Northside Christian College Strategic Plan (2023 – 2033)

2023 - 2033 Strategic Plan

Acknowledgement of Traditional Stewards

Heavenly Father – we are thankful for our time together today and for the College community to which we belong. We pray we would be intentional about our words and actions and look for ways to express Faith, Hope, and Love as demonstrated by a sense of Community.

We acknowledge that God is sovereign over all land. Everything in Heaven and Earth belongs to God. We recognise God chose the Wurundjeri People of the Kulin Nation as the traditional stewards of the land upon which we meet at Northside Christian College, and we respect the relationship they have with their country.

We pay our respects to the Elders of Kulin Nation, past, present, and emerging. We acknowledge their cultural beliefs and wisdom are significant to the Wurundjeri People. We commit ourselves to pray and working for reconciliation with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island people.

Strategic Pillar 1 - Provide rigorous Christian education

Strategic Pillar 2 - Support a passionate team of staff

Strategic Pillar 3 - Advance a nurturing culture

Strategic Pillar 4 - Strengthen school-community connections

Strategic Pillar 5 - Manage the College in a sustainable way Strategic Pillar 6 - Deliver effective school governance

Introduction from the College Principal

This Strategic Plan is intended to set the overall direction for Northside Christian College for the next ten years so we can Flourish together as a College community. It also outlines the key values that the Committee of Management and the College community agree should be at the heart of how the College operates and develops.

Throughout 2022, the Executive Team consulted a diverse range of stakeholders at the College to develop a deep understanding of the unique characteristics of Northside and the opportunities the College has to grow in the years ahead. Meetings were conducted with students, faculties, staff, the Committee of Management, and parents to guide the development of a new strategic plan.

The College participated in the LEAD School Effectiveness Surveys in 2020 and 2022 facilitated by Independent Schools Victoria. The LEAD surveys are seven psychometrically-tested stakeholder surveys that are statistically proven by Cambridge University to measure school effectiveness. The surveys provide leaders with 360-degree insights into the complex, multi-faceted elements of school effectiveness through the eyes of students, parents, staff, and board members. The Executive Team have analysed feedback from these surveys to guide the development of a new strategic plan for our College community.

The College Executive Team have developed a range of Strategic Priorities with short and long-term implementation steps. These have been presented, discussed and approved by the College Committee of Management and now form the basis of the College’s Strategic Plan for 2023 - 2033.

This Strategic Plan covers six Strategic Priorities that will support us to Flourish.

1. Provide rigorous Christian education

2. Support a passionate team of staff

3. Advance a nurturing culture

4. Strengthen school-community connections

5. Manage the College in a sustainable way

6. Deliver effective school governance

Our Strategic Priorities are carefully aligned with the College’s Vision and Mission statements, Values, Objectives, and Philosophy statement.

The delivery of these Strategic Priorities will be supported by a detailed action plan contained within the College’s Strategic Management Plan. These plans will be mindful of the resources, timing, outcomes, and risks related to this Strategic Plan.

The Executive Team considered current research and evidence-based practices when developing the Strategic Priorities for the College. It is our intention that this plan will assist the College in meeting the needs of the current generation of students and assist them in flourishing and support their preparations for multiple pathway options in a global marketplace.

Michael Bond Northside Christian College Principal

Strategic Plan Phases of Development and Implementation

20182021

1. Review Implementation of 2018 - 2021 Strategic Plan

4. Engagement with College Community

7. Launch Strategic Plan

8. Monitor Strategic Plan Implementation Process

2. Survey College Community

5. Identify Strategic Priorities and Implementation Steps

3. Analyse Survey Data

6. Develop Strategic Management Plan

Continual Improvement Cycle

Northside Christian College has carefully considered research-based evidence to develop the 2023 – 2033 Strategic Plan. Furthermore, the Executive Team will be implementing feedback and reporting processes in order to implement a cycle of continuous improvement throughout the implementation of this strategic plan.

The Plan–Do–Check–Act cycle (PDCA) is a four–step model for implementing change in an organisation. The PDCA model was developed by Dr William Edwards Deming in the 1950s. He recommended that business processes be placed in a continuous feedback loop so that managers can identify and change the parts of the process that need improvements.

The College’s Strategic Plan is therefore a working document which will inform and define the priorities of our College during this next strategic phase.

The four steps of the PDCA model are:

• Plan: Identify and analyse the problem or opportunity, develop hypotheses about what the issues may be, and decide which one to test.

• Do: Test the potential solution, ideally on a small scale, and measure the results.

• Check / Study: Study the result, measure effectiveness, and decide whether the hypothesis is supported or not.

• Act: If the solution was successful, implement it.

Reporting Framework

Each year Northside Christian College prepares an annual report, which highlights the performance of the College against the agreed outcomes and reports on other matters as required by Government. The Annual Report is published in accordance with Federal and State Government requirements. Information about school performance, professional engagement, student outcomes and satisfaction levels for each year is documented.

The College also reports regularly to the Committee of Management on progress of the Strategic Plan implementation. The delivery of these strategies will be supported by detailed action plans contained within the Strategic Management Plan.

Committee of Management

Commitment to good governance is essential for the success and ongoing planning of priorities for any school. Time is given generously for meetings of the Committee of Management. The strategic priorities of the College have been determined through the Committee of Management and Senior Staff discussions and ensure alignment between policy directions and the daily management and leadership of the College.

The essence of the Committee of Management’s governance role at Northside Christian College is to oversee all aspects of the College and ensure a strategic approach to the College’s future by setting major objectives, policy frameworks, and strategies. The Committee of Management also monitor the College’s adherence to systems of risk management, ensure compliance with legal obligations, and undertake periodic performance reviews. The Committee of Management is also committed to ensuring the financial security of Northside Christian College.

The College Executive Team has developed a range of strategic priorities with short and long-term goals. These have been presented, discussed and approved by the Committee of Management and now form the basis of the College’s Strategic Plan.

The Committee of Management is responsible for developing policies to reflect the College’s values and support the College’s broad direction, as outlined in the Strategic Plan. Northside Christian College policies are documents that are made available to the College community as a means to clarify functions and responsibilities, manage change, promote consistency, meet standards and make decisionmaking transparent. The Committee of Management are responsible for reviewing the College’s policies on a regular cycle with some policies requiring review on an annual basis.

Governance Structure

The following diagram is a visual representation of the governance structure of Northside Christian College and related entities.

Encompass Church Committee of Management

Northside Ministry Resources Committee of Management

Northside Christian College Constitution

Northside Christian College Committee of Management

Northside Christian College Principal

Northside Christian College Association

Our Roots

Northside Christian College was started in 1979 by Northside Christian Centre (now Encompass Church) in response to a group of parents desiring a Christian education for their children. Through sacrificial Church investment and parent collaboration, this was realised when Northside Christian College was established in 1979 with a curriculum taught from a Biblical worldview.

For more than 40 years the College has sought to provide high quality Christian education and a caring, encouraging learning community to families of Melbourne’s northern suburbs.

Colossians 2:6-7 encourages us: So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.

Whilst we look back with gratitude to God for His faithfulness to us over this time, our vision is for the future, as we build on the good foundation that has been laid in the past. We continually develop our facilities and resources to give children a rich range of learning experiences, and to make our College a place in which lives are transformed through Christ and the wonder of learning.

1979

The school began operating as part of Northside Chri ian Centre in Reservoir, Victoria.

Northside Chri ian Centre and the school moved to Bundoora.

1981

Con ruction was completed on the double- orey Middle School building and associated landscaping works, including a new playground.

2023

Double reamed Year 7 classes were provided for the fir time in the College’s hi ory.

2019

The Art and Science building were con ructed. 2017

2022

Northside officially opened the College’s Sports Complex, incorporating a new Soccer pitch, two outdoor basketball courts, and a carpark.

Fully double reamed Primary School classes were offered for the fir time at Northside.

2023

The College commenced offering the Vocational Major and Victorian Pathways Certificate (VPC) as Victoria moved to a new integrated senior secondary certificate that brings together the VCE and the VCAL certificates.

The Admini ration building was con ructed.

1995

2000

Year 11 Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) udies were offered for the fir time at Northside.

Year 12 udies were offered for the fir time. This resulted in the fir Northside udents completing Year 12 exams.

2001

2002

Northside Chri ian College was a founding school member of Chri ian Schools Au ralia (CSA), which commenced in 2002.

The Home Economics, Technologies and Music (Ground Floor) building was con ructed.

2007

2011

Double reamed classes commenced in the Primary School for the fir time in the College’s hi ory.

2016

2015

The Middle School building (previously the original Science, Art, and Library building) was refurbished to support the College in providing a contemporary open plan Middle School learning environment.

VCE exams were conducted onsite at Northside for the fir time.

2015

2014

The College completed con ruction of the Primary School and Science building. This infra ructure included two Science labs, four general purpose classrooms, and a large central gathering area.

Northside commenced offering the Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL) in 2014, providing Senior School udents with a choice between the VCE and VCAL as part of their pathway options at Northside.

The College opened the VCE Centre in 2011 (Fir Floor), which included a new VCE Study Room, aff offices, and four general purpose classrooms.

2011

It is anticipated that in 2025, the College will be fully double reamed from Prep – Year 12.

Vision Statement

To be an inspirational Christian learning community.

Mission Statement

Transforming lives through Christ and the wonder of learning.

Core Values

“Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love.”

1 Corinthians 13:13

In establishing the College’s core values, God directed us to 1 Corinthians 13:13 “Three things will last forever— faith, hope, and love— and the greatest of these is love.”

The Bible reminds us of the significance of Love, Faith and Hope pulsing, which guides us as a College community. We desire to reflect God’s Grace and aim to serve His kingdom; those within community are called to embrace the character qualities of Perseverance, Integrity and Humility.

Everything is influenced by the core values; they shape and are seen in everything that we do. We hope that the College is known by the expression of Faith, Hope and Love as demonstrated by a sense of Community, Service and Grace. When our students leave the College, we want them to be young people hallmarked by Humility, Integrity and Perseverance.

GRACE

In the Bible, we learn about grace when we discover that God is willing to forgive us and bless us, despite the fact that we fall short of living righteously.

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.

2 Corinthians 12:9

INTEGRITY

Integrity means being honest and having strong moral principles. A person with integrity behaves honourably and does the right thing, even when no one is watching.

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

John 14:6

SERVICE

The Bible highlights the importance of serving others. We are reminded in the Bible about loving God and loving your neighbour as yourself.

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

Colossians 3:23-24

FAITH

Faith means putting your trust in God and having confidence that he will fulfill his promises.

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.

Hebrews 11:1

HUMILITY

Humility challenges us to put our trust in the Lord and believe what God says about you over anyone else’s opinion, including your own.

Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.

James 4:10

HOPE

Hope means to trust and wait expectantly on the Lord.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Jeremiah 29:11

LOVE

The Bible highlights that God is love. We learn more about love through developing our understanding of the nature of God.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.

1 Corinthians 13:4

PERSEVERANCE

Perseverance is a reminder to not compromise when times get tough and to continue obeying God’s Word.

And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.

Galatians 6:9

COMMUNITY

Community is the opportunity to live together sharing a common life in Christ.

How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!

Psalm 133:1

Objectives

Provide an education of a high academic standard that is based on an acceptance of the Lordship of Christ; and an acceptance of the Bible as the revealed and inspired Word of God.

Cater for the individuality of the learner and their gifting in God; stress the function of the learner as a member of the Body of Christ and the College community.

Stress cooperation rather than competition and foster the development of the gifts, skills and abilities of the learner for the service of Jesus Christ in the Body of Christ and the community. Develop enhanced partnerships between parents, students, staff and the community with the intention to strengthen the teaching and learning process.

Train the learner in the moral and ethical standards of the Bible and assist them to acquire a Biblical world and life view and an appreciation of the rights of others to hold differing views.

Provide a safe and loving environment through a sense of belonging to the family of God.

Provide an education of a high academic standard that is based on an acceptance of the Lordship of Christ; and an acceptance of the Bible as the revealed and inspired Word of God.

Develop a culture of continuous improvement, professional development and pastoral support among staff and the College community.

Develop the learner’s creative capacity, critical thinking ability, leadership skills and ability to work interdependently with others to solve problems and serve the community.

Ensure effective stewardship of the assets and resources God has entrusted to the College.

Effectively communicate with parents and the wider community.

Foster self-discipline in the learner through goal setting, responsibility and self-motivation.

Northside Christian College provides students with Primary and Secondary educational opportunities based on Christian values, designed to develop students’ knowledge, skills, understanding and character.

We believe every student is made uniquely in the image of God. Therefore, the individual needs of each student are our greatest concern. Within a Christian context at Northside Christian College, we aim to nurture the growth and development of the whole person – intellectually, physically, emotionally, spiritually and socially. We believe that this growth should be firmly based on the student’s growing personal relationship with God and other people.

The development of students at Northside Christian College takes place in community. Our College is built on shared foundations of Biblical faith, values and beliefs and a commitment to mutual care and respect. We see our role as forming partnerships with parents and carers to educate their children.

We believe that in order to develop students to their full potential the College must ensure that all aspects of the child’s health and wellbeing are supported. We believe students should be nurtured in a supportive environment that has clear boundaries within mutual respect and a healthy working relationship between parents and carers, teachers and students. Respect involves treating other people as you would like to be treated yourself. The College implements a discipline program which aims for the restoration of relationships. We are committed to embedding a culture of child safety. We have a zero tolerance of child abuse in our school.

Northside Christian College aims to offer an education that encourages both academic learning and the development of Godly values and wisdom. These values help to form the foundations for life and are vitally important to the development of each student. The presentation of these values in the curriculum and their demonstration in the lives of our staff serve to reinforce what is taught at home and in the family church.

We encourage students to be active participants in their educational journey. The College is committed to supporting each student in a collaborative and differentiated approach in order to meet their learning needs.

Enactment of the College Philosophy

The College Vision, Mission, Values and Objectives are central to all practices within the College and form the basis of the College’s Strategic Plan and Annual Action Plan.

The College Philosophy is communicated to the students, parents, staff and the College community through key documents and publications. These include but are not limited to:

• Annual Report

• College Website

• Handbooks

• Student diary

• College newsletters

It is expected that all school improvement strategies and organisational practices relate to the College Philosophy in alignment with the Vision, Mission and Objectives of the College.

The Committee of Management review written policies on a continuing basis to ensure consistency with the College’s Vision, Mission, Philosophy, and Objectives. Policies are also reviewed and revised as a result of newly enacted state and/or federal legislation, as a result of research and/or policy development as presented by state and/or national organisations and agencies, or for other reasons as determined by the Committee of Management.

Creating Culturally Safe Environments

Northside Christian College is committed to providing a safe environment for all students. This commitment is captured in the College’s Student Code of Conduct, which is documented in the College’s Behaviour Management Policy (Policy No. 36). Northside Christian College aims to strategically and practically build a culture which acknowledges, affirms and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, cultures, and traditions.

The Child Safe Standards provide further guidance on the need for schools to support all students. Child Safe Standard 1 requires organisations to establish a culturally safe environment in which the diverse identities and experiences of Aboriginal children and young people are respected and valued. Child Safe Standard 5 states that school must maintain equity at all times. Furthermore, school communities need to respect the diverse needs of students in policy and practice.

The College acknowledges some students are particularly vulnerable, which was also addressed in Volume 6 of the Final Report of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse (p. 170). The College recognises careful attention should be given to:

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and creating cultural safety.

• Children with disability and responses to disability.

• Children from diverse religious and cultural communities.

• Very young children.

• Children who have experienced trauma.

• Gender differences.

• The experiences of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex children.

• Challenges for children living in remote locations.

• Students who cannot live at home (including international students).

• Refugee students who may have experienced prior trauma.

• Students who may have fewer connections to trusted adults and less confidence or ability to speak out, including children whose additional safety needs are not being addressed by adults around them.

Northside Christian College is committed to providing pastoral care to all students. We are reminded in Mark 12:31 to “Love your neighbour as yourself.”

At Northside, we aim to support all students to feel safe, connected, and supported within our College community to assist all students to flourish with their learning and wellbeing.

The College’s ongoing commitment to maintaining culturally safe environments is also outlined in the College’s Pastoral Care Policy (Policy No. 12), which notes “we promote and provide a supportive learning environment in which all students can expect to feel safe, supported and respected. We recognise the need for clear, transparent and explicit programs and policies to ensure students’ physical, social, spiritual and emotional wellbeing” (p. 2).

The diversity of our school community has long been a feature and strength of Northside Christian College. Our policies and procedures support our growth and continuous development in this area. Northside Christian College is committed to providing a safe environment for all students. Obviously all of these policies and practices flow from our Biblical understanding of human flourishing and what will provide the best outcomes for young people.

Source: Commonwealth of Australia. (2017). Final Report: Volume 6, Making institutions child safe. https://www. childabuseroyalcommission.gov.au/sites/default/files/final_report_-_ volume_6_making_institutions_child_safe.pdf

Teaching and Learning Framework

In 2016, Northside Christian College created a unique and strategic teaching and learning framework. The framework will assist the College community in the development of future teaching and learning programs and will support in the evaluation of existing programs and initiatives at the College.

The framework provides an opportunity for teaching staff to reflect on what we teach, why we teach it and how we can teach it in a way more closely aligned with the Mission, Vision, and Philosophy of the College. The framework also provides a chance for the College to consider the knowledge, skills, work habits, and character traits we want to instil in our students and a chance to reference this with a wide range of 21st century skills.

Students will benefit from a carefully planned Christian education as staff develop curriculum and initiatives with reference to this framework. Furthermore, the framework enables all teachers, students and parents of our College to develop a very clear understanding about how we will deliver high quality teaching and learning practices at Northside Christian College.

The Teaching and Learning Framework is an important tool for our College community and closely aligns with the Vision, Mission, Philosophy, and Objectives of the College.

The documented curriculum at the College reflects a commitment to meet the requirements of State and National Curriculum frameworks, including the Curriculum and the Victorian Certificate of Education study designs.

Northside Christian College is committed to delivering the Australian Curriculum for Prep – Year 10 students. The Australian Curriculum sets the expectations for what all Australian students should be taught, regardless of where they live or their background. For Prep – Year 10, it means that students now have access to the same content, and their achievement can be judged against consistent national standards. The College has monitored the release of the National Curriculum by the Australian Curriculum Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA). The College will continue to update curriculum across the College to ensure mandated syllabi have fulfilled the content requirements.

The Australian Curriculum includes seven General Capabilities. These General Capabilities traverse all specific disciplines and study areas and are regarded as the core skills and dispositions for 21st century students. The General Capabilities are:

• Critical and Creative Thinking

• Digital Literacy

• Ethical Understanding

• Intercultural Understanding

• Literacy

• Numeracy

• Personal and Social Capability

Northside Christian College acknowledges the Alice Springs (Mparntwe) Education Declaration (2019) and aims to promote excellence and equity and enable all students to become confident and creative individuals, successful learners, and active and informed community members.

Our curriculum is deliberately planned to ensure that students gain enduring understanding. This is achieved by planning that begins with the end in mind, with a clear description of the evidence of learning, assessment, learning outcomes, and appropriate teaching and learning strategies. The Understanding By Design approach guides the development of curriculum documentation for Teaching staff at Northside Christian College. Assessment is of learning, for learning, and as learning and is embedded in curriculum planning.

Love God

Love Others Autonomy

Mastery

Biblically Literate

Transformed Through Christ

Student

Holistic Wellbeing

Equipped For Service

Pathways & Goals

Creative Problem Solvers

Wonder of Learning

Purpose

Equppied For Learning

Essential Knowledge

Understaning Skills

Learner as an Individual

Teamwork and Collaboration

“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is - His good, pleasing and perfect will.”

Romans 12:2

Statement of Democratic Principles Statement of Commitment to Child Safety

Northside Christian College was established in 1979 within the guidelines for the establishment of a school within the State of Victoria. The College is committed to compliance with State and Federal Law and adherence to the policies and expectations of legally appointed authorities that oversee the operation of educational institutions in the state of Victoria. In this regard, we recognise:

1. The principle of elected government at Federal, State and local levels of Government.

2. The rule of Law, and the right of the parliament and legal authorities to make and enforce compliance with that Law.

3. The equal rights of all people before the Law.

4. The freedom of religion.

5. The freedom of speech and association.

6. The values of openness, inclusion and tolerance.

We further state that the College strongly supports and applauds the Government’s recognition of the right of faith-based schools to actively teach and model the beliefs, tenents and practices of the faith and to employ staff who actively practice and live by them.

Northside Christian College is committed to promoting and protecting, at all times, the best interests of children involved in its programs.

All children, regardless of their gender, race, religious beliefs, age, disability, sexual orientation, or family or social background, have equal rights to protection from abuse.

Northside Christian College has zero tolerance for child abuse. Everyone working at Northside Christian College is responsible for the care and protection of the children within our care and reporting information about suspected child abuse.

Child protection is a shared responsibility between the Northside Christian College, all employees, workers, contractors and associates. It is a shared commitment by all members of the Northside Christian College community.

Northside Christian College will consider the opinions of children and use their opinions to develop child protection policies.

Northside Christian College supports and respects all children, staff and volunteers. Northside Christian College is committed to the cultural safety of Aboriginal children, and those from culturally and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds, and to providing a safe environment for children living with a disability.

Child Safe Standards

The Child Safe Standards set out minimum requirements and outline the actions organisations must take to keep children and young people safe. They provide clarity for organisations and are consistent with the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations in Australia.

Child Safe Standard 1 – Organisations establish a culturally safe environment in which the diverse and unique identities and experiences of Aboriginal children and young people are respected and valued.

Child Safe Standard 2 – Child safety and wellbeing is embedded in organisational leadership, governance and culture.

Child Safe Standard 3 – Children and young people are empowered about their rights, participate in decisions affecting them and are taken seriously.

Child Safe Standard 7 – Processes for complaints and concerns are child focused.

Child Safe Standard 8 – Staff and volunteers are equipped with the knowledge, skills and awareness to keep children and young people safe through ongoing education and training.

Child Safe Standard 9 – Physical and online environments promote safety and wellbeing while minimising the opportunity for children and young people to be harmed.

Child Safe Standard 4 – Families and communities are informed, and involved in promoting child safety and wellbeing.

Child Safe Standard 5 – Equity is upheld and diverse needs respected in policy and practice.

Child Safe Standard 6 – People working with children and young people are suitable and supported to reflect child safety and wellbeing values in practice.

Child Safe Standard 10 –Implementation of the Child Safe Standards is regularly reviewed and improved.

Child Safe Standard 11 – Policies and procedures document how the organisation is safe for children and young people.

Introducing the Six Strategic Priorities

Northside Christian College is committed to undertaking the following six strategic priorities between 2023 and 2033. The implementation of these initiatives is phased over the ten year period of the plan. Implementation will occur through an annual planning and budget cycle. The strategic actions and business plans will be reviewed annually.

1. Provide rigorous Christian education

4. Strengthen schoolcommunity connections

2. Support a passionate team of staff

5. Manage the College in a sustainable way

3. Advance a nurturing culture

6. Deliver effective school governance

Strategic Pillars

Vision Statement

To be an inspirational Chri ian learning community.

Mission Statement

Transforming lives through Chri and the wonder of learning.

Core Values

Faith Hope Love Community Service

Grace Humility Integrity Perseverance

Rigorous

Provide rigorous Christian education

Strategic Priorities

Passionate

Support a passionate team of staff

Su ainable

Manage the College in a sustainable way

Nurturing

Advance a nurturing culture

Governance

Deliver effective school governance

Connection

Strengthen school-community connections

Underpinned by the College’s Vision and Mission, the Strategic Plan provides the framework by which the College will voice key principles and directions, set specific objectives and outcomes and establish targets against which implementation and progress can be measured and reported.

Underpinned by the College’s Vision and Mission, the Strategic Plan provides the framework by which the College will voice key principles and directions, set specific objectives and outcomes and establish targets against which implementation and progress can be measured and reported.

Strategic Priority 1

Provide rigorous Christian education

Northside Christian College is committed to developing a culture where students are passionate about learning and transformed through Christ and the wonder of learning. The College aims to implement a high-quality, rigorous learning program to support the learning of all students.

“My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”

Colossians 2:2-3 (NIV)

Strategic Priority 1 - Operational Statements of Intent

Approach One

Maintain an unwavering commitment to excellence in Christian education

Northside Christian College is committed to teaching students through an engaging Biblical worldview perspective to support the spiritual formation of all students. The College will fully implement the Australian Curriculum for Prep – Year 10 students and will provide the Victorian Certificate of Education and Vocational Major for Senior School students. Northside will be intentional about identifying and implementing best practices that can set children and teenagers on a trajectory of lifelong learning, faith, and service.

Example of Implementation Steps

To achieve this objective, the College will:

• Develop a shared understanding and implement the College’s Teaching and Learning Framework.

• Support the implementation of the Christian Schools Australia’s resource God’s Big Story to develop and implement curriculum from a Biblical worldview.

• Actively enhance teaching and learning through the College’s online learning platform.

• Further develop and implement the College’s INSPiRE and inclusive education programs.

Approach Two

Support all students to maximise learning growth every year

Northside Christian College aims to provide an opportunity for each student to achieve personal academic excellence with intentional consideration for the diversity that exists within our learning community. The College will use data to support the development of teaching and learning programs and ensure each student is provide with targeted support with their learning. Northside will promote and maintain an environment reflective of high expectations that all students will learn successfully.

• Develop a graduate profile for Northside Christian College.

• Support students with careers support throughout Secondary School.

• Further implementation of flipped classrooms as a tool to meet the needs of a 21st century learner.

• Value, encourage, and celebrate academic endeavour and success.

• Consider supporting students with differentiated assessments.

Approach Three Graduate well-prepared students

Northside aims for students to graduate from the College prepared for a global marketplace. Students will develop skills to support their transition into a diverse range of post-school pathways. Students will be supported with careers education throughout their time at the College. The learning program at Northside will be challenging, enhance curiosity and creativity, and support the development of individual gifts with which God has blessed each student. Northside will provide learning experiences that promote holistic student development.

• Expand upon the VCE subjects offered to students as the College continues to grow.

• Continue to develop a whole of College approach to differentiated learning that best caters for all students, whether by challenge and extension or through targeted support.

• Document and effectively implement the updated Australian Curriculum.

• Provide targeted support to meet the needs of students for whom English is an additional language or dialect.

• Use data available from a variety of sources to drive curriculum planning and teaching practices.

• Document, review and increase authentic learning experiences across the College.

Strategic Priority 2

Support a passionate team of staff

Northside Christian College is committed to employing, developing and resourcing a high quality team of teachers, administrators and support staff united by a shared faith and a desire to provide excellence in Christian education.

“As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called”.

Ephesians 4:1-4 (NIV)

Strategic Priority 2 - Operational Statements of Intent

Approach Four

Implement high-quality professional learning and development

Establishing a strong collegial professional learning culture supports all staff to flourish and contribute to the Mission and Vision of the College. The College aims to see all staff thrive in their roles and supported with access to targeted high-quality professional development to support their growth. The College aims to support staff with career pathway planning to support the provision of Christian education at Northside and beyond.

Example of Implementation Steps

To achieve this objective, the College will:

• Continue to appoint high quality staff who contribute a diverse range of skills and experiences that will support the College’s Mission and Vision.

• Evaluate the process of staff education and performance reviews to ensure alignment with best practice, including the Australian Teacher Performance and Development Framework.

Approach Five

Support staff with meaningful appraisal and feedback mechanisms

Feedback provided through a meaningful staff appraisal process supports all staff to flourish. The appraisal process for teachers will be closely linked with the Australian Teacher Performance and Development Framework. The College also aims to further develop faculties and professional learning communities. Likewise, Northside is committed to providing an effective staff induction program and assisting new staff with mentors.

• Provide adequate training for all staff with particular emphasis on professional development of staff in teaching the Australian Curriculum, new technologies, differentiation, inquiry-based learning and other innovative emerging pedagogies.

• Implement policies and standards enunciating procedures, performance measures and feedback mechanisms related to individual staff performance.

• Use Visible Thinking as a key strategy to embed a Culture of Thinking into everyday classroom practices.

• Implement a comprehensive staff induction program.

• Continue to review employee entitlements to assist in recruiting and retaining the highest-quality staff.

Approach Six

Celebrate and develop a shared faith

As a Christian community, the staff at Northside Christian College will continue to look for ways to express our shared faith to support the provision of Christian education at Northside. We will actively look for authentic ways to grow as a community of believers.

• Create additional opportunities for faculties and teaching teams to collaborate.

• Promote reading, research, and professional development opportunities for staff.

Approach Seven

Articulate and implement an intentional pedagogical approach

The College will reflect on and articulate our understanding of excellence in pedagogy, informed by educational research, to support student learning in our school context. As a team of educators and support staff, we will implement our shared pedagogical approach across all faculty areas.

Strategic Priority 3

Advance a nurturing culture

Northside Christian College aims to further develop a nurturing College community that meets the needs of students and staff.

“Be devoted to one another in love. Honour one another above yourselves.”

Romans 12:10 (NIV)

Strategic Priority 3 - Operational Statements of Intent

Approach Eight

Maintain a child safe school

Northside is committed to embedding a culture of child safety that permeates through all College environments. The College will implement the Child Safe Standards and carefully consider the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse and the Betrayal of Trust Inquiry into the Handling of Child Abuse by Religious and other Non-Government Organisations.

Approach Eleven

Develop a comprehensive staff wellbeing strategy

The wellbeing of our staff directly impacts the wellbeing of our students and learning outcomes at Northside Christian College. The College is dedicated to becoming an attractive workplace for high-quality prospective employees. We are passionate about developing sustainable work practices to ensure our staff can flourish in their roles. The College aims to continue developing a greater awareness and implementation of best practices in relation to Occupational Health and Safety.

Approach Nine

Expand the accessibly of student wellbeing support Northside Christian College is dedicated to considering ways to support students so they can flourish. We recognise that the wellbeing of our students is essential and plays a vital role in their learning at Northside. The College will continue to consider strategies to ensure wellbeing support is accessible to all students and reflective of the current needs of our College community. Teachers will implement a social and emotional learning program that supports our students with their wellbeing. Northside will review, promote, and implement student wellbeing polices to ensure our College community feels safe, supported, and respected.

Example of Implementation Steps

To achieve this objective, the College will:

• Continue to refine and implement a Child Safety Strategy in consultation with the College community.

• Monitor the implementation of social and emotional learning programs for our Primary and Secondary School and make adjustments to support the needs of our College community.

• Complete professional learning and development in the area of Occupational Health and Safety and implement appropriate policies to maintain a safe working environment that supports staff flourishing.

Approach Ten

Support an inclusive community

The diversity of our College community has long been a feature and strength of Northside Christian College. Our policies and procedures support our growth and continuous development in this area. We desire to celebrate and affirm the cultural diversity within our College community, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, cultures and traditions. Northside Christian College is committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment for all students. The College aims to implement a range of policies to support the provision of an inclusive community at Northside. Obviously all of these policies and practices flow from our Biblical understanding of human flourishing and what will provide the best outcomes for young people.

• Continue to review and update policy addressing the wellbeing needs of our College community.

• Investigate ways to expand upon student mentoring programs.

• Review strategies for providing targeted wellbeing support for students in different sub-schools.

• Review the College’s social and emotional learning programs and the support programs in place for each year level across the College.

Strategic Priority 4

Strengthen school community connections

Our community will mature through the fostering of authentic working relationships with our partners in Christian education.

“Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. For we were all baptised by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many… Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.”

1 Corinthians 12:12-14, 27 (NIV)

Strategic Priority 4 - Operational Statements of Intent

Approach Twelve

Increase an awareness of our Values

Our shared values highlight our intent to draw closer to God and to develop a deeper understanding of the character of God. Northside will continue to develop a strong sense of belonging and identification with the College’s Mission and Values.

Approach Sixteen

Connect to a network of opportunities

Approach Thirteen

Improve the school relationship with parents and carers to enrich student learning

Parents and carers at Northside are highly valued partners in Christian education. The staff at Northside are committed to working closely with parents and carers to support the diverse learning and wellbeing needs of our College community. Northside aims to collaborate with our parents and carers through maintaining a welcoming and accessible school environment.

We recognise there are many organisations that can support the learning of our students. Technology provides an abundance of opportunities for our students to build on their learning. The College will intentionally explore opportunities to break down geographical barriers, integrate technology, and develop partnerships with schools, universities, community organisations, and local businesses to support our students flourish with their learning and wellbeing.

Example of Implementation Steps

To achieve this objective, the College will:

• Provide greater opportunities for engagement with the College alumni.

Approach Fourteen

Advance close church connections

Our community values the opportunity to work closely with our local churches. Together, we support the spiritual formation of our students. We respect our local churches and appreciate the spiritual input and pastoral care they provide for our community. We look forward to partnering together to achieve shared goals.

• Provide opportunities for parents, carers, and members of the local community to become involved in the life of the College.

• Enhance existing communication strategies and develop new ways to engage with the wider community, including broadening partnerships with educational institutions, including local universities.

• Promote and encourage opportunities for new community partnerships to support the curriculum and co-curriculum programs of the College.

Approach Fifteen

Create a place for students to belong and flourish

Our College community aims to be a place where all students feel safe, supported, and respected. This extends to our graduates. Northside desires for our graduates to feel valued and welcome at Northside. We look forward to considering opportunities to reconnected with alumni to support the provision of Christian education at Northside. We also recognise the need to provide a diverse range of co-curricular activities to provide opportunities for our students to develop their strengths and to use their strengths to serve others.

• Promote College programs that encourage and facilitate a positive contribution in the local and global community.

• Continue to work closely with the Parents and Friends Association to provide opportunities for the community to engage at social and community events.

• Equip and encourage parents and carers to support and assist in the development of their child’s learning.

• Provide increased opportunities for our students to serve others.

Strategic Priority 5

Manage the College in a sustainable way

The administrative structures at the College aim to create a sustainable organisation that can facilitate and support the educational programs of the College and reinvest in high-quality resources, facilities, and assets.

“If you obey God, you will have something to leave your grandchildren. If you don’t obey God, those who live right will get what you leave.”

Proverbs 13:22 (CEV)

Strategic Priority 5 - Operational Statements of Intent

Approach Seventeen

Develop a forward thinking master plan

The review and implementation of the College Master Plan will acknowledge our school history and context, while carefully considering the facilities needed to provide the strategic provision of Christian education in the future. Plans will continue to explore expansion options for the College. The College will redesign and refurbish learning areas to reflect contemporary learning needs and curriculum demands.

Example of Implementation Steps

To achieve this objective, the College will:

• Continue to further develop fiscally responsible planning controls to provide the required programs, facilities and service for all students and staff within the College.

• Develop a long-term financial model reflecting the physical needs of the College, balanced against predicted financial capacity.

Approach Eighteen

Tell the Northside story

The development and implementation of a Marketing Plan will transform the College brand, increase visibility, support student enrolment, and effectively communicate to key stakeholders the unique story of Northside Christian College while celebrating our faith.

• Actively pursue all avenues and opportunities for government funding and raising of revenue.

• Manage the level of debt within recognised benchmarks.

• Create communication models and approaches that reflect contemporary technologies that will lead to the positive engagement of the College community with a particular focus on creating a positive public image and an active partnership with that community.

Approach Nineteen

Create a robust business plan

Northside will maintain a five year Business Plan that describes the College’s strategy and how the College intends to achieve its goals with the financial resources available.

• Ensure current facilities are maintained and upgraded to best meet the needs of 21st century learners.

• Promote the College’s brand and marketing position through the website, intranet, external and internal signage and external advertising media.

Approach Twenty

Develop an understanding of approaches to use technology to innovate

Technology often provides an opportunity for organisations to innovate and create state-of-the-art business processes. Northside will continue to explore ways to authentically and strategically use technology to support the business and education operations of the College.

• Conduct a full audit of technology and network infrastructure every three years.

Strategic Priority 6

Deliver effective school governance

The Committee of Management is committed to implementing responsible and sustainable practices in the governance of the College. The Committee of Management will continue to develop and review policies and processes that support the all members of the College community and will comply with current educational and government standards.

“As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.”

1 Peter 4:10 (ESV)

Strategic Priority 6 - Operational Statements of Intent

Approach Twenty-one

Strive to exceed minimum standards

The Committee of Management at Northside will remained informed about current educational and government standards and their implications for policy and procedure at the College. Standards that guide the Committee of Management include the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) Governance Standards, the Not-for-Profit Governance Principles developed by the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD), and the Victorian Regulation and Qualifications Authority (VRQA) Guidelines to the Minimum Standards and Requirements for School Registration. The Committee of Management will evaluate the performance of itself and its members in relation to their respective roles and responsibilities.

Example of Implementation Steps

To achieve this objective, the College will:

• Develop an effective governance model that will help build a collaborative relationship that inspires trust between the Committee of Management and the Principal and empowers all parties to work toward shared goals.

• Comply with all legislative, regulatory, governance and operational frameworks in a timely manner.

• Maintain a Committee of Management planning calendar to assist in the review and development of policy.

• Provide ongoing professional learning and development opportunities for Committee of Management members.

Approach Twenty-two

Review

and provide a comprehensive policy framework

The Committee of Management is responsible for developing policies to reflect the College’s Values and support the College’s strategic priorities, as outlined in the Strategic Plan. Northside Christian College policies are documents that are made available to the College community as a means to clarify functions and responsibilities, manage change, promote consistency, meet standards, and make decisionmaking transparent. The Committee of Management are responsible for reviewing the College’s policies on a regular cycle with some policies requiring review on an annual basis.

• Actively engage in ongoing strategic planning and develop annual priorities in collaboration with the College’s Executive Team.

Approach Twenty-three

Implement

a comprehensive system of risk management

The Committee of Management will monitor adherence to systems of risk management, ensure compliance with legal obligations and undertake periodic performance reviews. Furthermore, the Committee of Management will enhance and embed a risk management framework and register to support the operations of the College. Child Safety will be championed by the Committee of Management at Northside Christian College.

Acronyms and Glossary

ACARA

ACNC

AICD AITSL

Alice Springs (Mparntwe) Education Declaration

Australian Curriculum

Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority.

Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission.

Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership. (See: www.aitsl.edu.au)

The Alice Springs (Mparntwe) Education Declaration (the Declaration), it sets out the national vision for education and the commitment of Australian Governments to improving educational outcomes.

The national curriculum being developed for students in Prep – Year 10 covering subject areas outlined in the Melbourne Declaration (2008). (See: www.australiancurriculum.edu.au)

Australian Teacher Performance and Development Framework

Biblical worldview

Child Safe Standards

CSA Differentiation

Global Marketplace

God’s Big Story

A national approach to teacher performance and development to support teachers in their desire to grow and develop and to receive useful feedback on their performance.

A Biblical worldview (or a Christian worldview) is a worldview based on God’s unchanging Word.

Victoria’s Child Safe Standards are a set of mandatory requirements to protect children and young people from harm and abuse.

Christian Schools Australia (See: www.csa.edu.au).

The efforts of teachers to respond to variance among learners in the classroom.

A global market is not limited to specific geographic locations but rather involves the exchange of goods, services, and labor anywhere in the world.

A resource developed by Christian Schools Australia that outlines a process for curriculum development and planning through a framework of four lenses: Creation, Fall, Redemption and Restoration.

ICT

Independent schools ISV

Information and Communications Technology.

Schools that are not Government-run and are not Catholic schools. (A very small number of Catholic schools do call themselves Catholic Independent schools.)

Independent Schools Victoria.

Literacy

Marketing Plan

Master Plan

Middle School

Monitoring

Numeracy

Pedagogy

Prep

Primary School

Risk Management Policy

Secondary School

Senior School

Understanding By Design

The process of acquiring knowledge or skills throughout life via education, training, work and general life experiences.

In the Australian Curriculum, students become literate as they develop the knowledge, skills and dispositions to interpret and use language confidently for learning and communicating in and out of school and for participating effectively in society. Literacy involves students in listening to, reading, viewing, speaking, writing and creating oral, print, visual and digital texts, and using and modifying language for different purposes in a range of contexts.

A marketing plan is a comprehensive blueprint which outlines an organisation’s overall marketing efforts.

Master Plans documents outline the vision for the physical facilities and grounds development and the use of precious school resources in support of student learning.

Years 7 – 9 at Northside Christian College.

At the school level this is the process of continually evaluating students’ performance or checking that the aims of particular instructional activities have been achieved.

A term that emerged in the United Kingdom as a contraction of “numerical literacy”. In the Australian Curriculum, students become numerate as they develop the knowledge and skills to use mathematics confidently across other learning areas at school and in their lives more broadly. Numeracy involves students in recognising and understanding the role of mathematics in the world and having the dispositions and capacities to use mathematical knowledge and skills purposefully.

The method and practice of teaching.

Commonly used abbreviation for Preparatory Year. In Victoria, it is the year before Year 1.

Prep – Year 6 at Northside Christian College.

A policy setting out the how the risks which have been identified by the risk assessment procedure will be managed and controlled.

Years 7 – 12 at Northside Christian College.

Years 10 – 12 at Northside Christian College.

Understanding By Design (UbD) is an example of backward design, the practice of looking at the outcomes in order to design curriculum units, performance assessments, and classroom instruction The backward design process is focused primarily on student learning and understanding

VCAL

The Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL) is a “hands-on” option for students in Years 11 and 12. Like the VCE, the VCAL is a recognised senior secondary qualification. The VCE Vocational Major (VCE VM) and the Victorian Pathways Certificate (VPC) are being introduced in 2023. The transition period in 2023 allows Intermediate VCAL be awarded to eligible Year 12 students. The VCAL will be phased out in 2023.

The Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) is Victoria’s senior secondary qualification. It opens pathways to university, higher-level TAFE or VET certificate courses, apprenticeships, traineeships and the workforce.

The VCE Vocational Major (VM) is a vocational and applied learning program within the VCE.

Vocational education and training (VET) enables students to gain qualifications for all types of employment, and specific skills to help them in the workplace. The providers of VET include technical and further education (TAFE) institutes, adult and community education providers and agricultural colleges, as well as private providers, community organisations, industry skill centres, and commercial and enterprise training providers. In addition, some universities and schools provide VET.

Victorian Institute of Teaching. The Victorian Institute of Teaching is an independent professional body for the teaching profession. The Institute registers teachers working in Victorian government, independent and Catholic schools. As with other professions occupying positions of trust and responsibility, teachers are required to be registered in order to practice their profession. All practicing Victorian school teachers must be registered by the Institute.

The VPC is an accredited foundation secondary qualification. It aligns to Level 1 in the Australian Qualifications Framework. While the VPC is not a senior secondary qualification, it can be a pathway to the VCE. The VPC is designed to develop and extend pathways for young people, while providing flexibility for different cohorts.

Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority.