From the Chair of Council David Charles

Friends for Life

The Whole of School Commencement Assembly is a wonderful event at the start of the School year.

All of the students and the staff of Barker College, Darkinjung Barker and Ngarralingayil Barker are gathered together. For this year’s Assembly, on 29 January, everyone was accommodated in the excellent Rosewood Centre - just as well because it was raining outside! The Assembly is a great opportunity to warmly welcome all of the new students and members of staff to the Barker community. This year, we were joined by the Archbishop of Sydney, The Most Rev Dr Glenn Davies, who is the President of the Council of Barker College. In my opening remarks to the Assembly, I reminded everyone that each of us has a first day at Barker and that it is a welcoming spirit which characterises the culture of the School. Within a versatile and vibrant community, every person’s contribution at Barker is acknowledged, treasured and celebrated. Referencing JRR Tolkein’s Fellowship of the Ring, I drew attention to the importance of friendship and fellowship in the context of a shared cause. At Barker, our shared cause is to carry into effect the School’s Mission, Vision and Values. The cause is expressed (for instance) in the aspiration to look Beyond the Mint Gates, our iconic Pacific Highway entrance. It is also manifest in Barker’s call to inspire global hope through the acts of kindness and humility of its community members, consistent with the School’s motto Honor Non Honores. All of us come to Barker from many places and of different backgrounds. We bring our own story and our own hopes and aspirations. As a community at Barker, we find unity in diversity. The unity is underpinned by friendship and fellowship. The fellowship happens among friends committed to a cause and then it flourishes through their common pursuit of the cause. The commencement of a new year brings fresh momentum to the Barker cause. We can be grateful for new buildings and facilities in 2021, including: • Refurbishment of a number of general purpose classrooms to provide ten additional Science laboratories as well as preparation rooms; • The Junior School East Extension (with learning spaces for Year 5 and Year 6 students); • Conversion of the underutilised C Block theatre to two classrooms; • Further improvements in the Junior School, such as artificial turf in the Undercroft, sandstone seating and even a new kennel for therapy dog, Peachy; • The fitting out of the kitchen in the Rosewood

Centre with commercial equipment suitable to cater for functions in the Sue Field Room. Through the dedication and skill of its teaching and support staff, Barker’s principal focus continues to be on our current students, in academic outcomes, in sport and other co-curricular activities, and in pastoral care and wellbeing within Barker’s Christian framework. The Barker way is making sure all are welcomed, loved, supported and helped to be the best person they can be. Friendship and fellowship flow naturally in the Barker community. It is a place of belonging where you can have friends for life, not just a summer or a spring.

David Charles (75) Chair of Council

Reconnecting

If 2020 was a year to forget, what do we want from 2021?

I’m sure there will be twists and turns to come, but I hope you’re looking forward to a year of reconnecting, stability and growth. Even if we cannot map all that’s coming this year, we can still start the journey with strength and courage. In the Old Testament, Joshua was the man who inherited the leadership of Israel from Moses. His task was to lead God’s people into the Promised Land. The mission would eventually be accomplished with great triumph and joy, although the journey itself was full of challenges and unknowns. It was before Joshua set off that God encouraged him with these words: Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous (Joshua 1:9). Strength and courage are vital traits because they enable each of our other characteristics. Strength is not only about big muscles; one can also have strength of mind, of faith, of heart, of love. Similarly, courage, according to CS Lewis, is the quality needed when our virtues are tested. We may have wisdom, but courage is required to speak up; we may have compassion, but courage is required to act. As we stride into the year ahead let’s also go forward with strength and courage. Now you may feel neither strong nor courageous at the moment, however the best part of God’s words to Joshua were what came next: Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9). This same God who promised to be with Joshua promises also to be with us. As we embark on another year together – with all the plans and unknowns, firsts and lasts, joys and challenges, failures and successes – may we be strong and courageous together in the knowledge that the God loves us and leads us, is with us every step of the way.

Rev Peter Tong Senior Chaplain