— How we operate
Partnership with Parents
Christian parents understand that their children are gifts from a generous and creative, loving, heavenly Father. They seek to bring up their children to know and love this loving Father and his Son, Jesus Christ. The Scriptures clearly teach that the chief responsibility for the nurture and guidance of children belongs to their parents. Because the education of children has such a significant shaping role, parental responsibility must play a part in that education. This responsibility cannot be hand-balled to governments, businesses, or even churches for that matter. It belongs primarily with parents. That does not mean parents will not partner with others who can help them, but it does mean parents set the direction and stay involved. This is why MECS emphasises the vital role parents play. The school’s job is to empower parents in their God-given responsibility.
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FAQ'S
Our schools operates as a parent-governed school. This is primarily due to the belief that the parents, to whom the task of raising their children is entrusted by God, should hold the school accountable, as opposed to the government or the church. Recognising this divine mandate, the parents actively shape the Christian education vision and steer the school’s course. Hence, the school’s management ultimately answers to them. While governments and churches do have some roles in supporting education, it’s essential to understand that their chief responsibilities lie elsewhere, not primarily in educating our children.
A not-for-profit association of Christian parents, teachers and past parents owns and maintains MECS. The official name of the owning association is the ‘Association for Christian Education Mount Evelyn Inc.’ The Association elects Board members who, acting on behalf of the Association, govern the school. That means the Board determines policy and broad direction and gives oversight to the Executive (the Principal and other key leaders appointed directly by the Board). The Executive needs to achieve the aims and objectives of the Association for the school. Because the Board is a governing Board, it does not get involved in the day-to-day running of the school, hence it is the Executive who manages the school.
Those who embrace the vision of the school and subscribe to the Educational Creed may become members of the Association. We encourage all Christian parents to consider becoming members and thereby participate more fully in school life and the governance thereof. Embracing this level of commitment to MECS is vital for the long-term well-being of our educational community. All the information you need to become an Association member can be obtained from the school office. Please ask for an information pack or check out the Association section on our website. Because partnership is vital to us, parents who are not members are still very welcome and warmly encouraged to get involved in the life of the community. Opportunities for parental participation are numerous.
We love it when parents are looking for ways to get involved. There are three key ways to be involved. Firstly, it’s the attitude you bring, secondly it’s assisting your child, and thirdly it’s contributing practically. First and foremost is the attitude that parents bring along. Are you open to building a strong relationship? Are you actively interested in your child’s educational program? You’ll be able to tell by whether you know what’s happening in your child’s schooling. This involves healthy communication between home and school: reading the material that comes home… getting on the phone when there are a few issues… dropping notes… helping your child use their school diary, and so on. The second big aspect is assisting your child as a learner. Are you aware of their educational issues and are you working in partnership with their teacher to help make their schooling as successful as possible? Can you assist and guide (not do their work for them)? Do they need extra support? Does your child’s teacher understand their educational issues? Parents are the key to addressing these things. The third area relates to contributing practically. MECS has a long and rich history of sacrificial service by parents. Parents can assist in classes, supervise exams, help with camps and excursions, care for our beautiful facilities through working bees or other voluntary practical help, join the Association, serve on the governing Board, participate in the Friends of MECS group (fundraising and community activities), pay fees on time, attend concerts and events involving your child, read newsletters and, of course, interact with teachers.