Christian schooling is an extension of the education which Christian parents provide for their children in the home. While recognizing that the home has the primary responsibility for children's education, we see that the influence of Christian teachers, peers, and curricula is significant in helping children develop as committed Christians and responsible, influential members of society.
We believe that the Bible is the written Word of God and is the standard by which all ideologies, philosophies, and theologies are evaluated. Therefore, education should be Christ-centred, in accord with Biblical truths and principles, academically sound, and effective in helping individuals to serve God and others.
Our Vision, Inspiring Hearts, Inspiring Minds. Our Mission To inspire young people by providing excellence in education within a caring Christian community. Our Values are Faith – Nurturing a Christ-centred faith and lifestyle. Learning – Cultivating a lifelong love of authentic learning. Community – Fostering authentic Godly relationships. Service – Encouraging acts of service at school and in the broader community.
Emmaus Christian College was founded as Bethesda Christian School in 1979. The first Year 12 class graduated in 1984. A shared campus arrangement with Vermont High from 1982 allowed access to a range of specialist facilities. Academic achievements flourished, and co-curricular activities expanded.
In 1988 Vermont High closed, and Tabor Adelaide, a Christian tertiary institution, purchased the school building and surrounding grounds. Bethesda shared facilities with Tabor Adelaide as both institutions grew and consolidated. A significant capital grant in 1996 allowed the school to purchase the property, and Tabor Adelaide relocated to Millswood.
Each year, with the assistance of grants and support from the Parents and Friends group, the College has carried out an ongoing program of upgrading and refurbishment to provide students with access to high-quality facilities and technology. A change of governance in 2002 saw oversight of Bethesda transfer to Tabor Adelaide. Eventually, the name of the school changed to Tabor Christian College.
In 2010, the school became Emmaus Christian College as its long-standing Board of Management assumed full responsibility for governance. The name "Emmaus" is from the Bible account of one of the events following Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection recorded in Luke Chapter 24. The account records how two of Jesus' followers had an encounter with the risen Lord Jesus Christ on the road to Emmaus, where "their eyes were opened," and they realized and understood that Jesus had risen.
