The NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) is responsible for monitoring the compliance of non-government schools. At the end of last term, the College was inspected by this authority and I’m pleased to report that we comply with the requirements of the Education Act 1990. We have been granted registration for the next five years which is the longest period of time given. It feels like we have passed a rather large test.
It has consumed much time of the Executive, however, our policies and procedures have all been refined and reworked. We have a suite of policies that are not punitive and in fact reflect God’s grace and love.
Preparing for our inspection over the last four months, reminded me of how our students feel when they face a large test or exam. Much hard work is required if students want to be able to produce the best of which they are capable. It also reminded me of how God brought Abraham through many tests. In Genesis 12 he was called to leave his home and family to go to a land that God would show him. He was challenged with the family test.
Abraham arrived at the promised land only to find a famine. He lacked resources and had to decide whether to trust God or not. He had the famine test. In Genesis 13, Abraham’s herdsmen and Lot’s herdsmen had a conflict in the promised land. There he encountered the conflict test. In Genesis 14, he went to fight against the four armies of the east with his 300 men and a few alliances. Abraham had the warfare test.
While Abraham followed God, he faced many tests, and we will as well. God has great plans for each of his children, tests are preparation for greater works, just as tests in school. As believers, we go through tests to build and strengthen our faith. As God’s children, tests can therefore be expected because we must be prepared for the things God desires us to accomplish.
I pray that as we learn to expect God’s tests, that we might understand that God has already prepared us and so let us actively depend on Him.