opportunity to celebrate a wonderful year. Finally, our ELC boys will present their Nativity Play on the final day of the term, which takes place in the Chapel Tuesday 3 December at 8.30am. This is a wonderful opportunity to display the hard work of our younger students and come together as a whole School community before we break for the year.

As the year draws to a close, I want to thank the students, staff, and families for your unwavering support and commitment. Together, we have created a vibrant, nurturing environment where the boys have flourished. From academic achievements to personal growth, this year has been remarkable. Wishing you a safe and Merry Christmas and a refreshing break. We look forward to welcoming you back for another wonderful year ahead!

Dr. Steven Males
Head of Preparatory School