On Saturday Aug 19, 2023, Heritage Christian School celebrated its 40th year of educating students of the Port Macquarie area. Over 600 people joined in the Gala Day, which began with a morning service, followed by an afternoon of live music, food stalls, and games run by Word of Life Ministries. Many past staff, students and their families attended the day, turning it into the biggest ‘reunion’ in the school’s history.
The Gala Day was also attended by Mr Pat Conaghan MP, Federal Member for Cowper, and Ms Peta Pinson, Mayor of Port Macquarie. Mr Conaghan addressed the audience in the morning ceremony, stating that Heritage Christian School plays an important role in the community’s “need for faith, family and values.” This ceremony, held in the school building affectionately known as ‘The Woolshed’, also featured remembrances of the rich 40 past years of school life, as well as speeches by the current Hastings Association for Christian Education’s Board Chair, Mrs Bree Brown, current Principal, Mr Matt Cohen, and Pastor David Pym of Port Macquarie Baptist Church. Mr Cohen spoke of the debt owed to the school’s founding families, long-serving staff and school leaders who grew the school from a fledgling group of 20 students in Years K-5 in 1983.
Heritage Christian School opened on 8 February, 1983 in the Presbyterian hall on Table Street. It began with one teacher, Mr Robert Koster, who taught all students with some assistance from parents. In 1987, student numbers required a bigger site, and the current location of the school in Mumford Street was purchased and repurposed as a school.
Saturday’s Gala Day was a resounding success for the school as it continues to grow and lead Christian Education in the Port Macquarie area. The school’s belief is that its four values – “Honour God”, “Learn with Courage”, “Serve in Community” and “Live with Integrity” – are as relevant today as they were in 1983. Given the school’s continued growth, they look to be relevant for the next 40 years as well.
1983
We are delighted to share this original article published in the Port Macquarie News on the 26th of January 1983. The article introduces Heritage to the Port Macquarie community and how it all began with a group of parents who “just wanted their children to have Christian education.” This year we celebrate providing 40 years of Christian education to the Hastings area!
1983
Heritage Christian School officially opened on the 8th of February 1983 with 20 students. The students ranged from Kindergarten to Year 5. Here is an article in the Port Macquarie News about this momentous day.
1985
Heritage Christian School started at the Presbyterian Hall on Table Street. This was a temporary home while looking for a property to purchase. After the careful consideration of 3 sites, the property at Mumford Street was purchased for $70 000, $30 000 of which the small parent body donated and acquired through various fundraising activities. Here are some letters, articles and fundraisers involving the journey to Mumford Street.
1987
On the 31st of October 1987, Heritage Christian School celebrated the official opening of stage 1 of the new school complex at Mumford Street. Due to the rapid growth and demand, stage 2 was already being planned for to accommodate a high school.
1988
In 1988 Heritage Christian School introduced a Year 7 class, aiming to expand up to Year 10. The students used temporary accommodation while the new classrooms were built. On the left of the image are Mr. Ken Dickens and Mr. Howard Boughton looking over building plans for expansion. On the right are the secondary students on their first day of Year 7.
1990
Did you know that the ‘Woolshed’ where we host Chapel was previously the Drovers Retreat Woolshed Restaurant? It was initially purchased to host our high school classes and consisted of 5 classrooms, an assembly area, a library room, and 5 administrative offices.
1991
In 1991, Heritage Christian School expanded to offer Year 11 and Year 12. Even with the expansion, Heritage was still aiming to stay a relatively small, family school.
1993
Did you know that we have a time capsule buried at Heritage? In 1993 the capsule was buried at the official opening of stage 6, with the hopes that it will be opened in 2083 to mark the school’s centenary.
