Is it possible to link biblical principles and a school behaviour plan to encourage students to live in the presence of God

Christian, Beverly

Hills, Bree

English

Avondale College: ResearchOnline@Avondale

14 | TEACH | v8 n2 v8 n2 | TEACH | 15 Teaching & Professional Practice” Transforming  Classroom practice “”Only what we’ve done to build others up, serve them, and inspire authentic relationships with God will truly matterBree Hills Principal of Canberra Christian School shared with Bev Christian Senior Lecturer, School of Education, Avondale CollegeIs it possible to link biblical principles and a school behaviour plan to encourage students to live in the presence of God? Bree Hills, principal at Canberra Christian School wanted her students to grasp the idea that biblical beliefs guide how we think and act.  With this thought in mind, she led her staff in developing a whole school yearly theme that encourages her students to live in the presence of God.“There is a big difference between a Christian school and a Christian school whose teachers and students daily inspire Godly behaviour in those around them. That is the kind of school we strive to be at Canberra Christian School. However, finding fresh and innovative ways to inspire Bible values in students can be a challenge. It was with this in mind that we came up with the theme for our school this year of ‘Letting your light shine for Jesus’. This theme has been included in our worship, chapel and spiritual emphasis week along with the well known children’s hymn ‘Let you light shine’ as our school motto song for the year.”We have found that the theme made the biggest impact when we included it in our behaviour management approach/plan for the entire school. It has provided a constant reminder for students and staff that our every day behaviour reflects the nature of our Heavenly Father.   Within the behaviour management plan every time a child shows kindness, does a good deed and shines their light for Jesus in a practical way, they are acknowledged and rewarded with a blue band (inscribed with the saying ‘Shine your light for Jesus’).  When a student receives 3 blue bands they are rewarded in assembly with a red band and a small token (usually a book club voucher or free lunch at our canteen). Students receiving red bands are also highlighted in the school newsletter. Students very proudly wear their bands both in and out of school time and have quickly learnt how to notice the same kind of behaviour in their friends. As our year progresses we see our school becoming a place where positive behaviour management is actually used to spread the Bible message which we feel is what makes our little school a big lighthouse for Jesus in our community.”   Matthew 5:14-16“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand and it gives light to everyone in the house.  In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” TEACHReaders are encouraged to share their experience and expertise with others.  TEACH welcomes contributions on a wide range of topics related to education.Submissions may include:• research and scholarship • critical reflections • innovative practice • case studies • educational administrations • reflections, impressions and experiences of teachersThe editor is happy to receive queries or submissions at: TEACH.editor@avondale.edu.auFor guidelines, go to: www.ministryofteaching.edu.au/journal/call_for_papers.htmlSCHOLARSHIPS AT AVONDALEScholarships available at Avondale College of Higher Education provide students from any financial background with the opportunity for financial reward for the demonstration of academic achievement, leadership, community service or contribution of talents.Encourage your students to check out the scholarships available for them at www.avondale.edu.au/scholarships so that they can continue their education in a Christian environment.TEACH JOURNAL: CALL FOR PAPERSteachjournal_callforpapers_scholarships_2014.indd   1 17/07/2014   3:38 pm TEACHjournal 8-2b.indd   15 25/11/14   11:11 AM

Transforming Classroom Practice

https://research.avondale.edu.au/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1253&amp;context=teach

Transforming Classroom Practice

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Avondale College: ResearchOnline@Avondale