In the final weeks of Year 12, Mrs Marlow and Mr Wood meet with small groups of Year 12 students for 'Exit Interviews.' It's an informal chat through the big picture stuff about life and education at Norwest Christian College, as students reflect on their time with us in their final days. Last week I had the privilege of joining one group, and it has renewed my passion again for the work that we are doing here. The feedback from this particular group of students can be summarized into 3 key areas; teachers, community, and faith.

Teachers

The students were overwhelmingly positive about teachers and staff playing a significant part in their schooling years. It's these relationships that they appreciate most. Izzy shared that despite some teachers not having taught her for a few years, there is one in particular who still sets aside time for catch-up lunches, purely to check-in with her and her friends. Dhwani shared that "teachers from Year 7 still know me and want to maintain the relationship." They reflected on staff showing the love of Jesus, as they "do life together" with our students, always encouraging them to focus and do their best. Mrs Marlow shared that with them that "while we can't see God, He shows us His love through others. You have experienced the love of God through the love of your teachers."

Community

Emily shared her appreciation for the "caring and compassionate atmosphere of the school" and Izzy reflected on the "closeknit community, especially across grades." Live@Norwest is regularly brought up in these conversations, and the openness that students have to "give it a crack," knowing that they will be supported and uplifted for their courage. According to one student, Norwest gives everyone "space to be yourself, but you're also proud to be part of the collective." What an amazing catchphrase for the work that Our Norwest Foundation is embarking on too. A safe place for all those within our community to celebrate the way God has designed them.

Faith

Seeing the impact that God is having in the lives of individual students is a tremendous joy. One reflection brought tears to Mrs Marlow's eyes, as they shared that "before coming to Norwest, I'd heard a couple of talks about God, but it's impossible for me, or anyone, to deny that God is a possibility." Knowing that God is opening up hearts and minds to the truth of His existence, through Norwest, is pretty incredible. Others shared that although they don't have a personal faith, they still found acceptance from friends and staff for their choice, and another shared that her faith has been strengthened through her time at Norwest.

This brief snapshot summarizing years of education at Norwest showcases that, along with academic development for each individual student, the things we hope to develop in them is becoming a reality, in their own unique way.