The School Association

Our History

Over 40 years ago, the school landscape on the Northern Beaches looked very different. Our school was a vision shared by a small group of Christian parents who understood it was their responsibility to bring up children in the training and instruction of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4). These parents were not content to send their children to the local public or church-run school; they passionately believed that parents should be able to partner with a school where Christ was central to a rigorous education. 

The importance of a biblically grounded education prompted them to form the Association as a first step towards starting our school. From humble beginnings in 1979, our school has thrived under the kindness of God. We now partner with over 500 families, yet our core vision has remained the same.   

Learn more about the background and purpose of the Association in the video below.

What is the Association? 

The Association is a community of people - parents, students, staff and other friends of the school. However, being part of that community, even as a fee-paying parent, does not automatically make you a 'member' of the Association. 

The members of the Association are, according to the Constitution, the people who are to take the formal role in governing the school, and therefore it is important that they understand and fully agree with the fundamental goals of the Association - they have to 'share the vision' of our school and must be professing Christians. 

They must also agree with the basic theological and education directions that the school has as its basis, which are set out in the Constitution (particularly the 'Educational Creed'). This is supported by the Creed to Curriculum document which sets out how what we believe impacts on every aspect of the school.

There are actually two types of members of the Association: 'Associate' members and 'Full' members. 

Associate members who become Full members must also subscribe to the Summary Statement of Belief as it is the intent of the Constitution to place even greater doctrinal prerequisites upon those members who may have the responsibility of exercising leadership in the school.

At the Annual General Meeting each year, the members elect a Board of Directors of up to nine Full members. 

Our structure - a Christian Education National School

Our school is a company limited by guarantee, however, we usually refer to it as an Association (Covenant Christian School Association Limited); and it doesn't have shareholders, it has Association members. The Association is governed by a Constitution - a legal document stating what the company has been set up to do, and how the founders want it to be run. 

Covenant is a Christian parent-controlled school which is a type of school where governance is a responsibility vested in parents who are members of the Association. The Association members elect the Board. The Board is responsible for the governance of the school which involves ensuring that there are policies in place to govern and operate the Association's interests in order to satisfy its legal obligations, manage risks, provide strategic guidance to management, and monitor performance consistent with the vision, mission and purpose of the Association. 

Why become a member of the Association? 

By joining the Association, you have an opportunity to contribute to the direction of the school in a way that is not available to non-Association members. 

You will receive regular Association updates from the Board, are able to attend the AGM and other Association events run by the Board, vote for directors who serve on the Board and if you would like, potentially serve on committees and the Board. 

How to become a member?

1. Apply for Associate Membership by completing an application form. You will need to obtain a reference from the pastor/minister of the church you attend. 
2. The Association Coordinator will contact you to arrange an interview with a couple of Board members for the purpose of discussing membership with you and what it involves and how you wish to participate as a member. 
3. After 12 months you are eligible to apply for Full Membership. This process is commenced by completing a Full Membership application form.