From the Principal: Welcome to 2025

WORDS: Michelle Cockrell

A warm welcome back to school

I would like to extend a very warm welcome to all our families returning to school on Tuesday and especially to new families joining us for the first time. We hope that you will feel most welcome, and we are delighted to have you join our ECC community.

It was an absolute delight to greet students and their families today at our Primary Meet-and-Greet morning. There was great enthusiasm as students met their teachers, connected with their peers and shared holiday stories.

Capital Works Update

Over the holidays, we made some exciting improvements to our campus. Brand-new chilled water stations have been installed throughout the grounds, ensuring everyone stays well-hydrated—particularly as we head into the warmer weeks ahead.

Additionally, as part of our ongoing redevelopment, I’m pleased to share that new fencing will be installed along the property’s perimeter. This project is scheduled for completion during Term 1 and reflects our continued commitment to creating a safe and welcoming environment for all.

At Ellenbrook Christian, we are dedicated to providing an exceptional education in 2025 and beyond. Thank you for choosing to partner with us in nurturing a generation of young men and women who love God, embrace life, and are equipped to make a meaningful difference in the world.

 

Staff Profile: ECC’s New Head of Secondary – Mr Douglas Lake

Mr Douglas Lake’s journey to becoming our new Head of Secondary is anything but ordinary. 

Born in Harare, Zimbabwe, he’s packed more into his life than most. He’s taught in three countries, kept teenagers in line as a housemaster, patrolled the streets of England as a police officer (complete with riot control duties!), and still found time to master the art of making chilli preserves.

As Doug reflects on his time serving the Lincolnshire Police as a Patrol Officer and part of the PSU (Public Order and Riot Control), he says it was “an incredible part of my life where I learnt a great deal about self-control in challenging circumstances and in the importance of teamwork and camaraderie.”

He credits his interest in education to his Headmaster (Principal) in Secondary School, stating, “(he) inspired me to become a teacher. He knew every student and every parent in a large school and knew something significant about each one of them. He was a great ‘inspirer of people’. ” 

Fast forward to now, with 33 years of experience in education, Doug has decided to share his expertise with the ECC team; he brings a wealth of global experience, steadfast faith and a heart for leadership; we can’t wait to see his impact on our school.

Married to Jane, a neonatal nurse, for 31 years and proud dad to Jonathan (24) and Elijah (27), the Lake family admits that their small pavement special dog, Zorra, rules their home life.

We can’t wait to see how Mr Lake’s unique blend of experiences, humour, and passion will enrich our school. Join us in warmly welcoming Mr Doug Lake to the ECC team.