Terms & Conditions
The terms and conditions set out in all school documents such as: the Prospectus, Application Form, Faculty and Staff Policies and Procedures, Promotional Flyers and/or any information sheets can be amended from time to time and shall continue to apply for the whole duration of the student’s enrolment in the school.
Summary of School Policies
A. Child Protection
The school is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for children. The school acknowledges that it has a duty of care to various classes of people and that its duty is high with respect to the children in its care. This policy aims to reduce the risk of child abuse and to ensure that a caring and appropriate response is in place and attended to immediately. A full text of the Child Protection Policy is available on request.
B. Security
The school seeks to maintain a safe and supportive environment which minimises risk of harm and helps students to feel secure at all times. Procedures for the security and use of the grounds and buildings and the emergency procedures are contained in both the OHS and the Emergencies and Critical Incidents Policies which can be obtained on request. Also available is a Security policy with guidelines regarding the security of students, buildings and facilities in the campus.
C. Supervision
Appropriate measures are taken by School staff to ensure that all students are adequately cared for and supervised while undertaking both on-site and off-site activities, bearing in mind the type of activities and the age of the students involved. The school administration recognises its responsibility in its “duty of care” in supervision and risk management. This requires anticipating and intercepting as needed: potentially hazardous and harmful circumstances; student actions that are dangerous, unloving or divisive; student attitudes that are not God-glorifying; and student expressions that are abusive, hurtful, rude and generally not edifying. The complete Supervision Policy and the Excursion Policy can be obtained on request.
D. Codes of Conduct
The School has in place a Code of Conduct for both staff and students including the rights and responsibilities of staff and students within the school community. The student code of conduct, formulated in collaboration with the student body, includes, but is not limited to the following points: uphold a code of conduct that is friendly, caring and helpful; manifest the love of Christ to all within the school environment; foster a peaceful environment without conflict; and personally display God-honouring behaviour; encourage others to do the same. Behaviour management processes consistent with the school’s philosophy are in place. All teachers must use interactive classroom management and control strategies. Staff provide, as does a shepherd, loving care and help, guidance and follow up of all needs, even corrective action when it is warranted, exercising the faith to be courageous leaders in directing, loving, guiding and correcting the children in their charge.
E. Pastoral Care
Students are aware of and have access to appropriate pastoral care arrangements and counselling. Pastoral care is part of a training development program in exercising Biblically correct methods and plans to teach and train the whole child (spirit, soul and body) to the glory of God. The Christian philosophy of this school is based on the authority, authenticity and reliability of the Bible as the complete and final revelation of God concerning all matters of education, faith, truth and practice. Church pastoral care, including special services and counselling likewise is available at all times to all staff and students. A full text of the Pastoral Care Policy can be obtained on request.
F. Health Care
Ebenezer Christian School seeks to apply “due diligence” at all times to maintain a safe and healthy service environment. As such, it seeks to provide all reasonable protection for all those involved in the school from any potentially adverse health and safety effects. Students requiring health and/or medical services are assisted in a fast and appropriate manner. The complete Health Care Policy is available on request.
G. Communication
Formal and informal communication mechanisms are in place between the school and those with interest in a student’s education and well-being. The school recognises that God has given parents the role of primary educator, and that the church and school staff fulfil a supportive role. The complete Communication Policy can be obtained on request.
H. Curriculum
We believe that the Bible is the basis of individual success and so the Bible is central to our curriculum. Students memorise Bible verses and also get to experience an exciting chapel time where they receive a biblical lesson to assist them to continue to grow into boys and girls with Godly character. Furthermore, the school will comply with the curriculum content of the NSW Education Standard Authority (previously the Board of Studies) learning outcomes in combination with the Accelerated Christian Education (ACE). This educational model caters for a more personal and individualised approach allowing advanced students to work ahead while slower students do not get left behind. The NSW Education Standard Authority syllabus requirements can be taught in Years 1-6 in 80 percent of a typical 9 am to 3 pm five-day school week. The remaining 20 percent of the school week is left free for additional activities at the school’s discretion. For example, many schools use this time for Bible subject, additional school sport, concert rehearsals, religious education and special projects. In Years 1-6, English and Mathematics make up about 50 percent of the school week – this is equivalent to at least 12 hours each week. The other subjects are spread across the remaining time. The 6–10% of time noted below represents between 1.5 and 2.5 hours per week. The use of computers is included in every stage of every subject.
Ebenezer Christian College has not pursued accreditation to present candidates for the Record of School Achievement (RoSA). Nevertheless, the quality of the scope and sequence of teaching programs, teaching and learning activities and samples of student work is still evident and seen by the NSW Education Standard Authority when they visit the School.
I. Discipline
At school, discipline, which is firm, consistent, fair, and tempered with Christian love is maintained. Our staff should always maintain Godly standards of behaviour in the classroom through kindness, love and genuine regard for the students. Students are required to abide by the school’s clearly defined rules based on Biblical standards and to obey the instructions of staff and other authority figures placed in a position of responsibility by the school. However, the Education Reform Amendment (School Discipline) Act 1995, does not permit the use of corporal discipline as part of the school’s official policy. Therefore, the school prohibits the use of corporal discipline as a method of correction. The complete Discipline Policy is available on request.
J. Matters of Concern
Ebenezer Christian College acknowledges that Biblical pathways for parent(s)/legal guardian(s), carers, staff, monitors/volunteers and students to express honestly and sincerely matters of concern must always exist. Procedures have been developed so that at such a time when a matter of concern, grievance or complaint arises, there is a mechanism in place to ensure that such a problem is heard, assessed and necessary action undertaken. The complete Policy for Matters of Concern is available on request.
K. Enrolment Procedures
Enrolment into the school will be at the full discretion of the school management. It is our purpose to maintain a distinctly Christian influence within the school according to what we believe the Word of God teaches. The school, therefore, requires that all parents agree to fully abide by the Statement of Faith following:
The school will accept applications from families and churches of like-faith. At least one of the parents of the child applying for enrolment and the child themselves will need to be faithful members of their own church (attending at least two services per week). A pastoral recommendation from their church will be requested from the school.
Additional requirements:
a. Students shall attend all school functions when and where required;
b. Students are to commit to maintain academic excellence in all areas of learning outcomes;
c. Students are to abide to all rules and regulations set by the school;
d. Students will only be excused from a long absence and/or any of the school activities upon presentation of a parent’s letter and/or medical certificate for medical reasons.
L. Applications
Applications to the school must be made by completion of the Student Application Form. An application form is included in the enrolment pack. Once an application form has been received, the school will contact the parents for an interview. If you have any questions, please contact the School Administrator at 02 9636-3700.