It is 28 years since I joined LEQ as the Head of the HPE Department at Redeemer Lutheran College in 1994. The last 14 of those years have been spent at the Secretariat in Milton.
I am not the overly sentimental type, but I have had time to reflect on that journey during the last few months. I offer the following as some thoughts.
Firstly, LEQ schools are truly vibrant learning communities, each with a distinct local context, but all with a deep commitment to sharing, collaborating, and co-creating. The Church should be, and no doubt is, very proud of the contribution each makes to the fabric of their local communities and to the country.
You, our school leaders, are committed, talented and resilient educators and leaders. Your sense of vocation must be incredibly deep. No remuneration would otherwise be sufficient to entice someone to take on the role of Principal, nor retain them in the role. Leading a community of diverse people through the challenges of daily life, living and working in community, is challenging. You all do it so well, and with such servant hearts.
As a system, we are blessed by the scores of passionate volunteers who serve on school councils, QLECS Council, CLEQ and DCB. They give up time, devote emotional energy, and serve with such commitment to ensure the schools and services of the Department thrive.
Your Secretariat is small and yet punches above its weight. The people who support you through their work at Milton are passionate and dedicated. Our schools are lucky to have them.
And above all else, God is good! Everything I described above is there because of Him. He constantly supplies us with all we need to be able to bring the Gospel to over 22,000 children every day. He will never abandon us.
Every blessing as you finish the 2021 school year and prepare to celebrate the birth of Our Saviour.
Best wishes for 2022.
Dennis
For to us a child is born,
To us a son is given,
And the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called Wonderful Counselor,
Mighty God,
Everlasting Father,
Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6
