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From the Principal
FROM THE COLLEGE
PRINCIPAL
IT HAS BEEN A REAL JOY AND PRIVILEGE TO RETURN TO REDEEMER THIS YEAR HAVING PREVIOUSLY BEEN PART OF THIS COMMUNITY FIRST AS A STUDENT, THEN AS A TEACHER AND SUBSEQUENTLY AS THE HEAD OF SENIOR SCHOOL.
I thank students, families and colleagues for welcoming me back to this community with such generosity and positivity. Whilst there have been many highlights in my first year, perhaps what has been most pleasing is knowing and experiencing the ethos, values and principles that Redeemer Lutheran College was founded upon and which remain, woven strongly into the core fabric and culture of Redeemer.
The title of our College’s annual magazine, Reflections, is intentional. It is rich in purpose and opportunity. The word reflection has multiple meanings. A reflection is the image of something in a mirror or another shiny surface. Our College magazine, just like our school year, reflects who we are as a community, our values, our culture and what is important to us. It presents to us all what we have done and achieved across the year.
Reflection is also defined as serious and careful thought. There are times in our lives when it is important that we take the opportunity to pause and reflect on all that we have done. Our College magazine and the end of the academic year provides us with the opportunity to reflect on our individual contributions to Redeemer. As we consider the academic year, we can ask the following questions: Have we used and developed our God-given gifts and talents in service to others and for the betterment of the College? Have we grown in knowledge, wisdom and appreciation? Have we grown in our faith and in our relationships?
With these questions in our mind, our magazine beautifully showcases the diversity of the year’s educational experiences and achievements. It reflects the journey of the College community throughout the year, reflecting the wide range of activities and perspectives of all those who have been part of Redeemer Lutheran College in 2022. This edition of Reflections once again captures the spirit of the year, the depth of the shared experiences and the quality of the relationships developed.
There is another type of reflection. As individuals we are ourselves a reflection, a reflection of Christ, beautifully and perfectly made in His image. At Redeemer we are reminded each and every day of His love for us and that our hope is in Christ. All that we have achieved, all that is captured in this edition is a reflection of Him, who makes all things possible.
In conclusion I acknowledge and thank my predecessor, Mrs Tanya Crooks, for her leadership and her Christian service at Redeemer. As a community we have been richly blessed by Mrs Crooks (2017-2021), as we have by her predecessors who have served this community with distinction, Mr Radke (2009-2016), Dr Hauser (20022008) and the foundation Headmaster of Redeemer, Mr Kleinschmidt (1980-2001). Their combined efforts, vision, enthusiasm and dedication have made Redeemer Lutheran College what it is today.
I also wish to specifically thank Mr Hunter Walkenhorst, Chair of the Redeemer Lutheran College Council together with all of the College Council members for their commitment, their leadership and their service to Redeemer throughout 2022. Redeemer Lutheran College continues to be blessed through the gifts and talents of this wonderful team of willing and capable volunteers.
I gratefully acknowledge the collective efforts, expertise and contributions of staff, students, parents and volunteers, who continue to build upon the history and traditions of our College to make it even better for our students. Thank you to the many staff and students who have used their God-given gifts and talents in the production and publication of Reflections 2022 for all within our community to enjoy.
Now as we consider the future, we must do so wisely; remembering to look over our shoulder to remind us of the past, as it tells us who we are, what we know and where we have come from. We know what is strong at Redeemer, what is good and what is important. These things will remain central in our future vision for Redeemer Lutheran College, for they define us and have served us well.
Thank you for the positive and caring way in which you have welcomed me back to Redeemer. It is a privilege to serve this wonderful community.
In His Name
