Faithfulness is the quality of being loyal and steadfast. When we speak of God as being faithful, we are talking about His constancy, reliability, and unchangeable nature. Because God is faithful, we can trust Him fully, since in His unchangeable wisdom He knows what is best for us.
We are tremendously thankful to our great God for His faithfulness and providence at every step of Rehoboth’s remarkable journey. He has given us the great privilege and responsibility of nurturing and speaking His truth into thousands of young lives over sixty years.
Rehoboth Christian College opened its doors on 14 February 1966, the same day Australia officially converted to decimal currency. While the nation was getting to grips with dollars and cents, 23 students and two teachers were realising the long-held dream of Christian schooling in two small classrooms in the suburb of Wilson. Many faithful families, migrants from the Netherlands, had been praying, sharing the vision, and donating their time and money towards this very moment.
The story began in 1959, when these migrant families formed the Association for Christian Education and set the task of establishing a school that would replicate the Christ-centred, Bible-based, parent-directed schooling they had grown up with in Holland. Nothing quite like this model existed in Western Australia, and so they committed 10 shillings each week (equivalent to $19.40 in 2026) in the faithful hope that God would cause the vision to flourish.
Many of these families were in no financial position to make such a sacrifice. There are stories of migrants living in makeshift shacks built from the very packing crates that had carried their belongings to Australia. Many delayed the security of owing their own homes, choosing instead to invest in the foundation of a Christian school for future generations.
A week from opening day, however, the school still didn’t have a name. No one could agree – minutes of the AGM held 12 January 1966 note how ‘the meeting resulted in a somewhat disorderly business as the question of the namegiving of the school was raised’. Good Shepherd School, First Christian School, School with the Bible, even Kangaroo School were all suggested.
Finally, on 7 February, the board resolved to name the school Rehoboth, a name that had been suggested previously, but dismissed as no one really knew what it meant.
However, reflecting on the verse where the name is mentioned, Genesis 26:22, the board decided it was perfectly suited, noting in its minutes, ‘the name to be given to the school will be “Rehoboth School”, thus [reminding us of] glory to God, “For now the Lord has made room for us and we shall be fruitful in the land”’ – how appropriate for a school established by postwar migrants in a new land. And Rehoboth remains a vibrant migrant community today, with some 56 nationalities represented amongst our students and families, a school where as many Christians as desire a Christian education are invited and welcome.
Sixty years on, God has indeed made room and caused Rehoboth to flourish. Now a full K-12 college across two campuses, we are enjoying the highest enrolments in our history, 1143 students, and employ over 190 dedicated Christian staff. With our Secondary School very close to capacity, we are looking to the future, and the door God is opening for us to establish a third campus.
But it’s not just a numbers games, nor about fancy facilities. We must remind ourselves regularly of our roots – the origins of Rehoboth, our foundational principles and distinctives, and ensure we are firmly planted in God and His Word.
Rehoboth’s motto – Soli Deo Gloria – repeats what the Board said all those years ago – all glory must go to God for His providence and provision in maintaining Rehoboth through all the ups and downs that six decades has thrown our way. This is why our 60th anniversary theme is Yesterday Today Tomorrow – a reminder that God has been faithful since the seed was planted, He was watered it, caused it to grow, and He is still undeniably and blessedly central to our culture, our teaching and learning.
Ten years ago, reflecting on Rehoboth’s 50th anniversary, Monique Blok wrote, ‘while we relish the wonderful blessings around us, each day we celebrate the one ultimate gift that has been the centre of the school for the last 50 years, Jesus’ – to which we say, Amen! We are indebted to the scores of faithful teachers and staff who, over the years, have ensured that the goal of a Christ-centred curriculum has never changed or been compromised, and to leaders and boards who have remained faithful to the mission and heart of Christian education – thank you, each and every one.
We rest in Christ and wholly trust in Him for what lies ahead – for the glory of God alone!
