Four days before the 2025 school year was due to begin, a fire tore through the complex that housed Christian Outreach College in Nasinu, Fiji. Two weeks later, students were learning again in a Methodist church hall. Other A.C.E. schools lent books and Score Keys, former students raised funds for equipment, and families and staff helped set up a place where children could get back to their schoolwork.
That story leads the September–October 2026 issue of Accelerate Magazine. This edition puts Fiji in focus and takes us across the wider Christian education network, from classrooms in Indonesia to student conventions in the Papua New Guinea Highlands.
Four schools, four stories from Fiji
Christian Outreach College calls its story “But God.” The school spent nearly 15 months in the church hall before moving into new premises in Nasinu in May 2026. For its students, the recovery was a chance to see what their school community meant when it talked about God’s provision. They saw it in the people who offered a space, lent resources and helped them start again.
At Dayspring Christian College, students put away their devices for the annual camp on Leleuvia Island. Coral planting, sport and team projects gave them opportunities to care for God’s creation, take responsibility and practise the character they were learning at school.
Nadi Christian Community School, founded in 2002, shares how small classes and individualised learning help teachers recognise each student’s strengths and see where they need support. Athletics, music, public speaking and other activities give students room to develop their talents and grow in confidence.
At Suva Christian Community School, A.C.E. trainer Litiana Waqabilibili takes readers behind the scenes. Staff development, regular reviews of student progress and lessons built around character themes all help teachers respond to what students need. Eisha Kau’s illustrated guide rounds out the Fiji spotlight with a look at the country and its 11 schools using the A.C.E. curriculum.
A farewell and a new season for the magazine
The issue honours Kathy Fisher, who retired in July after more than 19 years of service with Accelerated Christian Education and Southern Cross Educational Enterprises. Kathy served as a teacher, supervisor and principal before becoming a Liaison and Training Officer. Through staff training, conferences and school certification support, she shared what she had learned in the classroom with educators across the region.
Lou and Shireen Graham step into the role of co-editors with a commitment to keep sharing stories from schools, families and ministries. Senior Pastor Slabbert Pretorius opens the issue by asking leaders to consider how a Biblical worldview shapes everyday decisions, from what schools teach to how they train staff and steward resources. Pastoral letters from Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and the Pacific Islands return to the same theme through the daily work of teaching, encouraging students and serving faithfully when the term gets demanding.
Education pathways and practical support
Unity College Australia explains how it supports students pursuing vocational education for work, leadership, ministry and service. The feature looks at what it means to study with an Australian registered training organisation and how the college seeks to provide personal support to learners across the South Pacific.
For Papua New Guinea schools and families, the Certificates Department outlines the steps A.C.E. graduates follow through the National Online Application System. The guide explains who handles each stage, from school registration and moderation to student course choices and the submission of final transcripts. It also explains when a course may require the Special Tertiary Admissions Test.
In Indonesia, Roi Sundoro reports on how affected school communities temporarily shifted to home learning after volcanic ash from Anak Krakatau disrupted routines. The article describes how schools adapted and invites readers to pray for the communities affected.
From the warehouse to the website
SCEE’s warehouse update introduces the regional webstores launched in June and outlines work on a dedicated New Zealand store and planned distribution hubs in Pangia and Jakarta. It also covers freight pressures, curriculum changes and year-end ordering. Among the resource updates are the fourth edition of Physical Science and revised New Zealand Social Studies materials.
In A New Digital Experience for SCEE, Nathan Waqa shares plans for a redesigned website with better search, a clearer resource centre and easier access to A.C.E. information, training, events and regional support. Karl Duxfield also previews improvements to Convention Portal training and invites graduates and schools to share their A.C.E. stories.
The issue’s editorial introduces the Bush Schools Project and its work bringing literacy and the Gospel to isolated island villages. The back page brings together contacts for pastoral care, school and homeschool support, educational resources, training, events and outreach.
Student Convention across the region
Under the theme “Righteous Ones,” the 2026 Student Convention season began in Fiji with sports, creative exhibits, platform presentations and rallies. In Pangia, limited power and water called for some ingenuity. When the athletics team needed a starting signal, two wooden planks did the job.
New Zealand welcomed homeschool families and a visiting team from Singapore. At the time of publication, the events team also shared plans for Australia’s family camp at Mount Tamborine, with a visiting team from Nauru, and reported that 427 students had registered for the Indonesia convention. The Solomon Islands convention was unable to proceed this year. Across the recap, Lou and Shireen thank the supervisors, parents, judges and volunteers who make these events possible and invite more homeschool families to take part.
From a church opening its hall after a fire to a teacher making time to check on a student’s progress, this issue shows how much Christian education depends on people giving their time and putting their faith into practice.
