Living as Image Bearers

In promoting our College theme for the year; Anchored in Faith, Courageously Wise, I have taken the opportunity in Networks articles to unpack core statements that are the anchoring points for the College, namely our Educational Creed and the most recent Mission and Vision statements. Alongside our Educational Creed, are further biblical principles that are foundational to the Christian faith and reflect the position of our College.

As we strive to be a school where Christ is honoured and where students are encouraged and nurtured in their faith formation and equipped to be courageous disciples of Jesus it is important that we regularly remind ourselves of these core principles that unite Christians in our common faith.

In one of these statements, we read that Humanity was created in the image of God to enjoy true communion with our Creator (Genesis 1:26ff; Acts 17:26ff). Humans were instructed to exercise dominion under God, to interpret all reality in accordance with His design and law and to reflect in their person and works the excellence of their Maker (Genesis 1:28ff; Psalm 8:4; Romans 1:20).

Anchoring ourselves in this truth means that as a College community we:

• Acknowledge that all people are made in God’s image and each person is therefore valued and honoured. A person’s worth and dignity is derived wholly from being created in the image of God and intended for relationship with Him. 

   

• Teach that as image bearers of God every person is called to trust God and learn our place in His creation as we create, steward, use and enjoy it. 

   

• Encourage students to strive for excellence, seeking to do their best with the gifts that God has given them.

   

• Nurture students to identify, develop and use their particular God-given gifts to serve others and live for God’s glory. Students are supported in areas they find difficult and equipped to excel in their areas of strength. The College will support students as they grow in their understanding of their gifts and empower them to use their gifts wisely.

   

• Promote classroom environments that are relationally centred by engaging with the cultures that we find in our world. Every culture has elements that are to be celebrated as they align with God’s good plan for his people. Every culture also has elements that are to be lamented as they fail to be shaped by God’s wisdom. We will engage with the cultures shaping our students and encourage them to understand different cultural perspectives and values they find embedded in the content they are learning. 

   

• Encourage and equip students to understand their place in God’s world and in response to undertake acts of love and service, demonstrating the love, mercy and compassion of Jesus as they walk humbly with Him.

It is my prayer that as a College community, we will indeed enjoy true communion with our Creator and reflect the excellence of our Maker as we equip our students to live wisely as image bearers of the God who made and loves them.