Founders’ Day: Honouring Our Past, Inspiring Our Future
Our Middle School, Year 9 and Senior School students and staff, together with the College Leadership Team, gathered at St Paul's Cathedral for our annual Founders' Day services.
Through scripture, prayer and messages from Rev. Peter Landry, Rev. Paul Priyajayanth, Rev. Canon Doctor Robert Derrenbecker, and a lively, relatable sermon from The Most Reverend Doctor Ric Thorpe, Archbishop of Melbourne, the College community was encouraged to reflect on the enduring legacy of our founders and the responsibility we all share in shaping the future of Overnewton.
A particularly meaningful part of the service was the Stories of Foundation, shared by foundation staff member Mr Clayton Martin and foundation student, now staff member, Ms Nicole Collins. Their heartfelt stories offered a powerful reminder that while much has changed over the years, the sense of community, opportunity and belonging that defines Overnewton remains as strong as ever.
Our Performing Arts students enriched the services with beautiful musical performances, filling the cathedral with moments of joy, reverence and celebration. Performances by the College Symphonic Band, College Choir, Year 5 & 6 Choir, String Orchestra, Year 7–12 Choir and Senior School instrumentalists showcased the remarkable talent of our students and the dedication of our music staff.
It was a wonderful day of gratitude and celebration, honouring the vision and values that have guided Overnewton since its foundation 39 years ago.
We acknowledge and pay respect to the Marin Balluk people of the Kulin Nation, the Traditional Custodians of the Land on which Overnewton Anglican Community College stands. We respect the knowledge that will be forever embedded within the Aboriginal Custodianship of Country and remember the loss of cultures, languages and Lands they have endured. Like the Marin Balluk people, we at Overnewton want to respect the Land, the cultures and the heritages, and learn from those who have come before us in the passing on of knowledge and the teaching of life skills, as well as continue with wise stewardship of our buildings and grounds. We honour their custodianship of this Land and offer them our deep respect.