Our mission is to unfold authentic, adventurous and accessible Christian education, founded on the Bible,
within a community where God is glorified and enjoyed.
There are many faith-based schools that define themselves as ‘Christian’. It is important to understand what defines Nepean Christian School before seeking to enrol your children at the school. As an open enrolment school, we recognise that not all families identify with Christian faith, as set out in our Statement of Faith. However, it is important that all families have an understanding and are able to support the mission and vision of the school.
As a school, we are committed to:
An integrated Christian worldview
We teach that every area of life is religious, including all knowledge and understanding. We therefore engage with issues of faith across every area of school life, both inside and outside the classroom. Whether it involves looking at the wonder of microscopic life or analysing a Shakespearean text, learning takes on new meaning when God is at the centre of that learning. Teachers will talk about faith issues in all their interactions with students.
Biblically-based learning
We hold to the authority of scripture as God’s message to his people. Understood within its historical context and applied to contemporary situations, we believe that the whole of scripture is intended to be understood and lived. Our policies and procedures are grounded in the assurance of God’s Word.
Non-denominational
We are not connected to any church group but encompass a wide body of believers who ascribe to the statement of faith and the various historical Confessional statements. We do not have a separate chapel or mass services.
Christ-centred
We teach that Jesus is God’s only son, whose birth, life, death and resurrection are the unfolding of God’s plan of grace and redemption for humanity. The cross and the empty tomb are the pivotal moments of history. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, God draws people to himself to experience His grace, forgiveness and a new life in Christ.
Parent-governed
We believe that God has given primary responsibility to parents to raise their children. The role of the school is to work in partnership with parents in this vital task. Parents who subscribe to the Statement of Faith can apply to become members of the Association, which has the additional responsibility to ensure the ongoing mission and vision of the school.
Open enrolment
Because we believe in the importance of the Christian message for all people, we are open to people of all faith positions, on the understanding that they know and can support the school in its mission and vision. We seek to be respectful of different faiths, worldviews and values and encourage students to express and discuss their own beliefs openly and without criticism. However, it is important to understand that as differences arise, the school cannot compromise its own beliefs, and parents should consider how they will manage those differences before enrolling their child.
We believe, uphold and teach the fundamental truths of Christianity contained in Holy Scriptures, including:
- The divine inspiration and infallibility of Holy Scripture as originally given, and its supreme authority in all matters of faith and conduct.
- The sovereignty of God, who despite the effects of sin on the world, retains authority over all creation, sustaining and governing all things by His will.
- The unity of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit in the Godhead.
- The universal sinfulness and guilt of human nature since the Fall, rendering man subject to God’s wrath and condemnation.
- The incarnation of Jesus, conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary.
- Redemption from the guilt, penalty and power of sin only through the sacrificial and atoning death of Jesus Christ as our representative and substitute.
- The bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.
- The necessity of the work of the Holy Spirit to make the death of Christ effective in the individual sinner, granting him repentance towards God and faith in Jesus Christ.
- The indwelling of the Holy Spirit in the believer.
- The expectation of the personal return of the Lord Jesus Christ
- We hold to the traditional biblical view of the intention and purpose of human sexuality, expressed in the context of marriage is between a man and a woman, committed for life, to the exclusion of all others.
It is expected that all staff and association members are able to uphold the Statement of Faith in both their public and private life and are committed to the body of Christian believers through membership of a local church or Christian community.
However, as an open enrolment school, we recognise that our student and parent community includes a variety of faith and lifestyle beliefs. All are welcome in our school. Nevertheless, it is important to note, when joining the school community, that families understand the teaching of the school. We recognise the right of parents and students to hold different positions on lifestyle or faith as private matters.
Who is Christian Education National?
Christian Education National (CEN) is the organisational body of like-minded Christian schools across Australia. There are 66 CEN schools across all states and territories. CEN provides resources for teachers and parents as well as organising conferences, professional development, governance training and tertiary courses. CEN head office is located across the upper car park at NCS.
