Special Character Statement

Ponatahi Christian School has been established by the Reformed Congregations of New Zealand in Carterton. The Special Character of the school is determined by the consistory of this church and summarised in the Statement of Faith.   

Furthermore,   the Special Character definition enshrined in the integration agreement with the Ministry of Education is that:

Ponatahi Christian School reflects its Special Character by :  

• "Upholding the honour of the LORD in all curricula and expected conduct and work habits of both students and staff;
• "Teaching young people that they are born as lost sinners and can only be reconciled to God the Father by a supernatural work of regenerating grace whereby the Holy Spirit grants faith to receive of the merits of the Lord Jesus Christ;
• "Assisting young people, where possible, in developing the skills and attitudes needed to diligently use the Word of God as the means of God’s grace.”

Ponatahi Christian School is a school with the Bible. We therefore aim that all teaching at our school is done from a Biblical Worldview. The school is mandated by the Government of Aotearoa, New Zealand, to teach the New Zealand Curriculum in return for full government funding on the condition that the Special Character is maintained in all aspects of school life. 

While we pursue academic excellence, our greater desire is to help students understand how to serve God and follow Jesus in every area of their lives and to engage with others in a manner that is respectful and kind. We believe and teach that salvation is possible only through God’s saving grace, and that the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit is essential. We recognise that each student has been uniquely gifted, and we seek to inspire them to use their talents in both learning and interactions with others for the glory of God and the building of Christ’s Kingdom in this world.

This means that our Special Character is not only visible during our weekly school-wide assemblies, our devotions during the day and our Religious Education classes, but that it is interwoven through everything we do at school, e.g., in how we address behaviour issues and how we view our students. Our staff is committed to showing our students throughout the day what it means to follow Jesus Christ and to serve the people around us.

We hope and pray that in whatever we do, we show our desire to follow the Lord Jesus Christ.