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TVCS RATIONALE & POLICY DOCUMENTS

SECTION ONE SCHOOL VISION 1.3

Torrens Valley Christian School


Community Statement

Focal Points for Members of our Learning Community


Why Focal Points at TVCS? We are a Christian, Educational community, united under God, in the name of Jesus Christ by His Holy Spirit. Christian schools are meant to be different from Non-Christian schools. While Christian schools aim at strong discipline, high academic standards and encouraging students in their faith, these alone are not what makes a school Christian. The curriculum itself and how it is taught, from a Christ-centred approach, are the central difference. Our Christian worldview, based on Creation, the Fall (what is wrong?), Redemption (the remedy), and Restoration, is used as a blueprint to view all study. All of life is to be a religious experience with no distinction between sacred and secular. We are to continually question how all we do fits within Gods plan for this world. We hold to Gods truth as expressed in the Bible, to the Nicene Creed and our Educational Creed, with the aim of growing closer to God and thus to live a life honouring to Him. To affect this, we realise that education and learning are paramount. In seeking to educate ourselves fully, we have these six Focal Points overseeing all we do within the Torrens Valley Christian School community: These focal points are in three groups: 1. Focal Point 1 & 2 Personal understanding of God and how to live with God in relationship. 2. Focal Points 3 & 4 Understanding of life and how to live in community. 3. Focal Points 5 & 6 Using our talents to serve our community and the environment. Focal Point 1 We aim to develop and live out a Christian Worldview, in line with the teachings of Bible. Focal Point 2 We aim to learn more about God and how to develop a closer relationship with Him. Focal Point 3 We aim to develop our abilities and talents to serve God and to value the many differences that exist within people. Focal Point 4 We aim to share each others joys and burdens. Focal Point 5 We desire to learn how to express Christian love. Focal Point 6 We seek to understand, as fully as possible, the integral nature of life.

Document Status: Foundational

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TVCS RATIONALE & POLICY DOCUMENTS SECTION ONE SCHOOL VISION 1.3 FOCAL POINT 1 We aim to develop and live out a Christian worldview in line with the teachings of the Bible. Objectives To seek to know Gods intention for His creation and to understand what has gone wrong with it. To analyse societal and technological developments and decide our opinion and position on these. To have a community conscience. To seek to understand what positive actions we might take on issues and events. To hold firmly to our Christian beliefs at all times. To be comfortable with ourselves, accepting and encouraging of others. To know what makes true happiness and brings emotional stability. Biblical Background 1 Corinthians 10: 23 & 24 & 31 Everything is permissible but not everything is constructive. Nobody should seek his own good but the good of others. So whatever you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God. Achieving The Objectives Current issues are topics of discussion and analysis. We have a community program. We are involved with community groups and events (e.g. retirement homes, fetes) to learn and share. FOCAL POINT 2 We aim to learn more about God and how to develop a closer relationship with God. Objectives To study the Bible both academically and at a personal growth level. To have a mature and developing relationship with God through Jesus Christ. To seek discernment and wisdom. To learn that Christianity is relevant to all aspects of life. To be self-disciplined, moral and reliable. To work as an integral team with the family and their church in the development of their children. Biblical Background Luke 12: 31 But seek His kingdom and His righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well. Achieving the Objectives Christian Education operates from a Biblical worldview. All staff are Christian and model and live out Christian values. All students are involved in devotional times at daily caregroup meetings and at assemblies. Prep to year 11 students attend Biblical Studies lesson. Years 11 & 12 also have the option to undertake Religion Studies courses. We recognise and affirm that differences are to be valued and celebrated. Professional development for staff and the parent community is important.

Document Status: Foundational

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TVCS RATIONALE & POLICY DOCUMENTS SECTION ONE SCHOOL VISION 1.3 FOCAL POINT 3 We aim to fully develop our abilities and talents to serve God and to value the many differences that exist within people. Objectives To develop the many areas of our abilities - academic, physical, logical, musical, etc. To seek excellence in all we do. To develop an enthusiasm for learning. To have and show passion for skills and knowledge. To know our own learning styles. To be self-educating and self-assessing. To learn to work as part of a team. To gain leadership abilities. To communicate well. To know our own limitations. To know when to and when not to be independent. To know the range of jobs available, that are suitable for our own range of abilities. To build community in a Biblical sense. Biblical Background 1 Corinthians 12: 5&6: There are different ways of serving but the same Lord is served. There are different abilities to perform service but the same God gives ability to everyone for their particular service. Achieving the Objectives All are expected to strive to do their best in all areas of the curriculum. Students are encouraged to be involved in other activities e.g. sport, musical events. The school community should model enthusiasm, interest and passion for education and individual areas of interest. Opportunities for developing leadership, communication, independence and group work skills are provided. Career studies are an important issue. In assemblies we celebrate and share achievements FOCAL POINT 4 We aim to share each others joys and burdens. Objectives To know how to develop and maintain meaningful, appropriate and supportive relationships. To know how to speak with each other. What we say does matter. To protect each others reputations. To learn how to listen to others and be empathetic. To learn how to practically support others. To support one another through prayer. Biblical Background Ephesians 4:29 & 32: Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs that it may benefit those who listen. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ, God forgave you. Achieving the Objectives We have a mentor program for students (staff with student and student with student) to learn from and support each other. Relationships are important between all members of our community. We have a positive resolution of differences policy. We operate a caregroup/pastoral care program to support each person We aim to Manage ourselves, and consider others.

Document Status: Foundational

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TVCS RATIONALE & POLICY DOCUMENTS FOCAL POINT 5 We desire to learn how to express Christian Love.

SECTION ONE SCHOOL VISION 1.3

Objectives To honour God. To display the Fruits of the Spirit. To make a meaningful difference within society. To recognise injustice and act to overcome it. To have real compassion. To be a well-balanced person who can be loved and love. To be sensitive and sympathetic to others needs. To know how to encourage and build each other up. Biblical Background John 13:34 & 35: A new commandment I give to you, Love one another. As I have Loved you, so you must Love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. James 2: 17: Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. Hebrew 12: 14: Make every effort to live in peace with all men. Achieving the Objectives Class and Care Group meetings are used to pray for members of the school community, local and world concerns. The School Representative Council and the Senior Management Team have a focus to encourage all students to serve and support each other. A senior/junior buddy system is used to encourage senior students to support the learning activities of younger students. Behaviour management includes training students in peer mediation strategies. Staff model Christian conflict resolution and love in all situations. FOCAL POINT 6 We seek to understand, as fully as possible, the integral nature of Creation. Objective To know that we live in an interconnected world. To know that our decisions do affect our world and do matter. To seek to make choices that will not be detrimental to others, now or in the future. To live as lightly as possible on Gods good earth. Biblical Background Genesis 1:1 & 31 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. God saw all he had made, and it was very good. Isaiah 40: 26 Lift your eyes to the heavens; who created all these? He how brings out the starry hosts one by one, and calls them each by name. Achieving the Objectives To seek Gods wisdom in making decisions that effect Creation through prayer, the study of Gods Word, relevant curriculum studies and activities. To ensure that curriculum development and delivery has a focus on being good stewards of Gods creation. To actively involve students in the care and development of their school environment and in the community. To integrate or make links between all studies thus minimising the fragmentation of global concepts.

Approved and adopted as a policy: This document has been through the process of writing, consultation with the school community, editing and approved as policy by the Board on the recommendation of the Education Committee. Document Status: Foundational

Document Status: Foundational

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