Knox Christian School strategic plan

      "The Lord Almighty has sworn,
      ‘Surely as I have planned, so it will be,
      and as I have purposed, so it will stand.’"

Foreword

We all like to plan. From arranging what is going to happen tomorrow to what is going to happen next year; it feels comforting to have a sense of the future.

We at Knox Christian School are interested in talking about the future. We know that the Lord will return and take His servants to himself. We rely on the grace of God and pray in anticipation of that day! The Strategic Planning process focusses on the future.

Strategic Planning is a process whereby a Strategic Planning Committee reads, analyses, discusses, and evaluates the feedback received from the school community. In November 2005, all supporters, families, and alumni were provided with the opportunity to comment on Knox’s past, present, and future by completing two questionnaires that were mailed to them.

The rate return for the questionnaires was 25%. A committee consisting of 31 people representing various segments of the community worked together top create this document. The specific people’s names and relationships to Knox are found at the end of this document.

The attached document is the future plan for the school. As in all planning, it serves as a blueprint given our knowledge of today’s reality. Each year, the plan will be reviewed and adjusted as necessary.

The plan is organized by means of five domains and 10 norms for what make a good school. The following descriptions help the reader understand the areas that define the structure of this report. We are thankful to Canadian Hallmarks Institute for providing us with the structure.

This domain focuses on the stated mission of the school in a formal description of the association’s purpose, basis, faith statements, etc. It details the community it wishes to serve and identifies the main objectives of the school’s program. It is a legal documentation that holds the association/school responsible for its operations. In addition, the main features will be available as a promotional instrument to inform parents and others who make inquiries about the school.

The community-based Christian school is owned and operated by a non-profit society which is structured according to a well-defined set of standards defined in the Charter, bylaws, and policies. These standards set appropriate ethical and legal norms for the policies of the board and society.

The effective Christian school expresses a clear vision of Christian education that is rooted in the nurturing environment of the Christian community. The Christian school discerns and rejects the basic beliefs of secular educational practice. The Christian school has a defined instructional purpose mission that guides all of its activities.

It is prudent to be guided by clearly written policies and procedures. The formation and regular review of these guiding directives from the board are to be respected, and honoured by all involved. Trust in the organization’s effectiveness and the goodwill needed for ongoing support are linked to the clarity of the policies, procedures, and to the level of transparency perceived by the community it serves.

The effective Christian school is led by administrators who give competent, professional management and instructional leadership. This requires an efficient process as well as clear policies and accountability mechanisms.

The effective Christian school is supported with adequate financial resources and responsible financial management.

In this domain, the focus is on the primary task of the school, namely, student learning. The assessment needs to include every aspect that directly and indirectly enhances the learning objectives for each individual student. While there are many different teaching methods and teacher instructional styles, the assessment must focus on learning outcomes as related to the individual abilities of the many different students. Parents may expect to receive the intended school curriculum, and also may expect to be informed how well their children’s participation and achievements are progressing. Early identification, timely intervention, and ongoing academic support are an integral part of the school program.

The effective Christian school has a program that considers student interest and ability and provides a balance of courses to meet student needs; uses a variety of instructional methods that consider pedagogical variety, student individualities, and evaluation techniques within a supportive classroom environment; and surpasses the requirements of the official Ontario curriculum.

The effective Christian school enhances the growth of each student in a supportive, stimulating learning environment. The Christian school affirms that the student, a unique person created in God’s image, matures and develops his/her abilities within the general pattern of human growth.

The effective Christian school employs teachers who are selected for their Christian commitment, personal qualities, and professional competence. The effective Christian school appoints Christian teachers and supports their professional performance in the classroom.

Effective schools closely monitor the conditions of the physical environment in which the students spend so much time. Attention needs to be given to a wide range of variables among them: building cleanliness, maintenance, safety of equipment, limited access to lab materials, air quality and the personal health of students. In addition to these variables, students also need a social-emotional safe environment as well as a climate that provides a positive, stimulating learning atmosphere.

This domain focuses on how the school stays with its support community and monitors the changing demands of society. Parents expect to remain informed and be consulted on issues that affect their children in the school setting. The school as the provider of the educational experience needs to monitor parents’ expectations and the way the school is perceived by its own community as well as in the larger community context. Developing and maintaining a high level of public trust is a primary responsibility.

The effective Christian school maintains regular contact with the parents and other support groups in the community.

We seek to follow God’s will for Knox Christian School. We have prayed together for His blessing. We have asked Hm to guide our thoughts and words. Now we pray that He will continue to guide us as the plan unfolds. Join us in prayer for the future plans.

As we proceed we do so in the assurance that He will guide us and lead us in the ways we need to follow. May our mission and vision be fulfilled by the grace of God!

Any plan must be guided by the organization’s stated purpose, vision, and mission.

KNOX’S PURPOSE STATEMENT (Why are we doing this?)

The earth is the Lord’s and everything in it,
the world and all who live in it.

Psalm 24:1

Train a child in the way he should go,
and when he is old he will not turn from it.

Knox Christian School’s purpose is to nurture, to provide a Christian worldview of creation, and to support Christian parents as they train their children. Our school plays an important role in the intellectual, physical, spiritual, and social development as we aim to equip our students for responsible Christian discipleship.

Knox Christian School will provide quality Christian education, promoting a Christian worldview encompassing all of creation. Students will be offered a strong academic background in a safe and caring environment. We will encourage them to use their God-given abilities and talents to equip them to live as responsible citizens and compassionate, community-minded Christians.

To provide each student with opportunities to grow and develop within the community of learners to be equipped to serve God and others.

KNOX’S MOTTO (A quick line that captures an interest in what we are trying to do)

Action	Title of Person Responsible	Performance Indicator	Deadline for Completion
i. Propose a good education process for new Board members.	Board chair	Report submitted to the Board	June 2007
ii. Research the possibilities of hiring a part-time administrator to coordinate events and initiatives as they develop.	Board chair	Report submitted to the Board	June 2010
iii. Propose to the Board a strategy for implementing a yearly board retreat.	Board chair	Report submitted to the Board	June 2007

Action	Title of Person Responsible	Performance Indicator	Deadline for Completion
i. Research the needed steps to implement a Christian day care and pre-school program within the school building.	Principal	Report submitted to the Board	October 2007
ii. Implement an international student program.	Human Resources chair	International Student Co-ordinator hired.	June 2006
iii. Develop a plan that explores all options for promoting Knox.	Promotion Administrator	Report to submitted to the Board.	January 2007
iv. Research the impact of offering tuition incentives for pastors’ families.	Finance Committee chair	Report submitted to the Board	January 2009
v. Create a part-time promotion administrator’s position.	Board chair	Person hired	May 2006
vi. Develop Advisory Groups that provide "expert" feedback in areas such as promotion and advertising.	Promotion Administrator	List of advisory groups submitted to the Board	June 2006
vii. Research ways to generate support from non-CRC churches.	Promotion Administrator	Report submitted to the Board	January 2009

Action	Title of Person Responsible	Performance Indicator	Deadline for Completion
i. Review and reinforce the guideline of the ideal committed Christian Knox employee and use that guideline in the hiring procedure.	Human Resources chair	Report submitted to Board	November 2007
ii. Ensure the ways that students at Knox are empowered to be Christians in today’s society adequately meet the challenges they face.	Principal	Report submitted to the Program Committee	June 2007

Action	Title of Person Responsible	Performance Indicator	Deadline for Completion
i. Research present Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) practices in other professions.	Board chair	Report submitted to the Board	June 2007
ii. Evaluate Knox’s present evaluation systems, incentive programs and recommend change where needed.	Board chair	Report submitted to the Board	June 2007

Action	Title of Person Responsible	Performance Indicator	Deadline for Completion
i. Review all budget lines and evaluate where changes are needed.	Business Administrator	Report submitted to the Board	January 2007
ii. Review present programs and their costs in the light of the school’s purpose.	Vice-principal of program	Report submitted to the Program Committee	June 2007
iii. Review the current tuition payment structure and examine its past impact on families.	Finance Committee chair	Report submitted to the Board	January 2008
iv. Research various tuition payment structures and recommend ideal structure for Knox.	Finance Committee chair	Report submitted to the Board	January 2008
v. Review the present tuition structure for families who have children with special needs.	Finance Committee chair	Report submitted to the Board	January 2008
vi. Design a financial brochure that outlines all financial strategies, tax credits, and financial information.	Business Administrator	Report submitted to the Board	June 2008
vii. Research the effectiveness of the $1,000 enrolment fee.	Finance Committee chair	Report submitted to the Board	January 2007
viii. Research future changes in financial environment in society and analyse their impact.	Finance Committee chair	Report submitted to the Board	January 2007

Action	Title of Person Responsible	Performance Indicator	Deadline for Completion
i. Develop strategies to increase public awareness and profile of the Central Ontario Christian Education Foundation.	COCEF Board rep	Report submitted to the Board	June 2007
ii. Develop strategies to increase public awareness of investment opportunities at Knox.	Fundraising Team	Report submitted to the Board	June 2007
iii. Research present financial support from churches and suggest ways to increase support for the mission and vision of Knox.	Promotion Administrator	Report submitted to the Board	January 2009
iv. Research present financial support from alumni and past families and suggest ways to increase support for the mission and vision of Knox.	Promotion Administrator	Report submitted to the Board	June 2007
v. Research the various structures available to encourage more help in the tasks needed to operate school committees and events.	Finance Committee chair	Report submitted to the Board	June 2007
vi. Allocate finances to future capital building enhancements as identified by the Board.	Board chair	Money allocated for building improvements in the budget.	March 2009
vii. Research ways to promote 100% use of the TRIP program.	Fundraising Committee chair	Report submitted to the Board	January 2007

a. OBJECTIVE – To provide a balance of student activities that recognizes different talents and interests.

Action	Title of Person Responsible	Performance Indicator	Deadline for Completion
i. Evaluate the variety of the Knox’s extra-curricular program and produce a report that includes a description of needed changes, implementation process, and costs.	Program Committee chair	Report submitted to the Program Committee	January 2008
ii. Survey the parents and students to see if various talents and interests are being met.	Principal	Report submitted to the Program Committee	January 2007

Action	Title of Person Responsible	Performance Indicator	Deadline for Completion
i. Recommend strategies to encourage positive student relationships.	Vice Principal of Program	Report submitted to the Program Committee	January 2007
ii. Develop a plan to celebrate students’ giftedness/accomplishments/contributions on a regular basis.	Vice Principal of Program	Report submitted to the Program Committee	January 2007
iii. Review discipline procedures and student courtesy expectations with the staff and submit a report to the Program Committee.	Vice Principal of Program	Report submitted to the Program Committee	Janaury 2007

a. OBJECTIVE – To attract and maintain a balance of qualified male and female teachers.

Action	Title of Person Responsible	Performance Indicator	Deadline for Completion
i. Review and research incentives for teachers to provide help for the cost of sending children to Knox.	Contract Partnership Committee chair	Report submitted to the Program Committee	January 2009
ii. Review the present teachers’ compensation package and other incentives.	Contract Partnership Committee chair	Report submitted to the Program Committee	January 2007

Action	Title of Person Responsible	Performance Indicator	Deadline for Completion
i. Implement a program whereby specific families support new teachers.	Development Committee chair	Report submitted to the Board	June 2007
ii. Review extra-curricular expectations for teachers.	Principal	Report submitted to the Board	January 2008
iii. Review class size guidelines and the support received in the classroom.	Principal	Report submitted to the Program Committee	June 2008

a. OBJECTIVE – Prepare the building for community use in a financially responsible manner.

Action	Title of Person Responsible	Performance Indicator	Deadline for Completion
i. Finish gym floor.	Building Steering Committee chair	gym floor is installed and the stage area is complete	September 2006
ii. Finish the kitchen.	Building Steering Committee chair	the cupboards and sinks are installed	September 2006
iii. Develop strategies to promote commitment to the financial needs.	Fundraising Team chair	Report submitted to the Board	January 2007
iv. Complete landscaping plan and drainage from the building.	Building and Grounds Committee chair	The front yard’s appearance is attractive.	June 2006
v. Improve parking lot and driveway.	Building and Grounds Committee chair	The driveway and parking lot is attractive and level at all times of the year.	June 2008
vi. Refurbish senior wing.	Building Steering Committee chair	Install tiles in the hall and paint the classrooms	September 2007
vii. Install elevator/lift by front entrance.	Building Steering Committee chair	Elevator installed	October 2007
viii. Install retractable gates where necessary in order to section off the senior section of the school.	Building Steering Committee chair	Gates installed	January 2007
ix. Explore financial options to fund the remaining projects.	Fundraising Team chair	Report submitted to the Board	June 2007
x. Increase Building and Grounds budget to cover added costs.	Building and Grounds Committee chair	Budget increased	January 2007

Action	Title of Person Responsible	Performance Indicator	Deadline for Completion
i. Inform families that the building can be used for large and small family functions.	Principal	Ads placed in Knox News	June 2006
ii. Develop a brochure promoting the use of the facilities and distribute to families.	Promotion Administrator	Brochure distributed	June 2007
iii. Include ads in publications to promote use of facility.	Promotion Administrator	Ads placed in newspapers, community guides, etc.	June 2008

a. OBJECTIVE – Maintain and develop further a positive internal and external school culture.

Action	Title of Person Responsible	Performance Indicator	Deadline for Completion
i. Develop a plan to promote and host Christian community events in the school.	Promotion Administrator	Report submitted to the Board	June 2010
ii. Propose a structure for major assemblies so that the majority of the community can attend.	Principal	Report submitted to the Board	January 2007
iii. Explore ways to expand the mentoring system for families new to the school.	Development Committee chair	Report submitted to the Board	October 2006
iv. Inform families of volunteer opportunities.	Principal	Ads placed in Knox News	March 2006
v. Research and adopt the structure of a volunteer recognition program.	Promotion Administrator	Report submitted to the Board	January 2007
vi. Explore the pros and cons of an incentive for volunteer hours completed.	Board chair	Report submitted to the Board	January 2007
vii. Advertise significant events to area churches on a regular basis.	Promotion Administrator	Database of churches established and churches contacted.	September 2006

Action	Title of Person Responsible	Performance Indicator	Deadline for Completion
i. Review present distribution system of newsletters and increase timely distribution of all materials to supporters.	Principal	All newsletters are delivered in a timely manner.	March 2006
ii. Create a monthly newsletter that provides a summary of upcoming events.	Promotion Administrator	Monthly event newsletters are produced.	September 2007
iii. Develop travelling ministry teams that can visit churches.	Promotion Administrator	Ministry teams go to churches	September 2008
iv. Update and expand the present alumni database.	Anniversary Committee chair	Alumni database is updated	September 2007
v. Develop a plan that allows pastors and politicians to participate in the school in a variety of settings.	Promotion Administrator	Report submitted to the Board	January 2008
vi. Promote the use of the building through a program that offers a variety of camps and courses.	Promotion Administrator	Camps and courses offered	January 2007

Action	Title of Person	Performance Indicator	Deadline for Completion
i. Develop a plan to regularly communicate the vision and mission of the school beyond the school community.	Promotion Administrator	Report submitted to the Board	January 2007
ii. Approve vison and mission of the school and guard the Christian principles that govern our school.	Board chair	Board approves vision and mission.	March 2006