Guiding principles at Unity Christian school have finally been inked.
After 40 years without, the school recently launched its first five-year strategic plan.
"The time for a strategic plan is ripe, it's probably overdue actually," said school principal Ed Noot.
"In the early years, they probably didn't think in core values, but in the current educational marketplace where there's a lot of choice, we have to."
Which is why the principal reworked his project for the Van Lunen fellowship.
Last year Noot was one of 24 Christian school principals selected to participate in a one-year fellowship program with the Van Lunen Center for Executive Management in Christian Schools. As part of the program, he was required to complete a school-based project. Initially Noot went into the fellowship with plans on examining and possibly revamping the administrative and school board leadership structure at Unity Christian.
Not long into the fellowship, however, he realized developing a strategic plan was much more pertinent.
"We've had a lot of strategic initiatives over the years, but we've lacked an overall plan that held everything together," said Noot.
"A strategic plan will help focus our leadership and define who we are."
In developing the plan, Noot surveyed the school community and worked with a Van Lunen advisor every week on the phone.
In the plan, there are six core values listed that include a dedication to God, community involvement, inclusivity, student engagement, and discernment.
There are also strategic goals surrounding educational excellence, fiscal responsibility, and community marketing.
"This really sets the agenda for our leadership team over the next number of years," said Noot. "This will keep our focus on the big picture, on what's important for our school."
The strategic plan can be viewed on the school's website at www.unitychristian.ca
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