While the rest of the school was winding down for the holidays, I had the privilege of heading west to regional NSW with over 50 incredible senior students and fellow staff members for STORMCo 2025. This year, we ran two trips; one to Narromine (a new location for us) and our long-standing legacy trip to Cobar, which has now been running for 27 years.
What stood out to me most on this trip was watching our students grow. I was so proud to see them develop their skills, confidence, faith, and leadership. I watched students who were hesitant to speak up or leave their close friend groups on day one become leaders by the end of the week. They discovered what they were capable of, and so did I.
What really moved me was how genuine they were in their service. STORMCo is an acronym for Service To Others Really Matters. It’s about living out our values and our faith. Jesus humbled himself to serve and die for everyone, without discrimination, so that we could all experience God’s love. STORMCo means loving like Jesus through service, with no strings attached, and that’s exactly what our students did. They didn’t do it for recognition or reward, they simply wanted to make a difference.
STORMCo is not a fun trip away with your friends. It’s not an excursion to see cool things in the outback. It’s hard work, uncomfortable living conditions, and long days. It’s being 'on' all the time, bringing your best energy even when you’re exhausted, or if you are not having the best day. Avondale students did us proud. They worked hard, really hard! Even when sweaty and dirty, with sore backs, deflated air mattresses, and tired eyes, they kept showing up as their best selves.
I came home exhausted, but with a heart full of gratitude, full of pride in our students and full of hope for what this next generation is capable of. STORMCo 2025 reminded me, once again, why we do what we do. We don’t just offer education at Avondale School; we get to be a part of who your children are becoming as future leaders!
Pr Bethany Chapman
Campus Ministries Chaplain
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