Chaplains Corner

Welcoming Ballantine Memorial High School from Fiji

On Tuesday 25 August, MLC School warmly welcomed 21 students and eight teachers from Ballantine Memorial High School in Suva, Fiji, as part of their two-week immersion and cultural tour in Australia. It was a joy to host our visitors and to share something of the life, learning, and spirit of our school community.

Ballantine Memorial High School shares much in common with MLC School. Like us, it is an all-girls school, and it is also grounded in the Wesleyan tradition as a Methodist Church school in Fiji. This shared heritage provided a meaningful connection between our schools and reminded us of the strength of education shaped by faith, service, community, and care for others.

During their visit, the group toured the College and joined us for our weekly worship service in the gym. The highlight of the gathering was sharing in the reflection on Jesus’ Parable of the Lost Coin from Luke 15:8–10. The message reminded us that every person is precious to God, that no one is invisible, and that we are called to notice, welcome, include, and celebrate one another.

This message was especially fitting as we welcomed guests from another girls’ school in the Pacific whose story, values, and faith tradition resonate with our own. In worship, we were reminded that Christian community extends beyond borders, and that the bonds of faith and sisterhood can help us recognise the value and dignity of every person.

Our visitors were especially impressed by the five Year 12 girls who served as tour guides, warmly and confidently sharing the life of MLC School with grace and hospitality. In turn, our girls deeply appreciated the beautiful singing offered by the Fijian students, which brought joy, cultural richness, and a special sense of connection to our gathering.

We give thanks for the opportunity to meet the students and staff of Ballantine Memorial High School and pray that their time in Australia will continue to be rich with learning, friendship, and cultural exchange. We hope their visit to MLC School was a warm and memorable part of their journey.

– Rev. Viniana Ravetali
Senior Chaplain