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  • 2025, Term 1, Issue 4
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In this issue...

From the Principal

  • Not One Square Inch Part 2 – Getting Practical

Important School Notices

  • Final days to buy Seussical Jr. tickets!

From the Academic Head

  • Learning Leader Awards

From the Head of Secondary

  • School Camps

From the Head of Junior School

    News

    • From archives to aisles: An English Extension 2 literary exploration
    • Sienna Ambriano receives high commendation in TEA Textile Art Project

    Sport

    • Open Girls football team battles hard in tough match against Wenona
    • Shire swimmers shine at Sydney Olympic Aquatic Centre

    Barnabas Blog

    • Serving Together to Advance the Gospel

    Notices

    • Secondary Cross Country - Friday 11 April – BBQ Orders Required by Thursday
    • Request for Host Families for Lindfield Christian Fine Arts Band Visit
    • Uniform Shop - Winter Uniforms from Term 2
    • Creative Writing Competition: Are you Australia’s most passionate young storyteller?
    • Uniform Shop – Prices to Increase from 30 June 2025
    • Camp Australia Holiday Bookings Now Open
    • Employment Opportunities
    • Confidential Feedback
    • Edstart - an alternative fee payment option
    • What's on - Term 1, Week 9 and 10

    Community

    • Shire Christian School Business Directory
    • For prayer and praise

    From the Principal

    Not One Square Inch Part 2 – Getting Practical

    Not One Square Inch Part 2 – Getting Practical

    Mr David Stonestreet

    In a previous article, I spoke of the long-held commitment in parent-governed schools like ours to embed a Biblical worldview (or Christian perspective) across the whole curriculum.

    One helpful resource in this mission has been the Transformation by Design books (TBD)[1] produced by Christian Education National, of which we are a member. The books contain numerous approaches and ways of thinking, but a helpful starting scaffold given is the CFRR Schema, representing the Biblical story of Creation, Fall, Redemption, and Renewal.

     To quote the resource:

    These four words together capture the overall biblical narrative, that the world was created good and to be enjoyed, that all aspects of life and the world are now affected by sin and alienation, and that God is restoring everything in Christ, leading to the full expression of the Kingdom in the new creation.

    In embedding a Biblical lens into our curriculum and pedagogy (educator jargon for teaching practices), we look at our unit of work, its themes, topics and history, and pose ourselves a number of stimulus questions under the four parts of CFRR. For example:

    CREATION: God has created all things. Here the focus is on what God intended things to be like, the way it ought to have been.

    • what is God’s created intention for (this area)?
    • because God is the creator of the universe and all that is in it, think about the topic for your unit.
    • why did God create (this area)?
    • what form did it take in the beginning?
    • what is God’s purpose for (this area)?
    • how have humans been involved in this creation?

    FALL: All things have fallen as a result of sin. The widespread effects of sin are obvious but God is still faithful and promises liberation from this bondage to decay.

    • how has sin distorted God’s intention for (this area)?
    • considering the fall and that the whole creation has fallen and that humans have messed up God’s plan (distortion and rebellion) for this area of study, think about the topic for your unit.
    • what has humankind done, or what have we done, to mess up, distort and misuse (this area)?
    • how do the consequences of sinful rebellion in this area contrast with God’s original intention?

    REDEMPTION: Christ came to earth to redeem all things. Now, as redeemed people, we look forward towards, and participate in, the restoration of the whole creation.

    • what has the cross achieved in confronting brokenness (in this area)?
    • considering that Christ’s act of redemption laid the foundation for the restoration of creation, think about the topic for your unit.
    • how has Christ redeemed (this area)?
    • how has the cross brought new life to our understanding of this part of God’s creation?

    RENEWAL: In response to Christ’s redemption we are called to work in partnership with God’s so all things are renewed.

    • how do God’s people express their desire to be Christ’s hands and feet in bringing renewal to (this area)?
    • considering that we can partner in God’s renewal plan, think about the topic for your unit.
    • because we know Christ, what hope for this topic can we experience now?
    • being conscious of God’s original purpose/ design for this area, what actions can we take to help renew (this area)?
    • what does an obedient response to (this area) look like?
    • how does the coming restoration of all things affect the way we think about (this area)?

    This is just one of many approaches available to Christian teachers. It works better for some areas than others, but it is a great starting point, particularly for teachers new to Christian education who have never been asked to think this way in their previous schools. Every teacher who joins our staff is given a copy of this resource, and our faculty and curriculum leaders work and support our teachers in keeping Christ at the centre of how we teach at Shire Christian School. It is a founding principle of our school that, echoing Abraham Kuyper again, every “square inch” of creation is under the sovereign lordship of Christ.

    Mr David Stonestreet
    Principal



    [1] Dickens, K. et al (2017). Transformation by Design. National Institute for Christian Education.
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    Important School Notices

    Final days to buy Seussical Jr. tickets!

    Final days to buy Seussical Jr. tickets!

    The countdown is on – Seussical Jr. is just days away, and tickets are selling fast. Secure your seats now and support our 150 talented students in this unforgettable performance. 

    Click here to book tickets. 

    From the Academic Head

    Learning Leader Awards

    Learning Leader Awards

    This week I had the pleasure of selecting Jacob N, Grace P and Chelsea L to receive the Learning Leader Awards. It was delightful to speak with them about their learning and to be able to encourage them as they continue to be role models of powerful learners.

    Jacob was nominated by Miss Dalrymple. He continues to be resourceful, capitalising on the resources he has access to in order to assist him in completing class tasks. He is particularly to be encouraged for his ability to seek out resources to help him when he is unsure of an answer. Jacob is a wonderful example of a resourceful learner.

    Chelsea is a dedicated and resourceful learner who consistently seeks to deepen her understanding of content and refine her skills in Miss Dalrymple's English class. She seeks out and applies feedback from teachers and peers, as well as applies a critical eye to her own learning. Chelsea is an insightful learner who provokes discussion.

    Grace is an outstanding Year 4 student who consistently demonstrates a remarkable approach to learning and a dedication to excellence. She takes great pride in presenting her learning meticulously and always strives to extend her learning, working hard to improve in areas of weakness and set challenging goals. Grace's commitment to applying her best efforts is truly admirable, and she approaches every task with integrity and a positive learning mindset. Beyond her academic achievements, Grace exemplifies kindness, respect, and compassion, making her a role model for her peers. Her unwavering determination and caring nature make her a truly exceptional student.

    Well done to these well deserving students!

    Mrs Natalie Bluhdorn
    Academic Head

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    From the Head of Secondary

    School Camps

    School Camps

    Mr David Collins

    Camp is almost here!

    While I am sure most people are currently focused on the school holidays and Easter, as a Secondary School we are getting ready for school camps. As I am sure everyone is aware, our school camps for all years run from 30 April to 2 May, which is the Wednesday through to Friday in the first week of term.

    At this stage you should have received the online permission notes. It would be appreciated if families could ensure that these notes are completed as soon as possible. The information provided through the notes is crucial for our planning as a school, but is also passed on to the campsites and activity providers, ensuring they are taking into account the needs of our students.

    I would like to encourage you to read the attachments provided through the online permission notes carefully. There will be lists of things needed for every student to be able to be involved in the various activities. I know from experience that if you need to get an item for your child and you wait until the last minute, Big W Menai may have already sold out.

    Finally, if your child is not used to sleeping away from home, can I recommend that you find an opportunity over the holiday break for them to have a night away. A sleep over at a friend or relative’s house can help them to foster the independence skills needed over camp.

    If something changes after you have submitted the online note please contact your child’s Pastoral Care teacher or Year Advisor.

    Mr David Collins
    Head of Secondary School

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    From the Head of Junior School

    From the Head of Junior School

    From the Head of Junior School

    Mrs Ruth Cooper

    As a school community, we are committed to fostering respect in the way our students interact and relate to one another. Psalm 139 reminds us that we are fearfully and wonderfully made, created in God’s image. With this in mind, we encourage our students to honour and value each other, reflecting the love of Christ in their words and actions.

    Our student code of conduct, found on pages 4 and 5 of the student diary, provides a biblical framework for respect – respect for ourselves, others, and our school community. We acknowledge that as humans, we all fall short of God’s perfect standard. At times, our actions may cause harm, but God calls us to seek forgiveness, restoration, and grace in our relationships.

    By responding with love, kindness, and patience, our students not only demonstrate Christ-like character but also cultivate meaningful relationships and a strong sense of belonging. These values create a positive learning environment where every student feels engaged, supported, and encouraged to grow.

    As we continue this journey together, let us prayerfully guide our students in reflecting God’s love in their daily interactions, building a learning community that seeks to bring glory to Him.

    We warmly welcome all parents to join us for our Easter assembly on Thursday 10 April, which will begin at 8:50am in the hall. We look forward to welcoming Kelly Peters from Menai Anglican to join us. With the focus of the assembly being on Easter, we will hand out our regular bronze, silver and gold awards at our Friday awards assembly.

    The stage is set, the costumes are bright,
    Seussical’s coming—what a delight!
    With music and dance, a tale to share,
    Join us next week—we’ll see you there!

    Mrs Ruth Cooper
    Head of Junior School 

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    News

    From archives to aisles: An English Extension 2 literary exploration

    From archives to aisles: An English Extension 2 literary exploration

    In Week 4, our three HSC English Extension 2 students embarked on an enriching literary excursion, immersing themselves in research, exploration and discovery.

    Accompanied also by Calderwood Christian School’s Miss Semenchuk & her Extension 2 student, our day began at the State Library for a guided research session and tour of the archives.  

    Prior to our trip, we submitted the major work areas of focus - Korean mythology, Absurdist playwriting and Pamela Harriman, which the librarians used to build research profiles and compile journals for the students to explore. After our guided research session we headed into the archive stacks in the basement of the Library, where we poured over books from the original Free Public Library of New South Wales dating from the early 1800s as well as the Shakespeare stack.  

    Following our tour of the stacks, our students had an HSC study table booked for a few hours to examine the research they had sourced, experiment with their chosen form in their journals and plan their next Major Work steps. 

    After the research-intensive morning, we transitioned to a more tactile literary experience with visits to Dymocks and Abbey’s Bookshop. Armed with reading lists tailored to their projects, the students (and teachers!) explored the shelves, seeking inspiration from classical to contemporary works as well as Literary Theory and Criticism.  

    By the end of the excursion, students returned with notebooks brimming with research notes, arms laden with carefully selected books, and minds abuzz with new ideas. This immersive experience underscored the importance of academic rigour, independent inquiry, and literary engagement—key components of the English Extension 2 journey. With renewed motivation, students are now better equipped to craft Major Works that are both intellectually and creatively compelling.

    Miss Lauren Dalrymple & Mrs Stacey Saunders
    English Extension 2 Teachers

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    Sienna Ambriano receives high commendation in TEA Textile Art Project

    Sienna Ambriano receives high commendation in TEA Textile Art Project

    We are thrilled to congratulate Sienna Ambriano (Year 11) on receiving a Highly Commended award in the Technology Educators Association (TEA) Textile Art Project competition.

    Sienna’s outstanding creativity and skill were showcased in her beautifully crafted textile piece, which demonstrated exceptional technique, innovation, and attention to detail. Her work stood out among a strong field of entries, earning well-deserved recognition from the judging panel.

    Sienna completed this project last year as part of her Year 10 Textiles studies, drawing inspiration from Greek culture to create an intricate and visually stunning piece. Her meticulous beading work and dedication to fine detail were a testament to her hard work and artistic vision. 

    Well done Sienna!

    Mrs Amy Sneddon
    Textiles Teacher

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    Sport

    Open Girls football team battles hard in tough match against Wenona

    Open Girls football team battles hard in tough match against Wenona

    Despite a strong effort and slotting two quality goals, our Open Girls football team fell short against a skillful and well-organised Wenona School side in a fast-paced match, on a hot and humid afternoon.

    The game saw end-to-end action, with our team creating several scoring opportunities and displaying great determination throughout.

    While the result didn’t go our way, the experience gained from our CIS Cup campaign will be invaluable as we prepare for the CSSA Zone Gala Day later this year.

    A big thank you to Mrs Dipple and Mr Holden for their dedication and efforts in coaching the team.

    Mr Troy Dixon
    Secondary Sports Coordinator

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    Shire swimmers shine at Sydney Olympic Aquatic Centre

    Shire swimmers shine at Sydney Olympic Aquatic Centre

    Twenty-four students represented Shire and the CSSA South Met Zone at a highly competitive meet, helping the team secure an impressive third-place finish against Christian schools from across NSW.

    The squad delivered standout performances, achieving personal bests and demonstrating outstanding commitment.

    Among the highlights, Hollie, Jade S, Jade H, and swim captain Charlotte qualified for the NSW CIS Championships next month in multiple events.

    Congratulations to all our swimmers for their efforts and achievements!

    Mr Troy Dixon
    Secondary Sports Coordinator 

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    Barnabas Blog

    Serving Together to Advance the Gospel

    Serving Together to Advance the Gospel

    Rev Bruce Christian

    As I come to the end of Term 1, Week 8, my M’Cheyne Bible Reading Program takes me, inter alia, to one of my favourite passages: Philippians Chapter 1.  Here I witness the heartfelt testimony of the beloved Apostle as he expresses his confidence in his Sovereign God and his gratitude to the people who make up the infant Church at Philippi, for their ‘partnership’ with him, and their prayers for him, as he continues to proclaim the Gospel with fruitfulness even in his confinement in prison.

    “I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. … Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel.  As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear. ... Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and God’s provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance.” (verses 3-6, 12-14, 18b-19).

    Can we all relate to this as we continue to serve and be served in our School Community? By God’s amazing grace, as one who ‘from the first day [in 1977] until now’ has been involved in the life of the School, I certainly can. What a blessing it is to know that others are praying for me, and that my prayers for the School - for the Board, the administrative staff, the teachers, the parents and families, and the students, are being answered by our loving, omnipotent Heavenly Father.

    Thank you, Apostle Paul, for your example and encouragement. Especially for the example of remaining steadfast in the face of opposition. May we all be guided, inspired and strengthened by your words: “Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved - and that by God.  For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him, since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.” (verses 27-30).

    “How good is the God we adore!  Our faithful, unchangeable friend: his love is as great as his pow’r and knows neither knows measure nor end.  For Christ is the First and the Last; his Spirit will guide us safe home; we'll praise him for all that is past and trust him for all that's to come.” (Joseph Hart).

    Rev Bruce Christian

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    Notices

    Secondary Cross Country - Friday 11 April – BBQ Orders Required by Thursday

    Secondary Cross Country - Friday 11 April – BBQ Orders Required by Thursday

    This term will conclude with the Secondary Cross Country at Heathcote on Friday 11 April. At the completion of this event students will be able to enjoy a sausage sandwich and drink. The funds raised will contribute to the missions we support. Orders must be placed by 10pm, Thursday, 3 April using Qkr (search for 'Cross Country Fundraising BBQ' in our school store). Your child will not be able to pay for one on the day, as our order will have already been placed.

    There are two options available:

    • Option 1: $5 for a sausage sandwich and a can of drink
    • Option 2: $7 for two sausage sandwiches and a can of drink.

    All the sausages are gluten free and we will also provide gluten-free bread.

    Students will be transported to and from the course via bus. Buses will return in time for the school buses at the end of the school day.

    More information was sent via email. Please don't forget to give permission for your child(ren) by clicking the green button. 

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    Request for Host Families for Lindfield Christian Fine Arts Band Visit

    Request for Host Families for Lindfield Christian Fine Arts Band Visit

    We are thrilled to announce that we will be hosting the Lindfield Christian Fine Arts Band from California as they make their fourth visit to our school. During their stay, the band will participate in various activities around Sydney, in addition to spending time at our school.

    We are currently seeking families who would be willing to host the students during this exciting time. The band will arrive in Sydney on Thursday, 26 June, and will depart on Wednesday morning, 2 July. Throughout their visit, the students will have a packed schedule, including a performance at the Sydney Opera House on Saturday, 28 June.

    If you are interested in hosting two students (as all students will be paired), we would love to hear from you. Please complete the form or contact Mrs. Ina de Witte at idewitte@shirechristian.nsw.edu.au or call the school at 8525 5111 for further details or questions.

    We look forward to hearing from you!

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    Uniform Shop - Winter Uniforms from Term 2

    Uniform Shop - Winter Uniforms from Term 2

    Location:6/133 The River Road, Revesby, NSW 2212

    Opening Hours
    Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm 
    Saturday 9am - 1pm

    For online purchasing and appointments visit shop.ranier.com.au (click and collect and delivery options available).

    Click and Collect

    School Click and Collect orders placed prior to 5pm on Fridays can be collected from school reception from Tuesday morning the following week. Place your order prior to 5pm Friday 4 April to pick up from reception this term. Click and collect from the Revesby store remains available through the school holidays.  

    If you are unsure of sizing, please book a fitting appointing or visit the shop. For any exchanges, uniforms must be in original condition with original packaging.

    CONTACT

    Phone: 02 9773 8291
    Online: ranier.com.au/contact
    Email: custservice@ranier.com.au

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    Creative Writing Competition: Are you Australia’s most passionate young storyteller?

    Creative Writing Competition: Are you Australia’s most passionate young storyteller?

    The Dymocks Beyond Words Competition is searching for Australia’s most creative and talented young writers! Open to primary and high school students across Australia, all entrants will be in the running to win a share of our $20,000 total prize pool.

    The competition is FREE to enter and OPEN THEME – which means you can write about any topic, and in any genre you like! The key to winning is passion and creativity – we are looking for unique ideas, compelling characters, and stories that make us laugh, cry, gasp or cheer.

    Within 500-1500 words, give us the story you’ve been waiting to share with the world!

    Sign up at: https://beyondwords.dymockstutoring.edu.au/

    Mrs Rachael Crawshaw
    Head of English 

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    Uniform Shop – Prices to Increase from 30 June 2025

    Uniform Shop – Prices to Increase from 30 June 2025

    A 3.0% price increase will take effect from 30 June 2025, allowing sufficient time for families to take the opportunity to complete their 2025 uniform purchases at the current prices.

    Ranier is committed to providing high quality and professional Schoolwear services. While we understand the impact price increases have on our customers, with rising costs, small, consistent price adjustments are necessary to ensure Ranier is able to continue provide the same level of service and support you’ve come to expect. This year we have been able to keep the increase in line with CPI over the last 12 months.

    Location:6/133 The River Road, Revesby, NSW 2212

    Opening Hours
    Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm 
    Saturday 9am - 1pm

    For online purchasing and appointments visit shop.ranier.com.au (click and collect and delivery options available).

    Click and Collect

    School Click and Collect orders placed prior to 5pm on Fridays can be collected from school reception from Tuesday morning the following week (during the school term).

    If you are unsure of sizing, please book a fitting appointing or visit the shop. For any exchanges, uniforms must be in original condition with original packaging.

    CONTACT

    Phone: 02 9773 8291
    Online: ranier.com.au/contact
    Email: custservice@ranier.com.au

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    Camp Australia Holiday Bookings Now Open

    Camp Australia Holiday Bookings Now Open

    Visit https://campaustralia.com.au/school-holiday-program/ to join our next mission.

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    Employment Opportunities

    Employment Opportunities

    Position available: 

    • Junior School Teacher – Maternity Leave Position 
    • Academic Head
    • Visual Arts Teacher – Maternity Leave Position

    Visit our website for more information.

    Confidential Feedback

    Confidential Feedback

    We welcome your thoughts, suggestions and concerns to help us improve at Shire Christian School. Click here to make a submission.

    Edstart - an alternative fee payment option

    Edstart - an alternative fee payment option

    Shire Christian School is pleased to offer an alternative payment option to assist families with managing their school fee payments. 

    Edstart helps make it easy for you to manage school fees by providing flexible payment plans. You can reduce your annual school fee spend by extending payments over a longer period.

    With Edstart, you can fund tuition fees, additional charges such as uniforms, extra-curricular activities as well as amounts in arrears.

    To find out more, visit edstart.com.au/shirechristian.

    Please note that in providing information about Edstart, the school is not providing any recommendation, brokering or advice services. The school does not receive referral fees, commissions or any other remuneration from Edstart.

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    What's on - Term 1, Week 9 and 10

    What's on - Term 1, Week 9 and 10

    CalendarJunior SchoolSecondary School
    Week 9
    Mon 31 Mar
    Seussical Jr. Preview PerformanceSeussical Jr. Preview Performance
    Tues 1 AprilSeussical Jr. Evening Performance Yr 12 Adv. English Excursion
    Yr 12 CAFs Excursion
    Yr 12 Music Evening Excursion 
    Seussical Jr. Evening Performance
    Wed 2 AprilPaul Kelly Cup AFL
    Stage 3 Hockey Clinics  
    Seussical Jr. Evening Performance
    Seussical Jr. Evening Performance
    Thurs 3 AprilShire Christian Runners
    School Tours
    Shire Christian Runners
    School Tours
    CEN Debating Gala Day
    Yr 9 Visual Arts Excursion
    Fri 4 AprilSeussical Jr. Evening PerformanceCSSA Secondary Touch Football Gala Day
    Seussical Jr. Evening Performance
    Sat 5 April Seussical Jr. Evening PerformanceSeussical Jr. Evening Performance
    Week 10
    Mon 7 AprilCIS Boys AFL Trials Yr 11 & 12 D&T, Multimedia, Textiles (Yr 11) Excursion
    Tues 8 AprilYr 12 Biology Incursion 
    Wed 9 AprilStage 3 Hockey Clinics Boys Bill Turner Cup Football 
    Thurs 10 AprilShire Christian Runners
    Easter Assembly 
    Shire Christian Runners
    Fri 11 AprilTerm 1 Concludes Cross Country
    Term 1 Concludes 
    Mon 28 April Term 2 Commences Term 2 Commences 

    Save the date: Junior School Easter Assembly – Thursday 10 April 8:45am 

    The school calendar can be viewed in full via the link on the SEQTA Engage welcome page. View the term dates here.

    Community

    Shire Christian School Business Directory

    Shire Christian School Business Directory

    We are pleased to provide a directory of businesses with family or alumni connections to Shire Christian School (businesses of current parents, former parents, former students).

    The directory is now available on our website and will become more useful over time as families continue to register their businesses.

    The initiative is designed to build community, encourage support for our families who are business owners and provide access to goods and services from within our community.

    If you’re going to spend anyway, why not spend with a local Shire Christian School connected business and invest in your community.

    View the directory on our website or register your business.

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    For prayer and praise

    For prayer and praise

    “The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners…”  1 Timothy 1:15

    • Praise God for the Lord Jesus Christ who came into the world to save sinners.
    • Pray for all students to grow in their understanding of who Jesus is and what He came to do.
    • Pray for wisdom and discernment for the school board members who serve our school.
    • Pray for the many students and staff involved in the musical this week. Praise God for the opportunity for them to use their creative gifts to serve the school community. 

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