Toongabbie Christian College

GAI THOMAS Teacher 1988-2018 Parent 2007-2019 Deputy Principal Secondary 2019-Present

I have experienced a multitude of blessings being a member of the Toongabbie Christian College Community since February 1988. In those 34 years I have witnessed God’s hand of protection, provision and blessing in so many ways. I could write of the wondrous experiences of the bicentenary celebrations, school musicals, camps, Year 10 School in the Bush and the ‘gully bull’. I could write of the various building programs, the flooding and other weather events that have caused damage over the years. I could write of the fun events such as Toonie Community Night, Big Night Out, COS Day, EXO Day, One Day, Japanese Student Visits, lunchtime groups and inter school visits. I could write of the changes in technology, from using floppy disks when computers had to be ‘booted up’ before class to now using Wi-Fi, Google with the BYOD program. I could write of the Year 12 Graduations, Formals and the excellence in academic pursuits our students have attained. I could write of the lifelong friendships established with staff and past students. I could write of the many mentors who have journeyed alongside me as I have developed as a teacher and leader. And I could also write of the Teacher Adviser Groups (TAG), Family Groups, Chapels and Assemblies where students have been encouraged in their spiritual development. But what of my most valued memories: The collective worship with staff and students from Kindergarten to Year 12 during whole College Easter Services. It is such an emotional and spiritually uplifting experience hearing students of all ages worshipping together in song; Seeing students grow in their faith and continue to be active people of faith in their communities, churches and families; The privilege to work and journey alongside members of staff who were once students at the College; The unprompted gathering of Year 9 students to pray over a class member who was to move overseas; When Year 12 students gathered together to pray at the conclusion of their formal; Hearing student testimonies of faith and giving spiritual challenges to their peers. I decided without hesitation that I wanted my daughter to experience the blessings of being a student at Toonie. I am grateful for the opportunity that Rev Peter Hester (Principal) and Garry Gannell (Deputy Principal) and the Toongabbie Baptist Christian Community School Board gave me by taking me on as a teacher in my first year out of university. The College has been more than just a place of employment. The College has been a God-given place for me to grow professionally, spiritually and relationally. It has been an honour to be given opportunities over the years to grow in my faith, my teaching practice and leadership capabilities. Thank you to all the staff and students, past and present, who have contributed to my professional, spiritual and personal development.

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