Chairo means ‘Rejoice’. As a Christian school we have

many reasons to rejoice.

DISCOVER WHY

THE CHAIRO DIFFERENCE

ONE SCHOOL, FOUR CAMPUSES

QUICK FACTS

WHAT PEOPLE SAY

HOW TO BOOK A TOUR & ENROL

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Partnering with families for over 30 years

Chairo has qualified passionate teachers, dedicated parents, a wide range of students, exciting community events and excellent facilities. We take academics seriously and offer a wide variety of subjects … yet many schools in Australia could claim all that.

So what really makes Chairo different? I believe it is the unique combination of vision, community and structure. The school logo includes the words ‘Learning with God.’ Our pioneering parents recognised how easy it was for education to deny, minimise or compartmentalise God and Jesus Christ. Chairo deliberately seeks to engage students in an education where God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, the Bible, church, parents, family and the wider community are all given appropriate importance and recognition.

Chairo is a ‘parent-controlled’ school. This doesn’t mean parents do the teaching, or tell me to straighten my tie. Parent-controlled means Chairo is not governed by a church or denomination, or by the government. Chairo was started by Christian parents, for parents. These Christian parents, from various churches, wanted to influence the direction and content of their children’s education. Their passion and vision continues to impact our leadership development, classroom management, recognition of student achievement, camping program, discipline ... in fact, every aspect of school life.

I invite you to learn more and see Chairo in action for yourself.

Learning with God – it’s more than a motto; it’s why we do what we do.

Rob Bray Executive Principal

THE CHAIRO DIFFERENCE

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“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

ChairoChristian School

CHAIRO = A COMPLETE EDUCATION FOR THE WHOLE CHILD

Students enjoy a rich variety of experiences and opportunities to develop skills, understanding, knowledge and wisdom. A Christian perspective on life directs what we do, who we are and the serious questions we ask.

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Since 1983, families have embraced Chairo’s vision of a Christian approach to education, community, faith and partnership.

Having outgrown the first campus at Drouin East, a second site closer to Drouin was added in 1995 to cater for more families and year levels. A third campus commenced three years later between Nar Nar Goon and Pakenham, and then South Coast Christian College in Leongatha chose to become our fourth campus from the start of 2014. Private and government bus services are available from most surrounding areas for each campus.

Today, the Drouin East campus provides education for students from Kindergarten to Grade 4, with students then transferring to the nearby Drouin campus for Years 5-12. The Pakenham campus has grown steadily since it started in 1998 and now extends from Kindergarten through to Year 12. Students in the South Gippsland region are able to progress from Prep to Year 10 at the Leongatha campus and then use a bus service to travel to Drouin to complete their VCE studies.

Together these campuses share vision and resources to deliver a distinctly Christian education, and each campus is best appreciated by arranging a personal tour. The combination of teachers, classrooms, specialist facilities, ovals, wetlands, libraries, halls, technology, diverse subject choices and more, ensure students receive a complete education that prepares them well for the opportunities and challenges beyond school.

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ONE SCHOOL, FOUR CAMPUSES

“I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good discipline and the stability of your faith in Christ.” Colossians 2:5

“The teachers cared about me and taught me to be an independent learner. My Chairo education has helped me as I’ve continued growing as a person and studying.” Kirsten Bryant - former student

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Drouin East K-4

Pakenham K-12

Drouin 5-12

Leongatha P-10

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THE BIG PICTURE To provide excellence in Christ-centred education in partnership with families within a caring Christian community

QUICK FACTS

Australian curriculum taught from a Christian

perspective

ALL TEACHERS PRACTISING

CHRISTIANS

KINDER TO YEAR 12 Christian community + consistent vision + convenience for parents = Chairo Christian School

Christian perspectives in whole curriculum –

NOT an add-on

CAMPUS OPENED Leongatha 1978 Drouin East 1983 Drouin 1995 Pakenham 1998

1ST VCE YEAR 12

1998

Broad choice of VCE subjects

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3 Life skills3 Unique opportunities 3 Mentoring3 Responsibility 3 Competence3 Resilience3 Initiative3 Maturity3 Encouragement3 Knowledge3 Sense of wonder

Daily staff and student devotions

majority of families active in local churches

75%

LOVE + PASSION = TRANSFORMATION

KINDERGARTENS

Play-based learning to develop literacy, numeracy

and cognitive skills as well as an awareness of God

CAMPS FOR YEARS 3 TO 12:

“My favourite part of camp was the 7km canoe ride. It was great to get out on the water and see, and experience, all kinds of wonderful things.” Tegyn, Year 8

“Camps are not holiday experiences – they are an integral part of education.” Jane Ward

CHAPLAINS AT EACH CAMPUS

RELATIONSHIP MATTERS Education occurs within meaningful communities

%OF 1ST ROUND

education arts

law

engineering

accountinghealth science

apprenticeships

rural based industries

Some of the more varied electives on offer…

agriculture, equestrian, mechanics, theatre

studies, photography

WHAT DO WE WANT FOR OUR CHILDREN?

3 growth in knowledge, wisdom and character

3 sense of purpose3 positive relationships3 ability to make wise

life decisions

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HIGH

“What a privilege to work alongside a dedicated team of parents and staff that provide this wonderful learning opportunity for our students.” Kim Thomsen Musical Coordinator

MUSIC, MUSICALS AND CREATIVE ARTS

Parent get togethers – join us

BE HEARD Parent-elected

school governance

TERTIARY OFFERS

sibling discounts

affordable school fees with generous

15% - 80%

3 academic excellence 3 challenging all students 3 enrichment choices 3 compassion 3 teamwork3 initiative3 hands-on education 3 caring community3 practical Christianity3 school/home partnership

PUBLIC SPEAKING AND LEADERSHIP

• assemblies • school events • community • classroom • musicals • debating

NEWS Our website, newsletters and Facebook pages keep parents and students informed

“I want all of you to share that joy. Yes, you should rejoice, and I will share your joy.” Philippians 2:17-18

MISSION & SERVICE

• local & interstate • international trips • needy & elderly • practical compassion• teamwork & initiative • donate time and effort

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WHAT PEOPLE SAY…

“Chairo stood out to us as having a team of teachers and other staff who

loved our children and supported us in our role as parents.” Ann Brough, parent

“Chairo was a great place to grow up! The teachers encouraged me to pursue my

passions and instilled in me truth and values that I’ve carried into further study and the workplace.” Sarah Renshaw, Class of 2008

“Chairo taught me the value of learning. None

of us know everything, but all of us have the ability to

learn if we desire.” Dr Chris Williames,

Class of 2008

“I loved attending Chairo from Kinder to Year 12. Chairo was been incredibly supportive and I really

appreciated the staff and students.” Josh Battersby, Class of 2014

“Chairo set me up really well for my future.

The teachers cared about the students as individuals and

taught us to be independent learners.” Kirsten Bryant,

Class of 2009

“Parents are welcome at Chairo at every level, from being involved in the classroom through to decision-making

on the Board.” Louise Hood, parent

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“Students graduating from Chairo are characterised by a desire to achieve lives of

purpose, contributing positively to their wider communities. Chairo

students become young people of genuine character.” Rob Bray,

Executive Principal

“I have fond memories of teachers at Chairo who really cared about helping me with my career plans.” Megan Boonstra, Class of 2005

“I loved taking part in snow camps and drama

productions, but most of all I appreciated the brilliant teachers

who helped instil in me knowledge, faith and character.” Gavin Brown,

Class of 2006

“At Chairo we seek to teach from a Christian worldview perspective,

believing that by making this explicit we inform and challenge

the developing worldviews of students.” Peter Hill,

Drouin Campus Principal

“I started at Chairo in Year 7 and was most taken by the wonderful sense of community,

and I greatly appreciated the relationships with teachers during VCE.” Emma Gunn,

Class of 2013

“Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a real blessing.” Psalm 127:3Chairo is a community of students, parents and Christian staff. We look forward to partnering with you in the education and nurturing of your children. Your school tour and parent interview will help ensure we understand each other’s expectations, beliefs and priorities.

HOW TO BOOK A SCHOOL TOUR AND ENROL

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“Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice!” Philippians 4:4

Personalised school tours enable you to:• See classes in action• Talk with some teachers• Explore the school

grounds and facilities• Ask lots of questions!

One school, four campuses – Kinder to VCEBook your personal tour online at www.chairo.vic.edu.au, email enrolments@chairo.vic.edu.au, or call your local campusK-4 Drouin East 435 Lardners Track 03 5625 46005-12 Drouin 76 Balfour Road 03 5625 4600P-10 Leongatha 101 Horn Street 03 5662 4355K-12 Pakenham 585 Bald Hill Road 03 5942 5632Children are welcome on school tours – in fact, make sure you bring them along!Explore news, photos and videos on the website and community blogsite: www.chairo.vic.edu.auMain Office: PO Box 93, Drouin VIC 3818 Australia 03 5625 4600

Your next steps…1. Contact our community relations staff.2. Book a personal school tour.3. Complete an enrolment form.4. You will be advised if a position is likely to

be available.5. Attend an academic and parent

partnership interview.6. You will be advised if your application is

successful.