Brad explains “homeschooling for us has been a challenging and rewarding adventure, one that has helped us to grow closer together as a family. We knew that with a big family there was always the possibility for our lives to diverge in many different directions, so we made the decision when the children were young that family would be a priority. We also knew that it was our responsibility as parents to really know our children and who God has made them to be. Homeschooling gave us the privilege of spending wonderful days together discovering the unique and special giftings of each of the children”. Hannah, age 16 and the oldest child in the family, says, “Home schooling allowed me the freedom to work in my own time, learn to be self-motivated and to study what I was interested in.”
The decision to transition into private schooling came while traveling together as a family last year. Lynette shares “We observed the children grow in confidence as they engaged cultural differences and language barriers. We also grew in confidence that schooling at Covenant would be a benefit to them, knowing the kindness of the staff and the family-centred environment.”
Brad had taught at Covenant for several years, so he had a great understanding of the school, its’ staff and vision. With six children the logistics of having Preschool to Year 12 all in one location certainly made the decision easier.
Principal Bill Rusin says “as a community we admire families who choose to home school. We believe parents are the most important educators of their children. Our role is to serve parents and work with them. I expect we would have a higher percentage than most schools of families who either have, or will, choose to home school at some stage of their children’s education”.
Lynnette says “I appreciate Covenant’s commitment to support parents in educating their children, encouraging parents to do what they see is best for their children, whether that is home schooling or traditional schooling,”
Most families with children starting school face the challenge of buying uniforms and covering books. With six children starting at once this has been a huge exercise for the Thorntons. Lynette explains, “The uniform shop staff have been really helpful in getting the children organised in an affordable way, which is not an easy task with so many starting at once!”
Lynnette feels it has been a big adjustment. “We are learning to work out good systems for packing seven school lunch boxes including Brad’s, keeping track of each child’s schedule, making sure their homework is done, books packed in their bags and processing all the notes that come home each day. The children certainly have lots of stories to tell at the dinner table!” Zac, age 7, says, “There are lots of people everywhere and you have to sit down a lot!” while Dan 14 says “I feel more motivated to learn at school”
Part of Covenant’s vision has always been to help families financially afford education. After the first child, subsequent sibling’s fees are heavily discounted. Brad explains, “We are grateful for the discount Covenant provides for multiple children within a family. Three of our children are attending free.”
The six Thornton children are among 139 new students starting at the school this year. Overall the Preschool to Year 12 School has grown by 56 students since last year. Neil Pierson, who started doing the school’s marketing last year, believes there are many factors behind the school’s growth. “The main reason is families recommending the school to others and sharing the new School Tour on DVD. Our families are members of 120 local churches so are part of an extensive community. The number of families booking in for tours has really jumped. It’s been a busy year and it looks like continuing.”
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