THE COLLEGE PHILOSOPHY - EXPANDED WITH POINTS FROM THE MELBOURNE DECLARATION

1. We believe that the Word of God is the foundation of true education.
2. The Lordship of Christ is paramount, and His presence will be recognised in all College activities and evidenced in the atmosphere of the College.
3. The College will promote the pursuit of excellence in all academic endeavours within a Christian context where learning proceeds according to the ability of each individual child.
   • The College will
     • encourage parents, carers, families, the broader community and young people themselves to hold high expectations for their educational outcomes
     • promote a culture of excellence in all schools, by supporting them to provide challenging, and stimulating learning experiences and opportunities that enable all
       students to explore and build on their gifts and talents

     • promote personalised learning that aims to fulfil the diverse capabilities of each young Australian
4. We believe that the responsibility for the education of children lies primarily with their parents. The Bible gives the instruction “Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it.” (Proverbs 22:6)
5. In seeking a school to assist with this training, Christian parents should select an academic institution which will reinforce Biblical values. A Christian School should support and assist parents in their God given task of bringing up children in the “discipline and instruction of the Lord”.
6. The role of parents is recognised as integral to the education of their children. The authority of parents is respected and their involvement highly valued. The College recognises that its authority, though derived ultimately from God, is delegated to it from the parents and the Church. Areas that are primarily the responsibility of the family or the Church are not usurped, but will be supported by the College.
7. Teachers, parents and students come together as a community of learners where they are mutually supportive of each other.
   • The College will
     • provide all students with access to high-quality schooling that is free from discrimination based on gender, language, sexual orientation, pregnancy, culture, ethnicity, religion, health or disability, socioeconomic background or geographic location
     • ensure that schools build on local cultural knowledge and experience of Indigenous students as a
       foundation for learning, and work in partnership with local communities on all aspects of the schooling
       process, including to promote high expectations for the learning outcomes of Indigenous students

     • ensure that the learning outcomes of Indigenous students improve to match those of other students
     • ensure that socioeconomic disadvantage ceases to be a
       significant determinant of educational outcomes

     • reduce the effect of other sources of disadvantage, such as disability, homelessness, refugee status and remoteness
     • ensure that schooling contributes to a socially cohesive society that respects and appreciates cultural,
       social and religious diversity

THE AIMS OF THE COLLEGE - EXPANDED WITH POINTS FROM THE MELBOURNE DECLARATION
The Philosophy of the College finds expression through the following specific aims:

1. To develop the spiritual, social, academic and physical potential of each student in a caring and disciplined environment.
   Becoming
   • Successful learners who
     • are motivated to reach their full potential
   • Confident and creative individuals who
     • have a sense of self-worth, self-awareness and personal identity that enables them to manage their emotional, mental, spiritual and physical wellbeing
     • have a sense of optimism about their lives and the future
2. To assist each student towards a mastery of the basic academic and thinking skills while also encouraging creativity in all areas of the curriculum.
   Becoming
   • Successful learners who
     • develop their capacity to learn and play an active role in their own learning
     • have the essential skills in literacy and numeracy and are creative and productive users of technology, especially ICT, as a foundation for success in all learning areas
     • are able to think deeply and logically, and obtain
       and evaluate evidence in a disciplined way as the result
       of studying fundamental disciplines

     • are creative, innovative and resourceful, and are able to solve problems in ways that draw upon a range of learning areas and disciplines
     • are able to plan activities independently, collaborate, work in teams and communicate ideas
     • are able to make sense of their world and think about how things have become the way they are
     • are on a pathway towards continued success in further
       education, training or employment, and acquire the skills to make informed learning and employment decisions
       throughout their lives
   • Confident and creative individuals who
     • are enterprising, show initiative and use their creative abilities
3. To provide a balanced school program in which the Christian faith forms an essential part of the life of the College.
4. To foster in each student a desire to serve God and others in the community.
5. To develop a love for Christ and truth, to adopt a set of Godly values and to accept responsibility for one’s actions.
6. To train students in the highest principles of Christian leadership, self-discipline, individual responsibility, personal integrity, and good citizenship.
   Becoming
   • Confident and creative individuals who
     • develop personal values and attributes such as honesty, resilience, empathy and respect for others
     • have the knowledge, skills, understanding and values to establish and maintain healthy, satisfying lives
     • have the confidence and capability to pursue university or post-secondary vocational qualifications leading to rewarding and productive employment
     • relate well to others and form and maintain healthy
       relationships

     • are well prepared for their potential life roles as family, community and workforce members
     • embrace opportunities, make rational and informed decisions about their own lives and accept responsibility for their own actions.
   • Active and informed citizens who
     • act with moral and ethical integrity
     • appreciate Australia’s social, cultural, linguistic and religious diversity, and have an understanding of Australia’s system of government, history and culture
     • understand and acknowledge the value of Indigenous cultures and possess the knowledge, skills and understanding to contribute to, and benefit from, reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians
     • are committed to national values of democracy, equity and justice, and participate in Australia’s civic life
     • are able to relate to and communicate across cultures, especially the cultures and countries of Asia
     • work for the common good, in particular sustaining and improving natural and social environments
     • are responsible global and local citizens