School families, staff and members of the local community including the mayor, gathered to watch the Years 3-6 children perform The Mice and The Manger as well as participate in a service to honour students and give thanks to God and others for their involvement throughout the year.

“Our evening opened with our primary children performing a wonderful play they have been practicing for a number of weeks, depicting two families of mice who lived in the stable all those years ago in Bethlehem” said Sarah Strahorn, Head of School at Wellington Christian School.

“I could not have been more proud of their efforts! There were so many lines to learn and an important storyline to transfer and they nailed it on both counts! Mrs Negen, our drama teacher, and I were thrilled!”

Following the play, students sat with their families and participated in an opportunity to look back over the year.

”A PowerPoint of pictures from the year started proceedings and set the tone of thankfulness.” Ms Strahorn recounted. “As we go on in the hustle and bustle of a school year, we can sometimes forget all the learning opportunities the children participate in and it was wonderful to have them roll before our eyes and be reminded.”

The evening also included hearing from school principal Warren Melville, the mayor Rod Buhr as well as an outgoing Year 6 student and member of staff. Teachers then presented excited and proud students with book prizes generously sponsored by various community groups.

Fond farewells and due fuss was made of Year 6 students completing primary school as well as a much loved member of staff Rachel Bambrick who is leaving. The opportunity was then taken to warmly welcome new staff members Teri Roser and Jo Blatch.

The evening concluding with an address from the Head of School Sarah Strahorn and supper out on the lawns.

“It really was a privilege to stand before a packed hall of family, friends and community members to speak of the many, many reasons we have to be thankful as a school community. We have seen such great improvement and growth in all aspects of school life and look forward to a positive 2015” Ms Strahorn said.

“One of my favourite things, is to see community in action and that is what I have seen day in and day out at WCS this year. So it was extra fitting that our year culminated with all key players; staff, parents and students mingling as we remember the birth of the one who invented relationship in the first instance. Truly, I feel very blessed to lead this supportive and willing community.” Said Ms Strahorn looking back on the year.