In spite of the rain, this year’s Oliebollen Festival was a resounding success.
Incredibly, the final tally showed a sizeable increase in profit (approximately $13,000 more than 2021), meaning more funds available for projects to support our students and school community.
“I am not sure if you have you ever been in that awkward situation where you felt as though you didn’t belong?”
Whilst it is incredibly encouraging, success for us is not simply counted in dollar figures. Perhaps most significantly, the Oliebollen Festival is an expression of community as we come together to connect in service. For me, the Oliebollen Festival is an opportunity to see our community in action, and what an incredible testament it is, with our hardworking Oliebollen Committee, volunteers, staff and students. Ultimately, our hope is that our wider community also gets to see an image of a Christ-centred educational community at work and to understand the relational God at the core of our school.
Community and connection matters and it was great to see some of our newer families connecting through attendance, support and volunteering at the event. One of the things that I enjoy about our community is the open expressions of welcome offered by our families. It is easy to underestimate how significant a welcoming smile, conversation and connection is.
I am not sure if you have you ever been in that awkward situation where you felt as though you didn’t belong? Your senses are suddenly heightened and every comment, look, and personal connection matters in a way that perhaps it wouldn’t have otherwise. Human connection and the identification that we feel with a group or individuals has a powerful influence on us. Relationship matters.
“Human connection and the identification that we feel with a group or individuals has a powerful influence on us. Relationship matters. ”
In a school context, we see this expressed in many different ways as students find connection and identity. As students grow and mature, we also see this in the ways that they are able to look beyond themselves and their own interests to express appreciation for the relationship, work and influence of teachers and parents.
As we celebrate the successes of the Oliebollen event and thank our Oliebollen Committee for their diligent efforts, we are reminded of the call of Christian communities to be an expression of Christ at work. As we continue to encourage one another, my hope is that our community will increasingly reflect the transformational potential offered through individual and corporate relationship with God.
Scott Ambrose — Principal