Faith lived out at PVCC

It is a delight to be able to write for the Plenty Valley Christian College Newsletter for the first time in my capacity as Principal of Secondary. Thank you to those parents and family members who welcomed me at one of the Term 1 Secondary events or during my semi-regular end of day car park duty. I certainly feel most welcome.

As I have listened to community members share with me their Plenty Valley Christian College experience a consistent message has emerged: the valuing of the community. Repeatedly, the teaching staff have also referenced the support of colleagues and the broader community as a key cultural distinctive of the College. To my way of thinking a welcoming community is one of the most visible attributes of a Christian school.

At the recent Secondary Information Night, I briefly shared that I believe it is important for those of us involved in Christian schooling to be ever mindful and prayerful of how we are “Christian”, how we embody our faith. Our Christian faith should not simply be words that we read in a vision statement, or on the website. In Christian schooling, there are often very visible signs of the Christian faith, for example, regular times of prayer, the reading of the Christian Scriptures, and Christian studies classes. Engaging in the reading of God’s Word, and practices such as prayer and meeting with other believers are important rhythms of Christian discipleship.

It is my hope, though, that we, in addition to all of these, consider how we might be “Christian” in the everyday practice of education. What might a “Christian” education look like as we enter the school gates in the morning? What might Christian schooling look like as the Christian Gospel informs policy, practice, learning and teaching? I desire for all aspects of the College’s culture to be influenced by the Christian faith we share. Thankfully, I am not the first or only person to have such thoughts. I am grateful that others in this community have and continue to ponder how the Christian faith might be central to College life. An example of this is the College’s “image bearing” values. Another aspect is that we strive to teach from a Christian perspective. With respect to this, earlier this year I was present in sessions where teachers were encouraged to use resources to ensure that our faith, and a biblical worldview, are evident in curriculum planning and classroom practice. Additionally, at the start of the year the College Board, and then the staff prayed over the school.

How might our Christianity be evident in practice? I am quickly learning that in many ways. I look forward to learning other ways as my time at Plenty Valley Christian College is enriched by others.

And so, my challenge to us all is to consider how might our Christianity be evident in practice? As I continue my journey at Plenty Valley Christian College, I look forward to discovering even more ways our faith can be lived out in our school community. I am eager to learn from others and to be enriched by the collective wisdom of this community.

Chris Prior

Secondary Principal

Wellbeing