Mrs Kelly Jackman, who was a true pioneer, dedicated to building and creating this nurturing school to help every child learn and become all God created them to be. The school commenced with six students: all boys ranging from Years 5-9. The classroom was a small space on the main Pacific Coast campus with four desks, an old TV and virtually no resources. Yet, it was a learning space of hope for these six students. Kelly got to work developing a curriculum for tailored teaching and learning and due to the range of learning requirements and year groups, she was working with 48 programs per term; a true pioneer of Kingdom ministry. The model included twenty percent of learning to be integrated with mainstream classes across Science and Mathematics. To foster joint activities between Pacific Hope and mainstream students, Kelly took a piece of chalk and drew a handball court. A simple, yet profound action that enabled students to play together. This fostered a whole-school connection and served as a means of breaking down barriers. Kelly’s approach was to ‘ditch the dis in the word disability and focus on ability’. She understood that every child is unique and capable of developing with the right learning strategies. Kelly made a commitment to be dedicated to connecting with students to help raise them up as competent learners, designed by God to grow and flourish. Some of the key strategies for building this new learning community included starting every morning in a circle. They all held hands and prayed. Every student shared one thing they were grateful for. This was a transformative approach as students who came with a negative attitude began to change their mindset by learning to be grateful. Mistakes were celebrated as a learning experience and a positive opportunity to grow. These practices shaped the early days and months of the school. Around six months on, Al Tilsley and Mike Sutton joined the team as youth support workers. Both were part of these pioneering days and came with a heart of love and commitment to work alongside the students, helping them to be their best, and become resilient learners, capable of making a difference in the world. Al and Mike continue to be an incredible gift to students and families today. They add a dimension of expertise that flavours the school with love, grace and hope through their calling and dedication. As the school took shape, the profile of Pacific Hope grew within the Tweed Heads community. Families who had students with specific learning needs suddenly had options for supporting the educational journey of their children. More and more students were added, including some girls who were enrolled in Term 4 of the first year. Junior School was also developed with six students enrolled. Fast forward to 2018! The growth of Pacific Hope was such that they outgrew their space and were able to move into a new purpose-built facility. Two years on in 2020, 4 new additional classrooms were added. The school was a growing and thriving community. One of the exciting milestones was the first Year 12 cohort graduation in 2020. Upward growth continued during these years and the curriculum eventually expanded to include a VET program that now helps to equip students for life and work beyond their school years. In 2023, the school celebrated the first graduating cohort of students who had undertaken their Certificate II in Hospitality. One small seed of hope, planted into fertile ground has broken through the soil and grown into a vibrant, thriving community. 27
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