Hillcrest Christian College, an established educational institution since 1981, launched Rivercrest Christian College in January 2014. This brand new school commenced with just over 100 students from Early Learning through to Year 1. One year on, and Rivercrest Christian College celebrated its first birthday on Wednesday, 25th March 2015. The celebrations included a range of activities, such as an Open Morning for prospective parents, a balloon release and specially made Rivercrest cupcakes for all the students.
Rivercrest was merely pasturelands a few years ago and now boasts 174 students. Executive Principal of Crest Education, (which Rivercrest is a campus of), Mr Geoff Grace said it’s hard to believe the school has already been operating for 12 months. “It has been an amazing journey up to this point to see Rivercrest develop from a concept to a blueprint to a new school. Much has already been accomplished since the middle of 2013, when the first spade of dirt was turned on the site. There is still much more ahead of us over the next decade.”
Head of College, Dr Michelle Cafini also commented, “Rivercrest is an exciting educational option for parents in the City of Casey. Rivercrest offers a curriculum that is grounded in 21st Century thinking, where all facets of education are connected and interlinked. It embraces an inquiry approach to learning within the context of a Christian worldview. All learning experiences are designed to be engaging, relevant, meaningful and significant.”
What was a paddock a few years ago has now been transformed into a wonderful, engaging learning environment for the young Rivercrest students. Although the school is relatively young, Dr Cafini said that there have already been numerous highlights to date including the creation of a time capsule to be unearthed when the Year One students enter Year 12, and the showcasing of the musical and theatrical talents of the students at the inaugural Rivercrest production of ‘Two Traditional Tales”.
Mr Geoff Grace explains the insight into the thinking behind Rivercrest Christian College’s curriculum. “The decision to aspire to become an International Baccalaureate (IB) school from its inception has created an excellent opportunity for Rivercrest to flourish well into the future. I love the motto for Rivercrest, ‘Strength and Service’. It reflects well on the Crest vision for the College to be a place where the Gospel message – the Good News of Jesus – permeates everything from our learning and teaching to the way we build community together. Strength comes from an inner core – the courage to do what is right and to hold on to that which is true, no matter what the circumstances. As a Christian school, we believe that this comes from having a genuine and robust faith in God, through a relationship with Jesus Christ. The curriculum at Rivercrest is a wonderful vehicle for allowing this ‘Strength and Service’ to be lived out. Students will be encouraged to know themselves, to engage collaboratively with others and to become mindful of how they can serve in their community.”
In 2015 Rivercrest offers classes for 3 and 4 year olds in the Early Learning Centre, as well as classes for Prep, Year 1 and 2 students. Additional year levels will be added each year. Eventually Rivercrest will expand to offer classes from ELC right through to Year 12.
If you would like further information please visit the College website.
Opened 2014 – Currently offering classes from Early Learning (3 years of age) to Year 2. Additional year levels to […]