OUR STUDENTS
OUR ORIGINALS: DANIEL VENEMA AND AIDEN SCHIER
and many students that the school has presently. This school is a massive achievement for everyone involved, especially those from the start.” For Daniel Venema, early memories of Good News include the excitement of watching the campus grow and change. “I was there when it was just a few portable buildings and a toilet block. I watched the administration building and a set of classrooms being built and was excited as the basketball court and playground were added.” Daniel, who today works as a chef, recalls coming first in the 100m at the school carnival in Year 2, the first time he had ever won an athletics event. Good News Christian School also gave him the opportunity to learn musical instruments and new languages, including Auslan. “School camps showed us just how good nature can be and excursions taught me how the outside world worked.” Another favourite memory for Daniel is being part of the Prep Buddies program.
Among Good News’ first group of Year 6 students graduating in 2003 were Daniel Venema and Aiden Schier. Both boys had commenced Prep at Good News Primary School in 1997 and were the only two foundation students from that very first class (pictured below) to complete all their primary education at the school. Aiden, who today is a mechanical design engineer, recalls his first days at Good News Primary School: “We had one teacher teaching the whole school in one portable classroom, Mrs Pelchen, who would give each grade different work to do. Mr Schwarz inspired me with his tenacity in tackling the task of running the school and having time to teach the kids too. Looking back, I think he managed to balance authority and approachability quite well. He could be stern, but also caring. I would just like to say thanks to everyone who was involved in the school throughout its time. It would have been a lot of work, but this school really has impacted a lot of kids’ lives for the better. If we look back at the less than 30 students who started in a few portables, it’s amazing to see the change to the huge school with amazing facilities
The GNLC community is best described by our wonderful students – both past and present. Many of these students shared their thoughts about our school to inform the content of this history. Here’s a representative selection of their comments and reflections: What’s your earliest memory of GNLC? “Just how small the school actually was. We had a few hundred kids and the basketball club was one of the best.” Dejan Vasiljevic, past student “My first day at the school. I had just moved countries and didn’t know much about what school in Australia would be like, and so I was quite nervous. But to my relief, all the staff and students at GNLC were really supportive and friendly.” Aksa Aby, current student “My earliest memory of GNLC would have to be when I first entered my Year 1 classroom. I was quite shy and nervous for my first day but I remember my teacher and classmates being friendly and welcoming. I fit right in and after a while, went on to make many friends.” Shreshta Vangapally, current student Who was someone who inspired you throughout your time at the College? “Ruth Wickson. She was my Prep teacher at the time and pretty much was always there when needed.” Nicholas Goltz, past student and current staff member
“Mrs Montgomery was my English teacher throughout VCE. She pushed me to work harder in English and to strive to achieve the results I was aiming for. She supported me through extra help and feedback. Mr Mani was my teacher for Math Methods and Physics and helped motivate me to do my best and achieve the results I was wanting.” Kaitlyn Ash, past student “Mr Greenhough was a big role model for a lot of the male students. He was one of the first male teachers a lot of the boys had, someone they could easily open up to. Mr G always supported, encouraged and made us realise we are more capable of doing things than we thought we were.” Zeljko Kotvas, past student How did the College guide you with your faith? “It has shaped my faith to the way it is today.” Daniel Sladecek, past student “Being attached to my church helped me stay strong in my faith as it was clear my education was connected to God.” Keenan Schier, past student “The teachers - they’ve helped me get closer to Him through their inspirational devotions they share with us in the mornings.” Kathleen Mangaoil, current College Captain
STUDENT MILESTONES
Ten years later, our first Middle Years students (pictured above) graduated Year 9 and were the first cohort to advance into Senior Years at GNLC.
Good News Christian School’s first Year 6 graduates completed their primary education with us in 2003.
26
27
Made with FlippingBook Annual report maker