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Patrick Long
A few years ago, I found myself more frequently saying that ‘there has to be a better way’. Recent polls and surveys suggest I was not alone, and the sentiment is shared by many today: 44% of US K-12 Teachers feel burned out (Gallup Poll, 2022), with another poll finding the 2 out of 5 teachers plan to quit in the next two years; 22% of UK teachers plan to leave within the next five years (The Guardian); and up to 30% of teachers in some parts of Australia feel the same way (president of the AEU). Indeed, that sentiment was a large factor in my leaving mainstream education in the UK for a smaller, independent Catholic school in France.
- About the Author:
Patrick Long, Deputy Headmaster of Chavagnes International College. www.chavagnes.org.
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Martin Keast
Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honour your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.” Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. (Ephesians 6:1-4, ESV)
The word ‘paideia’(παιδείᾳ) is a Greek word used in Ephesians 6:4 which is usually translated ‘discipline’ as in the ESV above. Paul is here requiring parents, under the headship of the father, to bring up their children in the ‘paideia of God’. This term is a very significant one in 1st century culture and we sometimes miss the richness that this imperative involves and its application to Christian and classical education. Doug Wilson, one of the early pioneers of the modern classical revival in Christian educational circles, wrote an essay entitled “The Paideia of God” which explored this richness (Wilson, 1999). I wanted to share some of these insights as a contribution to what I hope is the beginning of a classical renewal here in Australia.
- About the Author:
Martin Keast, Principal at Covenant Christian School, Canberra.
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This month the Queensland Classical Education network came together for a wonderful dinner at the Greek Club in West End, Brisbane. People from a range of education backgrounds, working teachers, homeschoolers, as well as those working on the establishment of new classical schools came together for an evening of sharing and making connections. Many animated discussions arose around the challenges and aspirations of our respective projects. Importantly the evening functions to build relationships between like-minded people and to share resources. This network building, breaking of bread and meeting of minds and hearts is essential to the development of the Classical Education renewal in Australia. Many of us felt encouraged and inspired with fresh insight and direction from this event.
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