A key part of our mission at Avondale School is for our students to know Jesus. Our hope is for each student to begin a faith journey that anchors their lives. Not just a set of beliefs or a bank of knowledge, but a personal, growing relationship with God that provides a sense of stability, purpose and direction. So how do we support faith development?
In early childhood, children rely on adults for nurture, love and care. When the adults in their lives provide unconditional love and acceptance, children learn to have faith. Each child needs a few reliable adults that they can count on in order for faith to develop.
During the primary years faith development relies on a strong sense of belonging; of being part of a family, class, friendship group, club or church. As children hear stories of God’s faithfulness in the lives of Bible characters, parents and teachers, their faith is shaped. Programs such as Chapel and GIFT (Growing in Faith Together) week have a profound impact as children experience worshipping as part of a group.
During adolescence young people love to question. They are seeking to make sense of their world and establish their own identity. They question everything and want evidence and logic to back all arguments. We help our young people when we are open to their questions and when we share stories of our own faith journey. Authenticity is a priority. Serving as part of a group is also really important during this stage.
Finally, young adults move into a phase of owning their faith. As they internalise their faith, they seek to align their life choices with their personal faith. This may involve social action, community service and mentoring others in their faith journey. This mature faith serves as a foundation for a meaningful, happy life.
Each adult, teacher, parent, grandparent has a profound impact on the growth of faith in our children. Time spent nurturing faith has a life-long impact.
The fundamental fact of existence is that this trust in God, this faith, is the firm foundation under everything that makes life worth living. It’s our handle on what we can’t see. Hebrews 11:1-2
Mrs Deb Cooper
Principal
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