The headmaster who guided his school through a dramatic flash flood in February has been honoured at a service celebrating Anglican schooling in the Sydney Diocese.
The unprecedented event was held at St Andrew's Cathedral last night to acknowledge the work, ministry, richness and diversity of Sydney’s Anglican schools.
The night included a time of appreciation for those retiring from school service, including Broughton Anglican College's foundation Headmaster Ron Webb.
As well as being the headmaster of the College during February's flood - which endangered lives and saw 35 cars written off - Mr Webb has overseen its growth from two demountable classrooms and 60 students in 1986 to an enrolment of 1150 students on 27 hectares of land in 2007.
Lesley May, who has been principal of Claremont College for the past 18 years, was also honoured.
New director's new initiative
The idea for the special celebration event came from the newly appointed Executive Director of the Anglican Education Commission, Dr Bryan Cowling.
"Our Anglican schools are on the cutting edge of mission, and represent one of the most effective ways of engaging the community with the gospel," Dr Cowling says.
"There are so many wonderful things happening every day in our schools. It's time we recognised and celebrated what God is doing in and through them."
Dr Cowling says the education offered in Anglican schools is in a class of its own.
"It is characterised by intellectual rigour, openness to ideas and debate, mutual respect, and good citizenship as members of the Australian and international community," he says.
"Anglican schools have a respect for history and tradition as well as a strong commitment to the future."
Dr Cowling hopes this special celebration will become an annual event.
A cause for celebration
Dr Cowling says it can be an easy mistake to underestimate the scope of Sydney Anglican schools.
"There are 39 Anglican schools in the Diocese, which cater for over 40,000 students and employ over 4000 staff," he says.
"The schools range from the older, established schools, to the 'new" Anglican schools, including the latest school to be opened, Gawura."
Gawura is a campus of St Andrew's Cathedral School serving the indigenous community of inner Sydney.
Archbishop Peter Jensen addressed those present with a talk on Australian democracy and the Christian faith.
He says schools must continue their efforts to preserve and deepen the commitment of Australians to a democratic society.
“There are at least three ways in which they can do this. First, remind students of our indebtedness to the pioneers of our nation for laying such strong foundations,” he says.
“Second, promote a commitment to voluntary, sacrificial service to others who are less fortunate than us. “
“Third, encourage our young people to see being a parliamentarian as a worthy avenue for service to God and the nation.”
