What a delightful bunch of students in my class. They really love Jesus. The worship isn’t only verbal though, I often see the students serving each other and loving each other in word and deed.
At the start of 2024, I moved to Rehoboth Christian College. I am so glad I did! You may ask why? Here is a sneak peek into my classroom.
During the first week of school, I was impacted by the depth of knowledge of Scripture from the students in my class. A testament to the work being put in at home, church and previous teachers. It really struck me how genuine their hearts longed to know God and to learn more. During a writing piece where students had to compare a photo of myself, aged 6 with me now as a teacher, one of the students wrote – “It is obvious to me that God has grown Mr Taylor in wisdom and knowledge!” This deep sense that God is the mover and shaker behind all that exists, comes out on a daily basis. It is refreshing, it is somewhat surprising, it is how we are made to be!
In Week 2, I had one of the students come to me and say, “Mr Taylor, you were a missionary! I want to be a missionary too. How do I become one?” A genuine seeking after the heart of God pervades the classroom. Another child has been reading a book called ‘Ten Girls that Changed the World’ during silent reading. When she finds a prayer or something interesting, she asks to share it with the class! Often you will find us end a writing piece with Soli Deo Gloria, our school motto, but this concept comes up in Science, HASS and all the other subjects too.
On Fridays, the students are allowed to choose some songs to sing as part of our worship time. These moments have been so precious. Imagine 27 students belting out “The Blessing” with all their heart, 8 and 9 year olds fervently worshipping their Creator! That’s what we have every Friday. On the other days of the week, I choose the songs, but will often have students saying, “Can we sing the Ten Commandments?” or “Can we sing the catechism?” or “Can we worship for a bit longer?” What a delightful bunch of students in my class. They really love Jesus. The worship isn’t only verbal though, I often see the students serving each other, opening doors, saying sorry, loving each other in word and deed.
The staff have been wonderfully supportive, and it has been a delight to meet all the parents and experience their warmth. It is evident that the parents at our school have a genuine desire to work together as a community to raise their children to be God-honouring, intelligent, creative and kind. My wife and I are so glad that our Ben has joined the school community and we look forward to our 3 year old starting next year. At the end of Term 1, I found myself mentioning to a colleague that teaching at the school feels like I am drinking from a fresh well. The teacher responded, “You do know that Rehoboth in the Bible is the name of a well and signifies that God has made a place for us!” I am so glad that God has welcomed my family into this place, and that we are sharing in this sweet well.
Soli Deo Gloria
Mr Peter Taylor
Year 4 Blue
Meet the Teacher
Mr Peter Taylor joined our Kenwick K-6 Campus at the start of 2024.
What do you find fulfilling in your role?
I love the daily interaction with students where I see them challenge themselves to grow academically, spiritually and socially. Being a teacher is like being a pastor / missionary to a captive audience each day. Real change happens before your eyes!
What are your passions or interests outside of work?
I love playing music, chess, making a garden and being in nature.
What church do you attend?
Redeemer Presbyterian Church
What is the latest book or movie you read/watched (or favourite book or movie)?
Latest book read is Storyteller by Zoe Daniels (Memoirs of her time as the Australian Foreign Correspondent in South-East Asia around 2009-2012).
