Editorial
No guilt for choosing your children’s school
Given the stories thrown around about “private” schools at the moment it is important to establish some facts.
There is always talk about how non-government schools, like ours, suck money from government schools. The figures often quoted are only federal government funding amounts. Most of the funding for independent schools comes from Federal government. Government schools, owned, controlled, and operated by the state, receive funding mostly from the state. The Federal government funds independent schools because states refused to adequately fund them back in the 70s and the federal government had to step in to save them.
Every child who attends Plenty Valley Christian School saves the Victorian government about $8,000 because the Victorian government does not have to educate them in a government school. It is difficult to work out exact figures because the government schools have a huge education department that supports and builds government schools which we cannot access. Government schools spend about $16,000 per child on yearly costs and Plenty Valley spends a similar amount, however, about half of that comes from fees you pay.
Don’t let anyone tell you that your school is sucking funding from government schools. State and federal governments both committed to fully funding schools after the Gonski review. The federal government have done their bit (great for independent schools which they mostly fund) but not one state has fulfilled their pledge (bad for government schools they fund). Instead of blame-shifting states need to fund THEIR schools properly.
Christian school graduates believe they were prepared for more than just academic success
At the end of 2019 nearly 5000 Millennials were surveyed about their school experience and graduates from different schools’ groups were compared.
Academic success at Uni
Although graduates indicated that Christian schools did not emphasise academic excellence significantly more than Catholic or Independent schools, more of our students believed they were prepared for academic success at university (75% compared to Govt 60%, Catholic 73%, Independent 74%).
Sense of meaning, purpose, and direction
Significantly more Christian school graduates (74%) believed that their schooling gave them a sense of meaning in life (compared to Govt 51%, Cath 59%, Indep 64%).
Personal relationships and volunteering
Two-thirds of Christian school graduates (67%) felt they were prepared for dealing with personal relationships (compared to Govt 53%, Cath 56% and Indep 64%) even though emphasis on character development was not perceived as dissimilar to the Catholic and Independent sectors.
Nearly half (48%) Christian school graduates volunteer in clubs, charities and care organisations compared to (28%, 34%, 42%) in other sectors.
Christian schools contributing to our culture
Clearly something is happening in Christian schools that along with academic preparation, produce graduates who disproportionately contribute to relationships and the society as a whole. Could it be that faith that undergirds everything we do?
Christian schools are good for Australia and parents should be allowed to choose the right school for their child. The percentage growth of Christian school numbers is only just second to Islamic schools and well ahead of other sectors. In our governments’ zeal to stamp out any hint of elitism or strongly held unfashionable faith they will undo all the good things that happens at Christian schools.
For more information and a way to contact our local member visit My Christian School - My Christian School
Slow Down
Accidents happen when unexpected things happen. Children generally don’t run out between buses or cars in parking lots but sometimes they do. The slower you go the more reaction time you have. Imagine how you would feel if you hit a child.
The college speed limit is 20 kph even on the long straight near the bus drop-off area. Please control the urge to save 10 seconds by speeding within the college for the sake of the kids.
We try to keep cars away from children playing. That’s why drop off and pick up should only be in car park areas, not the road or up near the Administration Office.
Staff finishing at the end of term
Our chaplain, Andrew Austin, began work at the college in the middle of 2020. You remember 2020, that was the year we locked Victoria down. Andrew arrived just in time for the school closures to begin. He did not get to physically work with many students or staff that year but began his faithful prayer for individuals and the college as a whole. This faithful prayer life, his willingness to be there in times of stress and his genuine care for all our students and staff have marked his four years at Plenty Valley Christian College. Andrew is leaving in answer to God’s call to plant a church in Gippsland. We are grateful for the Lord allowing us to share this time with Andrew and we wish him every blessing as he takes this step of faith. We are currently interviewing for a new chaplain.
Guy Gurney has only been with us for two and a half years, but he has made a positive impression in the college. Guy coordinated primary physical education and sport in primary and also coached secondary sport teams. His genuine encouragement and servant heart has made a significant difference to students and colleagues alike. Guy implemented several innovative ideas for teaching primary PE (Physical Education) and organised sports carnivals without fuss but with a lot of work by him. The college knew Guy would be leaving mid-year and so we were pleased to employ Daniel Freeman this year to learn the ropes from Guy and take over with a minimum of disruption. We are confident that will happen. Guy and his family are taking an important opportunity to embark on a family world adventure including teaching in Dubai at an international school and pray blessing on them.
John Metcalfe
Principal
