School helps sister school
Our Articles > School helps sister school
Author: Kate Green
Date published: 16/11/2009 9:36:03 AM
On Tuesday November 3, I left school and travelled to Sydney Airport with a suitcase full of resources for my time at Heritage Christian School. Some time ago I was asked to spend some time at the school looking at the Mathematics Department there, what and how they teach mathematics and to offer some support and advice to the teachers there.
And so I left Sydney a little nervous at the prospect of what the time together would mean for me. Being fully aware that I don’t hold all the answers, but to trust in God as the creator and sustainer of all things. I was also aware that my brothers and sisters in Christ up at Port Macquarie have been through some difficult times in recent years, so what could I offer them? How could I be of encouragement?
When I arrived, I was met one of 2 mathematics teachers at the school (the other is there part time). He is a new teacher, who came from the US at the end of last year, and is fast learning Australian culture, as well as educational culture. I had the privilege of staying with him during my stay. We stayed up late each night talking about what it means to be a Christian teacher, a teacher of mathematics (I know, some of you are falling asleep just thinking about that!), and also what it means to be faithful to God in all that he has given us to do.
On Wednesday I arrived at the school. Over the three days I led devotions. We would sing a song together, and then I shared my journey, my struggles, my triumphs in life and teaching. I used 1 Peter as the basis of the devotions I gave throughout the time I was there. A big theme from the passage is the urging to go on in the faith – to promote the Gospel at every opportunity and in every aspect of life. The staff were very receptive and encouraged me in the discussions that those passages opened up.
The original reason for visiting the school was to look at the teaching of mathematics, to observe and teach some classes, and to offer some support and assistance in the area of programming and curriculum. The two mathematics teachers and I spent some time talking about what it means to be a Christian teacher of mathematics, and what that would mean for our classrooms.
I enjoyed spending some time with the principal and to chat to him about the future direction of the school. While the school has gone through some tough times recently, I was greatly encouraged by his faith in God to bring about some significant changes and to move forward.
On Wednesday afternoon, I was asked to run a staff meeting in the area of 'Teaching Christianly'. There were teachers from K – 12 across all ages and subject disciplines (and leadership areas of the school) in attendance. And so I started with a provocative question and statement: “How is the teaching of my subject different to the schools around us?” ……..”And if it isn’t, then what is the point of Christian education…?” I spent some time chatting with the staff about what it means to me to teach mathematics from a Christian perspective. And since mathematics is the subject most people think a Christian perspective can’t be found in, then it should be no more difficult in other subject areas.
Abraham Kuyper (1837-1920), Dutch Calvinist statesman, theologian, champion of Christian education and Prime Minister once said this as a motivation for Christian education “In the total expanse of human life there is not a single square inch of which the Christ, who alone is sovereign, does not declare, 'That is mine!'” Surely if God is lord of all, then he is lord of mathematics, science, sport and so on. We spent some time in discussion in regard to what teaching christianly is all about, to reflect on what is currently being done, and to move toward the future. I was greatly encouraged by the desire of the staff to teach from a Christian world view in every aspect and to think deeply about how God impacts on their work.
I am very thankful for the opportunity to go, to share, to learn. It is a wonderful thing that we can share some of our resources with other schools, smaller schools, in the Christian Education National network. Thanks to Covenant Christian School for giving me the opportunity to go.
Ken Dickens and Chris Parker from the National Institute for Christian Education, recently wrote some articles entitled Christian Schooling: Why Bother? These articles are well worth a read (click on the links below):
Christian Schooling:Why Bother - Part 1
Christian Schooling:Why Bother - Part 2
Christian Schooling:Why Bother - Part 3
Christian Schooling:Why Bother - Part 4
They are written in response to the many questions people pose against the existence of Christian schools. These articles were preparation for my time at Hertiage Christian School and was again greatly encouraged by the task we have been given to assist parents in the raising of their children. It is a great reminder to us to keep going!
Pete Muddle, Mathematics Coordinator
Covenant Christian School