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The opening of the St John of Kronstadt Academy marks a significant milestone for the ROCOR Diocese of Australia and New Zealand and the beginning of a prosperous future for our children. In opening, the Academy has achieved a number of firsts

1. The first accredited classical Orthodox school in Australia
2. The first Orthodox school in Queensland and
3. The first Orthodox school in our Diocese.

This step reflects the importance that we as Orthodox Christians place on the education of our children and the need to provide a solid spiritual and academic foundation in
an ever-changing society. St Basil the Great said "Seek out with much care and thought, a teacher who will be a safe guide to you in your manner of life; one who knows well how to lead such as are journeying towards God; a teacher who is rich in virtues [...] and wise in the Holy Scriptures."  

The vision of the Academy is one that echoes the teachings of the church fathers on the responsibility and purpose of education – to raise children in the faith, to focus on Christ and His Church and ultimately, to cultivate saints. This commitment is clearly evident in the Academy's core values, where liturgy, prayer, and worship take center stage, underscoring the profound significance of the Logos in every facet of the Academy's activities. 

An endeavour of this nature is not an easy one and the establishment of the Academy could not have been possible without the abundant grace and mercy of our Lord and the efforts of many who have laboured and donated to this noble task. Now we are already witnessing the profound impact of a classical Orthodox education on the students of the Academy.   

As a Pan-Orthodox school, the Academy is dedicated to supporting our brothers and sisters that make up the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic church. We welcome the unique contribution that our Orthodox brothers and sisters from different jurisdictions can make to the success of the Academy. We must always remember, although the world in which we live in is rapidly changing, there is One who does not change – Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8).  

The opening of the Academy marks just the beginning of a greater journey ahead, filled with opportunities and growth. I ask each one of you to extend your support to the Academy in any capacity you can and to keep the Academy, its dedicated staff, students, families, donors, and volunteers in your thoughts and prayers. 

With Archpastoral love and blessings, 

+ George 

Archbishop of Sydney, Australia and New Zealand 
ROCOR

OUR STORY

St John of Kronstadt Academy began in 2018, shortly after the birth of the Head of Academy's daughter. As new parents, Fr Stephen and his Matushka were learning how to care for their precious baby girl, blessed by God into their lives. Although formal education was years away, they began to think about their child's education and the type of person she would grow up to be.

With degrees in law and theology, Fr Stephen was a successful commercial lawyer and Parish Priest who maintained a deep interest in education. He was increasingly alarmed by the trends he observed in schools: young people seemed to be graduating high school with diminishing knowledge and a lack of purpose. The focus was solely on final year results and university admissions, with little regard for the type of
individuals students were becoming.

This concern led Fr Stephen to research education systems overseas, seeking countries that offered more robust educational experiences. After extensive investigation, he felt the only way to provide a better education for his children might be to relocate abroad.

Around this time, a parishioner handed him a book that included a chapter on "classical education." This educational philosophy emphasised forming the mind, body, and soul, fostering a love for all things true, good, and beautiful, cultivating wisdom and virtue, and engaging with the "great books." Graduates of this system are lifelong learners and
superior problem solvers.

From this single chapter, Fr Stephen knew he had found the education that his and other children needed. However, there were no classical schools in Australia, despite there being hundreds in the US, including classical Orthodox schools. The easiest option would have been to move his family to the US, but as he shared the idea with other parents, he realised there was a significant demand for a classical school in Australia.

After much prayer and reflection, the decision became clear: they had to start a classical Orthodox Academy in Australia. His Eminence George, Archbishop of Sydney, Australia, and New Zealand, also loved the idea and gave his blessings to pursue this vision.

Starting a school was both an exciting and daunting prospect. But as Orthodox Christians, we believe that with God, all things are possible.

Thus, St John of Kronstadt Academy was born, with a vision to cultivate saints who love God and their neighbours, living holy and righteous lives. Through much prayer, today, we have wonderful teachers, staff, an Academy Board, donors and a group of volunteers wholly dedicated to seeing the Academy succeed.

However, there is still much work to be done to grow and establish ourselves as the leading classical Orthodox education Academy in Australia. As a charity, every donation greatly helps us in this mission.

May our Lord bless, support, and guide us all. Please remember the Academy and all who labour in this task in your prayers.

ACADEMY LEADERSHIP

Our leadership team shape the future vision for our Academy and our students.

I would like to welcome you to the St John of Kronstadt Academy, Brisbane's first Orthodox school and Australia's first classical Orthodox school. It is a blessing to be able to serve our Orthodox community and to be part of a school that will mould our children to become that for which they were made - Saints!  

Our students are surrounded by Orthodoxy and are immersed in a classical form of education that spanned over 2000 years! Whether it is attending weekly liturgy, reading classical literature such as the Odyssey, Pinocchio or Peter Rabbit, or learning rhymes and songs in Latin, our students mind, bodies and souls are being nurtured toward the true, the good and the beautiful, ultimately Christ. 

Because our student's spiritual life is just as important as their academic life, we use every opportunity to help our students to grow in wisdom, virtue and eloquence and ensure that Christ the Logos is at the very centre of their learning.

As a parent of two children at the Academy, my Matushka and I could not be happier with the type of education our children are receiving and the atmosphere in which this occurs. It is for this very reason that I left a career as a commercial lawyer to help establish and head up the Academy because I wanted something far better for my children. It is also because I am a parish priest that I am able to ensure that we keep prayer and liturgy as the central focus of our school.

You are welcome to come and visit the Academy and to see the difference that a classical Orthodox education can offer your child and your family. 

In Christ.

Fr Stephen

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