A Life That Reflects Jesus: The Gift of Time

As I sat and watched our Year 12 students celebrate the completion of their schooling journey, I found myself reflecting on one simple but profound reality: time moves quickly.

For many of our graduates, the journey began thirteen years ago. Parents nervously dropped off children for their first day of school, wondering what the future would hold. Those same children have now become young adults, ready to step into the next chapter of their lives. In what feels like a moment, thirteen years have passed.

Time is one of God's greatest gifts. Unlike money or possessions, time cannot be earned back once it is spent. Every day we are given 24 hours, and each day presents us with countless opportunities to choose what kind of life we will live and what kind of influence we will have on others.

This term, we have been exploring the theme "A Life That Reflects Jesus." As we celebrate our Year 12 graduates, this theme feels especially relevant. Over the past thirteen years, our hope has not simply been to educate students academically, but to help shape young people whose lives reflect the character of Christ. When we look at Jesus, we see someone who used His time with purpose. He invested in people, showed compassion, served others, and pointed those around Him to God. Every moment of His life reflected His Father's love and mission.

The Apostle Paul reminds us to "make the most of every opportunity" (Ephesians 5:16). A life that reflects Jesus is not measured by achievements alone, but by how we use the time God entrusts to us. It is seen in moments of kindness, words of encouragement, acts of service, and decisions that honour Him.

As our Year 12 students graduate, my prayer is not simply that they become successful in their careers or studies, although we wish them every success. Rather, I pray that they will use the years ahead wisely and live lives that reflect Jesus wherever they go. The world does not just need capable people; it needs compassionate people. It needs individuals whose lives point others towards hope, grace, integrity, and love.

For our current students and parents, the graduation of Year 12 offers an important reminder. Unlike our graduates, who have now reached the end of this chapter, you are blessed with something incredibly valuable: time. Time to learn, time to grow, time to prepare, time to build friendships, and time to discover God's purpose for your life. Use these years wisely. Study diligently, support one another, embrace opportunities, and make choices that will shape your future. One day, perhaps sooner than you think, your own schooling journey will come to an end. When that day arrives, my hope is that you will be able to look back knowing you made the most of the time God gave you and used it to develop a life that truly reflects Jesus.

For the rest of us, the graduation of our Year 12 students also serves as a reminder that life moves in seasons. Whether we are students, parents, or staff, time continues to move forward. The question is not how much time we have, but what we choose to do with the time we are given.

May we each choose to invest our days in ways that matter. May we use our time to grow closer to God, strengthen our relationships, serve others, and develop a character that reflects Jesus. And may we never take for granted the precious gift of time that God has entrusted to us.

As we celebrate our graduating class, let us thank God for the journey behind them and pray for the journey that lies ahead. May their lives, and ours, continue to reflect Jesus each and every day.

As we now enter the school holiday break, I encourage all members of our college community to take the opportunity to rest, recharge, and spend meaningful time with family and friends. While holidays provide a welcome pause from the routines of school life, they also give us time to reflect on God's blessings and prepare for the term ahead. I pray that you enjoy a safe, refreshing, and joyful holiday and return ready to make the most of the opportunities God places before you.

"Be very careful, then, how you live, not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity."
Ephesians 5:15-16

From NAIDOC Week, Science Week, Book Character Parade and our CAPA Showcase, to camps, sporting competitions, practical learning experiences and our first-ever Open Day, our students have had countless opportunities to learn, create, compete and connect.

Service has also been at the heart of the term. Our students have supported ADRA, served communities through the Year 10 Narromine Service Trip and Year 11 Samoa Mission, and rallied behind causes including ADRA Nepal. This has brought our Term 3 Inside Out focus on “Hands” to life, reminding us that faith is reflected in how we serve, encourage and care for others.

The term also marked an important milestone for our Year 12 Class of 2026, as we celebrated their graduation and the conclusion of their journey at MAC. It was a special opportunity to recognise how far they have come and celebrate the friendships, growth and memories formed along the way as they prepare for what comes next.

There have been plenty of other moments to celebrate too, from sporting achievements and creative performances to student leadership, classroom discoveries and our Year 3 students winning the 2026 Adventist Primary Schools Health Video Competition.

Behind every event, achievement and opportunity has been a community of students, staff and families willing to get involved and support one another.

Thank you for being part of another memorable term at MAC. We wish our College community a safe and refreshing break and look forward to all that Term 4 will bring.

This exciting experience provided students with the opportunity to deepen their understanding of Australia's history, culture, heritage and democracy while creating lasting memories with their peers.

From the moment we arrived, our students embraced every opportunity to learn. A visit to Parliament House was a standout experience, particularly the role-play activity where students participated in a mock parliamentary debate. This hands-on experience helped them gain a deeper understanding of how laws are made in Australia. Students also had the privilege of meeting our local Federal Member, allowing them to make real-world connections to their classroom learning about government and democracy.

Old Parliament House provided valuable insights into Australia's political history, while the National Museum of Australia captivated students with its engaging exhibits that explored the stories, people and events that have shaped our nation. Geoscience Australia was another favourite, with students thoroughly enjoying the interactive displays and hands-on activities. Many students commented that it was one of the highlights of the trip and a place they would gladly visit again.

The learning continued at the National Gallery of Australia, where students explored impressive artworks and creative exhibitions. A visit to Mount Ainslie offered breathtaking views across the city, giving students a unique perspective of Canberra's carefully planned design. At the National Capital Exhibition, students learned about the history and development of Australia's capital and the important role it plays in our nation.

No trip to Canberra would be complete without a visit to Questacon. Students loved exploring the hands-on exhibits and participating in exciting science experiences that brought learning to life. 

Of course, camp was not just about learning. One of the biggest highlights was our evening at iPlay, where students enjoyed some well-earned fun, friendly competition and the opportunity to strengthen friendships. The laughter, teamwork and positive interactions made it a memorable experience for everyone.

This camp was far more than just a school excursion. It was an opportunity for students to grow in independence, build relationships, develop a deeper understanding of Australia and create memories that will stay with them for years to come.

A huge thank you to our staff for their dedication, care and enthusiasm throughout the camp. We would also like to extend our sincere thanks to our bus drivers, Robert and John, who kept us safe while making the journey enjoyable from start to finish.

Most importantly, congratulations to our amazing Year 6 students. Your enthusiasm, respect, resilience and positive attitude made this trip such a success. You represented our school with pride and should be incredibly proud of yourselves. Well done, Year 6!

Mr Goldfinch (Mr G)

At Macarthur Adventist College, we believe in making a difference through compassion, generosity and service. One way we put these values into action is by supporting the important work of the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA).

ADRA partners with communities across Australia and around the world, providing practical support to individuals and families experiencing hardship. From food assistance and emergency relief to community programs and disaster response, ADRA works to bring hope and help where it is needed most.

Our students have also had the opportunity to support ADRA firsthand, attending the Macquarie Fields site and giving their time in service to our local community. These experiences help our students see how practical acts of service can make a meaningful difference close to home.

We invite our College families to join them by considering a donation of quality clothing, household goods and other suitable items. Donations can be dropped off at the College or delivered directly to your local ADRA Op Shop or Community Centre.

Together, through giving our time and resources, we can continue to make a difference in the lives of others.

Learn more about ADRA Australia

Earlier this term, Year 3 brought their learning about healthy habits to life through a creative video focused on areas including looking after their teeth and staying hydrated.

Their efforts, along with the incredible support of our College community, have earned $1,000 for their class.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to vote, share the video and support our students throughout the competition.

Congratulations, Year 3! A wonderful achievement and a great way to finish the term.

Here's the winning submission from our Year 3 students.

Surrounded by family, staff and friends, our Year 12 students were recognised for their achievements and the journey that has brought them to this important milestone.

A central theme of the evening was resilience, with students encouraged to “keep on swimming” when life does not go according to plan or the path ahead feels uncertain. It was a fitting message as our graduates prepare to step beyond school and into new opportunities, challenges and experiences.

The evening also reflected an important part of their journey at MAC: the reminder that through uncertainty and change, God has a purpose and plan for each of us.

Graduation was also an opportunity to recognise the many people who have walked alongside the Class of 2026. Teachers, Year Coordinators, College leaders, chaplains, families and the wider MAC community have each played a part in supporting and encouraging these students throughout their time at the College.

As our graduates now look towards HSC examinations and life beyond school, we celebrate how far they have come and pray that they carry forward the faith, resilience, friendships and lessons developed during their years at MAC.

Congratulations to the Class of 2026. We are proud to celebrate this milestone with you and look forward to seeing where your next chapter takes you.

“This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”
Psalm 118:24

P.S Stay tuned for more photos. 

Year 12 students considering their next steps beyond school are encouraged to explore an exciting scholarship opportunity from Sanitarium Health and Wellbeing and the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

The 2027 Sanitarium Scholarship Program is open to Year 12 and Year 13 Adventist students across Australia and New Zealand.

The program includes 50% of tuition fees, mentorship and networking opportunities, and an 8–12 week paid internship for each year of study.

Applications close 9 October 2026. Interested students and families are encouraged to view the accompanying poster for further information and application details.

Between busy mornings, homework, dinner and everything in between, it can be easy to miss the little moments that matter. A quick chat in the car, sitting together at dinner or simply listening can help your child feel seen, valued and connected.

We encourage families to explore this valuable SchoolTV resource.

For further information, expert insights and practical resources:
Read the full SchoolTV edition

Life gets busy, and between work, family and everything else competing for our attention, looking after our own wellbeing can sometimes slip down the list.

You don’t need to read it all at once. Have a browse, bookmark the page and come back whenever you find a topic that speaks to you. There might just be something useful for you or your family.

Perfect for a little holiday reading with a coffee. ☕

Explore EAP Assist News & Resources

Volunteers assist with packing Flexischools orders, organising donated uniforms, updating stock and helping families access quality pre-loved uniform items.

We’re only asking for one Friday morning a month, so even a small commitment can make a meaningful difference.

When: Fridays, 8:45am–10:30am
Commitment: One Friday per month during school terms
Requirement: Current Working With Children Check (WWCC)

If you have a little time to spare and would like to support our College community, we’d love to have you join the team.

Sign up to volunteer:
VolunteerSignup - Online volunteer signup sheets - MAC ReLoved Uniform Shop signup sheet

Hope for Kids Speech Pathology offers assessment and therapy for children aged 0–16 years, supporting areas such as speech and language development, articulation, stuttering, literacy, and parent coaching. Services are available from The Hub at Macarthur Adventist College, with telehealth appointments also available for families requiring additional flexibility.

If you have questions about your child's communication or language development, or would like to enquire about services, please contact Hope for Kids Speech Pathology on 0433 153 668 or email [email protected]. Families can also join the waitlist to access services.

How to Order

1. Log in to Flexischools via the app or website.
2. Navigate to the MAC ReLoved Uniform Shop.
3. Browse the available items and select what you need.
4. Complete your order and payment through Flexischools.

Collecting Your Order

Orders placed during the week will be packed on Friday morning and delivered to the College Office. Students can then visit the Office to collect their ReLoved Uniform Shop order and take it home.

There is no need for parents or carers to come to the College to collect the order.

The ReLoved Uniform Shop provides families with an affordable and sustainable option while giving quality MAC uniforms another life.

Need an extra uniform item? Log in to Flexischools today to see what’s available and place your order.

*Yet to access Flexschools? Follow the instructions attached - Online_with_Flexischools_Flyer.pdf

A reminder to our parents and guardians that we have a dedicated Macarthur Adventist College Facebook Community for our College families.

It’s a great way to stay connected and keep up with college updates, reminders and what’s happening across our community.

Parents and guardians are welcome to join and stay in the loop.

Join our Facebook Community → Macarthur Adventist College Community | Facebook