This week twenty of our 68 new families gathered to learn more about Covenant and the essential role of parents in the life of the school. Neil Pierson, who helps the school with our marketing, attended as one of the new parents and shared some of what he learnt.
“One of the attractions to Covenant for me was the clarity of the Christian message at the core of the school. This was strongly reinforced to us as a group of new parents on Monday night. There was a good mix of parents from infants, primary and secondary school. The Board Chairman Rod Post firstly gave us some insight into his own background having been a student at Sutherland Christian School and how his wife Vanessa was in the first group of students to complete the HSC at Covenant.
Rod explained what a Christian is and isn’t. He believes part of the school’s responsibility is to present the gospel of Jesus Christ to each student and parent. As a Board they don’t assume just because people attend church they had heard or understood it. He made it clear that here at Covenant we are Jesus followers, that Jesus is in the drivers seat, and our worldview is not based on a philosophy but a person. He believes strongly it makes a big difference to how we do education as a school.
As a father I was reminded it is my role to raise and train my children and to pray for them and our school. Covenant is a parent controlled school as opposed to one controlled by a church, denomination or government. Rod clarified that this didn’t mean parents can walk in and correct the teachers but are welcomed to be heavily involved in a variety of ways. Covenant does not have a “hands off” policy where parents are expected to drop their kids off to be educated.
Rod interviewed the Principal Mr Bill Rusin. After hearing about his two grandchildren and seeing their photos on his mobile phone he talked about his background. When asked what makes a good Principal he replied you have to love kids and be serious about keeping alive the vision and mission of the school. Rod also asked him to define success which was trickier. Bill explained success is not simple to measure. Exams results are only one factor. He believes all of life is worship so whatever kids find themselves doing they are to work at it with all their heart and do it well.”
Next Monday night new parents are invited to a relaxed dinner to learn more about the role of the Association, the finances of the school and how parents can fulfill their Parents in Partnership hours. RSVPs are essential for catering. Existing parents are also welcome. Contact Suzanne Bennett for details on 9450 2688.
The school Association held its AGM on 14th May. It was a time of celebration for 30 years of God’s faithfulness to our school community. During the AGM one of our school directors, Frea Sietsma, spoke about the history of the school. She has been involved for not only the 30 years of the school’s operation, but for the 10 years of hard work and planning to start Covenant Christian School.The school’s Annual Report was presented and we would encourage you to read it thoroughly and carefully. 
We are grateful for faithful people who seek to be deeply involved in this ministry and for the many lives that have been impacted by the school for the sake of the Gospel. I would encourage Christian parents who understand and identify with the school’s vision and mission to consider joining with like-minded parents by applying to become members of the school’s Association. If you are interested in doing so, please contact the Executive Assistant, Mrs Karen Auckett.
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