Maranatha Christian School: 50 Years of Learning
MARANATHA CHRISTIAN SCHOOL WAS ORIGINALLY FOUNDED IN DOVETON MORE THAN 50 YEARS AGO. THEY THEN EXPANDED TO ENDEAVOUR HILLS AND IN 2006 THEY OPENED IN OFFICER. JENNY RUS, THE SCHOOL’S HEAD OF SITE AND DEPUTY PRINCIPAL SHARES.
“This year, Maranatha celebrates 50 years in Christian education, and we are looking forward to ongoing celebrations throughout the year. We are committed to continuous improvement which enables our students to flourish academically.”
As part of this planned expansion, Jenny Rus, has transitioned from their Doveton Site, where she was the Head of Site for four years. Jenny is an exceptional leader whose gifts were recently recognised, being selected as a finalist in the National Excellence in Teaching Awards.
Maranatha Christian School has been delivering exceptional Christian education for 50 years and their model, which places emphasis on academic growth and student wellbeing, sets a firm foundation for students to discover and develop their God-given gifts, abilities and character for a life of service, wherever that may lead.
Jenny says, “We have a strong focus on teacher training so they can be well equipped and at their best. We invest into our teachers and their personal development as we believe that learning is a lifelong skill.” Maranatha Early Learning Centre recently underwent a detailed National Quality Assessment and Rating visit by the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA).
“We are very pleased that our ELC has once again received a rating of Exceeding National Quality Standards,” said Jenny.
“A rating of Exceeding NQS is given to services that go above and beyond the requirements of the NQS. This rating is a wonderful reflection of the high quality learning programs at Maranatha.
“It is fantastic to receive this recognition and a privilege to be part of a professional team with high expectations and standards. Our early learning programs and exceptional emphasis to early year’s education has seen our ELC achieve the highest rating possible and we couldn’t be more delighted.” Jenny adds, “It’s not common to receive these ratings. This is a fantastic achievement for Maranatha and is a testament to our commitment to providing the best to all our students.”
When asked what they are most proud of in regard to their ELC, Jenny says, “It’s the way our educators love and care for our students. It’s the most important thing we can give children. If a child doesn’t feel welcome and loved, they are not going to participate, engage, explore or learn, they need to have a very strong sense of being, belonging and becoming”
Jenny goes on to say, “There are also goals in place in terms of how we get our students ready for Prep, so that transition from ELC to school is smooth and positive. The benefit of being on the same site is enormous as right from the beginning, in the second week the ELC, children walk around the school. They can say hi to the different teachers and students and they already feel part of the school.”
Jenny adds, “It’s amazing to see the difference between the Preps that come through our ELC as opposed to children that don’t. Their attention span, writing skills and fine motor skills are brilliant.”
Maranatha also has exceptional sporting and performing arts facilities. Jenny says, “Our main oval is comparable to the size of the MCG and we have a number of other playing fields. We also have an indoor hall for sports and host many sporting events on site.
“Our performing arts center was built to include great acoustics, which lends itself to a professional theatre experience. The facilities are also made available to the local community.”
Regarding the academic program of the school, Jenny shares, “From an academic perspective, we are extremely proud that our DUX received a 99.85 ATAR which is a significant achievement, with 80% of students placed in the top half of the state. Preparing students for this kind of success starts at ELC and primary school.”
Jenny adds, “We have academic programs that cater for those students that are excelling as well as those needing a little more help, all the while encouraging them to continue learning and growing. We have high expectations of our students and they are supported with many creative strategies to reach these expectations. I believe that intelligence is developmental and at Maranatha we teach students to start their schooling with this mind set.”
They are also passionate about encouraging students to spend time outdoors. This is evident by their beautiful reflective garden and vegetable patch. Last year, to add some fun, the students held a pumpkin competition where students had to guess the weight of the pumpkin!
All in all, Maranatha Christian School is passionate about helping your child excel in all areas of their life, from ELC to Year 12.