Conduits of Community

SRE teacher Warren (Waz) and Chaplain Jackie came from two very different places to find their home at Wyong High.

But they are now heading in the same direction: to love and serve the community with God’s hope… and you are helping them get there.

While Jackie felt called to her role, with family members who were involved in chaplaincy, for Waz SRE teaching wasn’t his plan.

“It was never my desire to become a Scripture teacher. No way! My story is one of opposites. I’ve worked out with God that whatever you don’t want God generally places you in. I’ve also realised with God that he’s got a sense of humour,” reflects Warren.

While he might not have foreseen this role, he agrees with Jackie that it has been life-changing for both the students and himself.

“God’s had me doing this work for four and half years and I can tell you I’ve learnt more about faith, more about myself, and more about humanity in high schools than I’ve ever learnt in my 40 years of life, in all my years of Bible college and church.”

“It’s my training ground. I’m blessed to be here two days a week. It’s my home. This is where I’ve learnt a lot about relationships.

“You learn that kids read you before they read your theology. Sometimes kids are hungry and just want to be fed. The work we do is relational. Whether it’s teaching, whether it’s listening, it’s incredible but it also takes time. It takes patience.

“When you intentionally listen you get to know kids,” says Waz.

For Jackie, being part of the High School’s Wellbeing team has been amazing, as well as being able to link in with the local community.

She recently had the privilege of distributing congratulatory gifts of chocolates and drinks from the local churches to the Year 12s with a little note and a Bible verse.

One solid example of the community coming together is the recent “ Wyong’s Got Talent” night held to raise money for the work of SRE. Principal Rodney Hill attended, along with 8 staff members, and 180 others. With 35 acts, the night was a celebration of the goodness of the work being done at the school.

“Being a conduit of the love from the local community, particularly the church community is a real privilege,” reflects Jackie.