Every student is made in the image of God. Therefore the unique needs of every child are the primary concern of a Christian school. The Melbourne Declaration on Educational Goals for Young Australians emphasises the importance of supporting students’ social, emotional, spiritual and physical development.

A Christian School education meets these important objectives.

“The mission of a Christian school is the spiritual, educational, emotional, social and physical development of every child in a holistic way”

We are called to live as the people of God. The Christian life, is a life lived in communion with God and others. The development of students in a Christian school takes place in community. They are places of belonging, built on shared values and beliefs, and committed to mutual care and respect. They are communities in which Biblical faith, values and beliefs are formative for the school community and integrated into curriculum, practice and culture.

“Christian schools are communities of grace, belief and practice”

As a direct response to Jesus’ example of servant leadership, Christian schools have a strong culture of mission and service both at home and overseas. They educate students to be locally and globally active citizens, concerned about the welfare of others and about using their gifts to serve.

“Christian school students learn to find their purpose in following Jesus’ example, using their gifts to serve others”

Many CSA members were commenced by and remain affiliated with a local church, and draw their enrolments from church families. Others are associated with and supported by members from a number of churches in their local area. In addition, most CSA schools also attract significant enrolments from families who, while not currently attending a Christian church, nonetheless deliberately choose the school because they desire for their children an education that is based upon Christian beliefs and values.

“CSA member schools are closely aligned with parents and churches in their communities. They are one of the expressions of the body of Christ, serving parents by partnering with them in the education of the children”

Organisational Structure

Everything CSA does is shaped by a purposeful commitment to a vision of Christ-centred education that honours God. The CSA movement consists of independent Christian schools – single and multi campus entities that are self-governing. Christian Schools Australia is structured as a company limited by guarantee and follows the principles of policy governance, with a small team of executive officers and support staff.

CSA is governed by a National Council, working with State Councils, each elected by the member schools. Together, these three elements – membership, elected councils and executive officers – work to preserve and enhance the ongoing vision of the movement.

Each part contributes richly to the success of the movement in achieving long-held aims.

Governance

Christian Schools Australia (CSA) is a voluntary fellowship of autonomous Christian schools. The legal entity for CSA, Christian Schools Australia Limited, is a not-for-profit public company limited by guarantee which is established to be, and to continue as, a charity. The company is registered with the ACNC. You can read our statement of faith here and our Charter of Membership here.

The overall governance of Christian Schools Australia Limited is by the National Council, which, as the Board of Directors, has responsibility to the member schools for achieving the purposes for which CSA was established.

National Council operates as a “policy governance” board. National Council approves the overall vision and objectives of the organisation from time to time, while operations and management are delegated to the CEO.

The CSA National Council consists of the Chair of each State Council, or a nominee, as well as other elected or appointed members.