THE Muswellbrook Christian School (MCS) was looking for a saviour.
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And, it’s arrived in the form of Pacific Hills Christian School.
A month ago it appeared the local educational facility, which currently boasts 30 pupils, was in danger of closing its doors.
However, thanks to some divine intervention, hope has been restored among the staff and students’ families.
MCS will join the Pacific Group of Schools and be known as the Pacific Brook Christian School.
The outcome has certainly delighted principal David O’Hara.
“Unfortunately, the Presbyterian Church congregation, who oversees the school, dissolved in 2017, which put us under threat,” he said.
“That concerned – and upset – everyone, especially the staff who do a great job here.
“We didn’t want it to fold because it’s important to have a Christian school in town to teach those [Christian] values.
“The current board began thinking of ways to keep the school going.
“Luckily, one of our teachers had previous dealings with Pacific Hills – and contacted their principal Dr Ted Boyce.
“Now, our future is assured.”
Pacific Hills Christian School was founded in Sydney 38 years ago, starting with eight students and one teacher in two rooms rented from Lutanda Children’s Home at Pennant Hills.
Today, it occupies a nine-hectare campus at Dural, accommodating up to 1350 pupils and 150 staff.
The organisation’s New Hope School also caters for 20 youngsters with autism.
Dr Boyce admitted he had big plans for Muswellbrook, too.
“Within two years, I believe we’ll outlive the space here – and need to relocate,” he said.
“We’ll still cater for kindergarten through to Year 6, but we’ll also move into a secondary school.
“Hopefully, we’ll attract a couple of hundred students.
“Pacific Hills boasts experience in such areas [of expansion].
“If a school needs help, and we have the capacity to assist them, we will.
“We heard MCS was available – and I was impressed with the staff at Muswellbrook.
“So, it’s a strong basis.
“We’ll also keep the fees as low as possible.”
Dr Boyce said it was Pacific Hills’ vision to build a centre of teaching, learning and serving excellence that honoured Christ.
“It’s an exciting challenge – and opportunity – to serve the community of Muswellbrook,” he explained.
“We’re determined to make a difference.
“And, this town will have a place of safety, morality and spirituality.
“We want people to say ‘that’s where I want my children to go’.”