Hello Peter.

Are you OK?

Thanks for coming to see me Peter, I was missing not having you sit next to me for the evening, like we did twice at synod.

[quote author="michael jensen"]But I was very glad that Rod West at Trinity also employed many evangelical teachers.

[quote author="tia zheng"]
They considered me last year for a chaplaincy role!

Don’t know if I would have wanted it - sounded like a very busy workload, and I’m only little...as anyone who’s seen me knows!

TZ.

Tia,

maybe the problem was you were not suitable for coaching rugby on Saturdays.
[removes tongue from cheek...]

David

[quote author="David Clarke"]maybe the problem was you were not suitable for coaching rugby on Saturdays.
[removes tongue from cheek...]

David

??  Rugby ??

What’s that word mean?

I mean, other than the game they supposedly play in heaven?

:P

(Just kidding, yes, I do know!!)

Reading this thread makes me wish I was an Anglican.

Mrs Crittle
what is stopping you from becoming one then ?

C’mon Angela!
C’mon over!
My wife used to be a Prezzy.

I’m an Anglican & I’m OK. I pray all night & I work all day!
I’m an Anglican yes it’s true,
C’mon Angela & be an Anglican too!

Angela,

I am reminded of Pope Gregory saying, “Non Anglii sunt sed angeli”, which means “They are not angels, but Anglicans”.

As some Anglicans tend to have too many angles - be content to remain an angel.

Synod Synapses

Oh, how I love discusions of Christian Schools, whether they should be all Christian teachers, etc.

Long ago, (1980 actually), I taught at John Wycliffe School at Warimoo, and have some very fond memories of the place. I finished there at the end of that year. I then meandered through Telstra until 1998 when I joined TAFE. And like Tia I obviously wasn’t the right stuff for Tyndale (but - hey that was 26 years ago, and I don’t complain about my 17 year foray in Telecommunications).

However I do have some thoughts about this issue.
I am happy to say that 3 children went to public schools - and came out well (my youngest is currently doing her HSC). We made a very conscious decision to do this as (20 odd years ago) most of the Christian schools I had associations with where very insular, in that the schools (not necessarily the teachers) took the view of live in the world but not off the world (fine) - but forgot to teach the students how to survive in a fallen world. Most, preparation for the world was done by the Christian teachers outside the “formal” learning environment.

Thus point 1, supporting what Ian said earlier, and raising it a bit - the need for all teachers and staff to be committed Christian teachers (the sort that not only say but are seen as Christian - display the fruit), and have a real desire to prepare their students for the world. So they can survive the pressure of a non-christian world.

Point 2. In all of this let us not forget the Christian teachers in the public system. Too often, the good teachers are encouraged by their Christian friend to teach in the private system (Christian, parent controlled and catholic).  This leads a desert situation, where we are removing the salt from the world, and I believe that this is telling and causing some of the decrease in standards in our society.

Point 3. The need to elevate teachers in all systems at all levels (includes Christian SRE in the public system)eg public/private, K-12, TAFE, technical, uni. Once held in high esteem by society, the teaching profession continually takes a battering about falling standards and low student results. I believe, very passionately that committed Christian teachers can make a difference.

G’day Colin,

As the one who started trumpeting on this thread about the need for Christian teachers in Christian schools, let me say that I agree with everything that you said above. I too am a product of the public system who was converted through SRE 20 years ago last Tuesday. And like you, I’m a former Telstra employee.

Yours in Christ,
Mark

Peter,

Mrs Crittle
what is stopping you from becoming one then ?

Not these community forums that’s for sure.

Not sure how I would explain myself to my fellow Pressies. Any suggestions?

Angela

Robert,

C’mon Angela!
C’mon over!
My wife used to be a Prezzy.

I’m an Anglican & I’m OK. I pray all night & I work all day!
I’m an Anglican yes it’s true,
C’mon Angela & be an Anglican too!

Another poet on these forums! I’m a sucker for poetry and a poet. I dare not defect, I must not, umm no, I don’t think I will, let’s see, what would be a plausible excuse.........

[quote author="Angela Crittle"]Peter,

Mrs Crittle
what is stopping you from becoming one then ?

Not these community forums that’s for sure.

Not sure how I would explain myself to my fellow Pressies. Any suggestions?

Angela

Just tell them you came home :-)

Last week Mark Tough wrote:

G’day,

For some reason, I’ve been asked to be this year’s official Synod-blogger...... 

I just wanted to say a big “THANK YOU” to Mark for his blog efforts during Synod. It sure helped those who were not there to have some inside knowledge and appreciation of what was happening - as the (few) media reports are always selective and limited in what they report.

Thanks again for sharing your “two cents worth”.

[quote author="kevin goddard"]Last week Mark Tough wrote:

G’day,

For some reason, I’ve been asked to be this year’s official Synod-blogger...... 

I just wanted to say a big “THANK YOU” to Mark for his blog efforts during Synod. It sure helped those who were not there to have some inside knowledge and appreciation of what was happening - as the (few) media reports are always selective and limited in what they report.

Thanks again for sharing your “two cents worth”.

My pleasure Kevin. I’m glad that it was helpful for you.

Yours in Christ,
Mark

Yes, thanks from me as well Mark - I enjoyed your comments.

Are formal minutes taken at Synod? Are they available online?