Who are we?
VCHC is basically a group of local homsechooling and non-homeschooling Christian families living in
Where are we going?
Over the next 2 years VCHC will seek to realise our vision and mission statements. Beyond these 2 years, we don’t know how or where the Lord will lead us as a group. The vision and mission could change. Right now, there are two thoughts designating within the group:
1. VCHC moves towards becoming a small ‘schooling community’ in
2. Some members of VCHC continue being a ‘homeschooling co-op’, keeping the vision, mission and core values, while other members of VCHC leave and become a small ‘schooling community’
Our future remains dynamic and open to change. Below is an outline of our vision and mission for at least the next two years. It explains what we value as ‘homeschooling co-opers’.
Christian families under God, collaborating their talents and resources in a learning community that integrates scholastic knowledge with Biblical faith
Develop and implement a holistic curriculum with like minded Christian families over at least the next 2 years that cultivates our children’s scholastic abilities whilst we teach and disciple them in the knowledge, character and service of God almighty.
The Process
Elementary education of a young person doesn’t happen because of the program or event. We see the nurturing, empowering and discovery processes as crucial to their learning. We seek to major on the person and the processes. Programs, events and curricula are not an end in themselves. They help us meet our vision and mission statements.
VCHC Affirms Core Homeschooling Principles
There are different ideas and ways to homeschool. These are our agreed principles:
1. Parents and children see themselves as a family of learners. Families take learning into their own hands.
2. Learning opportunities are everywhere - in doubling recipes; writing thank-you notes; exploring the backyard; visiting the zoo, museums and historical sites.
3. Children mature at different levels and are encouraged to work at their own pace as they progress towards annual goals.
4. Every child has unique talents and we seek to cultivate aesthetic appreciation, develop imagination, make good use of leisure time
5. Learning occurs through the transfer of knowledge from teacher to student in words, actions and life. However, like formal educational institutions, we follow structured lesson plans with set curricula.
6. As a part of our responsibility to nurture our children, we are eager to create an atmosphere that engages the learner and stimulates self-learning.
7. When choosing a curriculum, we try and keep in mind our child's interests and learning styles. Remembering, that we can adapt and supplement curriculum.
For most part, VCHC ascribes to these common learning approaches and ideas underlying homeschooling. As Christian homeschoolers, we emphasis and affirm several other values and learning principles
8. The need to integrate scholastic learning and the knowledge of God’s Word which is ‘sufficient’ for life and faith (2 Peter1:3). Scripture has formed our worldview and is shaping our worldview.
9. And because of this, we value the role of shepherding our children’s character through their Primary & High School years
10. We acknowledge the Holy Spirit’s involvement in the formation of our children’s learning. And because we affirm the spirit’s role, prayer is a central principle to our approach.
What Unites Our Community?
1. Our relationship with Jesus Christ
2. Our shared Christian beliefs
3. A common Purpose in this country
4. Agreed values and homeschooling principles
5. A common desire to teach and mentor each other’s children
6. A genuine friendship
7. Shared resources
a. An agreed curriculum
b. A common venue
c. Talents and creatively from different teachers
VCHC Children: After a child has gone through 7 years in VCHC, it is our common vision to see the characteristics of Galatians 5:22 growing in our children:
1. A deep, tangible love for God and for neighbor
2. A joy for life and Learning- Scholastic excellence to the best of their ability
3. Peaceful and Hopeful when they Pray and Worship
4. Patient through adolescent life, patient in faith and patient in learning
5. Gentle minded, globally citizens
6. Kind and unbiased towards all races and creeds
7. Biased towards seeing goodness and doing good
8. Faithful to God and faithful in life
9. Self-controlled because they are Spirit and Word guided
Having advantages usually means having disadvantages, as well.
Co-op Schedule
10:15-10:30 Recess
12:30 end for 5th and 6th graders
(Fathers can sign up to rotate and come in at least once a month to teach special topics such as cooking, carpentry, art, Science, Music, Geography, First Aid…If not all slots are filled other parents can volunteer to do other projects)
Curriculum Preparation By Person Responsible
