Yearbook2017_demo

School Community Chaplain
REPORT
Oxford Falls Grammar School and our community of parents, students and staff
are truly our richest assets. Every day I stop and reflect on the depth and strength
of community we have.
Mrs Simone Bullen
School Community
Chaplain
OXFORD FALLS GRAMMAR SCHOOL 2017 YEARBOOK
Whether it be in times
of need, or one of the
many celebrations and
achievements – our School community
rallies together and does make a
difference. Sometimes it is through
meals cooked and delivered, or an
encouraging word to each other, but
whatever it is, it does make a difference.
This year has been full with Outreach
Programs, Chapels, Family Services,
Parent Prayer and Missions Trips, just
to mention a few.
However, what stands out in my mind,
perhaps as I have recently returned
from the Philippines, is the regular
feedback from strangers commenting
on how our students were the most
polite and respectful they have ever
come across. I was not surprised at all,
but none the less was super-proud.
As I was relatively new to this role in
2016, one of the numerous highlights of
my year has been getting to know many
families, through the various events
and opportunities that always present
themselves.
Our Moonlight Movie Night was such
a hit and I was overwhelmed by the
support of both parents and staff, but
also the generosity shown by the
funds raised on the night. It is always
a good thing when we take our eyes
off our own situation and help others.
Somehow everything else is put in
perspective. Our Term 4 initiative of
Christmas Hampers always leaves
an impact, and I am excited that as a
School community this year we filled
and donated 100 hampers to families
in need.
I consider it a tremendous privilege to
be leading our School Chaplains, Peter
Ryburn, Mitch Hammond and Olivia
Gilbert. Our students are so blessed
by the encouraging words of wisdom
and the enthusiasm of these three
Chaplains, but are especially fortunate
to have someone who continues to
believe in them and pray for them –
no matter what.
We welcomed our first baby into our
Department this year! We congratulate
Peter Ryburn and his wife Bek on the
safe arrival of beautiful baby Daisy. Also
in the July holidays we celebrated the
wedding of Olivia to Ben Gilbert. So
many celebrations and firsts for us all.
Sadly though, Mitch Hammond will be
leaving us after three years as one of
the Youth Chaplains. Not only was he
a graduate of Oxford Falls Grammar
School, he has made an invaluable
difference here to myself, my team,
the staff but especially the students
and he will be very missed.
I pray as 2017 comes to a close that
you enjoy your familiy, stop, reflect
and savour what is truly important in
your life.
Let me leave you with these words
from PHILIPPIANS 4:6-7:
“Don’t worry about anything; instead,
pray about everything. Tell God what you
need, and thank him for all he has done.
7 Then you will experience God’s peace,
which exceeds anything we can understand.
His peace will guard your hearts and
minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”
Mrs Simone Bullen
School Community Chaplain
12