Each year, we are aware of our Mission to assist young people to be ‘educated and equipped for any future’. With advances in technology and the diverse range of new jobs on offer, we are convinced more than ever that the mission of Northside must develop passion, character and capacity in our students. As I often say, ‘We care, most of all, what kind of person each young man and woman becomes’. In pursuing this I commend the College community for aiming high. As Nelson Mandela is attributed to have said, “There is no passion to be found playing small – in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living.”

Across the campus and overseas, our staff and students have definitely not played small. From the outstanding rendition of the musical Godspell, our Junior School’s exceptional array of community events, Secondary School student investment in overseas mission, cultural and historical tours and the strong support of our 500+ parent, grandparent and alumni volunteers, 2017 has certainly been full of life and life-giving endeavours. It is particularly inspiring to observe the benefit we all gain from the contribution of our Alumni who are only too willing to share their business, professional and spiritual journeys with our students and staff.

The College now has a 33 year history and look what God has blessed us with. Imagine where our College will be in another 33 years. Of course a highlight of the year was the realisation of the long term dream to build the Centre for Innovation and Creativity. Credit for this achievement goes to the hard work, skill and dedication exemplified by our Board, Property Committee, Heads of School, Heads of Department and our architects McLellan Bush. At the same time, Northside was recognised nationally as one of the top 40 Australian Innovative Schools, which is a tribute to all the staff who have worked on implanting our Design Thinking programs in the Middle School.

Of course, beyond buildings and facilities, at the centre of everything we do as a community is a love for Jesus Christ. He is the reason the College exists, and following him is the unifying force among our staff and families. Undeniably, the College was borne out of a desire to create an environment that fosters rich and respectful collaboration between children’s most important influencers: parents, church and school.

Currently we are proud to partner with 46 local churches, with students coming from 38 different countries, who live in 47 postcodes and are supported by nearly 200 full and part time Christian staff of who are committed to guiding our young men and women on their faith and academic journeys.

This takes a community effort and appropriately requires a big thank you to so many people.

To our parents, staff and students who form such a dynamic community of faith, I say thank you.

To our College Board and Council members who commit to maintaining and extending the Christian influence of Northside, I say thank you.

To the Nexus Church community who provide important prayer and spiritual covering for the college, I say thank you.

To Ps Murray and Jane Averill who finish 25 years of service across Campus this December, we say thank you for their investment in young people. Murray served from 1993 as the second principal of Northside for 13 years before following the call to become the Senior Pastor of Nexus Church. Over the last 12 years Murray has been the Chair of the College Board and involved in all the sub-committees, including the College Council, Finance Committee and Property Committee.

Twenty-Five years of service essentially represents a life time commitment to working with our young people and is indeed rare in contemporary society. Working through the pioneering years to begin to establish our Secondary classes required great sacrifice, faith and commitment. We thank Murray and Jane for the legacy to our Campus and our College and wish them all the very best for the future.

To our great God who holds us in the palm of His hand and to whom we constantly look to for wisdom and guidance, I say thank you.

Liz and I pray that your family enjoys a great family time this Christmas as you celebrate the wonderful gift of Jesus Christ these holidays.

“⁸ And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. ⁹ An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. ¹⁰ But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. ¹¹ Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.” Luke 2: 8-11