A Character Education
Because we take a holistic approach to education, we nurture character development and spirituality. In our special values education program we highlight the importance of wise decision making, and focus on positive values. Through fostering leadership skills and respect for others, students develop into well rounded and responsible citizens. Lively weekly chapel services, class devotionals and scripture classes focus on Christian values and aim to develop self-worth and social responsibility.
At CCS we believe success in life depends on a strong academic foundation, well-developed character strengths and a close relationship with the Heavenly Father. As a school we believe that it is our responsibility to help children foster these character strengths that are essential for their own success and well-being. CCS Character program focuses on the ten strengths that are critical for an engaged, happy and successful Christian life.
(Note: the character framework below has been developed based on the work and findings of Dr. Angela Duckworth, Ellen G. White, Joey Bonifacio, and Dr. Martin Seligman)
Zest |
| |
Enthusiastic and energetic participation in life | 1. Actively participates | Whatever you do, work at it with all of your heart. Colossians 3:23 |
2. Shows enthusiasm | ||
3. Invigorates others | ||
Grit | ||
Perseverance and passion for long-term goals | 4. Finishes whatever he or she begins | I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13 |
5. Tries very hard even after experiencing failure | ||
6. Works independently with focus | ||
Focus | ||
The capacity to regulate one’s own responses so they align with short and long-term goals | 7. Comes to class prepared | Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you. Proverbs 4:25 |
8. Pays attention and resists distractions | ||
9. Remembers and follows directions | ||
10. Gets to work right away rather than procrastinating | ||
Self Control – Interpersonal | ||
Regulating what one feels and does; being self-disciplined | 11. Remains calm even when criticized or otherwise provoked | For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7 |
12. Allows others to speak without interruption | ||
13. Is polite to adults and peers | ||
14. Keeps his/her temper in check | ||
Optimism | ||
Confidence in a future full of positive possibilities | 15. Gets over frustration and setbacks quickly | A joyful heart is good medicine, But a broken spirit dries up the bones. Proverbs 17:22 |
16. Believes that effort will improve his or her future | ||
Gratitude | ||
Appreciation for the benefits we receive from others, and the desire to express thanks | 17. Recognises and shows appreciation for others | Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 |
18. Recognises and shows appreciation for his/her opportunities | ||
Social Intelligence | ||
Understanding the feelings of other and adapting actions accordingly | 19. Is able to find solutions during conflicts with others | Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, as God forgave you. Ephesians 4:32 |
20. Demonstrates respect for feelings of others | ||
21. Knows when and how to include others | ||
Curiosity | ||
Eagerness to explore new things with openness | 22. Is eager and excited to explore new things | Those who get wisdom do themselves a favour, and those who love learning will succeed. Proverbs 19:8 |
23. Asks and answers questions to deepen understanding | ||
24. Actively listens to others | ||
Faith | ||
Confidence of what is hoped for, joyful for what is obtained and certain of what they do not see. | 25. Believes in people around them | The important thing is faith, the kind of faith that works through love. Galatians 5:6 |
26. Encourages others to rely on Jesus | ||
27. Prays for others | ||
Service | ||
Eagerness to help others and improve the world around them. | 28. Participates in service projects eagerly | Do not be interested only in your own life, but be interested in the lives of others. Philippians 2:4 |
Your child will have the opportunity to participate in several programs which offer involvement in the local community and provide students with life-changing experiences. Our school also presents students with many opportunities to develop an understanding for the needs of others through classroom projects for various charities, visits to neighbouring nursing homes and several other programs.
Some of the specific programs at Canberra Christian School include:
- Peer tutoring program (lunch play activities for younger children)
- Student representative, captaincy positions and a student council provide leadership opportunities.
- Organise events and functions – learn organisation skills through ownership of entire projects.
Every child has an opportunity to lead in some way. All classes lead in weekly assemblies which gives each child performance and leadership opportunities.
From these programs your child will learn leadership skills that inspire others into action through enthusiasm and a positive approach to life.
The student body in our school is made up from a diversity of backgrounds. And, although our education system is based on the Christian principles of the Bible, we teach respect for other cultures and faiths, embracing every individual in our school community.
Through this your child will develop meaningful friendships and share experiences that will develop their character.
Using our focus on the Bible and developing a relationship with Jesus, we are able to help your child foster the values that will shape their character as an adult. Whether your child is an Adventist, or follows another faith, the values taught within the Adventist education system will help them develop a compassionate, caring nature with strong values and wisdom.
Through example our teachers will help your child learn wise decision-making, respect for and acceptance of others, cooperation, willingness to meet new challenges, desire to help those in need, value for oneself and the desire to learn.
