This week saw the approval of Nambucca Valley Christian Community School’s (NVCCS) planned expansion, paving the way for a bigger school and a bigger future.

From next year, the school will be able to cater for students entering both Year 9 and Year 10.

NVCCS principal Jeff Allen said the expansion will allow the school to cater for the increasing demand for Christian education.

“This is a step in the right direction,” Jeff told the Guardian.

“It’s been a solid effort from everyone involved and such a build-up to get to this point … it marks an exciting new chapter in the history of the school.

“It’s a great thing given we’re the first non-government high school in the Valley. And this is an exciting opportunity to grow as a school and adapt to the rapidly changing educational framework.”

For this to be made possible, the school had to present curriculum plans for each subject, proposed assessments, extensive resource lists and applications for specialist facilities to the Christian Schools Australia registration and accreditation committee (CSA) … and it was ticks all round.

“While we don’t have a gymnasium, stadium, or swimming pool – we provide high quality education through specialist and experienced teachers,” Jeff said.

“We just want to see it (NVCCS) continue to grow.”

The original primary school was established in 1991 with Year 7 added in 2012 and Year 8 in 2013. 

This announcement, Jeff said, allowed the school to consolidate its growth and establish more specialised subjects including design and technology, industrial technology timber, information software technology, music, drama, art plus mainline subjects.

“Our next step is to work with the school board and get the ball rolling to have the first HSC group/class in 2018,” Jeff said.

“There’s a high level of excitement from the students as they see the growth and future of the school unfold before them.

“And I imagine many of them – and their parents – are happy they no longer have to travel to get a private education.”

This expansion has a positive effect on more than just the school community, as it will create at least two full time teaching positions, plus several administrative jobs.

Now and into the immediate future it will give local tradesmen and equipment suppliers a chance to work locally.