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?”
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