This year Norwest and Ngarra Christian Colleges enter the final year of our 5 Year Strategic Plan . We are not only excited about the future , including the development of our Gables campus , but we are also taking a moment to reflect on the remarkable journey that has brought us here .

In 2025 , we are celebrating a Year of Gratitude . A time dedicated to focusing on honouring our collective achievements , acknowledging the incredible community that has supported us , and giving thanks for the journey we have experienced together .

At Norwest and Ngarra Christian Colleges , we are also committed to fostering an environment where students not only excel academically but also thrive emotionally and spiritually . In an ever-changing world , stress and anxiety

can be overwhelming . We recognize the importance of taking time to stop , reflect and be grateful for how far we have come .

Neuroscience [ 1 ] has shown that the brain cannot focus on both anxiety and gratitude at the same time . When we intentionally engage in gratitude , we activate pathways in the brain that reduce the body ’ s stress response and increase the production of serotonin — the “ feel-good ” neurotransmitter . This process helps shift our emotional state toward calm and a sense of peace , allowing us to better cope with the challenges we face .

This is particularly powerful for students , as stress and anxiety can impact their ability to focus , learn , and grow . By incorporating gratitude practices into our daily routines , it can help build resilience and emotional intelligence , essential qualities for lifelong success . Whether it ’ s

through reflection , journalling , or simply taking a moment each day to acknowledge the positive aspects of our lives , we are empowered to create a mindset that nurtures peace and wellbeing .

This concept of peace through gratitude is not new . Scripture also provides valuable insight into the transformative power of gratitude . Philippians 4:6-7 reminds us , “ Do not be anxious about anything , but in every situation , by prayer and petition , with thanksgiving , present your requests to God . And the peace of God will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus .”

Gratitude , when combined with prayer , is a powerful way to calm the mind and heart . Allowing individuals to focus on what truly matters and approach each day with a renewed sense of purpose and joy .

As we celebrate this Year of Gratitude ,

we hope to encourage a mindset of appreciation . This mindset will be nurtured both within our students and the college community . As we come to the completion of our 5 Year Strategic Plan , we are also celebrating our new building projects and looking forward to exciting new developments . We do all of this with a deep sense of gratitude and are grateful for everything that has shaped our past , present , and future .

We look forward to continuing to grow together , grounded in gratitude , and inspired by the exciting future that lies ahead .

If you would like more information about education at Norwest Christian College , please visit www . norwest . nsw . edu . au .

[ 1 ] Forbes , “ A Psychologist Explains How to Hack

Your Brain ’ s Gratitude Circuit ,” May 22 , 2024 .