Special Character

The Special Character of Rolleston Christian School is:

· Non-denominational in character.

· Established by the Proprietor (Christian Schools’ Trust) to serve the families and wider Christian community of Rolleston.

· Described as follows: (in the Integration Agreement)

“The school is a Christian school in which the whole school community, through the general school programme and in its religious instructions and observances, exercises the right to live and teach the values of Jesus Christ. These values are as expressed in the Scripture and in the practices, worship and doctrine of the wider evangelical Protestant church as determined from time to time by the Proprietor.”

Safeguarding the Special Character

1. The Christian Schools’ Trust, the Board of Trustees and all staff endeavour to work out the principles and objectives above in the practices of the school.

2. The Christian Schools’ Trust reserves the right to determine from time to time what is necessary to preserve and safeguard the Special Character of the school.

Statement of Belief and Educational Practice

1. We confess belief in the doctrines of the Christian faith as expressed in this Statement of Faith.

1.1 The unity of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit in the Godhead.

1.2 The Sovereignty of God in creation, revelation, redemption and final judgement.

1.3 The divine inspiration and trustworthiness of the Holy Scripture, as originally given and its supreme authority in all matters of faith and conduct.

1.4 The universal sinfulness and guilt of human nature since the fall, rendering humankind subject to God’s wrath and condemnation.

1.5 Redemption from the guilt, penalty, pollution and power of sin only through the sacrificial death (as our representative and substitute) of Jesus Christ, the incarnate Son of God.

1.6 The bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, His ascension, His mediatorial work and His personal return in power and glory.

1.7 The necessity of the work of the Holy Spirit to make the death of Christ effective to the individual sinner, granting repentance toward God and faith in Jesus Christ.

1.8 The indwelling and sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit in the believer.

1.9 The one holy, universal church, which is the Body of Christ, to which all true believers belong and in which they are united through the Spirit.

1.10 The resurrection of the body and life everlasting.

2. We affirm the sovereignty of God and the lordship of Jesus Christ over all the universe. We recognise Him as the creator and sustainer of all things and that all things exist for His glory. God alone gives meaning to everything. Knowing God is foundational to life and education, and His glory is the chief aim. In the whole of our lives we either serve God or a substitute of our own imagination. Therefore, education is never neutral, but unfolds in obedience or disobedience to the Lord.

It is our desire that all Christians involved in education be increasingly diligent in distinguishing that which is based on Christ from that which is derived from human presuppositions.

3. We affirm the sufficiency of Scripture. It is authoritative in all matters and its principles are applicable to all issues. We believe there is no matter or issue which is merely ‘secular’. Rolleston Christian School curriculum will be Christ-centred rather than man- or creation-centred, the foundations of all curriculum should be principles of the Word of God. Rolleston Christian School teachers will seek insight from Scripture as a foundation to all that is taught.

Rolleston Christian School teachers will commit time to review all their teaching practice in the light of Biblical principles. Christian schools need to renew their commitment to pursue an increasingly Biblical Christian approach to all of their curriculum in the content and delivery of instruction, the structure of classes, administrative structures and policies and their relationship to the community they serve.

4. We affirm that mankind was created by God, uniquely in His image, and is given dominion over earth to populate and manage it, as responsible stewards under God. The fulfilment of this task requires us to teach the many ways each part of creation serves Him, discern the way we must personally serve Him, and develop the skills needed to fulfil this calling. This process we have come to associate with the concept of education. Rolleston Christian School will train pupils to work from the basis of Biblical truth and thus be leaders in research and technology which advances the wise management of the planet.

5. In our fallen state, marred by sin, we need to be regenerated by the Holy Spirit to become children of God and mature in our new relationship with God. This includes the renewing of our minds. Thus Rolleston Christian School believes the purpose of the education it provides is to lead children of God and to equip them for serving God in His kingdom both in this age and for eternity.

Rolleston Christian School teachers will align their practice to this goal of assisting students to be strong in spirit and in Godly character.

6. We believe that the education of children is essentially a parental right and responsibility. We do not believe that parents should necessarily be the sole agents of education but that parents should be actively involved in choosing what their children should learn, and where, when and by whom they are instructed. Active administration of the education of their children should be an integral part of the parents’ way of life.

Rolleston Christian School desires that Christian parents in Rolleston take up their responsibility to ensure their children are educated Biblically, by personal instruction and should they choose, by delegation to others who will teach them Biblically.

7. We believe Rolleston Christian School is accountable to God to work in the service of parents assisting them to fulfil their responsibility to educate their children, rather than be an instrument which absolves parents of their educational responsibility.

Rolleston Christian School will devise strategies which recognise and give place to the family as the basic social structure in which a child lives and receives nurture and admonition.

8. Rolleston Christian School believes the church has a pivotal role in education. As a covenant community to which families belong the church encourages and assists families to fulfil their responsibility to educate their children in the knowledge of the Lord. The churches leadership can research and teach Biblical principles underpinning the issues addressed in both general and vocational education.

The church can impart to unbelievers and their families some understanding of Biblical principles and can foster the launching of new Christian educational endeavours.

The desire of Rolleston Christian School is to see all churches actively supporting the cause of Christian education.

Aims and Objectives of the School

Rolleston Christian School will graduate Christ-like, creative Critical Learners who reflect our values startement “Through our faith we HELP (Hope, Excellence, Love and Peace) bring light to the world.”

Graduates will:

Demonstrate Hope

· Seek the big picture.

· Trust in God and His word.

· Think critically about solutions.

· Approach things with a positve, curious attitude.

· Proactively seek solutions.

· Strategically implement solutions.

· Identify problems.

Demonstrate Excellence (an on-going personal growth)

· Set personal and learning goals.

· Seek feedback then reflect and act upon this.

· Reflect and make improvements.

· Persevere through tasks.

· Have patience with self and others on the journey towards excellence.

· Indentify and use the most appropriate learning strategies.

· Celebrate improvement and success of themselves and others.

· Act with humility.

· Make every effort in all we do.

Demonstrate Love

· Act with kindness.

· Put others before ourselves.

· Have patience with self and others.

· Accept God’s love for them.

· Be secure in who they are.

· Inclusive and empathtic towards others.

· Accept others’ love for them.

· Be community minded.

Demonstrate Peace

· Seek God.

· Pro-actively seek peace.

· Apply wisdom to situations.

· Work collaboratively.

· Be forgiving.

· Be active listeners.

· Have emotional management skills and strategies.

· Discuss ideas and views positively.

· Ser, implement and keep personal boundaries.

· Look after their physical well-being.

The New Zealand Curriculum and Rolleston Christian School

1. The Rolleston Christian School curriculum will deliver the New Zealand curriculum.

2. The Rolleston Christian School curriculum will be based upon the Biblical truths and principles related to our four key values; Hope, Excellence, Love and Peace.

3. The Biblical truths related to our four key values will be integrated throughout all aspects of the curriculum.

4. The Key Competencies will be modelled and taught from a Biblical perspective and linked to our four key values.

Maori Dimensions and Cultural Diversity

How will the school reflect New Zealand’s Cultural Diversity?

· By ensuring that all cultures are respected and maintained by all who attend and are linked to this school

· By acknowledging that the values and customary rights of the significant groups in New Zealand society (Pakeha and Maori) are mutually respected and given impetus at school

· By having programmed activities and cultural events which reflect the cultural identities of students, staff and the community

· By liaising with leaders in the community to support and advise the school on cultural matters

How will the school reflect the unique position of the Maori Culture?

· By ensuring that staff have opportunities for professional development in order to enhance their teaching of Te Reo and tikanga Maori

· By consulting Maori advisors to assist in the development of Maori incentives and programmes

· By encouraging students to attend Maori cultural activities that are promoted through the school

· By dedicating curriculum time to the development of a full school Kapa Haka

What reasonable steps will the school take to incorporate tikanga Maori into the school’s curriculum?

· By integrating Tikanga Maori into the school’s curriculum framework

What steps will be taken to discover the views and concerns of the school’s Maori community?

· By consulting with the Maori community annually

School Context (including Baseline Data)

Rolleston is a rapidly growing township located in the Selwyn District of Canterbury. It is located beside State Highway 1, 22km southwest of Christchurch.

Selwyn District is the fastest growing region by population in New Zealand. The 2013 census showed a population count in Rolleston of 9,555 an increase of 92.7% since the 2006 census. Medium Base population projections based on the 2006 census (not yet available based on 2013 census) show the total population of Rolleston is expected to reach 13,580 by 2031. These projections do not take into account the westward drift of population as a result of the Christchurch earthquakes of 2010 and 2011. Schools in Rolleston have experienced rapidly growing rolls, including Clearview School newly established in 2010 and the Ministry of Education is actively looking to expand capacity in the township. Since the establishment of Rolleston Christian School in 2015 two additional primary schools and a college have been opened.

During 2013 the Ministry of Education consulted with the community on future provision of State education in the township.

The Christian Schools’ Trust, the Proprietor of Aidanfield Christian School, Middleton Grange School and Ashburton Christian School identified an opportunity to assist the Ministry of Education in providing capacity and serving the families of Rolleston by providing an option for education with a Special Character. The CST undertook a consultation programme during October 2013 which established considerable interest in a non-denominational Christian state-integrated Year 1-6 Primary School under the proprietorship of the CST.

The CST has established a school with approximately 50 pupils in 2015 and plans to grow to 300 2015-2025.

The School originally opened as a contributing primary school, but applied for, and was granted, recapitation to include Year 7 and 8 students in 2016. The CST has signalled its intention to investigate a change of class to include Years 9 and 10 in the school.

The CST has acquired 2 hectares of land in Rolleston/Springston Road well suited to the establishment of the school and sited strategically in respect of the growth of Rolleston. The site allows for growth and is accessible to all families in Rolleston.

The school opened on 4 February 2015 with 6 staff and approximately 40 pupils. In 2018 the school will begin the year with approximately 125 students.

Strategic Goals 2018-2022

Annual Plan 2017

Board of Trustees Declaration

The Rolleston Christian School Board of Trustees in accordance with the Education Act 1989 and amendments has prepared the Rolleston Christian School Charter 2017 to establish the mission, aims, objectives, directions and targets of the Establishment Board that will give effect to the Government’s National Education Guidelines and the Board’s priorities.

The Charter is a reference for all Board activity.

In the preparation of this Charter the following have been consulted:

The Rolleston Christian School Board of Trustees hereby approves the Rolleston Christian School Charter for 2018.