PACIFIC STREAMS ISSUE 2, 2024
Pacific Streams is a free publication produced by The Excellence Centre, under the Pacific Group of Christian Schools. P 02 9651 0700 E info@pacifichills.nsw.edu.au A 9-15 Quarry Road, Dural NSW 2158 Australia 6 PACIFIC GROUP OF CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS TIMELINE 8 PIONEERS - JOHN & ROBIN ODELL AND LYNN MCCRINDLE 12 FROM SMALL BEGINNINGS 14 A HEART OF SERVICE 18 CHRIST, THE CENTRE 21 GOOD COFFEE, GREAT PEOPLE 23 CELEBRATING GOD’S GIFTS 26 STORY OF HOPE 29 FROM VISION TO REALITY 32 SOWING SEEDS 35 CARE AND COMMUNITY IN CHRIST 39 GOD’S FINGERPRINTS 41 ESTABLISHED AND GUIDED BY GOD 46 GRACE ACROSS GAPS
FROM THE EXECUTIVE PRINCIPAL Celebrating our 45th Anniversary This year we celebrate God’s goodness to us over the last 45 years; from the establishment of the first school to our current group of 10 Christian school communities. Through the vision and hard work of John and Robin Odell and many other helpers, our first school was established in 1979. From those humble beginnings, we now celebrate the diverse ministries of our ten schools, inclusive of our mainstream, Hope and Indigenous schools. We celebrate the faith and obedience of the pioneers of our schools and are extremely thankful for God’s provision and blessing. Over the years God has blessed our group of schools in many remarkable ways; with wonderful Christian people on the boards, on staff, in the parent body, and amongst the students. Moreover, God has given us much favour with many members of the wider community. We have sought to make the teaching of God our Saviour attractive (Titus 2:10) through the grace of God, through kindness and compassion, and through the wisdom of God. We acknowledge that none of this is our own doing. We are called to be faithful to celebrate God’s place in our lives individually and as community. Therefore, the work that has been done has been done, in God’s grace and by His strength. The Pacific Group of Christian Schools is first of all a community of faith with all of our staff and Board members being committed Christian believers. We are decidedly and delightfully a trans-denominational Christian community following the words of the Bible in Romans 15:7: “Accept one another then just as Christ accepted you in order to bring praise to God”. Our group of Christian schools has consistently and continuously enrolled students of all different intellectual abilities and has celebrated this diversity in a way that seeks to show the love of God to us. Those in authority in our schools have received God’s love and God’s grace and now we are called, indeed commanded, to share that love and grace with all others that we meet. As 1 Peter 4:10 says, “Each one must use whatever gift received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms”. As we celebrate God’s goodness to our school communities over these 45 years, we are thankful for all that He is and all that He has done. Furthermore, we will trust Him for the future, in all circumstances and in every situation. Therefore, faith in God is what God requires primarily from us. We thank God for the founders of the schools, for their vision, energy, and hard work. We thank God for the rich blessings that He has given to us because we believe that from Him and through Him and to Him are all things (Romans 11:36). Finally, as we celebrate the past and the present we look forward to the future under God’s hand for His blessing. As in the past, there will be challenges, and with these challenges we will receive God’s grace. We will need totally to continue trusting in Him. To God be the glory. Amen. DR E J BOYCE Executive Principal Pacific Group of Christian Schools 4
EDITOR’S NOTE Pioneering in God’s Mysterious Ways What defines a pioneer? Many view pioneers as individuals who are ‘driven’, ‘passionate’, and ‘forthright’. People like Florence Nightingale and Mother Teresa embody this spirit. They were people who stepped out in faith, motivated by the needs of others and empowered by the Holy Spirit. Their contributions – advancements in medicine and movements such as the ‘Missionaries of Charity’- stemmed from their obedience to a calling, a clear sense of purpose, and trust in God’s provision. Who were the pioneers of the schools and ministries in our Pacific Group of Christian Schools? How did each school join our community and what stories do they hold? In this edition of Pacific Streams 2, 2024, we’ll explore the stories of these pioneers. They moved forward in God’s strength and grace, fuelled by deep Christian faith and conviction. You’ll discover accounts of their courage and unwavering faith - faith that takes God at His word and moves forward anticipating His guidance and provision. The needs of children inspired new ventures and courageous steps of faith. You will read of seemingly impossible challenges and miraculous answers to prayer. Notably, the first 30 years of Pacific Hills Christian School has already been beautifully documented in the book ‘Vibrant Grace’ and a follow-up titled ‘Borderless Grace’ is in preparation. This new book will include the stories featured in this edition and much more; celebrating the many ways God has guided and provided for the schools in our Pacific Group. This edition serves as a window into our past, allowing us to revisit the early days of our schools and hear from those who experienced them firsthand. For instance, from Pacific Hills, we hear from Felicity Marlow, daughter of founders John and Robin Odell and Mrs McCrindle, the first teacher. Dr Tina Lamont, Dianne Dowson and Nathan Murray from the Hope Schools will share their insights, while David Johnston, Ailsa Schilling, Lee Hackfath and Kara Lenord will reflect on their experiences from the Valley. Each school tells its story, including OOSH, OMA and the Pacifica Café affirming that ‘God moves in mysterious ways’. Above all, these stories celebrate the ultimate pioneer we all follow – Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. May you find blessing and inspiration to also pioneer, as you hear about the mysterious ways in which God guides and provides. “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.” Hebrews 12:1-2 DR TINA LAMONT Lead Principal of Pacific Regional Schools Director of The Excellence Centre Assistant Principal: Teaching, Learning and Strategic Planning 5
Commencement of Pennant Hills Christian School Mrs Lynn McCrindle – Appointed as 1st teacher 1979 Mr John Odell – Appointed as School Administrator 1982 Dr Boyce awarded Order of Australia Medal 2000 Commencement of After School Care 2001 Commencement of Prep School Crest replaced with the Logo 1998 Pacific Coast Christian School 2008 Pacific Valley Christian School 2009 Valley Hope Christian School 2016 Pacific Brook Christian School 2018 PACIFIC GROUP OF CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS TIMELINE Pacific Gulgangali Jarjums Christian School Pacific Online Christian School Pacific Berowra Christian School 2022 6
Dr Edwin Boyce – Appointed as 2nd School Principal 1985 Mr Ken Oliver – Appointed as 1st School Principal Commencement of Integration Program 1983 Commencement of Middle School 1995 Pacifica the Missions Café Opens Commencement of OneMaker Academy 2013 Southland College Trainee Teacher Program 2024 New Hope Christian School 2015 School moved to Dural and adopted its new name Pacific Hills Christian School 1986 Commencement of Missions 1991 2025 AND BEYOND The Excellence Centre Pacific Hope Christian School 2015 7
PACIFIC HILLS CHRISTIAN SCHOOL PIONEERS - JOHN & ROBIN ODELL AND LYNN MCCRINDLE Introduction “God works in mysterious ways.”Who but God could bring together heartfelt needs, passionate desires, and humble hearts to fulfil His purposes? The pioneers of Pacific Hills Christian School played crucial roles in founding the first school in what was to become the Pacific Group of Christian Schools. Driven by a strong call from the Spirit, they were deeply aware of the needs around them. They prayed passionately, and God answered those prayers with blessings. The book “Vibrant Grace” chronicles the story of the first 30 years of Pacific Hills, beginning with one teacher and eight students to 175 staff and 1,200 students. It is a story of committed Christians obediently following God’s guidance one step at a time, creating an institution renowned for delivering educational excellence in an unmistakeably Christian environment. Dr Noel Davidson, the author, eloquently captures the school’s vision and growth, encouraging readers to seek and follow God’s leading to see His blessings. In this edition of Pacific Streams, we also explore this story from a personal viewpoint through the reflections of three pioneers: John and Robin Odell and Lynn McCrindle. Felicity Marlow (daughter of Robin and the late John Odell) shares her memories of her parents’ journey with God and the early days of the school, followed by Lynn McCrindle’s insights and experiences. Be blessed as you read about their journeys with God. Pioneers of Christian Education and PHCS - John and Robin Odell Shared by Felicity Marlow, Principal of Norwest Christian College, daughter of Robin and the Late John Odell. “Lord, we are assured in your Word that all things work together for good to those who love you. We cannot understand why Jonathan has suddenly become so ill, but we ask You please to guide us as a family in this situation, and show us in your own time and way, the good that can come out of it for your glory.” John Odell’s prayer. Sometimes the most difficult situations can reap the most rewards. Being one of the children of the founders of Pacific Hills Christian School, I agree with this as I saw my parents, John and Robin Odell live out their faith and trust in our Almighty God, especially when difficult situations arose. 8
When my brother Jono was 4, he suddenly became very ill. Mum and Dad had taken Fiona, Sharon and Jono to Bulli to run a special beach mission. They looked at this situation with eyes of faith. Mum told me that Dad prayed for Jono and our family, praying that God would use this illness for His good. Mum then drove back to Sydney for diagnosis for Jono and treatment. She was told Jono had encephalitis and that the prognosis was poor. Both Mum and Dad drew on their knowledge and faith in God to guide and strengthen them through this most difficult situation which would continue for many years. Last November, at the age of 57, my brother Jono went home to be with the Lord, forever enjoying eternal rest. Along with my siblings Fiona, Sharon and Benjamin, I learnt many life lessons about God and how to walk with Him through these challenging years. We witnessed how God can use difficult situations to bless and edify many thousands of people while also strengthening those in great need. We saw our parents seek God for strength and guidance. Knowing that Jono was not well enough to attend a traditional schooling environment, they began looking for a place he could fit into for his education. They felt called to establish an integrated Christian school environment, believing that there would be advantages for all students as they learnt together. Sensing that God had placed this call on their hearts, Mum and Dad gathered some friends at their house and asked God to provide the people, place, and the means to run such an integrated Christian school. Two rented rooms of the Lutanda Children’s Home became the first official site of the school and Lynn McCrindle became the school teacher sensing God’s calling, knowing that He would do the equipping. Other people, like Faith and Jim Clifford, often joined us as we had meetings, including board meetings, around the kitchen table. Sadly, Jono never was able to attend Pacific Hills because by the time the school was founded, he was too old to be a participant. However, the aim was to integrate students into normal learning situations and social settings at school and this dream was being realised. Memories of these early years are cherished. With Lutanda Childrens’ Home as the site of the school, the classroom was located in the kitchen with its wonderful flavourful smells and the school library was in the living room. All available space was used very efficiently. From commencing as Pennant Hills Christian School in the Children’s Home, the school grew and grew. I enjoyed being taught by Mrs McCrindle, who always kept us busy with work as well helping us sense we were truly in a Christian school community for all students. Dad was an architect, enjoying his special projects such as when he showed King Charles (then Prince Charles) over the renovated Town Hall. I remember the sacrifices he made in giving up the various high-profile projects to help design the first Pacific Hills buildings on the new site. He loved seeing God’s plan bloom and grow. Dr Boyce became Principal in 1985 and in those days, his office was in the corridor of the old building. When the school moved to the new site, the first building to be built on the new land was the main reception and Dr Boyce’s office was now tucked behind the front reception – a very handy position for the Principal. On reflection, there are a number of spiritual lessons that I learned growing up in the family of John and Robin Odell, the founders of the Pacific Hills Christian School. Mum and Dad’s example taught me that nothing is impossible for God and that if He gives you a dream, He will equip you. Even though my parents didn’t have a background in education, they had a pioneering spirit and imagination which God used, bringing others alongside to help. I have learnt that God uses all things for His purposes, that “all things work together for good” is true – I witnessed it. For example, after Jono’s passing, Mum prayed and gave thanks for him, she acknowledged that he had been a servant used by God – born for suffering. She thanked 9
God for him, and how his life had been used. Despite his suffering, God had used his life to bless many other people. He bore a lot of difficulties in his life, but out of those difficulties came a school and camps for people with disabilities. Most of the time we won’t find out the purposes while here on earth. Through my parents’ experiences, I’ve come to see that God’s plan continues especially during times of conflict and challenge – a valuable life lesson in faith and courage. For example, while the school was being established in its first few years, they received no income but trusted God to provide. These were also lessons - that God shapes and moves people in and out of situations and that He appoints a time for everything. God’s sovereignty was not questioned. I have also learnt to love generously. Dad had a very personal warmth about him and would speak to anyone about Jesus, no matter who the person was. He would stop to talk to anyone, mainstream or marginalised – he loved talking and connecting with people. Through watching my parents I have also learnt a valuable educational lesson - that ALL students need a teacher who REALLY cares about them, not just academically, but spiritually, wholly. Finally, I thank God for my parents, respect them deeply and pray that I will live out the lessons learnt and be as useful to God as my parents always strived to be. Their courage for God was inspirational and will forever stay with me. John and Robin Odell – my much-loved parents and special Pioneers for God. Pioneers of Christian Education and PHCS - Lynn McCrindle “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9) Lynn McCrindle, the first teacher, is one of the pioneers of Pacific Hills Christian School. In her words, she is naturally a shy, quiet, ‘behind the scenes’ type of person and this carried through in her service to God. She loved contributing behind the scenes and seeing things come together. But as she found out, “When God calls you, how can you be reluctant? When He calls you, He gets you through”. In the beginning, Lynn’s three children were at another school and she wanted more for them than was being offered at that school. She wanted them all to experience the joy of learning, in conditions that were conducive and amenable to learning in a Christian environment. Each was at a strategic stage and their experiences at that school were becoming frustrating. God’s timing is always right. In this year of struggle for Lynn, she heard about John Odell’s desire 10
and plan for an inclusive Christian school. She attended the first public meeting, saw the need and felt compelled to join this little group, realising she was the only teacher to sign up for such a momentous task. As Lynn said of those crucial early days, “I found that success didn’t lie in some ‘great thing I could do for God’; but rather in just allowing God to work in me, to achieve His plans, through me.” In this pioneering stage, Lynn took on the task of designing a Christian education model. She visited schools and held meetings with Principals to study their methods. She studied models which in theory were excellent but would only work if the teacher was Christian and fully engaged in the vision and mission of that model. Through much sifting and guidance, she created a model which continues to be used today, not just in that one small school in 1979 with eight students, but now in a system of ten schools, with approximately 3,000 students. In those early days, many experiences from her childhood, her own education and her teaching became ‘guiding posts’ in creating the model used today. She calls them ‘lightbulb moments’, such as when she was a student herself and, missing some foundational aspects of maths, was blessed with a tutor who not only filled in the missing knowledge, but tutored in such a way that inspired her to want to know and achieve much more (from failing to 96%). She saw the potential impact of a teacher’s relational teaching style on her own studies and was encouraged to do the same, from a Christian perspective, for other students. Another example was when she was a ‘supply teacher’ in London and taught a student who was very defiant and chaotic. Being firm with care showed gradual positive results. It was very encouraging to see the change in this student, and especially encouraging when the student’s mother visited Lynn to thank her for the change at home as well, to being obedient instead of defiant. Lynn learnt to never give up “I never shouted at him – ‘speak one not with force’ – just continually giving firm, caring instructions”. Lynn built these and many other lessons into the model she built for the school. Whenever she didn’t feel able or equipped for the task, she says God would say to her “Remember when…” In these moments she would revisit the many times God had helped her in specific situations, showing His grace, strength, wisdom and providence. For example, Lynn’s childhood was in the postwar years, difficult years for families both financially and in recovery from the war. God’s providence was seen many times, such as how her mother stepped up to be the ‘mother lion’ in a potentially dangerous situation, or when her extended family provided for Lynn to attend Grammar school to prepare for teaching by supplying a tutor. Even in her first few years of teaching, God was preparing and equipping her. Lynn worked in a one teacher school for a number of years, gaining valuable experience which God used for her service to this new inclusive Christian school which would eventually become Pacific Hills Christian School. Those ‘remember when’ moments reminded her that God ALWAYS provides, ALWAYS encourages and ALWAYS reassures. He leads quietly, filling in the missing links and uses all our experiences to build a tapestry for His glory. “We are like a carpet – we only see the back, the messy part, but God sees the front”. To God the weaver, Lynn says “I just feel thankful that God used me”. As God calls and leads us, let Lynn’s helpful words be our inspiration – “Me? A pioneer? Normally no, but God wouldn’t let me say no – He kept opening doors and I sensed I had to keep going and not let other people down. I am so happy to be the beneficiary of God’s grace, happy to be able to say God did it and will do the same in you”. 11
OOSH FROM SMALL BEGINNINGS “The pessimist complains about the wind. The optimist expects it to change. The leader adjusts the sails.” I have been the pessimist, the optimist, and the leader. The journey that God has taken me on has permitted me to grow and develop as a Christian throughout my time working at Pacific Hills. Through my time of growth, God has enabled me to act as the vessel for Him to allow the Out of School Hours (OOSH) service to thrive. In 2013, when I began working at Pacific Hills, we only had a small After School Care service with a maximum of 15 children each afternoon. We had a small room with one tin cupboard with a few old board games and some colouring pencils. The children were content with this at the time, but I could see that God could do more. As time progressed, the demand for After School Care increased. More and more families needed care for their children. This was when I had to begin creating waitlists for families requiring care which we couldn’t provide. We didn’t have enough space. I became the pessimist. I complained about the wind. I accepted that this was how it was. It is what it is. Many nights, I prayed. I mentioned to God that we needed to increase the After School Care. I knew in my heart that if He wanted, He would make it happen. In 2016, God delivered. This was when I realised that God was using me as His vessel to provide a service for the families of Pacific Hills. God blessed the After School Care. He provided us with new resources and He permitted us to expand our space. Parents were in need of a Before School Care service to commence and God permitted this too. Since both Before and After School Care were in operation, we gained our first ‘official’ title of “BAASC”, an acronym for “Before and After School Care”. Upon expanding the service to the BAASC, the rolls filled quickly to our maximum capacity of 60 children each afternoon. The demand was high again. I then became the optimist. I expected God to make the change. He had done it before, so He will do it again. But was I wrong? Yes, but only for a few years. I continued knocking on God’s door, asking for Him to increase our service and allow us to provide the best care possible. In 2018, God answered. Our service was finally approved to increase from a maximum capacity of 60 children to a maximum capacity of 100 children. It became obvious to me that God’s mission was not yet complete. Requests from families for a Vacation Care service began to flood in. We opened Vacation Care in 2019. A safe and familiar environment for the children of the BAASC during holiday periods. After opening Vacation Care, we then became known as “Pacific Hills OOSH”.
Still, this wasn’t enough for God. The afternoon session quickly filled up to 100 children each afternoon, we had more children requiring care in the mornings, and holiday care was extremely popular. We were busier than ever. We had extremely long waitlists and families requesting spaces each day. We needed to increase again. In 2022, God was gracious enough to, once again, permit us to expand. The service was approved to increase from a maximum capacity of 100 children to its current maximum capacity of 150 children. And again, we were provided with new resources and a new space. Over the years, we have followed the path that God has made clear. We have gone from a small capacity of 15 children with one games cupboard and a small room, to a large service with a capacity of 150 children. It is evident that God is in control and that we must allow Him to take the wheel. Throughout my time at Pacific Hills, God has taught me, and continues to teach me, many lessons. He has taught me to become a leader. He shows me how to adjust the sails as He steers the ship. He has shown me that “a smooth sea never made a skilled sailor”. However, one of the most important lessons that I have learned is that “faith isn’t about asking God to stop the storm. Faith is about trusting God to help you through the storm.” BELINDA KORHONEN OOSH Director, Pacific Hills Christian School
PACIFIC COAST CHRISTIAN SCHOOL A HEART OF SERVICE The Vision In 2008, a school in the beautiful Northern Rivers region of New South Wales asked Pacific Hills Christian School (PHCS) for their help. PHCS responded. After prayer, they visited the school, learnt more about the situation and assessed the possibilities.
They saw that God was calling them to share their founding vision: “ To provide a Christian educational community as a centre of teaching, learning and serving excellence founded on biblically based beliefs, values and behaviour.” (Pacific Group of Christian Schools) They responded to the school and its community, “We share your commitment to grow as a Christian community committed to Christian education.” The interim principal, Mr Neville Pollard, helped the staff and students learn what such a committed community should look like, as part of the Pacific Group of Christian Schools. When Dr Tina Lamont, the first permanent Principal, arrived at what is now Pacific Coast Christian School (PCCS), she picked up on this commitment and soon the staff were focusing on service. What sort of service? It was community wide, supporting students, families, the community and each other. The Verse It was out of this emerging heart of service that God prompted the community to turn to Micah 6:8: The LORD God has told us what is right and what He demands: “See that justice is done, let mercy be your first concern, and humbly obey your God.” (CEV) For the teachers and staff, this is how the vision has grown. Their concern is to teach their students regardless of the students’ circumstance - they want to know their students as whole people, and they want to meet their needs as best they can with the resources they have, centring on doing their best before God. Life Together for Staff What did this mean for the staff who were rebuilding the school from the inside out? Dr Tina Lamont strongly believed that each person, whether they be student, family or staff - all mattered. From the beginning, Dr Lamont took the time to get to know every student and their family, and that pattern is now part of the fabric of the school. She also encouraged the staff to review what it meant to be a Christian teacher. This meant reviewing what they were teaching and how they were teaching. Under her guidance, the teaching team developed excellent learning initiatives for their students. Over time, the principalship passed to others and now to James van Gelderen. Student capability steadily improved. Continuing Dr Lamont’s style, partnerships between school and home are strongly encouraged. Partnerships of the school and local churches and of the school and local Indigenous leaders have also become a natural part of how PCCS functions. This was the start of PCCS becoming more than just a place to ‘get a good education’. It also grew to be a place where people belonged. The Pattern of Service and Missions From the beginning of PCCS, there has been a strong commitment to developing the spirit of 1 Peter 4:10-11: “ Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.” The Northern Rivers region of New South Wales boasts stunning natural beauty, but its communities also face significant challenges. From the beginning, Dr Lamont encouraged the staff to understand the challenges. Service began in the classroom, inspiring teachers to go the extra mile to meet the students’ needs with the resources at hand. Some staff members from PHCS moved up to help us, bringing valuable experience and the PHCS vision of service and missions. They encouraged our staff and students to share their God-given gifts, expertise and talents. Practical 15
service activities invited parents into the school, while the students and staff went out to the local community. One staff member likens the growth of the school to a small tree that increasingly supports a larger community. Others cherish memories of this growing ‘heart of service’ reaching out to those in need. For some, this includes the “You have a Friend” project which supports local charities, while others remember the music performances by students that brought joy to the community. Working Bees and Family Fun Days have and continue to foster strong connections with the local community. The school highly values mission trips. Both staff and students often describe these trips as profoundly impacting. Going to minister to others in the spirit of 1 Peter 4:10 provides the opportunity to see what happens when we use our gifts to serve others. Equally important is the experience of receiving support from those who have far less, as their generosity encourages and uplifts us. Debbie Vandersteen (PCCS Head of Administration), a passionate mission trip supporter, reflects: “I will be forever grateful to our founding Principals in encouraging staff to have a mission focus and to truly understand what being a servant leader in a Christian school looks like. With God’s grace our school has continued to grow and those foundations, which were laid early on, have been strengthened by the activities and heart of staff who have followed in their footsteps. All praise to God that mission continues to be at the forefront of all that we do.” Our PCCS community actively lives out the Micah 6:8 motto. For example, earlier this year we launched SIX:EIGHT, our latest endeavour—a coffee trailer inspired by Micah 6:8. Serving as a practical training ground for our hospitality students enrolled in the Cert II Hospitality VET course, SIX:EIGHT embodies the students’ commitment to learning and community service. At the heart of SIX:EIGHT lies a dual purpose: to provide our students with invaluable hands-on hospitality experience and cater to our school community’s needs. SIX:EIGHT operates three mornings a week, providing our students with opportunities to master every aspect of trailer operation, 16
from opening and closing to serving and preparing topnotch coffee beverages and sweet treats. Over the years, the Micah 6:8 ‘motto’ has influenced many projects and developments. For example, the desire to offer Christian education to all students in ways that are relevant to their specific needs. In 2015, seeing the number of children with autism spectrum disorder and moderate learning disabilities, Dr Tina Lamont established an extra school on the PCCS site which offered specialised teaching methods to cater to their special needs - a separate school cohabitating with the PCCS community, on the PCCS site called Pacific Hope Christian School (PHoCS). As Dr Lamont says “How you look after the least able students gives a sense of care to everyone.” (See article on PHoCS) And then in 2022, a third school commenced on the PCCS site. Through the significant ongoing involvement of Aboriginal elders who prayed over the land and sent their children to the school, a Christian Indigenous school was commenced, called Pacific Gulgangali Jarjums Christian School. (See article on PGJCS) Through God’s leading, we now have one Christian educational community housing three schools - providing Christian education to all students in different ways but in the same Christian community. We are excited to see what God will do next! Contributors: DR TINA LAMONT Original Campus Principal, PCCS DEBBIE VANDERSTEEN Head of Administration, PCCS JAMES VAN GELDEREN Current Campus Principal, PCCS
PACIFIC VALLEY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL CHRIST, THE CENTRE Humble Beginnings In 2008, in the quiet village settlement of Maclean with its beautiful river and surrounds, parents heard that their precious school of 24 students would have to close. When the debris of difficult news is all around and it’s hard to see, what is your response? Do you take a step back, reach out to someone, get stuck in the emotional rut or pray? A group of parents prayed and listened. God answered in so many ways in providing the beginnings of what would become the Pacific Valley Christian School (PVCS). The parents contacted Dr Ted Boyce who visited the school with senior staff, listened to the concerned parents and prayed with them. Convinced that the founding vision of a Christian school in this valley was good, in January 2009 Pacific Valley Christian School commenced as a campus of the Sydney school while being accredited in its own right. In terms of faith journeys, it was Lee Hackfath and Ailsa Schilling who ‘accidentally’ formed the bond, under God, with the man who would become their principal, and more importantly, their fellow journeyman (David Johnston). Lee remembers the beginnings very well: “The day St Andrews was offered ‘the land’, now home to the PVCS Junior School, Admin and VHCS buildings, Ailsa, myself and the other St Andrews teacher together with all the students, climbed the farm fence into what was an overgrown, weedy paddock with a few cows. We formed a circle and talked with the students about God being a God who cares and provides for His people, and that it would be good to thank God for this land and for the purposes God had already planned. Just before we prayed, David Johnston, Deputy Principal at St Andrews, pulled up in his car and joined us in dedicating the land to God’s plan and purposes. So, the three original PVCS staff prayed over this land, even though they were all part of another school at the time and Pacific Valley wasn’t even a thought in anyone’s mind. I’m always amazed at how God works! To think that the three original staff were all there to pray a blessing over the land as it became a school site, miraculously bought by Pacific Valley for a dollar – God’s amazing!” Yes, God provides - Little did these prayer warriors know they were the starting combination for Pacific Valley, but God did. Little did they know then of the provision of stunningly affordable land (for only $1) that people such as the Dougherty family would provide, but God did. Little did they know of the families outside their usual church connections that would come to the school and enrol their students, but God did. 18
Three Key Pioneers Specifically, the commencing staff of three were a unique mix of faith-filled pioneers: Lee Hackfath, an early childhood specialist who had been teaching the KindyYear 2 class; Ailsa Schilling, who had been helping across the original school and David Johnston, the former deputy of St Andrew’s Christian School in Grafton who was appointed to teach Years 3 to 6, as well as being the Head Teacher. David Johnston had been at the original school, acting Principal in the lead up to becoming PVCS, and was committed to the area with his family. But the most important reality that David saw in the offer to join the team was the expressed desire in their mission that Christ should be at the centre of everything about the school. Lee Hackfath remembers: “The early pioneering days were so full, but God was so faithful, answering our prayers and providing a great community of support and encouragement from amongst the students, parents, our friends, and families. With such wonderful support we were constantly reminded and encouraged to keep Christ the Centre. Dave would often say he wanted to lead people to ‘ooze Jesus’, and it’s so wonderful to think that 15 years on we have the privilege to still be representing and sharing Jesus, working in God’s plan for the youth and the families of the Clarence Valley community.” Over time, they saw God’s provision for the group and the school grew accordingly. For example, when there wasn’t enough space for classes there was enough sunshine to have classes outside, or in the church. When resources were needed, families and churches provided. God called amazing, lovely teachers to the area and parents were grateful for their ministry. Kara Lenord (parent and teacher) noted, “Renee Fuhrmann and Lee Hackfath nurtured our girls in those early years and lovingly shared God’s story with them.” The first few years brought many challenges which also gave many examples of God’s provision. With two floods in the first year saturating the grounds around the little school demountable, God provided in the form of gumboots. Many remember teachers happily wearing gumboots while escorting students to and from the church building under umbrellas. On another occasion, rooms arrived on trucks from Bourke, as well as a support team from Sydney, which gave rise to very thankful praise. Watching the growing number of families impacted by the ministry of the school is a continual source of wonder and delight, with Christ the Centre. For school camps, the Schilling family set up their personal caravan, tents and tarpaulins so that the students could experience school camping. Parents and staff gave up so much to bless and support the students with yummy food and exciting experiences. The sense of community was and is so strong at Pacific Valley. Over the years our children have seen God’s love, grace and provision in action through the staff who have cared for them. God brought several other teachers to the area to fulfil the needs of the school, each with the right skills and character to support the students. God’s provision and sovereignty were always evident, especially when things were tough. Needs were supplied. All that was required was to walk the journey with Him trusting that He had it all under control. Key Messages Two focus points become clear from those who were there at or near the start. Each of the pioneers and early school team, whether teachers, assistants, or front office administrative staff, said, “How can we minister to the students, to help them be the people God made them to be?”
From the school’s inception, the desire to minister to students was deep in the hearts of the teams at the Valley and Sydney. They did not see students as coming from any particular background, or as belonging to a particular kind of group. They saw each student as born in the image of God with different backgrounds and abilities. They wanted to love each student by teaching them as best they could with what they had. What the students and parents experienced was a safe and caring staff who did not give up on them. It also reveals the second core dynamic of the founders which has continued to this day – Christ, the Centre. This same heart was the reason for the establishment of the Valley Hope school, where students who in other places would be ‘educational outcasts’, are welcome. There are two schools in one learning community, where each one is respected, each student made in God’s image with their own God-given purpose. With the variety of activities, including working at the Coffee Trailer and caring for the chickens, past parents comment that they are so grateful for the care their children receive at Valley Hope. (See story of Valley Hope Christian School) If you were to ask some of the long timers why “Christ, the Centre” came about as the school’s motto, and why it has ‘stuck’, the answer is the same. They will tell the story of how it came out of those pioneer hearts amongst the parents and staff, that it explains the heart of PVCS, and in the words of the founding principal, “More words would simply complicate and dilute the message.” Fifteen years on, the message still stands. To come to Pacific Valley Christian School is to come to a place where Christ is the Centre. All the teachers and staff are Christians who trust God, through Christ. Ailsa Schilling, recently retired, shares her thoughts: “Having been here for 15 years, seeing the school grow from those 24 students to what it is now, I still say that what I love most about this school is being able to share the wonderful, good news of Jesus. Each and every day, each staff member gets to share their faith with the students and the families. It’s one of the highlights of my time here at Pacific Valley, watching these children grow all the way through from Prep to Year 12 and then go on to serve in the community and see them grow in their Christian faith.” With this kind of passion in the staff, it is why students mature in this school. It is why parents are thankful for this school. And it is why the staff keep on keeping on, with faith in their spirits, hope in their hearts, and love in their actions. Contributors DAVID JOHNSTON AILSA SCHILLING Original Campus Principal, PVCS Teacher, PVCS (recently retired) LEE HACKFATH BRETT SHARROCK Dean of Special Programs, PVCS Current Campus Principal, PVCS
PACIFICA, THE MISSIONS CAFÉ GOOD COFFEE, GREAT PEOPLE Thirteen years ago, Pacifica: The Missions Café was a classroom. Today it’s the first thing you see when you arrive at the Pacific Hills Dural campus, and likely one of the reasons you’ll stay. Situated directly next to Reception, it’s hard to believe there is a fully operational Café on school grounds. But it’s there, and it makes all the difference. A typical day at Pacifica starts at 7:30 AM, though Stefi Pratt – the Café supervisor and my mum – is there well before then. And it’s important that she is because at the same time, the rush begins. From students and parents to teachers, staff and visitors, by 8:00 AM nearly every table is full and the line snakes out the door. Behind the counter is usually frantic. A student volunteer usually takes orders while one of us paid staff is behind the coffee machine churning out orders. But there’s a cadence to the chaos. As customers ebb and flow you get into the rhythm of grabbing coffee lids, fitting them to their cups, calling out orders, and then returning to the coffee machine. It’s almost like a dance, one with sharp movements and a quick tempo. You learn to pirouette around co-workers as you each steam milk and prepare shots. You learn how to twist a group handle off the machine with one hand and trigger the grinder with the other. While you tamp you can measure the next set of grounds. It becomes a process: grinder, group handle, tamp, lock, cups. These are my favourite mornings though. There is an energy to everything, the grinder’s whirring, the milk tearing, the chatter by the machine, the laughter, the creak of the sandwich press, the pop of the toaster, the scratch of chair legs on concrete. Everything feels alive and awake and full of warmth. Even after six years, I love it. Truly though, the best part is the people. Having regulars come by and knowing their orders, chatting with people behind the machine while I make their coffee, watching a little kid’s face light up when I hand them their first ever babyccino — it’s what keeps me going through the valleys of the day. When I asked our staff group back in April what their favourite part about working at Pacifica was, all of them said it was the people. Seeing them enjoy the space, connecting with customers or student and parent volunteers, working with each other, that was on all of their lists. Most of our paid staff, Lynda Freeman, Christie Kang, and Rennatta Wan, all began as parent volunteers before joining the team permanently. All of them felt a pull towards serving the school community and embodying the notion that faith is walked daily, whether it’s reading the bible or making a tired teacher their first coffee of the morning. This was the exact vision Byrt Mallanyk had in mind when he first proposed the idea to Dr Boyce and Chris Baldry. “I wanted an environment where people could come and not feel like they’re in a ‘formal’ educational institution.” Byrt explained when we discussed the Café’s development in 2011. “It was designed so that parents, and visitors could come and still feel at home.” This is why Stefi joined Pacifica in the first place. In 2013, she was approached by Chris Baldry because the Café needed baristas, and she had experience in mission work. But what made her stay was the vision of community, of home, that Pacifica offered. “I love coffee, and I love serving people.” She told me. “When I had my interview [for the job] it felt like a gift from God.” 21
She went on to explain that all the profits from Pacifica go to missions. The goal of the Café is to make a profit that goes directly to any equipment, supplies, or other needs of the year’s upcoming trips. If there isn’t a profit, then the tip jar at the front of counter is used. “It all goes directly to the people they’re working with.” For Stefi, it all comes down to that. The love of people, the love of creating space for them. “I just want a safe space for people to come. For respite, for whatever it is, that they would find it here.” Back in 2013, the Café wasn’t what it is today. It was still evolving and hadn’t found its full presence yet. But Ellen Oei and Stefi stepped up to set the standard that we have today. They tried roasters, organised rosters, budgeted, found suppliers and began shaping the space. “It was quieter than it is now,” Stefi explained. “But in some ways, it was a lot busier. We were really trying to rebuild and draw people back to the Café. It’s hard to picture something that is so alive now, before it has taken its first breath. Through all the growing pains and stretching, it has slowly taken shape over the years. Today, Pacifica has become a central hub of community for the school. Every Tuesday the Parents Fellowship meet on our couches. There are School Fair meetings every year. We host visitors, guest speakers and classes celebrating achievements throughout the year. Duke of Edinburgh prospects help every day, and there is rarely a day that goes by that the tables remain empty. When I asked Byrt about how he felt about what Pacifica had become he said, “Joyful, joyful. Beyond what I had even envisioned. A sense of thankfulness, that God is real and He is with us every day.” Throughout our conversation he was sure to remind me that he was not the only one involved. Peter Draper, MaryJane Stubbs, Marie-Louise Fitzgerald, Bil Ghali, Chris Baldry, Lee Pratt, and beyond, all “breathed life into Pacifica’s full identity. Like the body of Christ, each part played an indispensable role, and the absence of any would diminish the beauty and completeness of the work.” But really, it all goes back to God. “I have to say, God had given me all those ideas really,” Byrt says. Then he leaves me with this, “It is up to individuals like you and me to step out and take the risk to be held by the wings of God’s presence. You either fly or you fall, that’s where God gives you some of the most amazing work.” HOPE PRATT Pacifica, The Missions Café, PHCS
ONEMAKER ACADEMY CELEBRATING GOD’S GIFTS Let’s start from the very beginning What is OneMaker Academy? Why are they on the same site as Pacific Hills Christian School and New Hope Christian School? What is the connection between the Academy and the schools? How did OneMaker Academy at Pacific Hills start? In 2011 and 2012, a child of a school parent, Peter Draper, was very interested in dance and wanted to make dancing into his career. At the same time, there were a few other students who were also interested in dance and at that time, Pacific Hills Christian School (PHCS) wasn’t able to provide the subject of dance or the facilities to house a subject of this type. The students had to go to North Sydney to study the subject. (but more on this later) At the time, Prime Minister Julia Gillard was offering grants to educational institutions who wished to set up facilities for students to further their education. Performing Art Centres came under an approved category of grants to educational institutions. With assistance from a government grant, PHCS commenced construction of the “Performing Arts Centre”, a multi-million-dollar facility to cater for industry-leading educational and performancebased services. By 2013, OneMaker Academy, a Performing Arts Academy for music and dance, had been established and was now housed in the newly built Performing Arts Centre, known as the PAC, at the front of Pacific Hills Christian School. The PAC included a range of training rooms and performing facilities to cater for this multi-disciplinary performing arts academy. The facilities are world-class. Classes are run in beautiful Tarkett sprung floor studios as well as the state-of-the-art performance stage, giving each student the ability to learn and perform in a professional industry setting. For the parents and grandparents who had been asking for dance/vocal/drama/music activities outside the academic curriculum and onsite for their children, they were now able to tap into OneMaker Academy. Their need for a safe, Christian, international standard creative arts educator had been met. OneMaker Academy (OMA) was designed to provide exactly that - a Christian community, founded on Biblically based beliefs and values that encouraged excellence in learning, nurtured natural ability, cultivated creative expression and supported performance through music, dance and drama. OMA chose the Bible verse 1 Peter 4:10 to be the basis and vision for all their students: “ Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” (NIV). In the first few years, Rowan Tombs established a program which allowed specialist tutors to offer tuition in music, dance and drama, both during and after school. Ashley Brown assisted in this process of incorporating lessons during school time as well as running classes after school. Following Rowan and Ashley’s time, Annette Cadwallader, who was the Head of Junior School at the time, moved across to OMA and became its director. Annette has a lifetime of experience in the creative and performing arts and was happy to utilise her experience and skills to invest into this Christian performing arts academy. To ably assist her with the exponential growth of student numbers and skills development of all the students, Claire Leeds joined Annette - a formidable team. 23
www.pacifichills.nsw.edu.auRkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTI3ODI1