The+NZC+Vision

Hi folks. we need to get some more traction on this NZC Wiki, so here is my first input on the NCS Vision. I have tried to set this up as a new page that will sit under Jill's "Principles" page, hopefully it works. Anyway, enough of the ramble.

If you look at the vision from a secular view point, it's quite good. In fact, it's probably very good. What more could you want from every New Zealand child wo comes through our school system, regardless of their background? If every boy and girl were to live up to the goals of this vision then surely New Zealand would be the better for it, right? Idealistic perhaps, but that's what a vision is.

So what's missing? Obvious first:

This vision does not acknowledge the Almighty God, who created everything and everyone for the specific purpose of giving glory to Him as we serve Him faithfully. In a sense, this fact is the ultimate answer to the fundemental question for any vision: Why? Why is this vision important? Why do we want our young people to be "the vision"? God specifically reveals his purpose for us in his Word, which is foundational for any vision that acknowledges Him.

Second, the vision does not seem to ackowledge the role, or at least the influence of our family context, good or bad. Our own school vision does this well, and I think rightly so. As a school we would struggle to achieve any of the objectives of the NZC vision, unless they are shared, or perhaps better, unless they are owned by the parents or guardians.

Finally, for now at least, the vision does not acknowledge our fallen state. As human beings, our natuaral desire is to serve our own interests. "What's in it for me", is the motto we all naturally would live by, but for the Grace of God.

It's late, I'll stop now. Please jump in and join the discussion. It would be good if we can tie our thinking together at our next BoT meeiting, which is just over 3 weeks away!!!

Richard.