Excellence in education, grounded in Christian values.
College Board - Executive Chair Welcome
The educational philosophy of GEMS Christian Education Ltd is established on the belief that the Bible is the inspired and authoritative Word of God. We use the Bible as our sole standard of faith, truth and practice. The Bible provides the framework for all truth and is the foundation upon which our decision making is based.
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GEMS Christian Education, through its educational activities, embraces a close relationship between school and home, working closely together to develop children into young men and women with sound Biblical ethics and morals. Every student is encouraged to examine and develop a Biblical view of what is real, what is true and what is of value in their lives. As students recognise their identity, we encourage them to diligently use all the resources, talents and gifts that God has given them. Students are taught to acknowledge God as the source of these giftings.
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Educators at GEMS Christian Education are expected to have a very clear understanding of both their Christian worldview and how such a worldview affects their educational practice. Teaching staff recognise that they have a calling by God to minister to students, as well as a responsibility to lead students by example into a holistic understanding of their spiritual, academic, physical and emotional development. They are expected to pursue educational leadership characterised by professional competence and to exemplify Christian character and devotion to God.
The College’s curriculum is designed from the perspective of God’s truth and integrates all subject areas within the framework of a Biblical Christian worldview. The curriculum focuses not only on what is taught but how it is taught and why it is taught. Its central thread is an integration of faith and learning where all truth is valued as God’s truth. Christian culture is essential to GEMS Christian Education as a means by which values, beliefs and ethics are nurtured within the community.
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GEMS Christian Education oversees the following three Educational Enterprises:
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Emerald Christian College opened in 2001
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Little GEMS Early Childhood opened in 2015
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Ontrack Special Assistance College opened in 2018
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Contact us for further information about the company and its operations.
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​Tony Harrold
Executive Chair
College Board Members
Ps Tony Harrold
Executive Chair
Tony has been a member of the Board since 2001 and currently serves as the Chair of the Board. Married with five children, Tony brings over 12 years of experience as a practicing accountant in Emerald. He is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants and holds a Bachelor of Business (Accounting) along with a Graduate Diploma of Accounting.
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In addition to his role at the school, Tony and his wife manage a successful beef cattle enterprise and serve their community through his position as Senior Pastor at Hopelands church.
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Mrs Lorraine Grierson
Director
Lorraine has been a Non-Executive Member since 2022. She is married to Ross and holds a Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Education). As a registered teacher with the Queensland College of Teachers, Lorraine has a rich history with ECC, serving as the founding Principal from 2001 to 2010 and later as Head of Primary from 2011 to 2021. She currently shares her passion for early childhood education as a Kindergarten teacher at ECC's Little Gems.
Mrs Olga Kirk
Secretary
Olga has served as a Non-Executive Member since 2001 and was the founding Chairperson. She brings a strong background in social work and counselling, having worked extensively within the Emerald community. Olga holds qualifications in Social Work and Community Welfare. She and her husband, David, are proud parents of five adult children and grandparents to twenty grandchildren.
