Avondale School (Cooranbong)

Avondale School is an independent Seventh-day Adventist co-educational early learning, primary and secondary day school, located in Cooranbong, in the Hunter Region of New South Wales, Australia.[2] The school provides an education for over 900 students each year. It is the oldest continuously operating Adventist school in Australia. It is a part of the Seventh-day Adventist education system, the world's second largest Christian school system.[3][4][5][6]

Avondale School
Location
Avondale School
Location in New South Wales
Cooranbong, Lake Macquarie,
Hunter Region, New South Wales[1]

Australia
Coordinates33°03′48″S 151°27′54″E
Information
TypeIndependent co-educational early learning, primary and secondary day school
MottoReal Learning For Real Life
Religious affiliation(s)Australian Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists
DenominationSeventh-day Adventist
Established1897 (1897)
Educational authorityNew South Wales Department of Education
PrincipalDavid McClintock
Employees75
YearsEarly learning; and K-12
Enrolment895
Campus size17 hectares (42 acres)
Campus typeRegional
Colour(s)Navy, red, white             
AthleticsHunter Region Independent Schools
Websitewww.avondaleschool.nsw.edu.au

History

The Avondale School was founded in 1897 on the grounds of Avondale College of Higher Education and had an initial enrolment of 15 students. During the 1970s, due to the growth of Avondale College, the school needed to find a new location. In 1980, the school moved to its present location at the end of Avondale Road.[7] Expansion during the 1980s included a new secondary library and a music building. Further expansions include the Avondale Early Learning Centre in 2003, a Kindy building in 2006 and a multi-purpose gymnasium and hall in June 2007, The iCentre and IT centres in 2011 and an administration building in 2012. A trade training centre was opened in 2012 to enable the extension of VET education for senior students.

Campus

Avondale School is situated in the township of Cooranbong in the foothills of the Watagan Mountains. The campus is a 10-minute drive from the shores of Lake Macquarie.

The school is situated on a 17-hectare (42-acre) bushland property at the end of a cul-de-sac. Its facilities include a 900-seat multi-purpose gymnasium and hall containing two basketball courts, a stage, a commercial kitchen, and uniform shop; the iCentre housing libraries for both the primary and secondary schools, and the IT centre; a music building; a trade training centre and an industrial arts room.

Student life

The K-12 educational program at Avondale School provides a wide variety of opportunities for learning. Students can use their laptops to access the campus-wide wireless network and broadband internet service.

Extracurricular Activities

Students are encouraged to pursue interests outside the classroom as part of a wholesome education. There are sport teams such as soccer, touch rugby, swim teams, netball, basketball and athletics as well as a concert band and choir. As a member of the Hunter Region Independent Schools,[8] Avondale School regularly participates in inter-school events and competitions.

Duke of Edinburgh Award

Avondale School encourages personal development by offering students the Duke of Edinburgh Award program. It motivates young people to become involved in a program of voluntary and self-development activities. The Award helps takes students through a potentially difficult period of schooling. It is a major international program that is recognised by organisations around the world.[9]

Depending on the varying ability and commitment level, there are three levels, Bronze, Silver and Gold. Students participate out of school hours in numerous community services, physically challenging and personal skill-based activities. It is an optional extension to the existing Outdoor Education program of Year camps.[9]

In the past, students have travelled to Tasmania’s Cradle Mountain, the local Watagan Mountains and Myall Lakes National Park for various challenges. Hiking, abseiling, cycling and camps push the physical boundaries of participants while community service projects involve helping with StormCo, the Rural Fire Brigade and Sabbath school programs at the local churches.[9]

Community Service

Avondale provides many extracurricular opportunities for service. The annual StormCo trips to remote towns, the concert band and choir visits to small churches and the annual charity contributions to valued causes, provide opportunities to serve the community.[10]

During November, Avondale school gives outgoing Year 12 students an opportunity to conclude their final year with an international service project called "Rokforce". The team is made up of students, teachers and parents who travel to foreign countries at their own expense to help poor communities.[11]

The 2009 Avondale Schoolies Rokforce (ASR) have untaken a $20,000 project in the Cambodian Wat Preah Yesu Orphanage. The orphanage has major needs and ASR have elected to build a media room, run outreach programs and interact with the children in a number of fun ways.[12]

Academics

Avondale School performs well above average in state examinations.

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See also

References
  1. Adventist Directory. General Conference Office of Statistics and Archives. Retrieved 24 July 2009
  2. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 26 April 2014. Retrieved 2 April 2015.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  3. Kido, Elissa (15 November 2010). "For real education reform, take a cue from the Adventists". The Christian Science Monitor. Retrieved 23 April 2019. ...the Adventist Church runs a Christian school system second only in size to the Roman Catholic parochial schools.
  4. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 23 March 2015. Retrieved 18 March 2016.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  5. "Department of Education, Seventh-day Adventist Church". Retrieved 18 June 2010.
  6. Rogers, Wendi; Kellner, Mark A. (1 April 2003). "World Church: A Closer Look at Higher Education". Adventist News Network. Retrieved 19 June 2010.
  7. "AVONDALE SCHOOL COORANBONG". School Choice. Universal Magazines. Archived from the original on 14 September 2009. Retrieved 24 July 2009.
  8. "Association of Independent Co-educational Schools Member directory". aices.com.au.
  9. Duke of Edinburgh. Avondale School. Retrieved 24 July 2009 Archived 3 July 2009 at the Wayback Machine
  10. Principal's Message. Avondale School. Retrieved 24 July 2009 Archived 7 April 2014 at the Wayback Machine
  11. Rokforce. Avondale School Retrieved 24 July 2009 Archived 7 April 2014 at the Wayback Machine
  12. Schoolies 2009 :: Rokforce. Rokforce. Retrieved 24 July 2009
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