Principal's First Principles

Watching our Year 6s on camp this week, I was reminded again that courage and mateship don’t appear out of nowhere; they are patiently grown in community. The Anzac stories we shared at Mapleton QCCC highlighted big, historic moments of sacrifice and loyalty, and were backed by adventures that allowed us to practise what we'd learned. What struck me this year was the parallel between our students’ growth and our staff's dedication. Their teachers, Mrs Morgan and Mr Lillihagen, and the rest of…

During the Christmas break, I came across a story that seemed perfect for the start of 2026. It's quite a shocking story, but I was inspired to drive many kilometres in Victoria's Gippsland to find the places mentioned in it. I hope you'll find the same messages of courage and resilience in it that I do. A Boy, a Pony, and an Extraordinary Journey In 1931, a nine-year-old boy named Lennie Gwyther lived on a small farm called Flers near Leongatha in South Gippsland, Victoria. When Lennie’s…

On Thursday night, I cheered my favourite footy team, Hawthorn, to a hard-fought, finals-like win against Collingwood, the season’s benchmark team. It was more than just a sporting victory: it was a masterclass in steady, purposeful improvement, resilience, and teamwork—qualities that resonate deeply with our community here at BAC. Over the past couple of years, Hawthorn has rebuilt from a slump through relentless focus on the fundamentals. Their improvement in ‘hard ball gets’—diving into the…

A recent survey has revealed a pressing concern in Queensland: over the past year, most young adults (aged 15-24) have reported negative changes in their health and wellbeing. Our chief health minister has pointed the finger at smartphones and social media for this alarming trend. In an article for ABC News, Dr John Garrard said, "One of the most dramatic indicators is the instances of hospitalisation due to self-harm in young children aged 10 to 14 has almost [tripled] over the last…

I am excited to share the remarkable success of a new initiative that has already made a significant difference in the two short weeks we have been implementing it at BAC. Our new reading intervention program is proving to be a key that unlocks the door to literacy for students who have been struggling to navigate the world of words. As educators, we know that good reading skills are vital for academic success. A foundational skill, it's the key to educational success in all curriculum areas…

Reflecting on my journey as principal of Brisbane Adventist College over the past two years fills me with gratitude. From the celebratory highs to the invaluable lessons learned, it's evident that God's hand has been guiding us every step of the way, shaping our community, and illuminating our path forward. Two years ago, we revisited our college values. We wanted to ensure that they truly embodied who we are now, and what we stand for. This gave us clarity and direction, weaving a cohesive…

Service To Others Really Matters! Ten years ago in a different Australian state, a young teacher introduced me to STORMCo. It didn't take long to convince me of the value of this service-oriented youth program, and we ran one every year to Port Augusta, South Australia, on the eastern shores of the Spencer Gulf. I saw the program enhance the lives of the people we could be of service to, but perhaps even more, change the lives of the students who came along. It's a privilege to now be in the…

I wish you’d been there at yesterday’s outdoor Primary Chapel. Pastors Annalise and JP led the children in an interactive drama, dotted with narrative and song to illustrate the biblical account of the Children of Israel. I watched from the hillside over Field 2 as the chaplains brought groups of children into the story. From their seated position on the bank overlooking the field (like tiered seating in an amphitheater) they joined the action 'onstage', and helped to represent the drama that…

On Mother's Day, we celebrate the love and sacrifices of mothers, grandmothers, aunties, and all female caregivers who love and care for children. Today, I had the privilege of celebrating with around 100 mothers who gathered for breakfast in the Multi-Purpose Centre on our College campus. As I looked around the room, I was struck by the warmth and love that radiated from every mother present. It made me reflect on the value of a mother's love and guidance for her child. Jochebed and Moses One…