Christian School Document

Anglican International School, Jerusalem
 
A Christian School
Introduction
The Anglican International School in Jerusalem (AISJ) is run by an independent amutah (charity) registered under the name of the Israel Trust of the Anglican Church (ITAC).  ITAC is the Israel arm of CMJ (UK) – the Church's Ministry Among Jewish People. The school is authorized by the International Baccalaureate Organization and by the Middle States Association of Schools and Colleges, USA.  A description of CMJ is contained in the Appendix.

Description
AISJ is a private and non-selective Christian school providing education to students from pre-Kindergarten to
Grade 12 (ages 3-18).  

Statement of Purpose
AISJ a Christian school. It is rooted in faith in Jesus Christ, which motivates a lifestyle of love, truth, mercy and forgiveness and provides an environment of educational excellence.  The school welcomes students of all faiths and of none, and respects the rich diversity of the communities it serves. 
 
Theological Foundation
As an Anglican foundation, the beliefs of AISJ are grounded in the Holy Scriptures and historic creeds of the church. It is therefore a mainstream Christian institution which welcomes people from different theological
traditions and denominations.
 
Aims:

  • Providing a context where faith in Jesus Christ is taught about and practised
  • Reflecting in action and word the love of God for all people, recognizing that all are made in the
  • image of God
  • Delivering curriculum in a holistic framework that promotes the spiritual, moral, social, physical and
  • cultural development of each student
  • Seeking to further reconciliation and oppose all forms of racism
  • Nurturing in their faith those who are Christians
  • Creating an open environment in which all may explore biblical and Christian teaching and tradition

Practices
Admission
Students are welcome from all faith backgrounds or none.  Admission is granted on the basis that parents sign an Admission Form to indicate that they have read this document and understand the Christian nature of the school and accept its practical implications.

Curriculum 

  • The curriculum is secular, broad, balanced and consistent with the Statement of Purpose and Aims of the school.
  • The school draws on the best from a wide range of sources, religious and secular, in order to support a curriculum appropriate to the needs of international and local students in a Christian school.
  • Religious Education is compulsory throughout the school.  Whilst respecting people of other faiths, the school places an emphasis on learning about and from the Christian faith. The land and cultures of Israel, and the city of Jerusalem in particular, are invaluable resources in bringing the Bible to life. Students study major world religions including Judaism and Islam. Opportunities to explore the relationship between Judaism and Christianity are positively exploited. Only Christian staff will be responsible for teaching RE.
  • Personal, social and civil responsibilities are taught within the framework of the curriculum, with an emphasis on serving the needs of others.  Conflict management and resolution are taught and modelled.
  • AISJ will seek to provide extra-curricular activities of a Christian nature.

Assemblies

  • All students must attend the schedule of assemblies appropriate to their grade.  Assemblies will normally be of a Christian nature, include prayer, and seek to teach the values of the Christian faith and stimulate serious thought about the spiritual dimension of life, they will not be used to "evangelize" or "missionize" students.  (Where assemblies are not overtly Christian – such as when a visitor speaks about his experiences or interests – they will not at any time undermine the Christian ethos of the school.)
  • The school celebrates the major Christian festivals of Christmas and Easter.  Emphasis is also given to the Jewish feasts.

Holidays and Closures

  • These are built around the major Christian festivals and Jewish feasts.
  • Festivals of other faiths, including Islam, will be taken as school holidays only where they coincide with principles that govern the formulation of the school calendar. 
  • Parents and students are assured that they will be supported in having time off to celebrate other faith holidays including Muslim festivals

The Staff
All members of staff are expected to give full support to the Christian ethos of the school.
 
The Director
The Director, as a committed Christian, is responsible, under the authority of the Board and with its support, together with the help of Faculty, to maintain the Christian character of the school in its daily operations by:

  • ensuring that Christian values permeate the whole life of the School.  
  • nurturing the development of a Christian community. 
  • offering a clear and recognizable sense of Christian purpose.
  • taking the lead in relating positively to the other aspects of CMJ's work.

The Board
The Board will be vigilant to maintain and develop the Christian ethos of the school through policies and practice consistent with this paper.
 
Further information:
To find out more about the school, visit: www.aisj.co.il
To find out more about CMJ, visit: www.cmj-israel.org
 
APPENDIX: THE CHURCH'S MINISTRY AMONG JEWISH PEOPLE (CMJ) 
CMJ has worked in the land since the 1820s.  It functions interdenominationally.
 
CMJ owns various properties in Israel.  CMJ now operates through four centers, at the heart of which is Christ Church in the Old City of Jerusalem.  Christ Church opened in 1849 and is the oldest Protestant Church in the Middle East.  It is a place of peace and reconciliation in Jesus, where Jewish, Arab and expatriate people work and worship together.  Christ Church Center also provides: 

  • A Guest House 
  • A Study Center (Alexander College) offering courses on the Jewish roots of the Christian faith, which include visiting appropriate sites throughout Israel and use of our extensive library.  
  • A Heritage Center: providing historical tours open to students, parents and staff.
  • Practical Assistance to needy people in Israel and the Palestinians areas.
  • CMJ also runs Beit Bracha, a beautiful place for retreat, prayer and healing at Migdal, overlooking Capernaum, Tiberias, Mt Arbel and the Sea of Galilee.