Covenant Christian School Prospectus

for His glory.

For more information visit www.covenant.nsw.edu.au

Covenant Christian School is committed to the safety, protection and wellbeing of children and young people.

Vision

To faithfully serve in God’s plan to restore all things under the Lordship of Jesus Christ.

Mission

To assist parents in the nurture of their children, by providing a Christ-centred, biblically grounded, culturally engaging and academically rigorous education to equip the children to live for God’s glory.

From the Principal

Thank you for your interest in Covenant Christian School. Since our foundation in 1978 we have had the privilege of partnering with Christian families in the glorious task of Christian education. We believe that an authentic Christian education is made of four foundational components; it must be Christ-centred, biblically grounded, academically rigorous and culturally engaging. Our prayerful hope is that each student at our school will come to understand the relentless love of God in Christ Jesus, and that they will discover and use their gifts and abilities for the glory of our incredible God.

Covenant Christian School is a Prep to Year 12, co-educational, Christian school. We employ passionate Christian teachers who understand that each child is created in the image of God and model to their students the confidence and deep hope we have in Christ. They are experts in learning and are deeply committed to embedding the biblical narrative across the curriculum.

Throughout their educational journey at Covenant, we are training each child to work at every task wholeheartedly as working for the Lord. As we assist parents in the nurture of their children, we are seeking to grow resilient and passionate lifelong learners who are ready to give an answer for the hope they have in Christ.

We love because he first loved us.

1 John 4:19

“

Through ongoing partnership with parents and the local church, we prayerfully desire to see our students become confident in Christ, certain of his trustworthiness and committed to following him. Covenant Christian School deeply values a strong partnership between parents and the school, and we see this partnership as crucial to student wellbeing and success in the academic, sporting, creative and cultural spheres. We are so thankful for the way the local church faithfully teaches the Bible and for its key role in caring for our staff and families.

Theologian Abraham Kuyper has famously stated that “there is not a square inch in the whole domain of our human existence over which Christ, who is Sovereign over all, does not cry: ‘Mine!’” This is what makes Christian education at Covenant Christian School so unique –the conviction that Christ is Lord over all. Please can I invite you to join over 500 families in an education where everything is done to equip children to live for God’s glory.

Melissa Brown

Melissa Brown Principal

Covenant Christian School was founded over 40 years ago by Christian parents who passionately believed that parents are responsible for bringing up their children in the training and instruction of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4).

The founders’ vision was for a school that provided a comprehensive education, taught rigorously by Christian teachers where Christ is recognised as Lord of all. This education would not only prepare students for future study or work, but for a life in faithful service of the Lord.

With the goal of operating as an extension of the Christian home, parents continue to be an active part of our school community. Parent participation ranges from being involved in day-to-day activities to being part of the school Association. Our Board consists of Association members who lead the school as a parent body and ensure that the original vision of the founding parents is upheld.

Covenant is intentional about involving parents in the life of the school and providing ways for parents to be part of our school community. For example:

• Parents are welcome to be involved in the life of the school and encouraged to volunteer through the Parent Involvement Program.

• Our Covie Prayer Group invites parents to partner with the school through prayer.

• The school community provides extra support to families in times of need through the help of our class parents and the Bursary Fund.

• Various initiatives are in place to build community among parents such as Café Covie, working bees and community events such as the Mothers’ Day Breakfast.

• Covenant values a strong partnership between parents and the school. We welcome the opportunity to strengthen this partnership through regular communication between the school and home.

Through faith in Jesus we have received God’s grace. In that grace we stand. Romans 5:2

Knowing God

Our mission at Covenant Christian School is to partner with parents and educate our students in order to equip them to live for God’s glory. We do this by firstly helping our students to know and trust God and his profound love for them. Only then can they be equipped to celebrate his glory and rejoice in the life he has given them. We hope that all our students, indeed all people, would come to know, trust and love Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour.

We want our students to know God’s goodness because it has profoundly shaped us. All the teachers and staff at Covenant are followers of the Lord Jesus. As followers of Christ we know how wondrous, generous, beautiful and glorious God is. In seeking to care for our students we want them to know their creator and the love they have been shown in Christ’s death and resurrection.

All our students are loved and valued members of our community wherever they stand in their faith journey. We point all our students to the love of God and the wisdom of the scriptures. Those who do not yet trust Jesus are invited to see the depth of the love of Jesus alongside those students who do. We encourage all our students to express themselves and their perspectives so that we can learn and grow together.

One of the ways that students express this is through our student led discipleship groups. ‘Kids for Christ ‘in the Junior School and ‘Mustard’ in the Secondary School are places where students in Years 6, 11 and 12 lead and encourage other students in faith. Student leaders

organise content, give talks and even organise camps as they seek to encourage each other in following the Lord Jesus. These leaders are themselves discipled and trained by staff who work together to see, under God, the mustard seeds of faith growing into flourishing trees.

These groups have been developed in concert with a curriculum program that seeks to help all our students to grow in their knowledge of God. ‘Knowing God’ classes are one of the spaces that students get to direct their focus on considering God and his word. We focus on Jesus as he reveals the Father to us by the ministry of his Spirit. We read the scriptures as God speaks through his word. We consider Christ and his call to follow him, to know him, and to know true life.

Whilst relationship with God is our focus in these spaces, his character and revelation shape every part of our school life. All our staff are working together to show how the world is brought into focus when seen through the lens of Christ. As we teach English, science, history, health, dance and more, we help students see the world through the Christian lens. Each student is encouraged to consider their own worldview and why they see the world the way they do. We hope our students see how the Christian worldview helps us to rightly understand God’s world and our place in it.

Let Christ’s word live in you like a rich treasure. Colossians 3:16

Growing together.

A framework for student wellbeing

Spiritual & emotional growth.

At Covenant Christian School, our aim is for students to be equipped to live for God’s glory. We want to help each student to know and understand their identity in Christ and recognise how this shapes all aspects of life and wellbeing.

Within our wellbeing framework we focus on the whole student. In caring for the whole person, we aim to love and support our students across four domains of wellbeing: spiritual wellbeing, social/emotional wellbeing, physical wellbeing and academic wellbeing. We see these different domains of wellbeing to be grounded in the love of God, found in Jesus Christ.

We take a whole school approach to wellbeing. Research has demonstrated the importance of everyone playing a role in the development of student wellbeing and therefore we believe all our staff hold responsibility for the wellbeing of our students. This requires us to be active in knowing the students in our care. As a Prep to Year 12 school, we are uniquely positioned to provide a consistent and continuous wellbeing framework throughout a child’s schooling. In partnership with parents and our wider community, and in particular our local churches, our staff seek to demonstrate Christian love and genuine care while providing our students with general wellbeing support.

Our Wellbeing Team provides more targeted support for students who are struggling with their wellbeing. This team consists of the Director of Student Wellbeing, Junior School Stage Coordinators, Secondary Wellbeing Coordinators, Secondary Year Advisors, and the Counselling Team. This team works closely with families to enable students to flourish in their wellbeing.

Our daughter joined Covie a year ago. We could not be more thrilled with what joining this community has brought to hergenuine friends, a vibrant presentation of what living as a Christian means, and staff that treat her with warmth, respect and teach her beautifully. Bruce, parent

3 to 5 year olds

Covenant provides a warm, safe and nurturing environment that allows our Prep children to stretch their creative thinking, practise their social skills, meet new challenges and build resilience. We prioritise the formation of an emerging trust in God and a Christian worldview right from the beginning of a child’s education. For this reason, teachers and parents work together closely in partnership.

We view each child as an individual, with unique God-given gifts. We believe that each child is capable and resourceful, and we therefore aim to extend their thinking, learning and problem solving abilities through day-to-day, play-based experiences.

Prep is intended for children in the two years before they enter Kindergarten and is designed to prepare students for the school enviroment. Our program for early childhood education is grounded in a biblical curriculum and emphasises communication, early numeracy and literacy, scientific exploration, as well as the development of gross and fine motor skills. Our goal is to provide the best possible foundation for

children’s growth, development, love of learning and skills for life. Prep teachers work closely with Kindergarten teachers to enable each child to be confident and ready for school. The transition program we implement during Term 4 ensures that Kindergarten is a familiar and welcoming place by the time Prep children start school. This greatly enhances the excitement and joy of this special milestone.

Our Prep space is designed to stimulate children’s interest through exploration, creative play, group work, music, drama and problem solving. Visits to the Junior School library, Infants playground, music room, Kindergarten classes and other areas of the larger school grounds, enhance their learning opportunities.

Our Prep program has two and three day options. It operates during school hours and in term times.

We will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the LORD, his power, and the wonders he has done. Psalm 78:4

Start at the beginning with Christ at the centre.

Learning about God's world.

“ I love Covenant because we make good friends and that makes me happy. Savannah, Year 2

Infants

Kindergarten to Year 2

At Covenant, we understand that starting school is a big step for all children and their families. Infants children will be entering a happy, secure and nurturing environment where passionate teachers work in partnership with parents to make the transition from home to school an easy one.

With only two classes per grade, friends are easy to make and simple to find in our dedicated Infants playground areas. Climbing equipment, large sandpits, handball courts, and areas to run and play games encourage our children to be active.

The Infants years are where the foundations for future learning are established. At Covenant, a solid grounding in the Christian faith is an integral part of what is taught. Our students are taught the curriculum from a distinctly biblical worldview, reinforcing what children are already learning at home and church. After School Care is available each day until 6.00pm.

Training up in the way they should go.

Years 3 to 6

With spacious areas for play and access to specialist classrooms, students in Primary are offered an enriching and stimulating learning environment. As students enter this stage of schooling, they are prepared for a deeper understanding of each subject and encouraged to become increasingly responsible for their learning.

Primary offers a dynamic and stimulating educational program where teachers guide our students to grow into confident learners. Teaching of the NSW Curriculum is shaped by our mission to provide a Christ-centred and biblically grounded education. In all subjects, students are steered towards a greater understanding of God’s character, especially in our ‘Knowing God’ subject which continues throughout the primary years.

As they move into the upper primary years, students are encouraged to develop greater flexibility and selfdiscipline in order to prepare themselves for Secondary School. Extension and enrichment opportunities include withdrawal groups, workshops, free learning projects in Year 6, as well as a variety of interschool competitions.

The commencement of the training band program in Year 4 introduces students to wind, brass and string instruments, leading to opportunities to participate in various school bands. After School Care is available each day until 6.00pm.

Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.

John 17:3

Years 7 to 12

Our passionate teachers are highly qualified and have the expertise, personal conviction and training needed to teach their subjects from a Christian perspective. Care for students extends beyond concern for their academic achievement and general wellbeing; we also support and guide them to maturity in faith through their Secondary School years.

A Christian education should not only approach learning through a biblical lens, but also aim to meet the needs of each student. For some students this will mean participating in extension and enrichment programs, and for others it will mean receiving learning support as they progress through Secondary School.

Years 7 to 8

Our Secondary School is a supportive, challenging and secure learning environment that allows students to transition smoothly from their primary school experience. Our comprehensive Year 7 induction program prepares our students for independent and confident learning and wellbeing. Year 8 builds on this strong foundation, while enjoying further opportunities to grow in leadership and service. Our passionate and experienced Christian teachers encourage, challenge and nurture our students throughout this time of immense growth and change, and equip them for the next stage of learning and development.

Maturity through Christ.

Years 9 to 10

Students build on their education with core subjects as well as selecting from a broad range of electives. Classes are organised in a combination of mixed ability and graded classes. Teachers focus on assisting students to achieve their God-given potential and to work faithfully in each subject. Students have the opportunity to participate in a range of co-curricular activities including the Duke of Edinburgh Award, school musicals and sport opportunities.

Years 11 to 12

As students progress into their senior years, the curriculum builds on and fine tunes the foundational skills developed in earlier secondary schooling. Students can select from a wide range of Higher School Certificate subjects with options to study either at school, through TAFE or via distance education. Quiet study rooms, small group tutoring in English, maths and science, and expert teaching staff provide our senior students with tremendous academic support. The wellbeing of each student remains a significant focus throughout the senior years, and we have a number of support structures in place to help students navigate these final years.

Much consideration is given to the future vocation of each student. Our Careers Advisor works closely with each student and their family to determine their passions, interests, gifts and abilities for vocational planning. The senior years also provide students with opportunities, choices and challenges. From showcase evenings for HSC major works to opportunities for leadership, the senior years grow and equip our students for a life of service for the glory of God.

It is very encouraging and helpful to go to a Christian Secondary School at a time in life when values become a key part of our life.

Raphael, Year 9

Enrich.

Academic rigour

Covenant provides an enriching and supportive learning environment that inspires students to work to the best of their abilities. At Covenant, the NSW curriculum is taught from a Christian perspective and in a way that meets the learning needs of all students. This includes teaching and learning practices in every classroom, as well as extension and enrichment, and learning support. Our motto ‘All knowledge through Christ’ is intimately connected to our mission to provide an academically rigorous education, through a well-taught integrated Christian curriculum.

All students at Covenant are valued as having been made by God (Psalm 139). We recognise that students learn differently, at different rates and at different levels. Some students will need learning support, others will require extension and enrichment, or both. We celebrate the uniqueness that God intended for each child by knowing each student and understanding how to meet their needs.

Support.

In every subject, lessons are created to drive conceptual understanding and critical thinking, not just to convey information. Flexible teaching strategies and genuine care for each individual results in high levels of student engagement. As well as effectively differentiating the curriculum, teachers may use strategies such as setting open-ended tasks, and allowing like-minded or similar-ability students to work together.

Students are further challenged through extension and enrichment opportunities in areas of particular interest or ability. There are pull-out classes from Kindergarten to Year 10 which facilitate above-level learning. Enrichment camps and lunchtime clubs provide further opportunities. Extension and enrichment days expose all students to deeper thinking. Students can also represent Covenant in a range of interschool academic programs and competitions including GATEway8 and Da Vinci Decathlon.

Major work projects such as FLIP (Year 6) and Passion Project (Year 8) allow all students the opportunity to create a major work which they are passionate about. It challenges and extends them while preparing them for major works in their senior years.

“ The Passion Project has made me wonder what else I can do with this talent that God has given me.

Carlo, Year 8

When you’re out on the field, you know that whatever happens, God will be with you and he will strengthen you, and you will glorify him.

Benj, Year 11

Sport & physical development

Sport is an important part of our offering at Covenant, and it is our desire to provide every student with an opportunity to participate in a wide range of sports and physical activities. As well as supporting students in exploring, developing and using their God-given gifts and abilities, we hope to nurture a lifelong love of sport, and an appreciation of the benefits it offers.

Physical Education (PE) is a compulsory element of the curriculum, and we provide a range of opportunities that allow students to increase their skills in a variety of sports, while learning valuable lessons about participation, commitment, responsibility and teamwork.

Covenant is a member of the Christian Schools Sports Association (CSSA) and the NSW Combined Independent Schools Sports Council (CIS), which offer pathways to state and national level competition in a wide variety of individual and team sports. Students can progress from our swimming, athletics and cross country carnivals to represent our school at higher level interschool competitions. We also participate across a number of sports in the Peninsula Interschool Sports Association (PISA), Peninsula Cup, and state-wide knockout competitions such as the Bill Turner Cup.

We encourage students to do everything in a way that honours and glorifies God, whether it be trying a school sport like rock climbing, developing netball and soccer skills in PE classes, trialling for one of our many sports gala day teams, or being encouraged as they represent the school at an elite level.

Creative arts

Creative arts are a wonderful gift from God and a way for students to express their faith and creativity. From classical music to modern dance, students learn how to express themselves through creative mediums, and are taught how to glorify God through expression and deeper thinking. These subjects are not just a creative pursuit but form part of an academically rigorous education.

Dance

Dance is available to students from Prep to Year 12 and caters for curricular (Stage 5, Preliminary and HSC Dance), co-curricular (eisteddfod troupes) and extra-curricular dance through the Covenant Dance Academy. Dance is taught at Covenant in a culturally engaging, encouraging and Christ-centred atmosphere. We are deliberately counter-cultural in the selection of age appropriate music, choreography and costuming. Classes include a variety of dance styles including jazz, ballet, hip-hop, tiny tots dance, and musical theatre. Covenant Dance Academy classes are conveniently offered on-site after school. Students may work towards performing in dance concerts, assemblies and school events.

Music

Music is an integral part of life at our school from Prep through to the HSC. There are a wide range of opportunities for all students to participate in music ranging from individual lessons, to curriculum music, and corporately singing and giving praise to God in our weekly assemblies.

In Junior School, students participate in weekly music classes with a specialist music teacher. During this time, they engage in singing, and learning fundamental musical concepts including music appreciation, music reading and writing, rhythm, aural training and instrument playing.

Students commence the Band Program in Year 4 which takes place during school time. They are provided with a string instrument for six months and a wind or brass instrument for the following six months of the year to trial and learn.

In Secondary School, students seek to refine and perfect their expression, creativity and performance. Opportunities such as leading in the Worship Band and Music Tour exist to develop skills through service to others. Extra-curricular musical opportunities include the Junior and Senior School bands, Orchestra and choirs.

Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts.

Psalms 105:2

Art

With an emphasis on creativity, students are encouraged to use skills and techniques they have learned through art classes in Junior School. Combined with a passion for arts and education, our staff take great pleasure in identifying talent and guiding and advising students. Every art subject challenges students to consider the way artists view the world and to engage with culture through a biblical lens.

Drama

Our professional and highly experienced staff create a holistic learning atmosphere; a safe and inspiring environment for students to express their creativity and to develop their skills. Drama students are encouraged to study as well as devise works that wrestle with worldviews while also giving them the opportunity to bring the gospel to the Covenant community through storytelling.

Musicals

Musicals are part of Covenant’s culture, history and educational offering. Every second year, all students in Kindergarten to Year 6 perform in the Junior School Musical. The alternate year is the Secondary School’s turn with students electing to be involved in the performance and production. Students learn to work together, express their gifts and bring great joy to their audiences.

Discover.

Camps

Camps at Covenant are closely tied to our wellbeing framework. Camps are designed to embed a positive school culture, grow relationships, and provide new experiences that are both fun and which build resilience in a supportive environment.

Camps are introduced to our Year 3 and 4 students as an overnight sleepover on the school grounds, as a first taste of the joys of camp. Year 5 and 6 students enjoy a three day camp, and Year 6 travel to Canberra to visit Parliament House and other significant sites.

Part of Covenant’s comprehensive program to introduce Year 7s to life in Secondary School is the Year 7 camp. From Years 8 to 10, students enjoy either year-based or combined interest camps. Year 10 and 11 students may also have the opportunity to serve a Northern Queensland Aboriginal community as part of the Yarrabah program.

Students in Primary and Secondary may also attend a wide range of extension and enrichment camps through the year. We also offer the Duke of Edinburgh Award program from Years 9 to 12.

“ I loved interacting and building friendships with the kids of Yarrabah. They showed us an incredible, unconditional Christ-like love that we could learn from.

Alex, Year 11

Co-Curricular

At Covenant, we believe that each student has unique, God-given talents, gifts and passions. Our Co-Curricular program extends learning beyond the classroom setting, with the opportunity to explore and develop interests under the expert guidance of Christian teachers and coaches.

Dance and Drama

We offer a variety of dance styles through the Covenant Dance Academy and drama classes.

Music

• Ensembles for woodwind, brass and percussion

• Ensembles for strings

• Other ensembles

• Private music tuition available

Sports Academy

Our Sport Academy is an after school, inclusive, skills development program for students across Kindergarten to Year 12.

Academics

• Small group tutoring

• Homework help

• Coding and Robotics

Servant hearted.

Leadership through service

At Covenant we believe that each student has been “created in Christ Jesus to do good works” (Ephesians 2:10). As God’s handiwork we have each been gifted with unique abilities and talents which are to be used to serve others for the glory of God. For the Christian student, leadership is an opportunity for service (Matthew 20:26-28). As we try to imitate the ultimate servant King, Christ Jesus, we are seeking to grow servant leaders who are faithful, encouraging, peacemaking, honest, humble, kind and show integrity.

For students at Covenant, there are many opportunities for servant leadership both at school and in the wider community. These opportunities allow our students to use and develop their leadership gifts, engage positively within our school environment, and to grow and show increasing responsibility. Our students will take these skills and passions into their chosen vocation, using them to serve the Lord as God’s chosen people.

Our Captains and Vice Captains are our Prep to Year 12 school leaders. They play a significant role in our school, teaching the Bible to both their peers and younger students. They act as representatives of the school and represent their peers on the Student Leadership Council.

We provide age-appropriate opportunities for leadership, starting with our Year 2 students leading Infants assemblies and finishing in Year 12 with a variety of leadership positions.

Servant leadership opportunities include:

• School Captains (Year 12)

• House Captains (Year 6 and Year 12)

• Student Leadership Council (Years 8 to 12)

• Sound and Lighting team (Years 6 to 12)

• Mustard

• Worship band (Year 6 and Year 12)

• Year 11 Community Service

• Kids for Christ (Year 6 and Year 11)

• Home Class

• Bus Monitors

• Library Monitors

• Year 6 buddies to Kindergarten

• Student Representative Council (Years 3 to 6)

• Primary Clubs

• Assembly leading (Year 2)

This leadership role has taught me that God has given us gifts and abilities and we should use them for his glory. Lydia, student

Career guidance & alumni

Throughout their time at Covenant, students are equipped to live for God’s glory. During the later years in Secondary School, attention is given to life after school and options that exist for them. Covenant’s careers guidance involves helping students make informed decisions based on careers information, self-knowledge and the opportunities available. Students are kept up to date with the latest information on careers and further study opportunities. Our Careers Adviser liaises with parents, teachers, employers, community agencies and training providers to facilitate the best possible solution for each individual student at Covenant.

When you enrol your child at Covenant, you join a Christian community that has been built-up over 40 years by passionate parents who love Christ and love their children. The essence of this community remains unchanged and so students, staff and families who have left our school stay connected as part of the Covie Alumni, to continue what was started in 1978. Being part of a community which aims to see everything restored under the Lordship of Jesus Christ is life-changing and worth staying connected to for generations to come.

I am always thankful to the Lord for my time at Covie and the influence many of the teachers had on me.

I am delighted it is still going strong after 40 years. Though it is so different in size and resources to when I was there, at its heart it is still seeking to educate and nurture students from the Christian world view.

Stephen, Class of 1986

To equip children to live for His glory.

for His glory.