My Maranatha Story
It has been a very long time since I was “the new person”, yet I do not really consider myself new. Maranatha runs through my veins. This place was integral in shaping me as a child, teenager and beginning teacher. I attended Maranatha from Prep through to Year 10, and the memories are abundant – from sliding down the long, metal (very hot) slide on the hill of the oval at Doveton, to my camp bed collapsing in the middle of the night at Sovereign Hill camp.
I remember my teachers and the things that made them unique. Mr Ham gobbled us up with his puppet. Mrs Kenny could read Winnie the Pooh with every voice perfected. Mrs Finlay brought out my dramatic side and helped me grow in confidence. Mrs Maidment (yes, the very same one) pushed me to persevere through her excruciating aerobics lessons.
My memories of Maranatha also extend well beyond the classroom. My mum drove the school bus and later worked in the office, which meant there was never much separation between school and home. I will never forget the embarrassment when I heard her voice over the loudspeaker at the end of the day announcing, “Kelly Wilson, your taxi is waiting.” Yet now, as I walk around the campus, all these moments flood back with fondness.
As a student, I was also blessed to form friendships that have endured well beyond my school years. Many of those friends remain very dear to me today, reflecting the deep sense of belonging and community that Maranatha fosters.
As I reflect, I can clearly see God’s hand on my life, particularly through my time at Maranatha and the teachers who invested so deeply in me. They showed me grace, patience and kindness, helped me develop a strong sense of belonging, and provided a safe place where I was encouraged in my faith, even when it was challenging.
I was also fortunate to begin my teaching career here at Maranatha with an inspirational group of colleagues. They taught me that strong school communities are built through teamwork, generosity of spirit and a shared commitment to one another. The lessons I learnt at Maranatha stayed with me as I set out to help open a new campus of Flinders Christian Community College at Carrum Downs. Working alongside dedicated colleagues and relying on God’s guidance, we built a school community that echoed the warmth and sense of belonging I’d treasured at Maranatha. This became my home for the next 23 years.
Now, I have returned. I am blessed once again to be part of a supportive, encouraging and inspiring community, working once again alongside colleagues from those formative years and even some former students I taught many years ago here at Maranatha.
Carrying the Baton
As Head of Junior School at Endeavour Hills, I reflect with deep gratitude on the journey that has brought me here. It is both humbling and energising to step into this role – one that feels less like a job and more like a calling. I have been handed a very special baton, woven from a history grounded in Christ, His way and His word.
This legacy has been built by courageous pioneers, faithful staff and committed families who have filled these halls with faith and love. Each day, I am reminded of the privilege and responsibility I carry to honour this history while guiding our community forward.
My hope is to build on these treasured foundations so future generations feel deeply connected to our story – a story rooted in faith, identity in Christ and a strong sense of family. My greatest desire as a leader is that every child who walks through our gates will grow into adulthood confident in who they are in Christ and will one day long to pass on that same legacy of faith and love.
Looking Ahead
One of the most powerful testaments to the enduring impact of Maranatha is seeing previous students choose to bring up their own children here. It’s a privilege to witness these families return, seeking the same guidance, encouragement and Christian growth that shaped their own lives. This ongoing cycle of generational trust and faith speaks volumes about the strength of our community and the legacy we share.
Together, as a school family, let’s continue to honour the rich history of Maranatha Christian School while equipping our students to become confident, compassionate and faith-filled adults. It is my desire to lead with humility, courage and love, so that the legacy we build today will inspire generations to come and Maranatha will remain a place where families are strengthened and Christ is at the center of all we do.
Kelly North
Head of Junior School Endeavour Hills
Maranatha Christian School
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