“What is education for? And more specifically, what is at stake in a distinctly Christian education? What does the qualifier Christian mean when appended to education? It is usually understood that education is about ideas and information (though it is also too often routinely reduced to credentialing for a career and viewed as a ticket to a job). And so distinctively Christian education is understood to be about Christian ideas--which usually requires a defense of the importance of "the life of the mind." On this account, the goal of a Christian education is the development of a Christian perspective, or more commonly now, a Christian worldview, which is taken to be a system of Christian beliefs, ideas, and doctrines.

But what if this line of thinking gets off on the wrong foot? What if education ... is not primarily about the absorption of ideas and information, but about the formation of hearts and desires? What if we began by appreciating how education not only gets into our head but also (and more fundamentally) grabs us by the gut? What if education was primarily concerned with shaping our hopes and passions - our visions of 'the good life' - and not merely about the dissemination of data and information as inputs to our thinking? What if the primary work of education was the transforming of our imagination rather than the saturation of our intellect? ...

What if education wasn't first and foremost about what we know, but about what we love?”
― James K.A. Smith

A Prayer for the Start of a New Term

Lord God

At the beginning of this new term teach us to be your hands and feet where we are,

At the beginning of this new term teach us to love as you love us

At the beginning of this new term teach us to pray for those in need

So that You are honoured and glorified

Amen

By Annie Barnsdale

A Prayer for Teachers

Lord, grant me the strength, so I will have courage in every situation;

Grant me your love, so that I may love others as you love me;

Grant me your wisdom, so I will show others the path to success;

Grant me your mercy, so I will forgive others who have hurt me;

Grant me you peace so that I will find the best in everybody;

Grant me you hope, so I will never give up;

Grant me your joy, so I will be thankful for all my blessings;

And grant me your grace, so you will always be at my side. Amen

David Bennett

“What is education for? And more specifically, what is at stake in a distinctly Christian education? What does the qualifier Christian mean when appended to education? It is usually understood that education is about ideas and information (though it is also too often routinely reduced to credentialing for a career and viewed as a ticket to a job). And so distinctively Christian education is understood to be about Christian ideas--which usually requires a defense of the importance of "the life of the mind." On this account, the goal of a Christian education is the development of a Christian perspective, or more commonly now, a Christian worldview, which is taken to be a system of Christian beliefs, ideas, and doctrines.

But what if this line of thinking gets off on the wrong foot? What if education ... is not primarily about the absorption of ideas and information, but about the formation of hearts and desires? What if we began by appreciating how education not only gets into our head but also (and more fundamentally) grabs us by the gut? What if education was primarily concerned with shaping our hopes and passions - our visions of 'the good life' - and not merely about the dissemination of data and information as inputs to our thinking? What if the primary work of education was the transforming of our imagination rather than the saturation of our intellect? ...

What if education wasn't first and foremost about what we know, but about what we love?”

― James K.A. Smith

Associated Christian Schools have recognized five key priority areas for the next period of Government in Queensland:

1. Public and political recognition and support for Independent faith-based school communities.

2. Recurrent funding to be increased in line with real costs and State department funding.

3. Increased support for Disadvantaged Students; removing onerous or unnecessary bureaucratisation in identifying such students

4. Capital funding Assistance for schools; equitable funding for professional development across sectors.

5. Ongoing discussion around the core business of education

A full Election Statement in relation to these Five Key Priority Areas is attached.

Attachments:

File	Description	File size
ACS Election Statement 2015_final.pdf		443 Kb

Education is a key driver in securing Australia’s Future in the global market and in shaping the future nation of Australia. Members of Associated Christian Schools are partners in the education of Australians, based on their long-espoused ethics and values.

Associated Christian schools have distinguishing features that are influenced by their spiritual traditions as well as the policies and processes used to employ staff and enrol students. Whatever the affiliation, parents choose a Christian school to give their children a clear moral and ethical educational framework for life as responsible citizens.

Associated Christian Schools acknowledges and appreciates the support provided by the Queensland Government of its members. In the lead up the State Election on 31 January 2015, we are seeking continued support from the major political parties, for faith based schools to be autonomous and independent with the ability to teach within their own educational and faith based interpretation, while remaining compliant with accountability requirements to the state government.

Associated Christian Schools have recognized five key priority areas for the next period of Government in Queensland:

1. Public and political recognition and support for Independent faith-based school communities.

2. Recurrent funding to be increased in line with real costs and State department funding.

3. Increased support for Disadvantaged Students; removing onerous or unnecessary bureaucratisation in identifying such students; Capital Assistance and Infrastructure planning.

4. Capital funding Assistance for schools; equitable funding for professional development across sectors.

5. Ongoing discussion around the core business of education