Values

Faith

It is the basis of relationships. It is described as "being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see". All we do is either a response to God in faith or a reliance on ourselves. If we commit ourselves in trust to the unseen God, he will guide and bless us. See Proverbs 3:5-8.

Grace

We can do nothing good enough to earn God's favour; nor can we do anything bad enough that will banish his favour. That is grace – God's unmerited favour. We can model God's grace in our relationships by forgiving others freely. Grace is also shown by non-legalistic and merciful actions, rather than demanding full justice from the law. See Romans 5:17.

Servanthood

In God's kingdom where priorities are turned upside down, true leaders serve. Such service begins with a self-denying acceptance of the call to follow Jesus, to submit to him in faithful expectation. God then equips us to use our talents creatively to serve others. The stewardship of the world given by God to human beings in Genesis is a servanthood role. See Mark 10:42-45.

Humility

Humility is essential to repentance and forgiveness and should characterise all relationships. It is a Christ-like quality. Humble people display a meekness which enables them to be open to God's leading. God honours humility. It is the admission that we are fallible humans, dependent on the Creator. Humility leads us to worship the Creator and strive to use our gifts in his service. See Philippians 2:1-11.

Hope

Hope is the end result of displaying perseverance. When our hope is in God, he enables us to be courageous, assured and able to persevere. Confidence in the future comes from a person, Jesus, the "living hope", not from material possessions or any ideology. Hope in this life leads to joy, and in the next, to the reality of reunion with God. See Hebrews 12:1-2.

Joy

Joy is a deep sense of delight, largely unseen, which remains regardless of circumstances. It is based on our hope in Christ, In Christo Futurum. True joy in knowing Christ and his word stirs others to ask "why?" The human imagination is best used to express our joy in response to God's gracious gifts.

Love

Love comes from God, and is a sign of our relationship with him. Love is deeper than tolerance. It is self-sacrificing and unconditional. We are to love each other deeply, being motivated to serve all people, and to be mindful of their interests and concerns. Love is more than mere feeling; it is a determination to empathise with others and act for their good. See Matthew 19:19.

Peace

In a world desperate for peace, the school places its trust in Jesus, the "Prince of Peace". Real inner peace comes in the first instance from being in relationship with God and is maintained by prayer. Peacemakers are invaluable to a community in healing relationships. All people are responsible for building a peaceful community by their respect for others, including those in authority. See Philippians 4:6-9.

Truth

Truth is central to the nature of God. Knowing the truth sets us free to understand reality. Truth originating from God is absolute. The quest for truth therefore has a central role in the school, involving hard work of mind and spirit. Knowing that truth is attainable, at least partially, motivates us to uncover, model and emulate it. Jesus is said to be "full of grace and truth". The integrity of our lives, lived in an understanding of divine reality, is a way the truth is revealed to others. See John 8: 31-32.

Purity

Purity is a value with overtones of wholesomeness and avoidance of contamination. We are created to practise holiness and to set ourselves apart from evil. Purity is a life choice, affecting especially decisions made in connection with the media, relationships and our thought life. The pursuit of holiness is required of all people who wish to live a healthy, harmonious life. See Philippians 4:8-9.

Justice

The crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ are the supreme examples of God's drawing together of judgement and mercy to demonstrate justice. The 10 Commandments and the Beatitudes are a secure and compelling standard for personal and social action. Concern for the weak, marginalised and poor is as much an expression of justice as is the personal acceptance of consequences for our actions, both good and evil. See Micah 6:8.

Such values are summarised by Jesus in the words he used when he was asked what was the most important law of God. "He replied: "Love the Lord your God with all your passion and prayer and intelligence." This is the most important. But the second to set alongside it is: "Love others as you love yourself." See Matthew 22:37.