There are so many thought-provoking ideas that emerge from our wonderful group of AISNT Schools, all of which have their own

individual character. Understanding these schools can lead to a Principal developing new ideas for their own school. The school I’m profiling this week is Sattler Christian College whose motto is: “Growing in Wisdom- Learning to love”.

Often in Australian History distance becomes an issue. And so it was with Sattler, known originally as Litchfield Christian School. A group of parents living in the Rural Area south of Darwin had been transporting their children to Marrara and Palmerston Christian schools and they wanted one they could use locally. In 1990 the parents in this the rural community on the outskirts of Darwin, sought to establish a Christian school in the area. In many of our schools it has been parents taking the initiative and driving the creation of a new school. This takes confidence, determination, huge commitment and resolve not to be daunted by the challenge. Litchfield Christian School was an example of this.

In 1996, with the assistance of the Northern Territory Christian Schools Association, Litchfield Christian School was started at Bees Creek with three primary classes. Parents were heavily involved and the buildings, designed for the tropics, became a feature. The school was built “in a spacious and attractive natural bush environment. The classrooms were “homestead style” and were “designed to maximise space for outdoor learning activities to take place on wide, shady verandahs. Sensibly internal learning areas were air-conditioned.”

The first Principal was Andrew Kernick. His wife Lyn was a committed teacher there for years. A Principal starting a school needs a huge amount of energy, a capacity to weld a team together and to really embrace the vision. They must be liked by the students and their parents and be prepared to deal with any disappointment effectively. They must promote the school at every opportunity. Being Principal number one is not a job for the faint hearted. Andrew was the right person for the position.

The school grew steadily and in 2008 it expanded to include year 7. Development is always the result of a strong belief in the school and what it has to offer. Development often has a risk factor which must be overcome.

After 12 years a Middle School program, enabling students to continue to year 9, was introduced and an Early Learning Centre added. The school could provide long day care for 3-5 year olds. In 2018 year 10 was added. Though this was part of the Northern Territory Christian College, students were taught at the Sattler campus. In 2023 the exciting Development of adding Year 2 classes took place

with the first year 12 class being established in 2024. The population has topped 200.

In 2011 the school changed its name to Sattler Christian College. The Bees Creek Sattler Airstrip, nearby, remains as a World War 2

memorial. The strip was named after Flight Lieutenant Geoffrey Sattler who was killed in action over the Celebes, 12 January 1942.

Today Sattler is a campus of NT Christian Schools. The Principal has such an important role to undertake in a developing school. The School Council or Board has few tasks as important as appointing the Principal and they must get this decision right. Of course,

not all Boards succeed in this. The Council at Sattler ticked all the boxes in appointing Michael Tooler who has now been there for six and a half years having commenced in 2019. The Board got this one right!

As I thought about Michael Tooler and the good work he is doing, I thought of how being a good Principal was like being a fine pianist who has a sensitive touch on the keyboard, understands the music, uses effective strength when required, then a light touch when needed and understands the importance of the variety in the music - soft, loud , sensitive, in between. There is nothing worse than a pianist who has a weighty touch and bashes out the music in the same way regardless. A great pianist must not only have a feeling for the music but also the piano they are playing.

As a successful school, Sattler has a $30 million strategic master plan with the first phase to be delivered in 2025. The school aims to triple its land holding in size. Projected enrolments are 300 students. Planning, planning, planning - it never stops in a developing successful school which Sattler is.

Written by Chris Tudor

Principal Liaison & AISNT Historian