Mr Hewitt moved to Wollongong at the beginning of 1988 and was introduced to an ICS that looked remarkably different from what it does now. The school was beginning its first year 8 class, a momentous milestone for a small, tight-knit community that encompassed 260 students from K-8. Mr Hewitt “was welcomed into a warm, engaging community... (with a) sense of ownership by the parents and staff”. He recalls the sense of belonging that the parents had, and the indispensable roles they played in their children's education. Whether that meant coming and assisting with classes, assisting with school fundraisers, or reading to the children, it created an effusive environment in which the children thrived.

How ICS has changed

A lot has changed since Mr Hewitt has left, such as prep being established, and the development of a second campus. Mr Hewitt has also witnessed many other changes at ICS, noting that “It has certainly changed a lot. It went from 260 children K-8 on one campus to nearly 900 students, K-12 across two campuses, with everything set up and prep ready to start the year after I left.” Mr Hewitt treasured the parent engagement in their child’s education as they often would aid teachers in classroom learning, however, parents are still contributing to excursions, reading groups, and other facets of ICS life. Mr Hewitt praised how ICS has remained true to its cause and continues to act in a “model Christian” way.

Encouragements

Mr Hewitt was, and continues to be, encouraged by the way that “there was a real desire to do things in an overtly Christian way”. Mr Hewitt and the board members made it their utmost priority to teach and nurture students not only in a way that honours God but one that reflects Him. He was also encouraged by the service-oriented nature of the community he encountered, observing practical projects that were rooted in core Biblical principles to care for the wider community.

Projects like supporting Somalia became a part of the school’s identity as a school that makes an effort to show God’s love and genuinely cares and prays for those who need it. The fact that the school could band together and put their faith into action was incredibly encouraging. It became a common practice that each classroom had a child they supported through World Vision, and 2⁄3 of the items students made through TAS subjects were shared with the community. Mr Hewitt said that these “were practical examples for the children to learn about God’s love and then a chance for them to put it into practice.”

Challenges as Principal

Mr Hewitt was faced with many challenges when first taking on the role of the principal in a new school environment. There were many practical challenges, like moving onto a bigger site on which the school remains today. But a primary challenge in those earlier days was the education itself. While there was the blessing of a myriad of teachers, all with incredible gifts that they used to serve the school, designing the curriculum was no small feat. There was the need to “develop a curriculum and student’s nurture program (that was) overtly Christian”. Building up the student’s understanding of God’s word, and His love for people and creation was something that Mr Hewitt wanted to emphasise through education. His goal was to “develop a Christian model of education in a way students would enjoy, parents would be excited about, and would equip teachers to do it”. This is a lot easier said than done, as it means designing education in a way that not only produces high-quality learning outcomes but also reflects it through the God and Christian faith. Mr Hewitt’s commitment to this goal has deeply influenced the nature of ICS’s curriculum today.

What Mr Hewitt learned from his time at ICS

The great thing about working in a community with many like-minded people is that problems are not faced alone. Mr Hewitt noted that “God gives gifts all to his people differently”, “and when they exercise them in the community, it is enriched so much”. Mr Hewitt recalls many times when he was able to open up spaces for people to develop and use their gifts for the community. As a leader, he learned how to “encourage and train people to know what their abilities are and to be able to develop them to the fullest extent”. For instance, Mr Holmes’ theology degree was regularly put to use as “his theological insight was invaluable to the whole school community”. Mrs Hick also had a gift for caring for students who had learning difficulties; she developed programs and personally engaged with students, helping them to grow. Mr Hewitt found that the community thrived when people learned how to use and grow their gifts. Contributing to something so valuable and unique that “the school was enriched by it”.

Stories from Mr Hewitt’s time at ICS

Mr Hewitt recalls his time at ICS fondly and shared some of his favourite memories with us. After the B block was built, they installed a drainage pipe to carry water off the hill. Shortly after that was put in, there was a heavy rainstorm. The pipe was blocked and water was lapping at the door of the library, so Mr Hewitt had to pull up his trousers and sleeves and unclog the pipe. All the kids watched on in amusement, as the respectable principal was soaking wet. The second of these hilarious stories is the time when kindergarteners came and told him that there was a snake outside their classroom. Mr Hewitt came with them, and sure enough, there was the snake. Mr Hewitt then asked for two rulers, and using the rulers as chopsticks, the held the head of the snake and dragged it away.

Exciting Changes for the Future

Mr Hewitt has been with ICS from the very beginning. In 40 years, ICS is still maintaining a servant-hearted education, working hard to serve Jesus, while training students to do the same through their gifts and abilities. Mr Hewitt recalled his excitement “to see the way (ICS) navigates through a world where Christian values are under increasing pressure”, and his pride in the way “ICS has done it intelligently, not alienating, but telling the truth”. He looks forward to a bright future for the school, continuing to encourage the gifts of students and building the community within it.

Illawarra Christian School opened in 1982, 40 years ago. Each year has been instrumental in further developing the community-centered, faithful and encouraging environment it is today. Mr Hewitt has been an irreplaceable, active member of the school, and looks back fondly on his memorable years of education and service at ICS. Mr Hewitt’s integral role in developing the Christian core at the heart of ICS has a palpable impact. 

Journalism Club

Written by William Grice, Ella Story, and Jo Newing