Throughout the year, our Head of Secondary, Mr Cameron Ivers, encourages students to press toward the goal through inspirational and engaging messages. Using relatable stories and meaningful examples, he draws on Philippians 3:14鈥攖hat underpins our College motto鈥攖o motivate students in their daily lives.
Head of Secondary Mr Cameron Ivers says:
Living in Queensland, most of us are very familiar with sunshine, beaches, and summer sport. What we are far less familiar with is snow. We don鈥檛 grow up skiing to school, training on ice rinks, or racing down frozen mountains. And yet every four years, the world pauses to watch athletes compete in the Winter Olympics, events that feel very different from our everyday experience.
Consider sports like luge or bobsled, where athletes race at extraordinary speeds down narrow icy tracks, relying on precision, courage, and years of preparation. These athletes do not simply arrive on competition day and hope for success.
Long before the crowd gathers, they have already made an important decision: the goal ahead is worth pressing toward.
Mr Cameron Ivers, Head of Secondary
That mindset reflects a powerful biblical principle. In Philippians 3:14, the Apostle Paul writes, 鈥淚 press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.鈥�
Paul鈥檚 words are not those of someone who finds life easy. He writes them after hardship, opposition and sacrifice. Pressing on, for Paul, is not about comfort or applause. It is about faithfulness, continuing forward because God has called him forward.
This idea can also be seen much closer to home. Australian freestyle skier Abbey Willcox, who represented Australia at the 2026 Winter Olympics, trains regularly at the Sleeman Sports Complex. While many people see the excitement of competition, what often goes unseen are the countless hours of training, discipline and perseverance that take place long before any event. Early mornings, repeated practice, and determination through setbacks are all part of the journey. Long before success is visible, commitment has already been determined.
The Bible gives us a similar picture in the life of David. Long before he was king, and long before anyone celebrated him, David spent his days tending sheep. It was quiet, ordinary work. Yet it was in those unseen moments that God was shaping his courage, character and faith. When David eventually faced Goliath, his confidence did not come from the moment itself; it came from years of preparation and trust in God. Both stories remind us that growth often happens long before recognition.
Persistence, Curiosity and Integrity
This truth is especially relevant in the life of a school community. While awards and achievements are important milestones, they are only one part of the journey. The habits formed through persistence, curiosity and integrity shape students in ways that last far beyond the classroom.
Year 12 Graduates Press Toward the Goal
To press toward the goal at school often looks quite ordinary. It might be asking a question when something is difficult to understand. It might be choosing to keep trying when learning becomes
We welcomed back our top ATAR achievers to receive academic awards at the Commencement Service. Students from the Class of 2025 were recognised on stage for their exceptional challenging. It might be demonstrating honesty and character even when no one else is watching.
These moments may not receive public recognition, but they are significant in shaping who young people become. At 51小湿妹, we celebrate excellence, but we also celebrate growth. Each student is on a journey of learning and development, supported by teachers committed to both strong academic foundations and character formation.
As a community, we want to encourage every student to keep pressing forward鈥攃onfident that with dedication, faith and support, they can fulfil the plans and purposes God has for them.
Mr Cameron Ivers
Head of Secondary