t Port Macquarie Adventist School, we believe leadership isn’t just a skill — it’s a calling. Grounded in our faith, the Thrive program is designed for students from Year 7 to Year 10 to grow into compassionate, resilient, and servant-hearted leaders. With Christ at the centre of everything we do, this program guides students to develop their character, confidence, and leadership abilities through service, outdoor challenges, and personal reflection. The program follows four progressive stages: Engage, Grow, Lead, and Thrive. Each year builds on the last, starting with foundational skills like teamwork and empathy in Year 7 and advancing to high-level leadership, mentorship, and community impact projects by Year 10. As students mature, they are encouraged to embrace the biblical call to "walk humbly with your God" (Micah 6:8). Students participate in fortnightly excursions designed to extend their learning beyond the classroom, reflecting Jesus' ministry of going to the people. These experiences range from outdoor education adventures — like orienteering, survival challenges, and high ropes courses — to community service projects, including environmental clean-ups, assisting at local aged care facilities, and volunteering at animal shelters. Each activity ties back to the school’s values of Respect, Responsibility, Integrity, and Compassion, reminding students that "whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord" (Colossians 3:23). A vital part of the program is the Invictus Program, which focuses on resilience, character development, and overcoming adversity — reflecting the strength we find in God’s promises. Through guided workshops, team challenges, and personal reflection activities, students learn to "be strong and courageous... for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go" (Joshua 1:9). This equips students with a Christ-centred mindset, encouraging them to face obstacles with faith and determination. Service is at the heart of the Thrive Program, reflecting Jesus’ example of servant leadership: "The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve" (Matthew 20:28). Students complete a growing number of service hours each year — 25 hours in Year 7, 50 in Year 8, and 100 hours in both Year 9 and Year 10 — to model this selfless spirit. Whether they’re cleaning up beaches, caring for the vulnerable, supporting community gardens, or mentoring younger students, they learn to see service not as an obligation but as an opportunity to "love your neighbour as yourself" (Mark 12:31). Each year also includes an age-appropriate camp or expedition that progressively challenges students physically, mentally, and spiritually. From orientation camps that foster teamwork in Year 7 to a 9-day leadership expedition in Year 10 — including destinations like Fraser Island or the Snowy Mountains — students learn to "run with perseverance the race marked out for them" (Hebrews 12:1). These experiences help them discover their God-given potential and how to rely on Him through life’s challenges. By the time they complete the Thrive Program, students will have built a leadership portfolio showcasing their personal growth, achievements, and service contributions. More importantly, they will have grown in faith, understanding that true leadership is found in humility, service, and following Jesus' example. They will leave Port Macquarie Adventist School with not only the academic skills to succeed but also the heart, character, and courage to lead as Christ did — with love, grace, and unwavering faith. The Thrive program ensures every student has the opportunity to explore their God-given potential, grow through challenges, lead with compassion, and ultimately thrive as disciples and leaders for Christ.