Bairnsdale Christian Community School

BAIRNSDALE CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY SCHOOL INC.

Australian Democratic Principles

Introduction:

In this policy statement Bairnsdale Christian Community School seeks to declare its support for and adherence to the principles and practice of Australian Democracy.

Statement:

• As a Christian School we are fully committed to the spirit of Romans 13 which teaches about the role of government and our place of obedience to duly approved authority. In this light we acknowledge with thankfulness to God, that the School is able to prosper under the principles and practices of a democratic nation and the policy frameworks of both its Federal and State Governments.
• We are very grateful that we, together with all Australian citizens, have the freedom to pursue our religious beliefs and to live out of a religious worldview that is founded upon those beliefs.
• We honour and are committed to the fundamental freedoms of speech and association for all Australians so long as those freedoms are not used to subvert the rule of law.
• We accept the right of our elected Governments and their officers to prescribe certain conditions pertaining to the programs and teaching practices of schools.
• We acknowledge that all people are entitled to be treated equally before the law, and as far as it lies within our capacity to do so, we will endeavour to treat the members of our community with equity and fairness.
• We are committed to living in peace with our fellow Australians irrespective of differences in faith, race or culture, while at the same time not in any way compromising the integrity of our own beliefs, practices and values. As Christians we are committed to the social value of respect for all persons, derived from and founded upon our reverence for God who created all of humanity in His image and our reverence for Jesus Christ whose selfless sacrifice and restorative life is available to all who come to Him in trust and faith.
• We are committed to an education that references its policies and programs to a Christian worldview. As such, within the parameters of our enrolment policy, the School is open to all families who seek and education based on Christian principles and standards.
• In conclusion our School is open to the normal processes of accountability required by Governments and commits to ethical and transparent practices in respect of each of those requirements.

Implementation:

• Staff: This statement is handed to each staff member and is to be included in Staff handbooks. The statement will also be discussed in preparatory staff meetings at the beginning of each school year. Here discussion will help to clarify the implications of this statement for practices and attitudes.
• Students: This statement will inform teaching programs and practices and will itself be communicated via units of teaching on democracy, system of law etc. Each class will also regularly pray for and give thanks for our country, its governments and legal rights and responsibilities.
• School Community: The statement will be included on the School's website and in the Information Packs handed out to visitors.