Why Christian Schooling?
First and foremost:
God is the creator and sustainer of all things. It is important for Christians to have an education system that proclaims God as creator and sustainer. Every subject is taught so as to discover how God has made the world and how He upholds and governs it. Thus, in every subject we seek to "think God's thoughts after Him." In this way, we are able to convey to our children that every subject we study has its own place and importance in the world which God has created, and each subject is wonderful in its own way.
This in turn means that we are able to convey that schooling generally, and each subject in particular, is exciting, important, and meaningful. Excitement over subjects and learning is caught from teachers and Christian teaching is able to impart the joy and wonder of meaningful learning to pupils.
Secondly,
What is true knowledge and what is God’s standard for education? The Bible teaches that true knowledge and wisdom only come when God is placed first in every aspect of learning and teaching. It is only by knowing God and applying His standard in all areas that we come to know what truth is.
Moreover, it is only as we presuppose God as Creator and Sustainer of all things that we can convey to children how all learning and the various subjects fit and integrate together. As children increasingly see the "big picture" learning takes place far more quickly and effectively.
Thirdly,
The Bible speaks of teaching and learning as something whole and inseparable from God. Therefore, learning and study is a spiritual and devotional work. Moreover, learning is for the purpose of becoming an effective, devoted, and loyal servant of our Lord in adult life. As children increasingly understand the reasons for their learning and study, their motivation, enjoyment and excite- ment of learning grows enormously.
www.mcsclassnet.wikispaces.com
Fourthly,
The scriptures teach that parents are responsible for the nurture and admonition of their children in the ways of the Lord. Therefore, the entire operation of education and schooling at Manukau Christian School is infused with respect for parents and the importance of home life. This comes out in our school distinctives and emphases constantly. For example, we believe that it is an honour and privilege to have parents entrust us with the education of their children. We have a deep sense of responsibility that we have been entrusted with something vitally important and deeply precious. It is a sense of responsibility and honour that informs everything in the School.
Another example of our view that parents are the most important educators of all is our belief that parents and school must link up and work together as an educational team as much as possible. As parents become involved in working with the school in the task of educating their children, the more effective education becomes and the greater progress in learning each child makes.
Thus we put a great deal of emphasis on communicating constantly with parents, informing them of what is going on in each classroom, so they can in turn are able to be involved in their children's education and can communicate effectively with their children at home over what they are learning at school. Our Wikispaces programme is a vital communication tool and interface between parents and teachers in this regard. See how Wikispaces works by clicking on the link, here.
Fifthly,
All our teachers and support staff are faithful and committed Christians. This results in a school atmosphere where each child is respected and loved, as being uniquely in the image of God. We require and maintain consistent standards of behaviour, where children are taught love and respect for each other and for teachers and their parents. Teachers strive to set an example daily in these important character traits.
Above all, our teachers convey a sense of deep respect, awe, and love of God and His Son, Jesus Christ. This comes out of their hearts, out of who they are within. We believe that children are best educated and nurtured in such an environment.
Sixthly,
Our view of each child is distinctively Christian. We view each child as unique and special and loved of God. We believe that as each child grows the most important duty and responsibility they will have as adults is to be a faithful steward and servant of the Lord. It is part of the responsibility of a Christian school to convey to children a biblical sense of their importance, the fact that they are loved, gifted, and called by God, and that as they grow up they will each make a special and unique contribution to God's glory and His kingdom.
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