“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9
You would have read recently that Mrs Gigi Thiele has now concluded her tenure as the Principal of Ellenbrook Christian College (ECC). When leaders are called to serve in these positions, they realise that their lives will now involve time-heavy tasks and significant sacrifices to make the College thrive.
When someone finishes up and moves into the next chapter of their life, it is important that we recognise the work that the individual has done as part of the body of Christ. Mrs Thiele has contributed to the life of ECC and SCEA during her season with us, and we want to take this opportunity to honour her.
“Gigi was always great at pointing us back to the reason that we serve the students – and quoting that great passage from Galatians around not becoming weary in doing good,” said one staff member this week.
Gigi began her time last year by continuing to navigate with builders and government officials around the MetroNET building program for the train line intersecting the College property. This work also included a new set of change rooms and toilet/shower facilities to accommodate students on the far side of the train underpass. While these new facilities will prove to be vital additions to the College in the long-term, the new building work brought with it a slew of hi-viz vests, workers wearing helmets and tradespeople working long hours to make the project a success for the years to come.
This incumbrance meant that external parties were always present on the site, and this brought with it extra responsibilities when the College was ‘on show’ to the politicians, electricians and Laing O’Rourke contractors who were busily working each day close to the ECC students and staff.
“We are always aware of being under the public microscope with all the building work taking place. Gigi was very accommodating and even had to negotiate with members of the public who were making their way through the underpass. To put it lightly, she showed them a lot of grace!” said another staff member last week.
Within the life of the school, Mrs Thiele’s spiritual fervour and evangelistic approach to working with secondary students was having a positive effect. Youth Alpha, a specific program from the well-known Alpha Course team (www.alpha.org), has been introduced for students who are keen to know more about God and have life’s big questions answered. The course looks at discipleship and evangelism for individuals interested in pursuing Christianity.
The success of this course has led to numerous opportunities for the Christian gospel to be pursued with students from the College, and several students are now attending Youth Group at ECC on Friday nights, lunchtime sessions with Christian staff and even Sunday morning services at local churches with their parents and friends.
ECC expects to open the Pavilion and the MetroNET train line before Christmas 2024. The work that has been done during this season of leadership will equip the growing school community with change rooms, ablution facilities and the ability to care for students and staff – a wonderful testament to the planning and preparation that has occurred over a number of years.
As a new season prepares to open for the staff and students at the campus on Santona Boulevard, let us remember the work that previous generations of staff in our schools have done. We will not always be aware of the formative work undertaken by them, but we can be sure that the significant work completed in this season of life at ECC under Gigi’s leadership will enable the students to flourish and be equipped for the life ahead of them.
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”
Colossians 3:23-24
