Statement of Special Character and Statement of Belief

STATEMENT OF SPECIAL CHARACTER

CONTEXT

1.         Middleton Grange School is a non denominational Christian School established for new entrants to Year 13 in 1964 by the Christian Schools Trust in Christchurch.  The School was founded to establish the educational needs of Christian families and present the message of the gospel to children and the community within the context of Biblical truth and practice as recognised by adherents of the evangelical Christian faith.  The same Biblical truth and practice encourages a mission perspective.  Students are expected to support the Special Character of the School.

WHO DETERMINES AND SAFEGUARDS

2.         The Special Character of the School is determined by Biblical principles and practice.  The Christian Schools Trust, the Board of Trustees and all staff endeavour to work out those Biblical principles and practices in the School.  The Christian Schools Trust reserves the right to determine from time to time what is necessary to preserve and safeguard the Special Character.

GOALS AND PRINCIPAL FEATURES OF SPECIAL CHARACTER

3.         The School is a caring community built on Christian beliefs which permeate all aspects of School life.  These beliefs recognise God's purposes are revealed in the Scriptures and in the risen Lord Jesus Christ.  They are dynamic and determine the purpose and content of the curriculum in a changing community.  They were originally expressed, for the School (in a summary form subordinate to the Scriptures), in the annexed statement of belief incorporated in the Trust Deed for the Christian Schools Trust when the School was founded.

4.         Because these beliefs encompass all aspects of School and permeate the mind and heart of each staff member all staff must demonstrate unqualified commitment to the School's Special Character.

5.         The objective of the Christian Schools Trust is to pass onto students the truth that all creation is subordinate to the Will of God as expressed in the Scriptures;  that all truth finds its meaning and centre in God and that God gives purpose and hope to individuals as well as His creation by virtue of the redemptive work of Jesus Christ.  It is the redemptive work of Jesus Christ, communicated by the Holy Spirit operating in the human individual, that gives substance to intellectual, physical, spiritual, ethical, emotional, social and aesthetic development.

6.         The curriculum, including all the New Zealand Curriculum Statements, is presented within a Christian world view.  Such a world view gives perspective and meaning to all learning in the School.

7.         Implicit in the curriculum is the development of character exemplified by the Decalogue and Beatitudes.  Such character is the foundation for personal and social peace, just government, responsible citizenship, compassionate neighbourliness, wise parenting and a responsible attitude to creation.  Such character also recognises that a life of self renouncing love is one of liberty.