Category Archives: Leadership Article

In 2 Corinthians 5:20, Paul writes: “We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.” At Maranatha Christian School in Melbourne, we believe that every student has the potential to be a leader – not just those who wear a…

Hospitality is more than a warm welcome. It is a reflection of sincere love and generosity. In our latest Leadership article, Mrs Colleen Dutlow, Head of Secondary explores how scriptures calls us to practice hospitality (Romans 12:13), reminding us to be intentional in how we greet, serve and connect with others.

Despite common barriers like busyness or self-doubt, simple acts like a smile, a shared meal, a kind word can build lasting relationships, broaden our perspective and teach our children the value of caring for others.

Let us be intentional in creating spaces where people feel seen and valued.

At Maranatha Christian School, we believe every child is uniquely created by God and gifted with the ability to learn, contribute and grow. Engagement norms are one of the ways we honour this belief in our classrooms simple, consistent practices that help every student participate meaningfully in learning. Whether it is sharing ideas with a partner, reading aloud together, or using signals to respond, these strategies ensure that every child’s voice is heard.
They do not just support academic growth they build confidence, collaboration and community, reflecting our commitment to inclusive, Christ-centred education.
“So we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually we are members who belong to one another.” – Romans 12:5
These reflections are shared by Mrs Jenny Rus, Director of Junior Schools, who leads our team in creating learning environments where every student is engaged, valued, and empowered to grow.

Leadership is not about privilege, it is about humility, service and vulnerability. Principal Bill Jackson reflects on how Jesus’ example in John 13 challenges the way we think about leadership. Instead of seeking status, Jesus served others, even washing His disciples’ feet.
At Maranatha, student leadership is not a reward but a responsibility. It is about lifting others up and relying on God’s strength, not our own perfection. Leadership done differently can transform our homes, schools, churches and communities.

We all face challenges, some simple, others more complex. In this reflection, Mr Nick Greenwood, Head of Junior (Endeavour Hills), shares a practical, faith based approach to problem-solving. By identifying the issue, exploring options, seeking support, and trusting in God’s guidance, we can grow in confidence and creativity. Nick reminds us that while outcomes aren’t always certain, God promises to be with us through every step. With prayer and thoughtful action, we can become better problem solvers and build resilience for life’s journey.

A Journey of Faith and Purpose at Maranatha Christian School

With a teaching journey that began in South Africa and New Zealand, I found my true calling in Christian education at Maranatha Christian School. Since joining in 2010, I’ve spent over 16 years growing in faith, mentoring students, and embracing a vibrant, Christ-centred community. Maranatha has not only been a workplace but a place where faith, family, and learning come together, shaping lives with purpose, compassion, and a commitment to whole-person education.

A Journey of Faith and Purpose at Maranatha Christian School

With a teaching journey that began in South Africa and New Zealand, I found my true calling in Christian education at Maranatha Christian School. Since joining in 2010, I’ve spent over 16 years growing in faith, mentoring students, and embracing a vibrant, Christ-centred community. Maranatha has not only been a workplace but a place where faith, family, and learning come together, shaping lives with purpose, compassion, and a commitment to whole-person education.

From Performance to Purpose – Exploring Excellence

Before writing this, I found myself thinking, “Is this good enough? Maybe I’ll do it later.” Ironically, those same thoughts reflect the tension many students face between striving for excellence and fearing imperfection.

Excellence is a value we promote, but if misunderstood, it can lead to perfectionism—driven by fear and comparison. Through personal stories and scripture, I explore how we can help students embrace growth, honour God, and serve others, even when things don’t go perfectly.

Let’s redefine excellence not as flawlessness, but as wholehearted effort rooted in purpose and grace.

Partnering with Home: Building Trust Together

At Maranatha, we believe that strong partnerships between home and school are essential to a child’s success. Trust grows through open communication, mutual respect, and shared purpose. When families and educators work together, students thrive academically, emotionally, and spiritually.

Leadership is often associated with traits like decisiveness, confidence, and vision. However, one quality that stands out, yet is sometimes overlooked, is empathy. As a leader, I’ve come to realise that empathy is not just a soft skill—it’s an essential one. Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another person. It…