Assistant Dean of Identity | Mr Chris Zammit

Throughout Terms 1 and 2, the Year 7 students have had the wonderful opportunity to spend some time in their House groups on camp at Maroon Dam. During this time, they have been challenged both physically and mentally as they explore and engage in a variety of activities around the Gregory Terrace Outdoor Education Centre. At the end of each week, these young men have then participated in the Shalom Retreat; a chance to reflect, to share story and to engage with the question of how we build and foster an Inclusive Community. The Hebrew word ‘Shalom’ means ‘peace be with you’ and is a form of welcome or greeting to those encountered on the journey.

During this time our Year 12 student leaders have joined the group to share stories of their journey and the many ups and downs of life. Each story touched on a different theme, from the masks we wear, the storms we encounter, and how we navigate the experience of being new to the Terrace community and the busyness of high school. One common theme continues to filter through each story; that the relationships we form are a vital part of navigating the Terrace journey and that building an inclusive community means we are all constantly asked to welcome others in our words and actions every day.

As Jesus' disciples walked with him in their travels, they learned many lessons. On leadership, they asked the question: Who is the greatest? How can we, as people, be the best we can be? Jesus response was counter cultural – it is not those who are the loudest, or the smartest, the fittest or the best looking, or even the most popular who are the greatest in the eyes of God. Rather, it is those who serve others, who place themselves last, who we should look up to. Jesus gives us a model for how to be inclusive and welcome others in our community. We must constantly look to serve the needs of others before ourselves in order to ensure all in our community have a sense of belonging. So, as we continue our journey through Term 2, ask yourself what you do each and every day, in both actions and words, big and small, to serve the needs of the newest or the most vulnerable members of our community.