Thanksgiving Service Celebrating 25 Years of Christ-centred Education 26 September 2008 For many years it has been a tradition at Kingsway Christian College to give thanks to God at a Thanksgiving Service for the wonderful blessings He has bestowed upon the college, which has grown from very humble beginnings to a large and very well resourced school. In 2008 the celebrations took on special significance as we commemorated our 25th year of Christ-centred education. The auditorium was decorated with red and blue balloons with the school crest on one side and a large number 25 on the other. Colourful three metre long posters adorned the sides of the stage. Master of Ceremonies Mrs Marion Bourke, who retired at the end of 2008 after twenty years, welcomed the packed assembly. The first of the two featured speakers at the 2008 Thanksgiving Service was Mrs. Rosemary Kroll who has taught at Kingsway since the very first day! That made her the ideal person to thank God for all He has done for Kingsway Christian College over the past 25 years and Mrs. Kroll’s address had a nostalgic flavour. “25 Years ago the college opened its doors to just over 100 students and 7 teachers. It was so exciting! On the first day the students arrived to rooms that had only desks and chairs. Nothing else! But this did not matter for this was God’s school.” The second address was given by Principal, Mrs. Jeanette Giroud who reminded us that we celebrated our past and future as we praised God for 25 years of Christ-centred education at Kingsway. She referred to a speech in Parliament on 18 September by Federal Member for Cowan, Mr. Luke Simpkins and read the following excerpt: “From my experience and visits to Kingsway Christian College…it is an excellent educational institution because they have their priorities right. I look forward to the continued success of this great school!” Mrs. Giroud’s address focused on the future, but she also remembers much about Kingsway’s heritage, having taught at the school for 17 years prior to her appointment as Principal two years ago. She concluded, “This year Kingsway students have achieved many accolades on the sporting field, in the Arts, Technology & Enterprise and academically. We praise God for the many gifts and talents that our students have been able to showcase throughout this year and the past 25.” The service also featured the junior and senior choirs, bible readings from 2008 student leaders Lachlan Abbott and Rose Daniels, a musical item by Grace Alone, a bible reading and prayer from Mrs. Bourke and the Worship Band led us in song. Mr Darren Birch who is one of Kingsway’s wonderful chaplains, opened and closed in prayer. The staff room also had a celebratory atmosphere with coloured balloons and a large decorative cake. As is the custom at Kingsway, Home Economic students dressed in their traditional white apparel and served a sumptuous morning tea for staff, parents, guests and nominated students to enjoy. Special pens and car bumper stickers were given out and the younger students received balloons.