The School recently commissioned Reverend David Deeny as the new School Chaplain. Over 1000 invited guests, teachers and students from Years 6 to 11 gathered on Thursday 22nd September 2016 for the commissioning ceremony.
The service was led by The Right Reverend Bishop Jeremy James, Assistant Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Perth. Prayers of thanksgiving were read by the School’s Chapel Prefects, Francine van den Berg and Cormac Hall, 2017 Student Leaders, Jake Alderson (Head Boy), Astha Sinha (Head Girl), Krishan Nain (Deputy Head Boy) and Nicola Viviers (Deputy Head Girl) along with the School’s Principal, Mr Julian Dowse, and the CEO of the Anglican Schools Commission, Reverend Peter Laurence OAM. The School band provided musical accompaniment during the service.
Invited priests from other Anglican Schools Commission schools and parishes helped to deliver the Eucharist to the large congregation. During Holy Communion, the voices of close to 100 Year 6 students joyfully sung 10,000 Reasons, written by Matt Redman.
Reverend Deeny has been at the School since July 2016. His commissioning was an opportunity for him to be formally welcomed by the School community and presented with his licence by the Anglican Diocese of Perth.
South African born, a former banker turned Geography teacher and now Chaplain, Reverend Deeny received his Holy Orders in England in 2006. He has quickly become well liked at the School being known for his positive outlook and demeanour.
Reverend Deeny expressed his excitement about working at a new School and supporting his new congregation:
“It is a pleasure to be working with the people in this School community. The students are young and vibrant with an eagerness to learn. The staff are hardworking and dedicated to their calling in education. As a community the students and staff are supported by caring families. We are on a spiritual journey and it is my privilege as Chaplain to walk with them on this journey,” said Reverend Deeny.
The School anticipates that its religious education programme and culture of worship will go from strength to strength under the guidance of our new Chaplain.