In times of increasing change and complexity, it is vital that young people have firm foundations in their search for values and attitudes. Christian education seeks to provide a world view which challenges young people to think critically. Religious Education classes encourage students to explore Christian beliefs and to respect differences within these and other faiths to better understand themselves and their neighbours, both in the local community and in the world.
Our School focuses on the needs of the whole person – their spiritual, moral, emotional intellectual, social, and physical well-being; the challenge of and commitment to service and stewardship; the love of neighbour; the experience of compassion and community, forgiveness, trust and reconciliation, integrity and courage, tolerance and respect for difference; and the pursuit of truth and justice. These values are derived from our Christian heritage.
Craighead Diocesan School actively upholds its Special Character founded in Christian values expressed within the broad ethos of Anglicanism, whilst also recognising and welcoming students and families from many different denominational and religious traditions.
Separate Junior and Senior School Chapel services are held each week in our beautiful school chapel. This is a core part of the weekly rhythm for students and one way our special Anglican ethos is expressed contextually. Faith is expressed in readings, a short reflection by the chaplain as well as in prayer and song. There are six all-school special character services throughout the school year. These include an Easter observance, and the annual Carol Services held at Christmastime. Occasional services and events throughout the rest of the school year help to further highlight and focus on our Special Character.
From 2024, Year 11 students are able to attend an overnight spiritual retreat facilitated by the school chaplain. Students at every year level are encouraged to engage in acts of service and to address injustice both locally and globally in keeping with the missional goals of the worldwide Anglican Communion.
Alongside these initiatives, Religious Education plays an important part in the school curriculum, and is tailored to each year level. Junior student’s learning focuses on the foundations of Christian faith, Bible stories, and the Church calendar. Senior students engage in the bigger issues and questions of life and faith in a series of units focussing on Ethics, Christianity and the Arts, Philosophy and Religion. This Religious and Social Education seeks to provide a world view which challenges young people to think critically, encouraging students to explore belief, respect difference, and better understand themselves and their neighbours in the local community and in the wider world.
Our School Vision and Mission:
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