19 September 2025
Advocating for the Future of Christian Education
As an independent Christian school in New South Wales, Calderwood is generously supported by both state and federal governments. Our status as a government-funded, not-for-profit organisation—and our desire to see Jesus glorified—compels us not only to submit to the authority of our governing bodies and their policies, but also to honour them.
While public policy and politics may not be everyone’s ‘cup of tea’, Christian schools must not remain silent on legislative matters that could significantly impact the form and function of faith-based education. To do so would be to neglect our responsibility to protect and promote the values we hold dear.
For this reason, the Board and Executive of Calderwood are committed to engaging with our local and federal representatives. Our goal is to ensure the protection and flourishing of Christian education, and to prevent decisions being made without a clear understanding of who we are and the value our schools bring to the broader community.
We must continue to advocate for a funding model that acknowledges the benefits and cost-savings Christian Schools are to government due to parent contributions, the right of parents to choose Christian education aligned with their family values, and the freedom to employ Christian teachers who live faith-filled, Christ-like lives.
As witnesses of Jesus in our community, it is imperative that our relationships with political leaders are robust yet seasoned with salt—truthful yet full of grace, honest yet genuinely loving.
To this end, we recently invited Mike Southon from Freedom for Faith to host a candidate forum for the Kiama by-election.
On Friday, September 12, we were delighted to host Ms Carol Berry, MP for Whitlam. Ms Berry was complimentary of our staff and students. She spoke of how obvious it was to her that students were seen and safe in our school environment. Carol attended the Junior School United Worship Service, met with parents and students, and toured our facilities. She graciously engaged in conversations about local infrastructure development, funding models for independent schools, and—importantly—our right to continue employing Christian teachers.
Please join me in praying for Carol as she seeks to represent the people of Whitlam. Also, pray for our ongoing relationship with her office as we seek to be a godly influence for the benefit of Christian schooling.
Mr Darren Hutton
Principal
