Cornerstone Christian College is delighted to announce that, thanks to a generous donation, land has been secured for a campus in the Dunsborough area.

George and Win Burt have been a part of the Cornerstone family from its very inception.   Archive records show that George Burt was part of the committee, that in 1983, cast a vision for a new form of education for the Busselton area.  The result was that in 1986 Cornerstone Christian Community School was born.

In the subsequent decades, George and Win have made the decision to subdivide land they resided on in Dunsborough, and during this process, they began to seriously consider the possibility of providing land for a second Cornerstone campus. The result is that their subdivision is just reaching completion now, and that a parcel of land is now in the hands of Cornerstone.

Principal, Bruce Douglas, is understandably delighted with this outcome.

‘This generous donation of land by George and Win Burt is providing Cornerstone with the exciting opportunity to progress towards a potential campus to the Dunsborough community’, he said.

He continued by saying: ’The whole idea that George and Win were founding parents some 26 years ago, and have watched the College grow to be all that it is today is exciting.  Their belief in the form of education that Cornerstone provides is so strong that they have made this generous donation of land.   This gift of 6 and a half hectares, shows the servant hearted generosity they have, and the depth of feeling they have for all that the College is.  It is awe-inspiring.  Further, to name the road ‘Cornerstone Way’, in itself, is testament to their appreciation for the difference that a Cornerstone education can provide.’

During this past week, George and Win met with current Board Chairman, Dr Gavin Riches, and Principal, Bruce Douglas, and showed them the development as it now stands.  The street sign clearly shows that this is now Cornerstone ground, and George is delighted.

‘I can’t wait to look out my shed, and see children playing on the school oval’, he said.  ‘It is so lovely to think that we are able to make this possible, and that a new generation of children and families will get to experience ‘The Cornerstone Way’.

The process of application for operation is still underway – with the current school having applied for Advanced Determination for a school in Dunsborough. This is progressing well, and currently the College is about to commence a strategic campaign to obtain expressions of interest from future students. With the appointment of a new Promotions Officer for Dunsborough, Luci Tang, the people in Dunsborough can expect to see a display in Centrepoint Shopping Centre in Dunsborough in the next few months.  This will launch the College’s appeal for parents to register their interest. Documents are currently being produced, and a designated website, facebook account and twitter account will keep the community involved in the process and abreast of developments.

It is anticipated that the school (providing Government approval is received), will commence in 2015, initially catering for Kindy to Year 6. Within 5 years, it could be a Kindy to Year 10 campus. As for the current Busselton school, which is nearing capacity, this Dunsborough campus may release a small number of places at Busselton, but is more likely to provide an alternative educational option for current residents of Dunsborough. It will be modelled on the existing Cornerstone College.

As for this handover of titles, there is no doubting the significance this land donation holds, and of the exciting opportunities that both Cornerstone, and the Dunsborough community have before them in the years ahead.

George and Win Burt are leaving a legacy for generations to come.  Because of this gift, in the course of time, Cornerstone will bring independent Christian Education to a new area of the Southwest.

Jacob French is a graduate of Cornerstone Christian College, whose amazing walk across Australia with the aim of raising funds for the Starlight foundation, has attracted international attention.

Jacob has just completed a journey across the nation, but not as most would do.  Jacob has been dressed as a Storm Trooper, and has raised over $100,000 during the past nine months to benefit sick children.

Back in August 2011, Jacob took the time to visit the College (a previous post can provide the motivation behind his journey), and since then, Jacob’s journey has captured the attention of media and fans across the world. Back then, a television crew spent the day with him, and his story appeared on the Australian Sunrise program.  A link to that story can be found here.  Newspapers across the nation featured him as he passed through their towns, garnishing support for him as he went.  His story was featured in press from across the globe and the support was so strong, that Jacob increased his original goal of raising $50,000 to $100,000 – and he surpassed even that.

During his journey, Jacob was advised that he has also been selected as a finalist in the Vegemite ‘Toast of a Nation’ award, which will put him in the running for a great cash prize, and a vegemite jar created in his honour. Jacob’s less than common appearance has since graced the shelves of supermarkets Australia wide.

On April 11, Jacob finally crossed the line in Sydney – with a special welcome planned for him by the Starlight Foundation.  After completing the formalities and media interviews, Jacob was happy to hang his suit up and rest.

The plane ride home is sure to be much easier than the journey over.   Jacob endured the harsh Australian summer, traffic, flies, thunderstorms and illness as he walked – making his feat even more inspiring.

Jacob’s parents (Mandy was Cornerstone’s Uniform Shop Manager for years and Paul was a gardener and cleaner) as well as his siblings (who all are, or who have been students at Cornerstone) were there as he crossed the line.  There is no-one prouder than they.

To see the interview with David Koch on Sunrise upon his completion, follow this link.

To see him on State GWN News, follow this link.

To see Jacob’s journey unfold through his eyes, visit his face-book page here.  No one can tell the story better than he.  This also provides links to making a donation to his worthy cause.

Wonderful work Jacob.  We celebrate your amazing journey.  Well done.

Cornerstone Graduate, Jacob French, has continued to gather international attention with his unique journey to raise funds for the Starlight Foundation.  Jacob is walking across Australia, dressed as a Storm Trooper.

With 4500 people following his journey on-line, having raised to date almost $25,000, and interest gathering momentum, Jacob is putting his body on the line in the name of sick children.

Back in August, Jacob took the time to visit the College (a previous post can provide the motivation behind his journey), and since then, Jacob’s journey has captured the attention of media and fans across the world.  Just this week, a television crew spent the day with him, and his story appeared on the Australian Sunrise program.  A link to that story can be found here.  This same story also appeared on National News coverage across Australia.

Jacob was recently advised that he has also been selected as a finalist in the Vegemite ‘Toast of a Nation’ award, which will put him in the running for a great cash prize, and a vegemite jar created in his honour.  If you wish to vote for Jacob in this endeavour, yet another link to him can be found here.

We will continue to follow Jacob’s story with interest.  If you wish to donate towards his worthy cause, visit his face-book page here.

Good on you Jacob.  We are very proud of you.

Former Cornerstone student, Jacob French, is taking a huge step towards raising funds for the Starlight Foundation – a charity that raises awareness and funds for desperately ill children.  Infact, so huge is his step, that it will take him completely across the Australian continent.

It is no secret that Jacob is an avid Star Wars fanatic, but Jacob is also a believer in making a difference for others.  This marriage of personal passions has resulted in him donning his favourite costume, and using this one love (that of Star Wars), for the advance of another – that of helping those less fortunate.

One day, after walking home from work, he decided that it was time to make a difference.  He came to the conclusion that his fitness made it entirely possible to walk across the country for a worthy cause.  But Jacob wants to attract as much attention as he can, and what better way than by wearing a Storm Trooper costume.

Jacob’s interest in inter-galactic fiction, has already led him to being on Hey Hey It’s Saturday, and being responsible for the care of Plucka-Duck.  He has been on music videos, television, and other high profile events, all with his identity guarded cleverly with his distinctive white helmet.  This latest event promises to bring results for young boys and girls that he may never meet, and few will see his identity as they donate towards the cause he is supporting.

Jacob departs from Perth on Sunday, and expects to walk for the next five months.  With the plan to walk 40 kms a day, for 6 days per week, the journey will be long.  He will push a cart with him, filled with the supplies he will need between towns, with a support crew with him for only parts of the journey.  For the most part, the journey will be completed as a solo challenge.

If you wish to support Jacob in his cause, you can visit his facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Troopertrek-2011/191534147550377.  Details of making donations are available at this site.  He will also carry a solar phone and laptop with him, to update interested followers of his journey as he progresses.

Jacob’s time with Cornerstone students today was quite inspiring.  He has a simple, yet worthy view of life.

‘It is great to use your passions and interests for the betterment of others.  To do so is incredibly exciting’.

Well done Jacob.  We wish you every success in your endeavours.

NB – Since the writing of this item, Jacob has commenced his journey and is attracting media attention from across the globe.  He has been interviewed and promoted in Australia, New Zealand, the USA, and Sweden.  He is on the front page of Busselton’s local paper today, as well the feature in a beautiful photograph on Page 3 of the West Australian.  Great work Jacob!  We are cheering you on.

Cornerstone Christian College is delighted to advise that one of its former students, Phillip Taylor, has been named on the Vice-Chancellors list at Curtin University. 

The VC list was created in 1991, to celebrate the academic excellence of under-graduate students.  Being listed, requires the student to have results in the top 1%. 

Phillip was a Year 12 student at Cornerstone, in 2008.  His academic results were impressive even then, and Phillip walked away from his time with the College with a TER score of 94.5.  He elected to go into Physiotherapy, with the aim of  owning and operating his own practice in years to come.  With results like this, there is no doubt that Phillip is proving his worth in his chosen field,  and that dream is very much alive.

Recipients of the VC list, receive a number of privileges.  Amongst them are the opportunity to participate in additional learning, access to the staff and VC library, presentation of a lapel pin at an award ceremony, and the knowledge that their academic record is annotated to show their achievement.

Last weekend, Phillip was presented with his award at a special ceremony.  Proud parents, Peter & Helen (Peter is a teacher at Cornerstone) were in attendance and were delighted to see Phillip receive acknowledgement for his hard work.

‘Phillip is quiet about his achievement.  We are very pleased with his results and proud of the award he has received’, Peter said.

Phillip is surprised at the honour, but delighted that his efforts have been recognised.

‘I have tried to do well.  I have figured that it was pointless to study with the aim being of just getting a pass mark.  In a course like Physiotherapy, the more I learn and the better I perform, there are naturally going to be benefits to my patients in the future.  I have just tried to do my best”.

Congratulations Phillip.

Ben Wyatt was one of the founding students at Cornerstone Christian College back in 1986. Ben and his peers were taught in a one room classroom that operated out of the old Church of Christ Manse in Rosemary Drive, Busselton.  From such humble beginnings, Ben’s story since those early days at Cornerstone has been far from ordinary.

Academically, Ben’s results from his Secondary Education earnt him a place at Curtin University, studying Chemistry. However, halfway through his studies, Ben began to feel a calling on his life to serve God in a vastly different way. This challenge to step away from tradition found him on board the Doulos, a mission ship that provides literature, resources and support for people around the world. The motto of the fleet of ships the Doulos is a part of is ‘bringing knowledge, help and hope to the people of the world’.

Ben spent four years on board, particularly utilising his organisational skills in preparing ports for a visit by the Doulos. His work was primarily in dealing with the authorities at each port, obtaining the necessary permissions, organising programs and working on the publicity for each port stop.

Ben stepped aside from life on board upon his marriage, and worked at the head office for OM Ships in Germany for the next four years. He has been part of the project team which began to plan, fundraise, recruit people, research ships and finally refurbish the newest ship in the OM fleet. In 2009 Logos Hope was launched and it now makes its way around the world investing in the lives of countless men and women.

Ben is now based in Mosbach Germany. He and his wife and young son are involved in the preparations for the Logos Hope to visit countries in the Mediterranean, including North Africa. He is excited by the challenges he faces, and delights in seeing God do the extra-ordinary.

Ben is a humble and ordinary guy, who does not see himself as inspirational, but ‘a repeatedly failing ragamuffin somehow being used, only by the grace of God’. He sees what many would perceive as difficulties or problems as a thrilling adventure. His trust in a faithful God has left an indelible mark on him as a man who loves life and can’t wait to see what is just around the corner.

Ben’s experiences have been nothing short of amazing. He has experienced God opening the door for the Doulos to visit many ‘closed’ nations, like Vietnam, Brunei, China, and in countries in North Africa and the Middle East.

In Taiwan he was kidnapped by a religious cult and taken to their headquarters. In this instance, rather than fear for himself, he and his colleagues used the opportunity to share with their kidnappers the reason for their own faith. They were released after the kidnappers failed to convert them.

Ben has taken every opportunity to demonstrate Godly values in his work. He and his colleagues refuse to pay the bribes often expected in societies crippled by corruption. Usually after many hours of discussion the conclusion is reached that Ben won’t pay or meet their demands. In everything they do, the OM team aims to reflect the character God requires.

His cultural experiences have been quite extra-ordinary, from being jammed on a nine seater van which carried 20 people and then caught on fire in transit, through to experiencing some unusual and often concerning medical treatments in third world countries.

At the heart of Ben’s work, is a desire to see the peoples of the world touched by the love of God. Some of the highlights of his time with Operation Mobilisation (OM) are undoubtedly the strong friendships and ministry opportunities he has experienced in the most unlikely of places.

As to the future, Ben isn’t sure at this point. He and his young family may remain with the ships, or possibly consider land-based opportunities in North Africa or the Middle East. Where-ever it is, Ben firmly believes that life is a journey of faith. ‘A challenging but thrilling adventure as we see the twists and turns that God takes us along, step by step.’

For more information on OM and the work Ben is actively a part of, you can take a look at their website at www.omships.org (.)

Cornerstone Christian College began in 1986 with a single class of 17 students.  Then known as the Cornerstone Christian Community School, it operated out of the Church of Christ manse in Rosemary Drive, Busselton.

From such humble beginnings, the College has now grown to be the educational institution of choice for nearly 400 students, and over these past two and a half decades, has seen over 2500 students pass through its doors.

In recognition of the many students who once called Cornerstone home, a Cornerstone Alumni has been established, with the aim of celebrating the achievements of past students.

Cornerstone is aiming to re-establish relationships with former students and for the long and proud history of the College to be celebrated amongst those who have benefited from their association with it.  The benefits of inspiring current students with the successes of their predecessors is obviously advantageous for the College and the community.

Past pupils and parents are currently being sought to subscribe to the Alumni fraternity.  As such, an invitation is being issued to graduates and other connected parties to contact the initiator of this project, Mr David van der Tang at the following email address: davidvandertang@cornerstone.wa.edu.au

The Cornerstone Alumni is still in its early stages, but initially the opportunity to subscribe to the current College newsletter as well as the Alumni fraternity will be provided.

If you are aware of any persons that would be interested, please have them contact the College in the manner noted above.

It has become a tradition for many Year 12 graduates to take a year off from their education before University. The need to work and save towards the costs involved in a tertiary education can make this process quite necessary, and our students have taken many paths to fill the gap year.

Former Cornerstone student Ruby Burke has taken a different route from many, but it has proven to be a valuable experience. She has spent the year in the RAAF in their Gap Year program.

According to the RAAF website, the Gap Year initiative offers a number of benefits. ‘The ADF Gap Year – Air Force program offers a ‘try before you buy’ experience of Air Force training and lifestyle for young men and women, without any obligation to serve beyond the 12 month program.’ Gap Year participants are also provided with free medical and dental care in addition to a very attractive salary. With these benefits, it is an option that is worthy of consideration.

Ruby has learnt a great deal during her time with the air-force. She has had the opportunity to travel all over Australia, participate in training, learnt defence techniques, riden in black hawk helicopters, flown in a Hercules and even visited the international Avalon airshow.

According to Ruby she can thoroughly recommend the experience. ‘I would recommend it to anyone….if you can get through the first few weeks you discover a lot about yourself…..I know for sure I am so much more confident in myself than I was before. Add to that the really good pay, and the fact that there is this whole new massive community that is now open to me that I would never have even considered before. I really loved it’’, she said.

As for the future, Ruby also believes that her short stint in the Australian Defence Force looks tremendous on her resume. She is set up financially for University this year too, having had the chance to save enough to support herself for the first six months before she can qualify for a Youth Allowance.  Ruby will commence a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in March.

All in all, the experience is one she would urge others to consider as a viable option for filling the gap year.  Well done Ruby!