PACIFIC HOPE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL STORY OF HOPE The story of Pacific Hope Christian School truly is a story of hope. It embodies the profound vision of God’s love and grace for every child made in His image with dignity and inherent worth. Pacific Hope Christian School has transformed the educational landscape for children with autism spectrum disorder and mild to moderate intellectual disabilities in the Tweed Heads community. It is a ministry born out of a God-shaped vision that was pioneered in partnership with our faithful God who heard the cry of His children for a school that would shape the lives of students and families. How did Pacific Hope Christian School begin? Ten years ago, the beginning of Pacific Hope Christian School arose out of a pivotal moment of insight and compassion. Dr Tina Lamont, the then Principal of Pacific Coast Christian School, identified a significant gap in the educational journey of some children in mainstream classrooms who were encountering learning challenges. Dr Lamont realised that whilst the Australian curriculum enabled flexibility to support children who may have learning barriers, it did not specifically address the needs of students who require specialised support to thrive. God in His goodness planted a seed of hope to create a new school, which could grow into a vibrant Christian educational community. This school, grounded in love, grace, and hope, would be dedicated to addressing each student’s unique learning needs, fostering their development. Dr Lamont shared this God-shaped vision with Dr Ted Boyce, Executive Principal of the Pacific Group of Christian Schools. Dr Boyce, known for his dedication to Christian educational initiatives and alignment with God’s Kingdom purposes, also recognised the transformative potential of establishing this new school and the needs it would meet for the children, parents and the families of the Tweed Heads community. After seeking God’s heart, he took the next steps of seeking the support of the school board who also unanimously affirmed the need for this school. God’s perfect timing is always a reflection of His capability as God and His heart of love and grace to establish His purposes. The formation of Pacific Hope Christian School was seamlessly timed with changes in government policy. New policies provided funding opportunities for special education. God was at work pulling every thread together, including government policies which provided some of the financial resources necessary to bring the school to life - where it could be a place in which every student was valued and supported. In 2015, the Pacific Hope Christian School was founded under the leadership of Dr Tina Lamont. Building this school required more than administrative effort—it required staff with a deep sense of calling, faith and commitment. A pioneering spirit was crucial for establishing this ministry. The leadership appointed the first head teacher, 26
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