CHRISTIAN SCHOOL More than just education
Character, belief and commitment from the classroom
Safety in Cyberspace
Making online time safe and fun
Broadening Horizons
Equipping students to make a difference
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Loads of Schools to choose from with only 1 click away
what every parent needs to know
Why Christian sChools? Parents & teachers answer common questions about Christian Education • Watch online • Embed videos in your school website • Order DVD & booklet
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212 Forest Way Belrose Sydney
www.covenant.nsw.edu.au
EXCELLENCE in Christ Centered Education
At Swan Christian Education Association our Mission is to establish and maintain schools which will provide an education that treats all aspects of the curriculum in the light of God’s Word, and where students are encouraged to develop as fully as possible the abilities which God has given them. For more information about our association and our schools, please visit our website or go to Swan Online to explore our Online Distance Education programmes.
www.scea.wa.edu.au
Ph: (08) 9274 6411 Email: info@scea.wa.edu.au
06 Pioneers of Christian education 10 The Challenge of Finding a Christian School 13 The Political Perspective 16 Why Christian Education?
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20 Safety in Cyber space 25 Funding Strategies for Christian Education
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28 Equipping students to make a difference
EDITOR’S LETTER 20
Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord. – Ephesians 6:4
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elcome to this issue of Find a Christian School. We have put this journal into print as an integral part of educating the general public on the value of teaching godly values to our young generation. There are many aspects in society today that would discredit what God has to say and what He wants to do in our world. Christian education is becoming a viable alternative to the secular teaching, even amongst those who would not profess faith in God. So, what can Christian instruction offer our young people in our society today? Well, firstly it will offer the truth, which
will bring a balance to students’ lives and give them a rounded education. This is not just in an academic sense but also in a personal way. When students finish high school they are ‘let loose’ into the world and, with godly values behind them, they will have equilibrium in their lives to take on life’s challenges, and yes, there will be some. They will be equipped to succeed in what they are called to do. Christian education can be a great benefit to parents and let’s face it, your childrens’ education is one of the most important decisions that you will make. How satisfying would it be to know that when your child is at school – and this is for six hours five days a week – that they are being taught God’s ways, discipline and acquiring an all-round
education? There are interesting and informative articles within these pages that deal with the origin of Christian education, and why Christian education is important. We also look at the challenges of finding a good and affordable Christian school and some financial strategies for funding this private education. Cyber space and social networking is a vital topic for discussion in society today and we offer some helpful hints for students and parents. Enjoy reading about the value of Christian education. Blessings, Lynn Goldsmith
Find a Christian School Guide 2012 | 5
Choices
Pioneers of Christian education Neil Pierson writes about the reason why Christian education was started and the value of children being taught godly values
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hat an amazing, and exciting, responsibility we have as parents. Do you remember choosing a name for your child? I do. The hours of discussion created lists of possible combinations until we narrowed them down. It was serious business choosing a name. Here we were deciding an important part of our child’s identity yet we hadn’t even met them. It was both thrilling and daunting. For many parents choosing a school can involve some of the same
emotions. As parents we feel like we don’t want to ‘get it wrong’. We want to look into our child’s future, and hope we will be able to look back without regrets about the decisions we made. Personally I love living in a country where we can choose a school for our children. This magazine only exists because of that freedom. Yet I am very conscious that others fought hard, and made significant sacrifices, for me to enjoy that freedom. To these brave school pioneers I say, “thank you.”
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As part of a Masters of Education I spent several months reading the history of Christian schools in Australia. I have talked with some of these pioneers, read their writing, looked at photos and even watched them on old videos. It’s quite a story. It is however not a neat story. It has drama, pain, exciting breakthroughs, seemingly devastating setbacks, heroes and villains and a lot of hard work. So why did these pioneers step out and start Christian schools? Remember that many of them
Enrolling Now Prep to Year 12 Choosing the right place for your child’s education is important. We can help you with this vital decision! For a tour of our school contact our Registrar
Phone (02) 42 303 777 registrar@ics.nsw.edu.au www.ics.nsw.edu.au Tongarra Campus Calderwood Road, Albion Park Cordeaux Campus Tyalla Place, Cordeaux Heights Find a Christian School Guide 2012 | 7 IICONIC / ICS1197
Choices
were not even doing it for their own children. Rather they were doing it for the generations to come. When you start a school you are starting something which will likely outlast you. It’s a serious business. A strong motivator was their belief that God gave parents the responsibility to raise children. The responsibility was, and still is, not given to the government or even the church. It is to parents. These Christian parents felt fulfilling their responsibility was constrained by a lack of choice. A significant number of schools were started by immigrants. Many had enjoyed the freedom to choose schools in their former homeland. For these pioneers their BIG questions were not about school resources and facilities, academics, transport, fees or uniforms. Rather it was about partnering with other like minded parents to work together in raising their children. They didn’t want their Christianity, or their children’s, to be constrained to a weekend church service. They wanted God and his Son Jesus to be recognised and honoured in all of life. As I consider the pioneers of many of our schools I sense their passion. It was to create a different form of education. Their passion made them overcome significant obstacles, keep walking and believing. It took faith and patience. These pioneers appear to be more motivated by a ‘WHY’ than a ‘WHAT’ mentality. They often didn’t really know WHAT these schools would look like but they had a strong sense of purpose and vision. In my role I talk with a lot of parents. Many parents focus on the WHAT a school can provide their children. What facilities? What electives? What opportunities are on offer? What can you provide compared to the next school? Increasingly though I am hearing parents again question the actual role of education. Why do we
do what we do? These questions are tougher, often counter cultural and take courage. As a fellow parent my prayer for you as you read this magazine is that you will be one of those brave parents willing to ask the WHY questions. So what makes a school Christian? Asking this is a bit like asking what is a Christian church? The variety of flavours and accents we enjoy is amazing. There is no one Christian culture. As you consider a Christian school for your children look beyond the advertising, the websites, tours and presentations and ask questions. This is serious business. Sometimes parents ask if a school has a policy on particular issues. Yet a better question may be - what is the school culture on the issue? Culture can speak louder than policy. Ask parents. Ask students. Some questions to ask - What is the school vision and how does it impact on education? - Are the teachers Christians? - What is the ratio of Christians to non-Christian families? - Is Christianity reserved for chapel and Biblical studies or flavouring the curriculum? - What is, and also importantly, what is not taught in school? - What are they passionate about? Passion is important. Christian schools in Australia and New Zealand are part of a much larger worldwide movement. Some are independent, many linked to a single church or a larger denomination. In July 2011 about 1,100 delegates from Christian schools in Australia, New Zealand and internationally gathered in Darwin to encourage, inspire and challenge one another. I was grateful to attend and be reminded of the much bigger picture of Christian Education – far beyond our own school. The International Transforming
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Education Conference chose the title ‘Educating for Tough Times’. So what do 1,100 school teachers, Principals, Board members and educators talk about when they come together? The answer is a LOT and they did it with passion. Although the event was about ‘Tough Times’ it was a conference filled with hope. One Australian speaker, Jack Mechielsen, warned of the upmarket creep which seduces Christian schools to lose their radical flavor. He asked, “Is our education still radical?” For some parents the word radical scares them. Yet they may be
Recently 65 Christian denominations put aside their differences and joined together believing that Christian schools can transform their countries shocked how radically secular some schools are. Trevor Cooling from the UK told a story of two well established Christian schools. From the research both were identified as being profoundly secular schools. They both had developed a veneer of Christian values but were actually turning students off Christianity. My personal favourite among the speakers was Mark Roques from the UK. Mark described how we all live in a story, so we need to understand that story. There is a prevalent myth in our society that progress is the accumulating of knowledge. He told stories of rat worship, massacres and James Bond. He explained that James Bond 007 is portrayed as trusting in the science of ‘Q’ to provide him with answers, solutions to problems and salvation from harm.
Choices
Much of our society agrees with him. In contrast, Mark showed how Jesus asked subversive questions. Matthew’s gospel records 82 of Jesus’ questions. Jesus is more likely to ask a question, tell a riddle or a parable than preach. Jesus saw that accumulating knowledge wasn’t the answer. Likewise education which doesn’t ask serious questions, may give information but not understanding. Dr Raquel Hatter from the USA described the role of a teacher as someone who does heart surgery. She believes we can’t give what we don’t have, and that we lead others where we have gone. For example to teach students forgiveness a teacher must first have both given and received it. For this reason some Christian schools insist on only having Christian teachers. Others
request that teachers agree to their Christian ethos or values. Teachers help make sense of information. Therefore what a teacher believes cannot be separated from what they teach. Popular Australian author and speaker Dr John Dickson highlighted to delegates that Grace stands out as a radical Christian doctrine among world religions. He urged teachers to allow students to see and respect other religions because we are confident in our Christianity. He argued that rather than tolerance being a patronising concept, where we accept everyone’s view as true, it is the ability to treat with respect and friendship those with whom we disagree. Many delegates were both surprised and delighted to hear from Dr Samson Makhado of what
is happening in Africa. Christian schools are growing dramatically. Recently 65 Christian denominations put aside their differences and joined together believing that Christian schools can transform their countries. I believe they can – both there and here. Choosing a school is serious business for parents. It’s worthy of your prayer, time and energy. Once you make your choice dive in, serve, bring passion and celebrate the journey of life with your children and the school community. Neil Pierson is a Storyteller for Covenant Christian School in Sydney’s Northern Beaches. The school community represents over 100 churches www.marketplaceanswers.com.au
HAMILTON CHRISTIAN SCHOOL 4 North City Road, RD1, Hamilton, New Zealand Phone: 07 854 0010 Fax: 07 854 0072 admin@hamiltonchristian.school.nz www.hamiltonchristian.school.nz Find a Christian School Guide 2012 | 9
Decisions
The CHALLENGE of Finding a Christian School Reverend Stephen Lee writes about what to look for and consider when choosing a school for your children
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recently bought a house in the coastal suburbs of Western Australia... The decision was however, as much based on the school I would choose for my children as it was on the location and the value of the property. Like any major investment such as buying a new house or car, choosing a school for your child is one of the most important decisions you will make as a parent. We all want our children to be educated in a caring and nurturing environment, where the whole person of the child is developed towards his or her full potential. But finding a school that genuinely provides such an education can be quite challenging and requires thorough investigation into its policies and daily procedures. As Christian parents, we face even greater challenges in determining which ‘Christian’ schools to send our children to, as there are many kinds of schools which call themselves ‘Christian’. There are secular schools which were once Christian in some way in the past and have drifted away from their foundation to the point that they still use the concept ‘Christian’ in their name and will tell you that they follow Christian values. Australia as a nation, still claims to follow Christian values, but as to what percentage of the nation is Christian is difficult to determine, as church attendance
according to the National Church Life Survey conducted in 2001 (which serves as some guidance in this case), only accounted for an estimated 8.8% of the Australian population – so then that is about as Christian as the school will be. At the other end of the scale you will find some Christian schools with all Christian staff and with enrolments only from families where parents are Christians and the family attends church weekly. You will need to sign a statement that you subscribe to the school’s particular interpretation of the Bible and your children will be provided with Christian teaching and devotions daily. Then there are schools at many different levels between these two options. To delve into the philosophical arguments regarding which schools represent which worldviews and theological interpretations, might require the length of a book. As such, I will not provide an in depth discussion about the many different versions of Christian schools out there, but will share some valuable insight that I have gained throughout my 30 years in Christian education. Research It is important that you initially conduct some basic research. To assist you in the process, here are some questions you can ask the school
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registrar or enrolment officer that might help you determine whether a particular Christian School is an appropriate choice for your family: 1. Are all the staff committed Christians? 2. If no, what percentage are Christians and how is the Christian teaching done in the program? If the answer does not include Bible based regular instruction by the Christian teachers in the school then the last question is 3. What is ‘Christian’ about the school? Once you have worked through these questions it is time to have an interview at the school with the Principal. At the point of considering a school as an option for your children, always insist on an interview with the Principal. The Principal employs all the staff and sets all the policies in place to support the Christian foundation of the school. The Principal will determine, over time, the ethos – or nature of the school experience for your children. Based on your initial research, go prepared to the interview with questions that explore exactly what your child will experience in the
Central to this decision should be to find a Christian
school which policies and curriculum are founded upon the Word of God and which faithfully proclaims Jesus Christ is Lord
school, including their experience of staff and programs supporting their individual faith journey throughout different ages and stages as they grow into young adults. Don’t forget to ask the current Principal how long they plan to stay in the role, and if this is not long – who is responsible for their replacement. Inquire as to
what measures are in place in the school’s Constitution to guarantee that the new Principal will have a similar commitment to Christian education, or not. Once satisfied that the school is a Christian school, which will support and nurture your child’s faith, it is valuable to consider other factors that will allow you to assess the quality of the educational experience being offered and spare a thought for the impact of the choice on your family lifestyle. Some practical considerations
VALUE FOR MONEY
While tuition fees do not necessarily help you determine whether a school is Christian or not, it does have an impact on value for money.
Most schools will have their fee structure on their website. Some schools have an all inclusive fee which covers excursions, classroom materials, camps and anything else that is a compulsory component of the school program in any one year. Other schools have a tuition fee and then charge you for all the above as extra. This can add up to $1,000 a year to the fees, so ask what is included and what is extra. The school will also obtain grants from both the Commonwealth and State governments for your child. Therefore, to find out exactly how much money will be spent on your child, you need to add all three contributions to the costs. For example a high fee school may charge you $15,000 a year and collects another $3,000 from grants, Your child will experience at KingsWay: Academic • Academic rigour • A wide range of subjects in preparation for national qualifications • Highly qualified staff specialising in their subject areas
KingsWay School is a Christian, co-educational school with proud traditions. Our school has an excellent record of providing opportunities for all students to succeed in their academic and co-curricular pursuits. Our curriculum is founded on a Biblical Worldview. We ensure our students take responsibility for their learning and behaviour and we believe that quality learning comes from a close partnership between home and school. We have a well qualified, caring staff who encourage all students to work towards achieving their Godgiven potential in all areas. KingsWay School caters for students from 5 years old to the end of schooling: Primary School: Years 1 - 6 Middle School: Years 7 - 9 Senior School: Years 10 - 13
100 Jelas Road, Orewa, Auckland, New Zealand Phone: +64 9 427 0900 Fax: +64 9 427 0919 Email: office@kingsway.school.nz www.kingsway.school.nz
Cultural • A wide range of opportunities provided for those interested in the Arts - visual, dance, drama and music • Leadership development • Participation in service orientated activities within our community Sport • Outdoor education programmes • Involvement in team and individual sports • Excellent sports’ facilities Social / Spiritual • A nurturing environment with strong pastoral care and support • Opportunities to develop and mature in their personal faith • Involvement in local, national and international mission ventures
Find a Christian School Guide 2012 | 11
Decisions
giving a total of $18,000 to be spent on your child’s education. A low fee school may charge you only $4,000 but collects another $10,000 from grants, giving a total of $14,000. Schools receive more money in grants owing to the socioeconomic status of the families enrolling in the school. Therefore schools in wealthy suburbs with high average earnings will charge higher fees and receive less government grants. Schools in lower socio- economic locations will charge less but receive more in government grants. You can ask for this information or research it on the government website www. myschool.edu.au that provides comparative data on many aspects of all schools in Australia.
CONSIDER YOUR LIFESTYLE
This one is like real estate in that it will affect your lifestyle and your child’s enjoyment of school. As mentioned, I purchased a house near my children’s school after choosing the school. My children can walk or ride a bike to school and this frees the rest of the family – mostly mum and dad who work, to be free, from running a taxi service to and from school and associated activities. Consider location when choosing a school to maximise your family time outside of school hours. I trust that this information will assist you in overcoming the challenges of finding a Christian school for your
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children. It is important to know that your own personal preferences and experiences will have an impact on your final decision, but central to this decision should be to find a Christian school where their policies and curriculum are founded upon the Word of God and which faithfully proclaims Jesus Christ is Lord. Reverend Stephen Lee [BA(Theol) CPE MEdAdmin FAIM GAICD MACE] is a theologian, teacher and educational leader with more than 30 years experience in a diverse range of school contexts. Stephen is currently the CEO at Swan Christian Education Association Inc., an educational organisation dedicated to establishing and maintaining Christian Schools in Australia.
Opinion
l a c i t i l o p perspective
The Senator Barnaby Joyce is often outspoken on issues that of great importance and he doesn’t back down on what is truth. He has some very interesting things to say on Christian education and the importance of Christians standing up for their faith in our society. He feels very strongly about Christians taking responsibility in society and how Christian schooling equips young people to make a stand.
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION IS VERY important according to Senator Barnaby Joyce. “It gives you a fundamental game plan on how to live your life. It shows you how to go through and do your very best at not hurting others and possibly not hurting yourself as well. Treating the world in a fair way and most obviously, it allows you to find your redemption.” Equipping students for the pressures of the world is necessary in our schools. As Senator Joyce points out, “It’s not like other religions, where they have a dogmatic approach meaning, if you decide to put them down you put your life at risk. The beauty of the Christian religion is the freedom it gives you and the freedom that you have to practice it and the tolerance it teaches you of other people, that’s what Christian schooling teaches students. One of the wonderful things about our religion is the fact that other people can happily co-exist with us, why can’t other religions do the same with us? Quite obviously, you can’t freely practice your Christian religion in Saudi Arabia – it is against the law of the religion that is there. Likewise in Iran you have great difficulty practicing Christianity in that country. There are so many nations, where if there is a fundamental Islamic type state,
such as Sharia law, the practicing of an alternate religion is not allowed – it puts you in a different class of people. With Sharia law it is the Islamic faith over other faiths.” As a politician Senator Joyce would like to see Christian education promoted in our nation. “One of the important things is not to be embarrassed by Christianity, but to have acceptance of it as a Christian state to teach people not to be cynical about the Christian religion,” he explained. “I think there has been a counter culture movement that has had a lot of air over 30 or 40 years now that has used the protection of the Christian religion to tear the Christian religion down. I think this debate needs to be balanced with people. The Christian people need to put their viewpoint forward to show that if there is not a Christian state it would just be a short period of time before another religion comes in and takes over. It is happening now, if you create a vacuum, it is only a temporary position, before something else fills it and we see now there is a strong growth in Islamic faith in Australia. It is because they have a strong belief in their faith and a strong desire to stick to it, as well as strong education within their communities and this is the reason they are growing.”
Find a Christian School Guide 2012 | 13
“Whether people like it or not, the world view that promotes the greatest amount of freedom is the Christian world view and the nations that have the greatest freedom are those nations that have promoted the Christian faith and which have based their philosophy on a Christian process. This is where Christian education is most important and puts this Christian process in place. Christians in influential places Senator Joyce sees the importance of Christians in influential places in our society and this can come from students being educated in the Christian faith and learning what it means to be Christ centred. “I think it’s terribly important that not only do we need people of the Christian faith in high places, but they have to be able to sway the debate in
an effective manner,” the Senator maintained. “The last thing we want is people who get themselves in a position of influence and then, while they are in the process of messing it up or antagonizing people or start waving the flag, they become a Christian who is actually going to hurt people more than help them. Christians must have relevant and tolerant characteristics of a Chris-
tian, if they are in key positions, to promote effectively the publication of their faith and not do it in a process that unnecessarily antagonizes the wider community, otherwise it becomes a form of advertising against the Christian faith.” Has Senator Joyce noticed a difference in young people and adults who have had Christian education? “I think that ultimately, when you walk down the street, you rely on the other people walking around you and walking in the other direction to have a certain world view,” he said. “Whether people like it or not, the world view that promotes the greatest amount of freedom is the Christian world view and the nations that have the greatest freedom are those nations that have promoted the Christian faith and
Opinion
which have based their philosophy on a Christian process. This is where Christian education is most important and puts this Christian process in place. “I think people are seeing more and more what happens when there are alternatives, as evident in China; as evident in Islamic states of the world and evident in societies that are run by the mob or the Kremlin and in some of the African states. Don’t think for one moment that the natural status quo is the Christian state. There are other religious states and that’s what we will get if we let the key fundamental premises of what makes a Christian state exist drop. There are some key fundamental rules that the Christian state has and that is the belief in Christ as the Son of God and Savior of the world and the fundamental laws that go with it. You live your life accord-
ing to a certain way and you must respect the life of others and this starts with conception and ends at death. Take out a key component and everything falls apart.” Christian education to be promoted in society Senator Joyce added some more comments in regards to what he would like to see take place in Australia for Christian education to be promoted more than it has been. “One of the fundamental things is that, regardless of what political party you may have a belief or affiliation in, you must be involved in politics,” he stated. “As a Member of Parliament Senator Hogg, a Labor party member, said, ‘You can have all the beautiful arguments in the world, but give me the numbers any day.’ Senator Hogg and myself
are trying to protect the rights of people before they are born. We lose these debates, not because we lose the argument – we win the arguments, we just don’t have the numbers. The only way we will get the numbers is when people involve themselves in the political process. You have a duty, if you believe in the Christian faith, to be involved politically and if you don’t then don’t think for one moment there is not someone else who won’t be involved – the alternate side will be involved and their view will prevail.” The comments that Senator Barnaby Joyce has given all refer back to the basics of Christian education to equip and prepare young people for their responsibilities in life as Christians and towards God.
Genesis Christian College 1991
Co-ed
Boarding
P-12
1179
At Genesis Christian College we offer quality teaching within a Christian environment where faith-based values are embedded in the culture of the College. Lives are enriched in all spheres of endeavour with the curricular programs focusing on developing each student to their full potential. Established in 1991, Genesis is a thriving community which caters for 1200 students. The campus is home to our Early Learning Centre, our Primary school which includes Prep to Year 6, our Middle school comprising Years 7 to 9 and our Senior school which prepares Year 10 to 12 students for a successful future. Our aim is to provide excellent educational standards embedded in a caring learning environment that is Christ-centered. Genesis offers traditional academic subjects plus other vocational related courses which recognise the need for multiple pathways and student interests. Extra-curricular activities in sport, music and creative arts provide a varied and balanced educational experience. Students’ learning styles and interest levels are carefully considered in lesson planning. Lessons and activities are designed to promote deep effective thinkers who can create, analyse and evaluate. For an opportunity to tour the College or receive the College Prospectus please contact our Enrolments Registrar or visit our website. A: 12-16 Youngs Crossing Road, Bray Park, Brendale Qld 4500 T: 07 3882 9000 E: enrolments@genesis.qld.edu.au W: www.genesis.qld.edu.au
An Ethical, Thinking and Learning Community Find a Christian School Guide 2012 | 15
Service
Fr. Edward Dooley, a Jesuit Priest, explains why Christian education can be beneficial to all school students. He doesn’t just give all the positives, but he looks at every aspect of education. As an educator Fr Dooley has plenty of experience in Christian schools, as well as public schools.
The value of Christian schooling
What comes immediately to mind when I think about education is knowledge; this is one of the most important aspects. One of the things for Christian education, for those who take the Christian faith seriously, is that by having knowledge of their faith tradition, it then enables them to begin the process of understanding other religions and other faith traditions very well. One of the problems that exists is that we cannot dialogue often with others, until we have an understanding of our own situation. In regards to students having an all-round education with Christian education I think today, compared to say when I was at school or even before that, they are given a much more broader education, particularly early on, which is what is happening in primary school. Through wonderful creativity, they are getting to understand the Scriptures much more. What then happens is they move towards that understanding. It is very difficult to discuss issues, or what might be called, in our own language, moral theology in later years of schooling, if there is no basis to that understanding. Otherwise, it just becomes issue based and very difficult for them to understand the place from which that comes from. So we need to have an understanding of the context and have an understanding of what we might call, natural law. We need to have an understanding of how Scripture was written, why it was written 16 | Find a Christian School Guide 2012
and then we can move to the element of understanding why it is that we stress certain things and maybe not other things. Why is it that it’s good to be good? At one level it’s good to be good, because that’s its natural law, but at the same time, as Christians, it’s based upon the message of Jesus Christ, which is the message of loving one another. Therefore, love gets developed in all sorts of ways. You need to have a basis of understanding before you can develop this further.
Discipline - is there a difference in students who have had Christian education? My experience has been in our own schools, although I did, in my training as a teacher, teach in state schools as well. I thought in both situations, the care was very evident in both
situations. In my experience within our Christian schools, we really focus more in terms of owning decisions that we make. I think this gets developed within the whole education system that has been created. I think that we would never say our schools are better than others – I think it would be arrogant to ever do that. What we try to say to people is that what our education system is about is a development of the whole person. For example, the faith that seeks justice is seen as being of service to others. This should be developed in students, not only theoretical but also in practical ways. It needs to come back to the basis of your faith development and it’s there that the whole disciplinary action tries to occur. Do we succeed in all situations? Well, we are dealing with human beings. Find a Christian School Guide 2012 | 17
Service
Equipping our young people for life In schools we have often said, “How do we know we are being successful?” We usually are not going to know until about 20 or 30 years later. But chatting to lots of old scholars, they have always come back to the things they remember about their schooling and I think one of the things, that has always been a positive experience, is the opportunities they have had to broaden their education. Through the components, not only around the inner-city areas of homelessness – but also the experiences of being taken overseas to under-developed countries, to be of service to those people as well and what it is that we can learn, students can then bring these things back to their own situation.
When I was in Melbourne I used to take the boarders at the College to a training centre – which was the youth prison. Coming home in the bus the boys would ask why we were doing this. This is always a good question, because parents would always know that some of the best conversations occur in the car on the way home from various experiences their children have had. I always used to say it is mixing and forming relationships – and when you are older and if and when you are running a business and someone, who comes to you from this particular situation, before you turn them away, you might think about it. I think that we would hope to give students of Christian education all the experiences of life to equip them in the best possible way, to then handle
the big, wide world. But, in the end, they have to make the choices. The biggest risk, in education, is giving the person the choice. We would hope and pray that they use their education to help others, rather than to control others. Christianity is not about control - it is about service. I do think that parents make a specific choice; sometimes because of the experiences they have had themselves, in terms of positive community. This is not to say that other schools don’t have this, because in many ways they do. You can only continue to stress what old scholars say to you. One of the things they often stress is the importance of the community base of the school and what is happening now is through the creative service, the development of
Dale Christian School
“Strengthening families through Christ”
Providing Specialist Junior Primary, Primary, High School, Vocational Education and ATAR in the Armadale District Offering Christ-centred learning from K-Year 12 Ph: 9497 1444 Fax: 9497 4825 Email: dale@dalecs.wa.edu.au Webpage: www.dalecs.wa.edu.au Please contact the school via phone or email to receive a prospectus or to arrange a tour
OUR VISION
VISION
At Dale Christian School we offer affordable, quality Christ Centred Education as we strive to equip our students with skills and strong values that encourage them to pursue excellence in all areas
At Dale Christian School we offer affordable, quality Christ Centred Education weschool strive equip students skills and strong values Please contactasthe viatophone or our email to receivewith a prospectus or to arrange a tour that encourage them to pursue excellence in all areas 18 | Find a Christian School Guide 2012
The biggest risk, in education, is giving the person the choice. We would hope and pray that they use their education to help others, rather than to control others. Christianity is not about control - it is about service. the whole person, the students do get a wellrounded education. We believe this equips them in some way. Eventually they have to stand on their own two feet. That’s what faith is all about. I always say to parents –if they do say at some stage that their children have given it all away, to always realise that they have given them a basis of concrete, so that when they fall, they fall – they may hit that concrete, but the concrete is actually a base and that’s the faith component. So, they never fall to the ground. There’s always this layer that I call the faith education.
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Online
Safety in Cyberspace Protecting your child online
Social networking sites are the popular way for students to communicate in society today but responsiblity needs to be taken... Lynn Goldsmith
ALL STUDENTS THESE DAYS ARE computer literate and the majority use social networking sites for more than just communicating with friends. The sites are used for homework and discussions, organising school events and contacting students overseas. Social networking is a great way to communicate, but it also has a negative side – that is cyber bullying and the subsequent security risks. ConsumerReports.com confirmed that there are 7.5 million children under 13 years of age with a Facebook account (which is against Facebooks terms and conditions of use). That is 7.5 million children in danger of becoming prey to online predators, cyber-bullying and websites that are not appropriate for their young age to handle. Students need to be aware they have to protect their identity and to understand that many things, including emotions, are difficult to communicate while on the social sites. Anything posted online
needs to be scrutinised as it can be damaging to the person’s reputation. Schools have a responsibility to teach their students about the correct behaviour while online. Christian schools, in the main, are extremely aware of this topic and try to convey how to act responsibly while ‘socialising’ on the sites. Students are encouraged to join social networking, particularly for their homework. However, they need to know about laws concerning defamation and privacy for their own protection and the protection of their school. Christian schools are making it a priority to set in place a policy on social networking and cyber bullying. They are teaching their students to have respect for others. As well as the teachers playing a role in this education, parents are encouraged to talk to their children and watch what they are doing online. It is easy for students to ‘slip over’ onto some sites that are not meant
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for young people. Some Christian schools are running workshops for parents who are interested in learning about social networking, so they are aware of the positives and negatives of their children being online. “I believe we live in a new age and our young people face pressures never seen before,” Nicolle Lucas, mother of a teenager explains. “We have a culture that is fast paced and instantaneous, demanding information at the click of a button. The world has become much more accessible through computers and software allowing us to gain access into people’s lives. Social networking in Australia such as Facebook has been added as a communication tool. “Like anything, it can be used for our good or detriment. A child needs positive influences within the home, church and preferably school environment. The benefit of children receiving a Christ centred education
that warns of potential hazards and also embraces modern technology, can only have positive effects on their future. It is important that they are up to date with technology but shown how to use this phenominal tool in a safe and positive manner.” Dr David Nockles, Headmaster of Macarthur Anglican School says, “There is much debate about the benefits and dangers of the cyber world and the use of social networking sites. The increasing use and access to social media, especially by young people, has rightly caught the attention of our society and the debate about the appropriate use and access seems to escalate daily. There is, however, a great danger in pigeonholing how educators and schools respond to this dynamic relationship forum and by thinking that responses to the issues that arise lay solely in the cyberworld.
The benefit of children receiving a Christ centred education that warns of potential hazards and also embraces modern technology, can only have positive effects on their future They do not. Most instances of, inappropriate relationships that are conducted via social media, can and have been experienced in all modes of communication and relationships with which adolescents and young people engage. The issues are not new, the media is. “There are some differences of note; namely the legal limitations and
the permanent nature of comments and images that are posted. In these areas in particular schools and parents need to inform and educate young people to ensure that they understand the consequences of misusing new technologies. “All that being said the way that schools deal with social media should not be all that different from the way they deal with the general conversations young people and adolescents have across all the media they use. That is, we need to challenge our students to always relate with others in ways that enhance the conditions their heart and form their character. “Christ’s admonition to love our neighbour applies as much to the brief whispers in the corridor, the scribbled note between peers or the blog and forum discussions in cyber world. Harm and good can be done in each
EDUCATING YOUR ChIlDREN AT hOmE? WHAT WE OFFER AT A GLANCE Prep to Year 12 accredited Educational Service Provider Christian curriculum designed for schooling at home Individualised program for every student Support and advice from registered teachers Access to fully qualified Special Needs teachers Workshops, camps and other student events Library and educational resources
GROVES CHRISTIAN COLLEGE DISTANCE EDUCATION
www.groves.qld.edu.au l Phone: (07) 3827 6527 l Fax: (07) 3808 3755 Email: de@groves.qld.edu.au 70 Laughlin Street, Kingston QLD 4114
Find a Christian School Guide 2012 | 21
Online
of these media; it is the permanency of the information that changes. Face to face communication and that taking place in the cyberworld are part of our world...hence part of God’s world. The law of love applies in the cyberworld as well! “Dealing with problems that arise in the cyberworld are the same and need to be dealt with in the same way as matters in the playground. We need to build self-discipline,
encourage character development, love our neighbors and above all honour God through our words and actions. Consequences are one and the same no matter what media is being used. It is in this context therefore that schools seeking to educate students within a Christian worldview need to manage both the old and the new forms of communication. Considering the potential for students to be
misguided in their choice of actions and therefore to behave in ways inconsistent with the principle of love, education and monitoring of social media must be a priority. “Great caution needs to be taken to separate social media into a separate category. It is different yes; just as writing a note is different to a playground conversation. We need to educate and change the heart not the mode of communication.” Lynn Goldsmith Editor-in-Chief
Facebook on Safety
“We believe safety is a conversation and a shared responsibility among all of us. That’s why we provide the information, tools and resources you’ll find here.” Facebook’s latest changes boil down to two main aspects: an improved safety center with more multimedia resources, and better, more social tools for reporting offensive or bullying content. As for the Safety Center upgrades, Facebook will be bringing “new educational videos, external resources from renowned experts, downloadable materials for people to share and discuss” and more resources within the coming weeks. The company is also asking teens to contribute feedback on smart, safe uses of technology. For more information on Facebooks new safety measures click here.
We Would love to meet you Situated juSt 20 minuteS from HornSby or CaStle Hill CO-EDUCATIONAL | JUNIOR | MIDDLE | SENIOR
Northholm Grammar school is a co-educational day school catering for students from Years Three to Twelve. As a small school we are able to offer a unique educational experience for students based on small class sizes, a broad choice of subjects and an idyllic rural setting. Our teachers value individuality and encourage academic excellence, leadership capacity and creativity through their more personalised approach to student learning and well-being. Our students become successful, confident and articulate individuals with a strong sense of Christian values and a keen desire to contribute to their community. We attract students from within the hills district and upper north shore. Established bus links from surrounding suburbs as well as Pennant Hills and Beecroft Stations provide transport to and from school. Enrolments for 2013 are now open, with limited vacancies for 2012 still available. Visit our web site to register for an Information Morning Tour or call the school to book a personal tour.
79 Cobah Road, Arcadia 2159 Ph: 9656 2000 registrar@northhom.nsw.edu.au www.northholm.com.au
22 | Find a Christian School Guide 2012
NoRtHHolm GRAMMAR SCHOOL
LEARN WITH PuRPoSe LIVE WITH PASSIoN
Further Information (NZ)
Tips to stay safe and cybersmart
Cyberkids in New Zealand offer a free, fun, safe, non-scary programme for primary school age children in the form of an interactive game that gently leads children into making sound choices. This is featured on a bookmark that provides a hard copy reminder and a prompt as it has safety tips for both children and parents. www.cyberkids.co.nz
• Keep your computer in an open area that you can keep an eye on • Install safe guard programs like ‘Net Nanny’ that will block inappropriate content • Your screen name should not identify you as a boy or girl. • Never post any personal information of yours or anyone else: Your name or other family members’ names; Your age or birthday; Home or email address; Phone numbers—home, work, mobile; Where you live, or even in what part of the country you live; Where you go to school;
Further Information (AUS) Cybersmart provides activities, resources and practical advice to help young kids, kids, teens and parents safely enjoy the online world. Cybersmart also offers training and resources for schools and materials for library staff. Developed by the Australian Communications and Media Authority, Cybersmart is part of the Australian Government’s cybersafety program. www.cybersmart.gov.au
Find a Christian School Guide 2012 | 23
Coming soon
from Ark House Press
An Australian mother’s journey from heartbreak to hope. When Cecily prayed that God would teach her to really love people, she was hoping that the answer would be easy. She didn’t expect to have her life turned upside down, her dreams shattered and her priorities rearranged.
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An Aus tral ian mot her ’s jour ney from hea rtbr eak to hop e.
Just weeks after her prayer, Cecily’s three year old son was diagnosed with autistic spectrum disorder (ASD), and Cecily and her husband started out on a journey which would be physically hard, emotionally draining, intellectually challenging and spiritually exhausting. And yet the road would lead to love – real, honest, true, gritty love. If you’ve ever prayed a big prayer, or questioned a big God, or faced a big hurdle or felt like you were drowning in a big sea of sadness, this book will lift, help and offer hope – spiritual and emotional hope for the depressed, the suffering and the questioning. For parents and friends of children suffering from the new autism epidemic, this book offers not only emotional support but also practical information and resources to help you find your way through the jungle of diagnosis and therapy. This is Cecily’s story, but it is also God’s story – because He is the one who has been working in her, teaching her to love.
CECILY PATERSON
www.arkhousepress.com
24 | Find a Christian School Guide 2012
Finance
Funding Strategies for
Christian Education Gavin Martin gives some valuable information on financial planning for Christian education
T
he education and spiritual development of our children is one of the greatest investments we will ever make. One wise mother described her children as little disciples for whom she and her husband were responsible to disciple for Christ. With this in mind we should prayerfully consider schooling options for our children’s education. Nothing can replace parental teaching and modelling of faith in the family, however enabling your children to attend a school that supports the Christian values of the home is a great option. “If only we could afford it,” may be your response. Education without values, as useful as it is, seems rather to make man a more clever devil. C.S. Lewis The foundation of investing in your children’s Christian education is well managed finances. We often hear the ten percent tithe spoken about from the pulpit, but God is interested in how we use all the resources he has given us. We are commanded to be good stewards of 100% of our money, not just ten percent. Therefore every spending decision is a spiritual decision and investing in education is no different. Having an attitude that says, “This is God’s money and I am the steward or manager” should guide our decisions. “If you have not been faithful with the use of worldly wealth, who will not entrust the true riches to you,” Luke 16:11.
Get out of debt
The best thing you can do to provide your children
CALOUNDRA CHRISTIAN COLLEGE FOUNDATIONS FOR LIFE
Nurturing each child's uniqueness and helping each student reach their true potential - academically, spiritually and personally
7 Gregson Place, Caloundra Q 4551 ABN 77 105 32 814 CRICOS 01434K
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07 5436 6777 07 5491 5103 general@calcc.qld.edu.au www.calcc.qld.edu.au
Find a Christian School Guide 2012 | 25
Finance
... the key to achieving your goals, including paying for Christian education, is to spend
less than you earn and save the difference.
with a Christian Education is to get out of debt and set aside money in an emergency fund. You can’t save or invest in the future of your children, while carrying the heavy burden of consumer debt. Credit card debt, personal loans and car loans all charge exorbitant interest. Paying cash for purchases instead of us-
ing debt will save the average family hundreds of dollars in interest payments. Reducing debt and having an emergency fund will plug the leakage of funds going to unnecessary interest payments and place a buffer between you and Murphy. Yes, Murphy’s Law is part of life and when life does happen, an emergency fund of three-six months living expenses will ensure you don’t have to go into debt to get through it. There are many great Christian finance resources available, including my interactive website MasterMyMoney.com.au.
Education vs. Bricks and Mortar vs. New cars
Once you are free from consumer debt and have saved three to six months living expenses, begin saving for major purchases such as Christian education. Make education a priority in your saving strategy. How much to save for each major purchase depends on your circumstances. But here’s the deal. If you have no consumer debt and either affordable or no mortgage payments (you have a fully paid for home) you are in a very good position. You have
Glasshouse Country Christian College Growing in faith and knowlege
Darling Downs Christian School An Adventist Educational Institution
Independent co-educational school Prep - Year 12 Holistic development of Christian values and a heart for community service Learning to achieve life goals through a balanced program Peaceful rural setting -10 minutes from the city centre
Affordable Christian Education Prep to Year 12
Help your child reach their full potential:
451 McDougall Street, Toowoomba, QLD, 4350 Enquiries: (07) 4659 1111 admin@ddcs.qld.edu.au www.ddcs.qld.edu.au
26 | Find a Christian School Guide 2012
• • •
Christ-centred values Academic excellence Quality teachers who really care
58 Roberts Road, Beerwah Qld 4519 Tel 5439 0033 www.gccc.qld.edu.au registration@gccc.qld.edu.au
the potential to have enough surplus cash to pay for Christian Education from your regular monthly income.
Act Your Wage
Regardless of your stage on the financial journey, the key to achieving your goals, including paying for Christian education, is to spend less than you earn and save the difference. Significant changes to your finances can be made to enable you to achieve your goals such as selling the second car, moving to a cheaper home or renting. However, small savings can add up to big savings over a year.
Scholarships
Another approach is to seek out scholarships that are available. Many schools offer scholarships for academic, music and sporting excellence and sometimes scholarships are offered to underprivileged families as well. Do your research when selecting the school, inquire about scholarships and other support that is available and you could save yourself thousands of dollars. When you have reduced your expenses, paid off your consumer debt and prioritised your spending, you could consider increasing your income. The ways to do this are only limited by your creativity. There are many and varied opportunities to in-
crease your family income that can work around the needs of the family, many can be done from home. Tutoring, newsletter publishing and providing administration support are some examples, just to name a few. Focus on what you enjoy and are passionate about and you never know where it could lead. Invest prayerfully in your children’s Christian education and make it possible by being a good steward of the resources God has given you. Gavin Martin –Financial Planner www.cornerstonewealth.com.au
Your Christian Schooling in the South Island Amana Christian Early Learning Centre Centre Ages 0-5 yrs. New facilities
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Phone: 03 489 1372 14A Gordon Rd, Mosgiel. PO Box 13, Mosgiel 9053. E: amana.elc@vodafone.co.nz
www.earlylearning.org.nz Amana Christian School
• Private • Interdenominational •International Primary/Intermediate/Junior High Low fees Phone: 03 489 2113 Fax: 03 489 2115 80 Gordon Rd, Mosgiel. PO Box 13, Mosgiel 9053. E: amana.school@ihug.co.nz
Providing an environment of excellence for students from Prep ‐ Year 12 347 Narellan Road Mount Annan NSW 2567
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Missions
Equipping students to make a difference Christian education gives students a balanced education – including trips to bring Christ to the nations...Danielle Hargrove ST LUKE’S GRAMMAR SCHOOL has been ranked as the top independent school on the Northern Beaches in 2008, 2009 and 2010 HSC examinations. St Luke’s certainly places a deliberate focus on preparing the students well to achieve their best in the HSC. However, the students at the school also know that their success in life is not only about their academic outcomes, but also about the experiences they
gain throughout their school life and how they are able to contribute to enhancing the lives of others. As a Christian school, St Luke’s places significant value in developing the ‘whole child’ – not only intellectually, but also physically, emotionally and spiritually. When the Principal, Mrs Jann Robinson arrived at St Luke’s in 2005, it was her hope to provide trips for St Luke’s students that had
28 | Find a Christian School Guide 2012
real purpose. She wanted to make an ongoing commitment to helping those less fortunate, and form a long term relationship with communities around the globe. The School’s mission statement is ‘Equipping students to make a difference in the lives of others’, and Mrs Robinson was determined that the students were given opportunities to enact this vision. In line with this philosophy, two separate groups of students recently set off on two very different overseas trips. One group of 43 students and staff travelled to Uganda to build houses for the orphaned children of Watoto; while a separate group of 15 students and staff headed to Indonesia after being invited by Compassion to assist staff at the Wangurer Child Survival Program to care for the babies and educate their mothers. This year, for the first time, Mrs Robinson actually joined the students
Not only did their time in Indonesia change them personally, they also made a difference to the lives of those less fortunate, contributing $15,000 in donations for continued work in the community many babies who have been abandoned, some in horrible ways was quite moving. We were all able to assist by helping with feed time and even just holding the babies to give them some human contact. … My hope for the students is that they will take away the knowledge that what they have done has been worthwhile, that they have made a difference in the world and they will be more aware as global citizens of the 21st century. The students who travelled to Indonesia also returned home with much to celebrate and be thankful for. Not only did their time in Indonesia change them personally, they also made a difference to the lives of those less fortunate, contributing $15,000 in donations for continued work in the community. This trip to Indonesia is a new addition to the St Luke’s mission trip program and it is hoped it will become a regular feature on the school’s calendar. Mrs Danielle Hargrove Director of Marketing and Enrolments St Luke’s Grammar School Above: St Luke’s students (Millie Harvey and Georgia Downey) caring for the Watoto orphan; Right: St Luke’s student (Siobhan Hudson) building a house for the Watoto orphans
in Watoto and helped them as they endeavoured to build the houses for the orphans. After spending several days enduring intense heat, the group successfully built two houses. An excerpt of an email sent by the Principal is as follows: On Friday afternoon we joined with the Ugandan workers, the School Principal and the Head of the Vocational Centre to dedicate the buildings. As had been the custom each day on site, we sang for each other and prayed for God’s blessing on those who will live and learn in the buildings. The visit to Bulrushes on the Saturday was particularly emotionally draining. Just to see so
Find a Christian School Guide 2012 | 29
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