From the Chaplain
Woah! Where have the last 10 weeks gone? As we reach the end of another busy and rewarding term, we take a moment to pause and reflect on the journey we have shared. It has been a time of learning, growth, and deepening connections within our college community.
This term, the archbishop’s 2025 theme of flourishing together for hope has inspired many of our chapel services and small group discussions. Having hope is essential because it gives us the strength to keep moving forward, even in difficult times. Hope is like a light in the darkness, reminding us that challenges are temporary and that better days are ahead.
Hope is not just wishful thinking, it’s the assurance that God is with us, guiding us through uncertainty and giving us the courage to face whatever comes our way. It helps us to be resilient, encourage others, see possibilities, and live with purpose.
As College Chaplain my role is to encourage students and staff to find hope through faith, community, and gratitude. Even small acts of kindness and support can reignite hope in someone’s heart.
Paul writes "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13
As we prepare for the holiday break, may it be a time of renewal and joy. May you find moments of peace, laughter with loved ones, and a chance to reflect on the term’s blessings. May God’s love guide and sustain you until we meet again next term.
Chapel Captain’s Excursion
On Wednesday 26 March, Rev’d Jane and Mr Alcorn took the Chapel Captains and Faith and Service Captains from our 3 sub-schools on an inaugural ‘Chapel Captain Excursion’ to St John’s Cathedral and St Francis Theological College.
While at the Cathedral, the students met personally with The Most Reverend Jeremy Greaves (Archbishop of SE Qld), The Very Reverend Dr Peter Catt (Dean of the Cathedral), and Her Excellency the Honourable Dr Janette Young (Governor of Qld). The students also received a guided tour up the (very high) Cathedral bell tower.
After leaving the Cathedral we took a short train trip to St Francis Theological College in Milton. While we were there, we explored the heritage listed Old Bishopsbourne and Chapel of the Holy Spirit. We also spent some time looking through the Roscoe Theological Library before returning to WestMAC.
The excursion was a great way for the students to connect and to learn more about WestMAC’s identity as an Anglican College.
World’s Greatest Shave
On Thursday March 27, WestMAC students and staff took part in the 2025 Leukaemia Foundation’s, World’s Greatest Shave. This is the 20th year that WestMAC has participated in this important event to raise funds to help provide families with the support they need, while powering critical research projects that bring us closer to a blood cancer free future.
This year, 10 students went under the chop to donate their long locks, and 8 students shaved their heads while many others had their hair coloured.
More than $20,000 has been raised during this year’s event thanks to our generous donors and our wonderful fundraisers.
A big thank you goes to Mr Paul Alcorn for organising the event, and to the P & F, the college facilities team, staff and students for helping to make this event another success.
Many blessings,
Reverend Jane Markotsis
College Chaplain