A Seventh-day Adventist school in Victoria has reached a significant milestone, celebrating 30 years of providing Christian education to the community on October 20.
Gilson College began with 50 students in 1988 and has grown to more than 1200 students spanning two campuses. The growth has taken place under a team of principals—beginning with only a vision 30 years ago—Lyndon Chapman, Ron Hiscox, Peter Baskin, Chris Cowled and currently Mark Vodell. All of these past principals were present at this special occasion that was also attended by past and present students and staff.
The anniversary celebration was a day filled with stories and memories, musical items, creative expressions, drama presentations and an uplifting message from guest speaker Dr Daryl Murdoch, director of Adventist Education Australia.
Attendees could also walk through years of photos and memorabilia—from the beginnings of Gilson College to the present.
Current principal Mark Vodell shared his sentiments on the day: “To hear the past principals speak gave many [of us] a sense of God’s leading in our history. Then to see and hear our students and ex-students share their talents was certainly an inspiring time for the present.
“I remain hopeful about our future and our capacity to have a positive impact on the lives of tomorrow’s students and their families if we acknowledge our Lord and let Him direct our paths. Congratulations to Gilson College on this auspicious occasion.”
