The spiritual retreat, themed Thrive, was held at the Hornsby RSL on 13 July.

Staff members led out in praise and worship this year; an addition that La-Dean Malifa, Departmental Assistant for Sydney Adventist Schools and one of the organisers of the event recognised as having a positive overall outcome on the worship. “To hear all of them singing, coming together to sing about how awesome our God is, and connecting through that regardless of their different journeys was so affirming.”

One other change in program this year was beginning with the spiritual retreat and then holding CAPE/CASE. “This was the first year that we’ve held the spiritual retreat before CAPE/CASE,” La-Dean notes. “I feel this allowed our focus through all the professional development to be on what our mission is and the importance to keep God first.”

CAPE/CASE was held at the Mountain View Adventist College campus this year and focused on “Belonging” in areas of relationships, safety and identity. These sessions allowed staff to continue to develop and improve in their teaching and equipped them to provide the best for their students and fulfil their mission at work.

“The networking and sense of community that grows out of this event is invaluable,” Browyn Goodwin, deputy principal and teacher for Wahroonga Adventist School, shared.  “It reminds us that we are all serving the same Jesus and making a difference together, for eternity.”

Contributed by Anjuli Cruz, Sydney Adventist Schools Marketing Manager