For the past eighteen years, Mr Gary Brummell has led Regents Park Christian School as Principal. As Mr Brummell prepares to leave our corridors, let’s reflect on the ways in which he has blessed, strengthened and guided our school.
Mr Brummell began his time at Regents Park Christian School around Easter, 2000. Back then, the school was known as Christian Community High School (CCHS) and encompassed Year 7 to Year 12. Mr Brummell stepped into the role ready to grow after holding the Assistant Principal position at Toongabbie Christian School.
His vision and passion for education has led the school into a period of growth and transformation. Under his leadership we have seen the school develop from a High School into a Kindergarten to Year 12 school. With the merger of South Granville Primary School and Christian Community High School, Regents Park Christian School was formed. A new name for a new era. Mr Brummell steered the way in the development of school facilities allowing us to have both the Primary and Secondary on one premises. We saw buildings built, our land boundaries grow and our teaching facilities updated with new technology and resources. Mr Brummell has provided training and development for all staff and introduced teaching methods that were designed to cater for students’ needs.
Another vision of Mr Brummell’s was to see the school become a leader in its commitment to Christ-centred learning. This Christ-centred learning was founded on a commitment to community. We have seen this vision come to light through the development of Biblical based learning programs across all stages and subjects. The school has learnt the importance of not only teaching the subject content but how to teach that content with a Godly and Biblical underlay.
Mr Brummell has seen the importance of how education needs to become more student-centred with an emphasis on integrating learning with the Wellbeing of the students. With this new direction we have seen a shift in the way that we view our school community. He has taught us that we need to view students as a person first, a student second and as a HSC candidate third. This shift in thinking has allowed us to focus on the Wellbeing of our students in the classroom and has helped develop students who are willing to learn and take responsibility for their learning.
Lastly and most importantly, we have seen our students and staff grow on a spiritual level. With his encouragement we have seen our Camps, Missions and Ministry week in the Secondary evolve beyond anything we could have imagined. What used to be a week of fun with class mates from year groups has transformed into students from across all grades uniting with excitement and passion for a week of Biblical teaching, group bonding and Godly encounters. We are seeing a passion and a drive in students to enter the mission fields whether it be in the local community, regional Australia or overseas to spread the love of Christ and to care for people.
When asked what he will miss most about being part of RPCS he replied with:
“Being a servant to this community, assisting students and staff who wanted to be supported and encouraged in their spiritual walk and professional journey. It was been an honour to serve people who were willing to trust me to be part of their lives.”
Gary, you have been a servant to this community for many years and you have impacted the lives of many people. You have encouraged students and staff to be the best that they can be. You have supported us in our development, you have been the shoulder to cry on and have provided countless words of wisdom for all who sought them. Thank you for the countless hours of preparation, the memorable graduation addresses, the countless devotions and for the way in which you have made our school community a richer place to be a part of. May God bless you and your family into the future and thank you again for being our Principal.
