SCHOOL CONSTITUTION

1. School Name and Purpose

1.1 Our organisation is a Christian school in Aberdeen, called DÓXA THEÓ CHRISTIAN SCHOOL. The school’s purpose is to help parents fulfil their God-given responsibility of raising their children in the fear and admonition of the Lord, as mentioned in Ephesians 6:4, based upon the authority of the perfect, inerrant, and infallible Word of God.

2. Statement of Faith and Principles of Doctrine

1. The Authority of Scripture
– We affirm that the Holy Scriptures are the inspired Word of God.
– The entire Scriptures, consisting of 66 books divided into the Old and New Testaments, are God-breathed and serve as the absolute authority.
– God’s Word forms the base, premise, and foundation for our lives as Christians.

2. The Nature of God
– We acknowledge one infinite, eternal, holy, and glorious God (Psalm 147:5; Deuteronomy 33:27; Isaiah 6:3).
– He is the Great I AM (Exodus 3:14), characterised by love (1 John 4:8), grace (Joel 2:13), and mercy (Ephesians 2:4).
– God exists as Almighty, eternally existing in three persons: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.

3. Creation and Purpose
– We affirm that God created the world in six literal days and rested on the seventh.
– Humanity, made in God’s image (Genesis 1:27), exists for the glory of God (Isaiah 43:7).
– Our purpose is to live with Him and for Him, finding absolute joy, purpose, and satisfaction.

4. The Fall and Condemnation
– We recognise that humanity has sinned against God and fallen short of His glory (Romans 3:23).
– As a result, we are condemned to eternal punishment in hell, satisfying the just requirements of a perfect, holy God.

5. Salvation by Grace through Faith
– We acknowledge that salvation is solely by God’s grace, received through faith.
– We cannot save ourselves.
– God, in His grace, sent His One and Only Son, Jesus Christ, into the world (John 3:16).
– Jesus, fully God and fully man, died on the cross to pay the penalty for sin, rose from the dead (1 Thessalonians 4:14), and ascended to be with the Father.
– All who repent and believe in Jesus as Lord and Saviour receive God’s gift of grace.
– Fallen sinners, rescued by Jesus’ saving grace, have the absolute assurance of salvation (John 5:24) and are adopted into God’s family.

2.2 Our school adheres to the 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith. Nothing will be taught that is contrary to this.

3. Principles in Education

3.1 The school will be governed in every educational and practical aspect by the authority of the Word of God. This will be the foundation, guiding principle, and direction for the ethos and curriculum of the school.

3.2 DÓXA THEÓ CHRISTIAN SCHOOL aims to provide the highest standard of education, suitable for the widest range of intellectual abilities for the development and growth of the physical, mental, and spiritual well-being of every child.

3.3 Through clear instruction children will be encouraged and enabled, by the grace of God, to develop and own for themselves the reformed Biblical Christian worldview to the Glory of God.

3.4 Whilst children will be taught to hold firmly and advocate what God has revealed in His Word, they will also be taught that with humility they are to show respect and be gracious to those who do not submit to the will of God. Children will be taught to be gracious and generous and oppose inequality and injustice, which is the result of living in a Fallen world, by looking to the teaching and example of Jesus Christ as defined in the Word of God.

3.5 DÓXA THEÓ CHRISTIAN SCHOOL will warmly receive and accept pupils from all faiths, subject to their parent(s)/guardian(s) signing a document stating that they both understand and promise to uphold the School’s Constitution by not seeking to undermine it.

3.6 DÓXA THEÓ CHRISTIAN SCHOOL will actively seek to communicate with, support and update parents and guardians about the development, growth, and challenges of their children in the life of the school. This partnership is fundamental in the life of this school and in keeping with the calling placed upon parents to raise their children according to God’s Word.

4. Leadership Structure

The management of the early years, Primary, and Secondary Schools shall have a two-tier structure. This structure shall comprise the Board of Directors, and a School and Parents Management Committee.

4.1 The Board of Directors shall:
1. ensure that the school is governed by maintaining and upholding Biblical clarity
2. bear the collective and individual responsibility for the title to the heritable property,
3. administer all funds,
4. support and approve the school’s curriculum and its development,
5. support staff and all involved in the life of the school where appropriate,
6. carry the overall spiritual responsibility for the organisation to the Glory of God.

4.2 The School and Parents Management Committee shall:
1. report to the board and be responsible for the day-to-day management of the school,
2. support the staff in the implementation of the school curriculum,
3. assist in managing the school’s operational budget,
4. address any practical matters connecting with the school and premises,
5. inform the board regarding compliance issues with education legislation requirements for the schoolanything that impacts on the daily running of the school,
6. support the school by participating in practical and social activities including fundraising work for the school.

4.3 All school staff must be devoted Christians and be members of a confessionally Reformed church. They shall be interviewed and appointed by the Board. They shall be required to sign the document Appendix A, stating that they subscribe to the Statement of Faith and the Principles of Doctrine, as per Section 3 before being appointed.

5. The Board of Directors

Board Membership

5.1 The members of the Board shall be legally recognised Directors or Trustees and Members of the Company and/or Charity. A maximum of three members of the Board can also serve on the School and Parents’ Management committee.

5.2 The Board shall consist of a minimum of four and a maximum of twelve members. Members of the board must be men who:
• Are in good standing members in a Confessionally Reformed Church,
• Have demonstrated a clear and passionate commitment to the cause of Christian education,
• Have the written support and agreement of their church leadership,
• Signed Appendix A (see below).• Are members of PVG scheme prior to appointment.

5.3 When proposing a new board member, they must first be nominated and seconded. Then at least 70% of board members must agree before welcoming the new member to the board.

5.4 Each Board member shall aim to serve on the board for a minimum of two years. An annual review of all board members and roles should take place at the AGM (see 7.3).

5.5 Board Members wishing to resign must provide a written resignation to the Chairman and Secretary.

5.6 Teaching staff, especially the head teacher, should be invited to attend board meetings.

5.7 If the Board has concerns about a Board member, discussions with that member must take place. Following this, the Board will write to the member’s church detailing their concerns. If there remains an ongoing and growing concern, then the Board can vote to remove the person from the Board by a unanimous vote of all remaining Board members.

5.8 Any member can call a Board meeting and then the agenda and details are arranged by the Chairman and Secretary. Every effort must be made to ensure times and dates are suitable for the members of the Board, with at least one week’s notice being given for normal meetings. A quorum of 70% of the membership must be in attendance for a meeting to take place.

5.9 The Board shall have at least one regular meeting per term. The Chairman will preside over all Board meetings or a nominated Board member in his absence.

5.10 The Board shall elect a Chairman, Treasurer, and Secretary, and may appoint a non-voting ‘writing secretary’.

5.11 Board members will receive an agenda and a Board financial statement no less than seven days before a Board meeting takes place. Board members may request items to be included on the agenda by writing to the Board Secretary at least five days before the Board meeting.

Each agenda shall include the following statutory items:

1. Opening and closing prayer.
2. Confirmation and acceptance of the accuracy of the minutes of the previous meeting.
3. Updates given from the head teacher/teaching staff about the progress of the school.
4. Financial updates will be provided by the treasurer and anyone else involved in financial matters in the school.
5. Decisions made by the Board will be made by consensus amongst the Board. In certain cases, a vote can take place and will require a minimum of 70% of the votes for a motion to pass.

5.12 A minute of all Board Meetings shall be taken by the Secretary or other nominated person and forwarded to Board members within seven days of the meeting.

6. The School and Parents’ Management Committee (SPMC)

6.1 Membership shall consist of at least one member of staff (including the head teacher), an appointed chairman, a finance administrator, and a secretary. The committee shall consist of a minimum of four and a maximum of twelve members. Members of the SPMC must be those who:

• Have demonstrated a clear and passionate commitment to the cause of Christian education,
• Have the written support and agreement of their church leadership,
• Signed Appendix B (see below).
• Are members of PVG scheme prior to appointment.

6.2 Board members or SPMC members can propose certain individuals who meet the criterion of 6.1 to the committee. New SPMC members must be proposed, seconded, and then agreed upon by the school board before being welcomed to the SPMC.

6.3 Each SPMC member shall aim to serve on the board for a minimum of two years. An annual review of all SPMC members and roles should take place at the AGM (see 7.3)

6.4 SPMC wishing to resign must provide a written resignation to the Chairman or secretary.

6.5 Teaching staff, especially the head teacher, should be invited to attend SPMC meetings.

6.6 The SPMC may invite individuals to attend its meetings to seek expertise and advice. These individuals will not become members of the SPMC.

6.7 If the SPMC has concerns about a committee member, discussions with that member must take place. Following this, a written statement will be given to the Board, and they will write to the member’s church detailing their concerns. If there remains an ongoing and growing concern, then the Board can vote to remove the person from the committee by a minimum of 70% vote by the remaining Board members.

6.8 An SPMC meeting can be called by any member and then the agenda and details arranged by the Chairman and Secretary. Every effort must be made to ensure times and dates are suitable for the members of the committee, with at least one week’s notice being given. A quorum of 70% of the membership must be in attendance for a meeting to take place.

6.9 The SPMC shall have at least one regular meeting per term. All committee meetings will be chaired by the Chairman or another committee member nominated by the SPMC to fulfil the role in his absence.

6.10 The SPMC shall elect from among its members a Chairman, Treasurer, and Secretary. It may appoint from outwith its number a non-voting ‘writing secretary’.

6.11 Committee members will receive an agenda. Committee members may request items to be included on the agenda by writing to the secretary at least five days before the Board meeting.

Each agenda shall include the following statutory items:

1. Opening and closing prayer.
2. Confirmation and acceptance of the accuracy of the minutes of the previous meeting.
3. Updates given from the staff about the progress of the school.

6.12 A minute of all Board Meetings shall be taken by the Secretary or other nominated person and forwarded to Board members within seven days of the meeting.

7. General Meetings

7.1 DÓXA THEÓ CHRISTIAN SCHOOL shall hold an Annual General Meeting consisting of all stakeholders who are as follows:
1. Members of the Board
2. Members of the SPMC
3. Parents and prospective parents of the school
4. Prayerful and financial partners to the school. The time, place, and agenda of such meetings shall be determined by the Board and communicated to the members of the organisation not less than one month before the date of the meeting. The meeting is to be chaired by the Board Chairman or other Board member nominated by the Board.

7.2 Each agenda shall include the following statutory items:
1. Opening and closing prayer.
2. Confirmation and acceptance of the accuracy of the minutes of the previous AGM.
3. Updates given from the head teacher/teaching staff about the progress of the school.
4. Financial updates will be provided by the treasurer and anyone else involved in financial matters in the school including an updated yearly financial report.
5. An annual review of all members of the Board and SPMC.
6. In certain cases, a vote can take place and will require a minimum of 70% of the votes for a motion to pass.

7.3 Members shall be entitled to table items for the agenda. Items for inclusion in the agenda must be tabled a fortnight before the meeting, and the agenda distributed not less than one week before the meeting takes place. Items may, in addition, be raised under A.O.C.B. but will not be discussed or voted on at that meeting, except at the discretion of the chairman. Any proposals regarding the running of the school must not be inconsistent with the Word of God.

7.4 Special meetings may be called at any time at the discretion of the School Board. Such a meeting must state the reason for calling the meeting and notice of a special meeting must also include a statement of these reasons.

7.5 A minute record/transcript of all Annual General Meetings shall be taken by the secretary of the board or SPCM or a member nominated by the Board.

7.6 DÓXA THEÓ CHRISTIAN SCHOOL can also call a public meeting where any member of the public can attend. This can include updates about the school and an opportunity to discuss certain matters relating to the school. No binding decisions and votes will be made in public meetings.

8. Finance & Assets

8.1 The Board shall obtain the necessary funds for operation, maintain accurate records, and determine how the funds shall be distributed. Funds may be raised by the payment of tuition fees, donations, subscriptions, and such other means as are consistent with the Constitution.

8.2 The Board shall be responsible for setting the school fees annually.

8.3 The Board will consider any requests for a reduction in school fees. These decisions will involve a review of the individual case and, where possible, communication with the local church to determine the best way to support the individual family. Consideration will be given regarding the family’s commitment to the Word of God and values of the school and the decision rests with the Board.

8.4 Funds raised shall be used to further the aims of the school. Board Members are not entitled to receive any payment out of the school’s property or finance, other than actual expenses.

8.5 The Board can, at its discretion, permit staff and certain individuals with agreed budgets to use designated funds for the advance of the Christian school and to facilitate its day-to-day running.

8.6 The organisation shall have power:
1. to purchase, lease, hire, or otherwise acquire any heritable or movable property for occupation or use by the school following its stated purpose.
2. to sell, feu, let on lease, or tenancy, or otherwise dispose of or deal with buildings or land or any interest therein.
3. to erect, alter, maintain, or repair and generally promote the preservation of any buildings or land vested in the association.

9. Amendment

9.1 No amendments shall be made which would have the effect of causing the organisation to cease being a recognised body.

9.2 No amendments shall be made regarding the Purpose (section 2), Statement of Faith and Principles of Doctrine (section 3), Educational Principles (section 4), and Amendments (section 12).

9.3 Changes to this Constitution can only be made at a properly convened General Meeting with a 75% majority vote.

10 Dissolution

10.1 In the case of dissolution, the property and monies of the organisation shall, after realisation and settlement of debts, be donated to an organisation involved in the promotion of Christian education, which is itself a charity for tax purposes. The choice of organisation shall be at the discretion of the School Board.

10.2 Dissolution shall only take place where a 70% majority of the board members are in favour of it.

10.3 Each board member undertakes that if the company is wound up while he/she is a member (or within one year after he/she ceases to be a member), he/she will contribute up to a maximum of £1 to the assets of the company, to be applied towards:a) Payment of the company’s debts and liabilities contracted before he/she ceases to be a member,b) Payment of the costs, charges, and expenses of winding up,c) Adjustment of the rights of the contributors among themselves.

APPENDIX A
Application to join the School Board

I hereby declare that I have read and understood the Constitution of the School and promise not to undermine its purpose and goals.

Statement of Faith and Principles of Doctrine:

This is to be signed by:
a. those serving on the School Board and School and Parents’ Management Committee upon their taking office and thereafter annually.
b. all staff before their taking office and thereafter annually.

I hereby declare that I read and understood the Constitution of the School and will without reservation abide by its rules and agree with its aims.

I hereby declare that I agree with and will uphold without reservation the Statement of Faith and Principles of Doctrine (Section 2) with good conscience.

I hereby indicate that I am a church member in good standing members in a Confessionally Reformed Church with a clear and passionate commitment to the case of Christian education.

Name: _____________________________________________________________________________________

Address: _____________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Telephone: _____________________________________________________________________________________

Email: _____________________________________________________________________________________

Name of Denomination/Congregation: ____________________________________________________

Signature: _________________________________ Date: ________

APPENDIX B

Application to join the School and Parents’ Management Committee

I hereby declare that I have read and understood the Constitution of the School and promise not to undermine its purpose and goals.

Statement of Faith and Principles of Doctrine:

This is to be signed by:

a. those serving on the School Board and School and Parents’ Management Committee upon their taking office and thereafter annually.

b. all staff before their taking office and thereafter annually.