We have withdrawn our child due to the disappointing standard of education and the lack of resources at the school. It also frustrated us that the teachers don't follow some of the curriculum correctly, especially anything related to technology (the headmaster openly scoffs at this part of the curriculum). The chronic lack of resources and constant requests for money were also disappointing. For example, parents were asked to donate money for buying GLUE for the classsroom - what are our school fees used for!
But most disappointing of all was the unquestioning acceptance of these problems by the parents. Most shrugged their shoulders when issues such as gender discrimination are raised. Basically, we have always treated boys and girls differently, so why change it now. Parents that raised concerns were ostracised and gossiped about!!
The gender attitudes are unhealthily antiquated and not in line with modern social norms. The girls are treated like delicate flowers who must be protected from the dreadful rough boys. Either way you look at it, the children are not viewed or treated equally or respectfully. They even separate the children based on gender in swimming classes!
The headmaster is peculiar and preaches to both the parents (via weekly newsletter) and the children. Watch out for the content of his compulsory weekly preachings ('assemblies') to the children, as many are violent and NOT age appropriate. There were complaints parents earlier last year when he showed the infants children the gesture on how to cut a throat in the context of one of his religious stories about killing children! Hardly a christian or emotionally mature behaviour. And it continued all year without anyone questionning his behaviour!
Take a close look at the religiosity of this school, as it is CREATIONIST and does NOT teach evolution at all. They have bizarre spiritual beliefs. For example, my friends child asked her teacher why you could see your reflection in another's eyes. No scientific answer here, just rubbish about seeing the light of your spirit shining back at you... the child asked three times, wanting a factual answer, and this is what they were told. The child went home to their parent and asked again (clearly curious) and expressed frustration to have been ignored in this way.
I feel VERY concerned that children leave J.C. being weird and non-conformist in unhealthy ways. I have heard a private high school teacher say he can always tell the J.C. kids as they struggle to adjust to his school and social norms. In his words, "they are quite odd". I also heard at the last Speech Night that Mr Mane regularly has lunch with his Year 6 students where he preaches his wisdom to them - made my skin crawl at the thought of innocent minds being the captive audience of such an odd man... hmmmm!
We are so very happy that we have changed our child's school. Normal teachers, no religion shoved down the children's throats continuously and modern attitudes. I would definitely NOT recommend this school and encourage you to think carefully before enrolling your child. read more
