Leadership Done Differently

The teaching of Jesus frequently challenged thinking back then as well as now.  This is particularly true in regard to leadership and authority.

We have a tenancy to see our leaders as powerful people who are closer to perfection than the rest of us.  Throughout history we have also accepted leaders have privileges that others don’t enjoy.  Many of today’s leaders especially overseas engage in frequent self-promotion of their abilities and accomplishments.

In John 13 we see Jesus wash the feet of his disciples.  This action and his subsequent words presented a radically different approach to life and leadership.  Back then washing your feet was a common task given the environment and wearing of open footwear.  This action would have been seen as a lowly act and certainly not something done by an important person.

Humility

Biblical leadership is more about humility than self-promotion.  When politicians, sports people, musicians and even pastors draw attention to their own skills and achievements they miss the mark.  John Dickson defines humility as the noble act of choosing to forgo one’s status, resources, or influence for the benefit of others.  It’s about using power in the service of others rather than for personal gain.

Service

We don’t see Jesus embrace the privileges of leadership during his ministry.  He clearly demonstrates by his actions and words the importance of service to others.  I remember when I went to school that student leadership came with privileges.  The prefects sat on stage during assemblies, had their own study and were able to give their peers detentions.  Student leadership at Maranatha focuses on others.  A leadership appointment is not a reward but an opportunity to serve our school community.

Weakness

Christian leadership is less about power and more about giving our weaknesses to God.  Throughout the Bible God often calls those who see themselves as inadequate for the mission they are given.  In Exodus 4, Moses pleads with God to send somebody else because he isn’t eloquent in speech.  Gideon resists God’s call to fight the Midianites because he is scared in Judges 6.  We see Jeremiah use his youth as a reason why he can’t follow God’s instructions.  In these examples God promises to give Moses the words, delivers Gideon’s victory and always be with Jeremiah.

Vulnerability

Leaders often hurt themselves and others when they strive for perfection.  Moving away from this unachievable goal and embracing vulnerability can make a real difference.  There is a freedom that comes when leaders acknowledge their limitations, struggles and need for God.  We follow the only perfect man who ever lived.  Jesus died for our sin past, present and future.  Real human flourishing occurs when we find our identity, forgiveness, purpose and strength in Him.

Throughout history we see the transforming power of leadership done differently.  Our homes, churches, schools and community need leadership modelled on the life and teachings of Jesus.

Bill Jackson

Principal

Junior Art 

This term, our Year 3 and 4 students explored ‘Tone’ in visual art by mixing base colours with white and black to create tints and shades. These foundational skills were used to help paint props for Honk! Junior production.

Junior House Athletics

We enjoyed perfect weather for our Junior House Athletics Day, with sunshine and smiles all around. A big thank you to our parent helpers, staff and enthusiastic students who made the day a fun and successful event filled with energy and team spirit.

100 Days of Prep

On Friday August 1st, our Prep students celebrated 100 days of school with creative activities centred around the number 100. They dressed as 100 year olds, crafted placemats, and used AI to imagine their future selves. The day ended with a celebratory lap cheered on by our Junior Schools.

Senior House Athletics

Our Senior House Athletics Day was a huge success, featuring strong competition and great weather. Congratulations to Luke Fisher, Jacob Langelaan and Bailey Grant for breaking long standing records. The staff versus students relay and sausage sizzle added to the day’s fun.

Book Week

This year’s Book Week theme was Book an Adventure, celebrating 80 years of the Children’s Book Council of Australia. Highlights included a play by Meerkat Productions, a dress up parade, mystery readers and library activities. It was a wonderful week of reading and connecting.

Year 12 Art Excursion

Year 12 Art students visited several galleries this term, learning about conservation and exhibition design. Highlights included Bunjil Place, NGV, and ACCA’s Five Acts of Love. These excursions deepened students’ appreciation of artistic practice and presentation.

Science Week – Junior

Officer students enjoyed hands-on STEAM activities during Science Week. From water flowers and pH testing to spaghetti bridges and fizzing geysers, students across all year levels explored scientific concepts with curiosity and excitement.

Small Business Week

Year 11 Accounting students successfully ran Small Business Week, launching student led enterprises and raising nearly $800 for charity. Each business reported a solid profit, showcasing entrepreneurial skills and teamwork.

Year 7 Chinese Excursion

In Week 5, Year 7 students visited Melbourne’s Chinatown and the Chinese Museum, learning about dynasties, inventions, and migration. They also enjoyed a Kung Fu workshop and lunch, gaining cultural awareness and appreciation of God’s diverse creation.

Junior School Musical – Honk! JR

Secondary Leadership Assembly

On Tuesday September 2nd, we celebrated our 2026 student leaders. We thanked outgoing captains Chelsea Bergstrom and Mitchell Dudley and welcomed Adina Crisostomou and James Daviotis. Mr Jackson reminded us that true leadership reflects Jesus through service and humility.

Father’s Day Stall

Our Father’s Day stall was a great success, with students excited to choose gifts for their dads or significant people. Our organised time slots helped the stall run smoothly. Many handmade and ordered items sold out quickly, making it a fun and meaningful event. Jacob Inman, Year 11 Vocational Major.

Prep Stay Late

On Friday September 5th, Prep students enjoyed their first ever Stay Late. The event was filled with games, dancing, science experiments, crafts and a pizza dinner. It was a night of memory making experiences and building friendships.

Chinese Arts Workshop – Year 5 and 6

Year 5 and 6 students participated in a Chinese Arts workshop, trying traditional instruments and water painting. These activities deepened their appreciation of Chinese culture and supported their Mandarin learning.

Early Learning Centre

Pre-Preps learned about community helpers through exciting visits from local firefighters. Children explored fire engines and gear while learning about helping others with courage and kindness, just like Jesus, our Servant King.

Prep Excursion – Healesville Sanctuary

On Tuesday September 9th, Prep students visited Healesville Sanctuary, discovering Australian wildlife and conservation. The excursion brought their classroom learning to life and sparked wonder and excitement.

Bringing History to Life – Middle School

Middle School’s Term 3 History program offered immersive learning across all year levels. Year 7 explored ancient civilizations, Year 8 portrayed Medieval notables in the new SLAM competition, and Year 9 engaged in a WWI workshop with History Up Close.

Our Midnight Cast shines at Schools On Stage

The talented cast of Midnight: The Cinderella Musical reunited to perform at Bunjil Place as part of the 2025 Schools On Stage competition, hosted by the City of Casey. Our students delivered yet another outstanding performance and were honoured with the Teamwork Award, a wonderful testament to their dedication, unity and excellence. Congratulations to all involved.

Local Service – Baked with Love

Follow Church joined us at the Officer Campus Assembly to present a certificate to our students, recognising their generosity in baking treats and writing personalised cards for families in need. This act of service allowed students and families to spend meaningful time together while shining God’s love to others. The baked goods and messages were really appreciated by local families and it was good to see Maranatha students and Follow Church partnering to bless our community.

Local Service – Partnering with We Care Community Services

Our Secondary School has expanded its Local Service program this term with three student teams from Years 7 and 8 and two from Years 9 and 10 to partner with We Care Community Services, a not-for-profit organisation connected to Faith Christian Church in Dandenong. Each Wednesday, students visited We Care to support its mission of assisting individuals and families experiencing hardship, gaining valuable experience in community service and contributing positively to the lives of those that need it.

Global Service - Go the Extra Mile

Throughout August, staff and students pledged to walk, run, or exercise to raise funds for the Village of Hope in Uganda. Our goal was to reach $5000 and we are so thankful to everyone who participated and to the families and friends who generously donated. Together, we raised over $12,000. These funds will help break the cycle of poverty for at risk children and widows in Uganda through the life changing work at the Village of Hope.

Congratulations to our Prep class, who topped the donations leaderboard. They celebrated with a delicious pizza lunch and a video call with students from the Village of Hope. It was a wonderful moment of cultural exchange, curiosity and connection.  Thank you all again for all your support and care towards others.

Hospitality

In our latest Leadership Blog, part of a series released regularly throughout the term Mrs Colleen Dutlow, Head of Secondary, shares her reflections on the true meaning of hospitality. Mrs Dutlow invites us to consider how simple acts of welcome and kindness can transform our homes, our school, and our wider community. Keep an eye out for more inspiring insights from our leadership team.

Adolescence: A Wake-Up Call or Simply Good TV? 

At Maranatha Christian School, we recognise the challenges faced by youth today. In her first article for The Gospel Coalition, staff member Mrs. Helen King discusses how the Netflix series Adolescence reflects teen culture, social media, and the role of parents and educators. It is a thought-provoking read for our community. 

Staff Retreat

We began the term with a refreshing Staff Retreat at Phillip Island, bringing together teaching and non-teaching staff to strengthen relationships and build teamwork. Luke Williams, Lead Pastor at Follow Church, shared an encouraging message that set a positive tone. The retreat also gave us time to reflect on best practices and align our goals for the term. We are grateful for the opportunity to grow together and look ahead with renewed unity and purpose.

Parent Induction

On Wednesday August 6^th, we officially welcomed new families to Maranatha Christian School at our Parent Induction evening. This event marked the beginning of our shared journey in partnering for each child’s education. Families heard from key staff and board members, gaining insight into our vision and values.

Staff Appreciation Week

Week 4 was dedicated to appreciating our staff with kind words, complimentary coffees, and a break from extra meetings. Thank you to our staff wellbeing team for organising the week.

Father’s Day Breakfast

In the early morning, our dedicated staff and DS Sports volunteers cooked breakfast for over 400 dads and students at our annual Father’s Day event. This year featured a special performance by Mr Barnes and his son Zeke, who entertained with jokes and trivia. Dave Edgar, Youth Alive Director, shared a powerful message about our Father God’s love for all.

Wellbeing Week 2025 - A Christ-Centred Reminder

Starting on September 8^th and inspired by Acts 20:28, Wellbeing Week reminded us to care for ourselves first so we can care for others well. Wellbeing Week was a celebration of our physical, mental, spiritual and social wellbeing. On RU OK? Day, students used metaphors, emojis and animals to check in with one another. Lunchtime activities included dance offs, fresh fruit, robotics, gardening, worship, and teacher vs. student challenges, two-square tournament, cupcakes and cookies, colour by number, praise and worship. A chalk display of “The Joy of the Lord” reminded us of the importance of joy and connection in our daily lives. As we head into the holidays, may we continue to reflect on His goodness and allow the Holy Spirit to refresh and renew us.

  *Please note that all dates and times are subject to change. Please ensure you refer to SEQTA for further information closer to event dates.

Maranatha Before and After School Care

Raising tech-healthy humans

We are thrilled to share this exclusive resource available for FREE for all Maranatha parents. 

Daniel Sih, a TEDx speaker and an award-winning author of his latest book Raising Tech-Healthy Humans. He is a Christian who writes and speaks for the broader Australian community, yet his teachings are informed by his love for Jesus and his experience working as a church pastor. 

 Daniel has professionally developed and filmed 15 short easy to listen to videos as part of a course to support Christian Schools and families. Normally priced at $97, the online course is complimentary for families with children in CEN schools. 

Click herefor an introductory video to the course https://vimeo.com/927309896/a4eaa964c3

The videos cover a range of essential tech-healthy parenting topics such as: 

• What is the recommended healthy screen-time limits? 
• What is the impact of interactive media on my child's developing brain? 
• When and how should I give my child a smartphone? 
• How do I engage in relationship-forming tech-conversations?  
• How do I encourage tech-free meals? 
• What can I do to get my kids outdoors to have fun? 
• How do we support each other to raise healthy, wholehearted humans as a community? 

We encourage all parents to engage with the course at your own pace or gather in groups and use the guided questions to have discussions. 

Sign up for the FREE course by clicking here http://www.raisinghumans.au/cen 

Code Camp