Stories of good news from
Christian teachers and staff
Teaching is challenging and Christian faith motivates Christian teachers and staff to make a difference.
Vivian
Teacher in Western Australia
I am thankful for the opportunity to mentor my students in their Christian faith. As an art teacher, I recently had such an opportunity: The teenaged girls in my class were drawing self-portraits, and were being quite critical of their own appearance as they drew all their facial features. I reminded them that they are each uniquely beautiful and fearfully and wonderfully made by God. In this way I could refer to what the Bible says to encourage the girls to develop a positive mind frame about their physical appearance.
Dianne
Teacher in Western Australia
Children at our school come from a number of different faiths. We also have many children who bring social or emotional challenges. Knowing Jesus’ compassion, our staff - including the office, maintenance, canteen, and teaching staff have the freedom to talk about God's love for these individuals. We can encourage and pray with our students where appropriate. Planting seeds and nurturing them is a privilege.
Jordan
Teacher in Victoria
When I was struggling with a really challenging class early in my career, I prayed a lot about it, and God reminded me of the patience he'd shown me in my life when I had been difficult. He’d focused not on the behaviour itself, but on the root cause - the need for love, the lack of trust, the brokenness - and helped me gently from the inside out. When I took that approach with my students - dealing with behaviour in the moment when it was needed, but treating each one as an individual with hurts and frustrations, and being willing to listen before jumping to conclusions - it revolutionised not just the way that I taught, but the extent to which my students trusted me, behaved in class, and enjoyed my classes.
Jo
Teacher in the ACT
I felt a strong calling to teach during a Mission exposure trip to Rwanda, 4-years post-genocide. It was during this trip, inspired by some young people with a strong Christian faith who were actively serving their local communities and involved in rebuilding their devastated country that I felt compelled to teach, equip, train, coach and care for the next generation.
Stephanie
Teacher in Victoria
I received a message from a past student a few years after she graduated. The message was one of thanks. She acknowledged that she had been a challenging student and said she truly appreciated the fact I had cared about her. A few years later I ran into her at a school event and she sat and talked with me for over an hour. It was wonderful seeing her again as a young adult.
Robyn
Teacher in NSW
I do what I do because of my faith. Everyone acknowledges that in our society, teachers are undervalued and underpaid as a whole with enormous pressure as they try to make a difference in a community without consequences or boundaries, with lack of respect and understanding for the trauma most teachers face each day. I stay in this job because I believe this is where God wants me - it would be far easier to follow another path. Because of my faith, I want to give this generation stability, love and understanding. It is so hard for this generation and they face things I never had to as a child. I want to be there for them.
Mark
Teacher in Western Australia
Being a Christian teacher is a chance to speak life and bring hope to students and families in a culture that desperately needs it.
Kylie
Teacher in New South Wales
We had a teenage female student who appeared very depressed, having her parents going through a divorce. I was quite concerned for her, and tried to engage with her as much as I could. It was difficult. One teacher in particular used to meet up with her during lunch breaks, supporting, encouraging her and praying with her. One day, I noticed a HUGE change in her demeanour - smiling and engaging with others walking past her. After a few days I had to ask, “I’ve noticed a change in you. What’s going on?” She responded with a smile from deep inside - I've connected with a church and found Jesus. I cried! I’m thankful for that teacher who persevered through the difficult and probably awkward conversations, giving up her lunch break, to introduce a student to Jesus, the only one who could give her hope and a purpose.
Clinton
Teacher in WA
A particular student with a difficult home life and who also struggles academically, is achieving improvement with grades purely from a Christian school environment that caters to his needs. His relationship with God is helping him deal with other issues and providing a positive perspective on life in general.
Monique
Teacher in Queensland
Jesus came not to be served but to serve. Christian teachers serve their students and families, showing love and humility because that is what Christ has called us to.
Susan
Teacher in New South Wales
Teaching children is very rewarding, but at times it can be a tough road. Knowing that I have been called by God to do this helps in the harder times and also helps me to encourage children when they are struggling in their learning.
Beulah
Teacher in Western Australia
A student who was suffering from anxiety and depression and missing out on much of her learning because of her toxic home life, often came to see me and asked to be prayed for (she happens to be from a different faith). Home life is still the same but the added difficulty of one of the parent getting a life-threatening diagnosis, but the student had found solace and comfort in prayers. She is now the college captain!
David
Teacher in Queensland
Just a week ago a foster Care child came into our school. He was constantly moved from house to house and was moved around the school until he came into my room. The child instantly settled in was displaying completely different attitudes in class. The child after a few months really settled in and to the surprise of the carers was doing amazing in school. This boy last week just left the school and went to live with his real dad. He left feeling loved, safe and carrying a present (fishing rod) and a book full of memories from school. That is what God's love does through thousands of students each year.
Stories of good news from
parents and grandparents
Across generations, parents are thankful for how Christian faith benefits their children at school.
Nicole
Parent in New South Wales
My son is a great kid who takes his faith seriously but sometimes struggles socially as he has little in common with a lot of the other boys in his year. One of the ground staff at our school has been great at getting alongside him, encouraging him in his faith and also helping him to see how to talk about his faith to his friends in a way that is relatable.
Kim
Parent in Queensland
My son is at [school name hidden] in Year 9. He is flourishing in all his subjects and is excelling in basketball. He could get that at many schools across Queensland - yes, I know! However, there is something very special going on in his character of late. Instead of waking up grumpy dreading the school day. Instead of wanting everything done for him. He wakes up excited about the day ahead and often says ‘God is so good, there is so much to look forward to in life’. He has started making me breakfast and checking that I have lunch for the day. The shift from self-centred hopelessness to others-centred expectation for the future has been significant. The deep realisation that life is full of purpose has become evident this past term. He is testimony to the foundations of Christian schools helping students know they are loved and valued by God and that they have a purpose in life. He is fully aware that his purpose is not just selfish, but is about affecting the lives of his peers, his teachers and his community.
John and Julie
Parents in New South Wales
Our son has Autism Spectrum Disorder and the staff loved, accepted and cared for him so genuinely. He was not made to feel different and adjustments were made to accommodate his needs so he could successfully learn alongside his peers. He graduated Year 12 and took an apprenticeship and his teachers were so proud of his success.
Joshua
Parent in Queensland
My eldest boy has just started studying at university to be a teacher. Why? Because he was inspired by the teachers he has at his Christian School who have modelled a life of faith to him, whilst teaching him about the world around him. Teachers at Christian Schools have a greater purpose, not only educating young minds, but caring for, and loving them. My son wants to now do this for others.
Trish
Parent in New South Wales
Under the guidance of her teachers, my daughter is not only excelling academically but also embracing her Christian path. While all schools teach, [school name hidden] has ignited her love for learning from day one, with her teachers incorporating their faith to inspire her. Being a solo single parent, I diligently budget to ensure she can remain at [school name]. It's heartening to see her grow up feeling protected and motivated by her teachers, forging her individual journey of faith alongside God. I personally discovered my faith (for the first time) and became a Christian in the year leading up to her starting school. This journey introduced me to a fulfilling life I didn’t even know existed. Not only do the teachers at [school name hidden] inspire our children but they also inspire the families. My daughter is now in year 3 and her class teachers have contributed wholeheartedly to the wonderful Christian journey she is on and without them knowing it - that I am on as well.
Jonathan
Parent in South Australia
The teachers of my three children have taught my children with love and care, helping them to know that they are special and dearly loved by God. That their value does not come from their achievements but that their value comes from God and is not determined from their circumstances. That they have hope in a world that can often seem hopeless.
Kathy
Parent in New South Wales
When I decided to send my son to a Christian School I thought I’d just be helping him to focus better on his studies. I didn’t realise I’d also benefit from my interactions with the staff from a Christian school. The teachers at the school loved their Christian values and faith, and lived vastly different lives from mine, which at first I found difficult but interesting. Their caring influence had a calming effect on the children & on me too, which I enjoyed.
Christine
Parent in Victoria
We are extremely grateful and blessed to have had Christian teachers at our school who do not take their roles as 'just a job' or even ‘just a job’ or even ‘just a career’ but go above and beyond as they consider it a ‘ministry’ and ‘a calling’. They have prayed with and prayed for our children, stood by us and assisted us when we faced challenges with any of our children and have come along side us as parents in guiding our children. It is not just about educating them with facts and figures but growing them as individuals and our teachers do an amazing job at partnering with us in this.
Marilynn
Grandparent in New South Wales
I was a parent, foster parent and now a foster grandparent. At the moment I have 3 foster grandchildren at the school. The moral values and extra care given to each of the above children went beyond and above what was expected. [My foster son’s] ADHD, Tourettes syndrome, obsessive behaviour and anger, took a lot for a teacher to cope with. I know it was because of the teachers faith and commitment to know each child is special in Gods sight and wanting the best for them that they went the extra mile. Now my two grown foster children are adults with children of their own and the Christian school they attended is where they want their children to attend and receive the love they received.
Stories of good news from
current and former students
The faith of Christian teachers and staff has a life-changing impact on students.
Thomas
Student in Victoria
Owing to influences from outside school, especially the Internet, I developed depression, and felt I had no purpose. I did not know who I was. My Christian teachers prayed for me and supported me, encouraging me with powerful Bible verses, and helping me to realise who I really am - a confident young man of faith. If I hadn't had this support, I might not be here today. My parents chose a Christian school because they wanted to pass on the same values that they had been brought up with. My Christian education helped deliver me from the dark and terrible thoughts that came about from the internet, and taught me about Christian living, and how to deal with the challenges that life throws at me.
Ethan
Student in Queensland
I went to [school name] for 13 years. For all the years that I was at school, in the classroom and all through any extra curricular activities, all of my teachers had a positive impact on my schooling education! They were patient, kind and loving regardless of the situation, always living by and applying the fruits of the spirit to their actions and words. They always had my best interests in mind and would go above and beyond to see me succeed in everything I do but especially in helping me figure out the person I’m meant to be in this big world. They challenged me, in a good way, and positively helped shape my worldview as they showed me the Love of Jesus Christ and taught me how to better treat others from the teachings of the Bible! Their Christian faith and biblical understandings gave me hope for my future and those around me.
Rachel
Student in Victoria
My life has been greatly enriched by attending a Christian school. Not only because of the teachings and the structure of the day, but because of the relationships that each staff member was willing to make and demonstrate Christ's love to every student. My future wasn't pressured but rather nurtured into a hopeful promise of being a Christ-like person. Every success and achievement wasn't broadcasted for prideful purposes but to reinforce the humble character of the school's values. My life will forever be shaped in the likeness of Jesus, and I am beyond grateful for that.
Kuet Qeun
Student in Western Australia
My non-religious atheist parents transferred me to a Christian school midway through my primary education because they wanted me to be inculcated with good moral and ethical values besides good academic education. My parents told me later that they liked what they saw in the person I had become, and they too decided to embrace the Christian faith for themselves.
Benika
Student in New South Wales
When I heard about the Christian faith in year 7 and saw the authentic lives my Christian teachers lived, I wanted to be part of this myself. Having Christian teachers who taught the Christian faith made my faith journey an authentic experience and allowed me to feel safe and confident about the choice I was making. I want this to be the experience of my children when I one day send them to a Christian school. Christian teachers taught me not only academically, but holistically (emotional, spiritual, physical, mental well-being).
Caitlyn
Student in Victoria
Though I have graduated as a student, the impact that the staff have had on me will last a lifetime and I will always look up to these individuals as faithful role models. I thank each and every one of the staff members for treating every student, including myself, with the love that the Bible tells us to treat each other with in John 15:12 which states “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you”. This school community is something I will not forget and is also something I look forward to coming back to in the future.
Kenzie
Student in Victoria
The teachers at this school exemplify their faith in such a way that encourages me to strengthen my relationship with God. Their faith is displayed through their kindness, compassion and generosity, they bring comfort and joy to any moment. Personally, teachers have helped me through times of grief and stress by praying for me, giving me biblical advice and checking in on me often. This school would not be the same without the teachers and their Christian faith!
Heather
Student in Queensland
Students who had been expelled repeatedly from other schools were embraced and included as valued and significant members of our school communities. Teachers noticed and challenged students who were excelling to both extend and share thier talents with the school and wider community. While in theory these two examples may also be evident in state schools, the principles of forgiveness and of giving ones best for God and others were held consistently by the Christian teachers. The Christian community was for me the most significant difference between Christian schools and state schools. I could not imagine a Christian School without Christian teachers living out their faith by loving God and those around them.
Hailey
Student in New South Wales
It is both the doing and the saying of the Christian faith that makes an impact on students here.
Abigail
Student in the ACT
Having a teacher with faith really influences their teaching style in a way where they are focused on not only results, but also having a positive relationship with their students. I find that teachers at my school really value love and implement this into their teaching style on multiple fronts.
Justine
Student in the Queensland
I firmly believe that having Christian teachers at my side during my schooling years encouraged me to persevere and push further. Their faith and love for God had truly motivated me to treat others with kindness and to understand that there is more to life than the temporary things of this world.
The teacher's and staff's faith in God at my school had always made me feel safe and welcomed at school. I knew that they loved God and followed these values. They continued to display these principles as well which helped comfort and reassure me during hard times.
Will you ensure the
good news continues?
Our students go into the world with Christian hope in their hearts. A new generation of Aussies who love to volunteer, to serve their workmates and to build strong families. They need supporters like you to speak up for them.
Changes proposed by the Australian Law Reform Commission could change this. Christian schools would be unable to hire teachers who believe and live their life-giving faith.
“The potential changes to Christian schooling seems to be suggesting that the faith of Christian teachers and staff doesn't matter. As someone who chooses to send their child to a Christian school, I want to let you know that faith makes a big difference.”
Rohan, a parent in Victoria
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