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Tabeetha School is an English language school in Jaffa, Israel. It is owned by the Church of Scotland and operated by an Amuta. Pupils and staff from a wide range of cultures, nationalities and faiths work together.

Founding

In 1863 Jane Walker Arnott, a Scottish woman, came to Palestine because of her poor health (which the damp climate of Glasgow didn't help). She was of a well off middle class family, her father both owned land in Fife and was on the staff of the University of Glasgow. Although a Scot, Miss Walker Arnott was initially associated informally with the Church Missionary Society and was encouraged in the institution of the school by William and Maria Kruse, who had previously started a school but been thwarted by a lack of teachers. In 1863 she started teaching 14 girls in a room in the town. Baron Plato von Ustinov was also involved with the early days of the school.

The name of the school comes from the Book of Acts where it is noted that Tabitha (or Tabeetha) was a woman who was well known for her charitable work among the people, especially making clothes. In the early days the girls were taught needlework among other subjects.

Tabeetha quickly expanded and a purpose built school was finished in 1873, the funds having come from subscription in which Thomas Cook, the pioneering English travel agent, was one of the contributors.

Church of Scotland Involvement

All through Miss Walker Arnott's time Tabeetha was an independant mission school. On her death in 1911 the school was bequeathed to the Church of Scotland in her Will. The Church was, at this time, still suffering from the effects of the Disruption of 1843 and was not experienced in overseas work. In consequence the Church of Scotland sought the advice and partnership of the United Free Church of Scotland which was then a formidable institution. By 1914 a Scheme of Joint Administration was in place and the two denominations ran Tabeetha. This was laying ground for the future since in 1929 the two churches formed a union which continues to this day as "The Church of Scotland".

The building and land continues to be the property of the Church of Scotland although the management of the school is now by a local 'Amuta' or charity board according to the law of Israel.

The Church of Scotland still has an active part in the school and the Amuta. Currently two of the permanent staff (including the Principal) are direct employees of the Church (as Mission Patners) and are engaged to maintain the Christian ethos of the school in addition to teaching. Further Christian contact is maintained by strong links with the Church of Scotland, St Andrew's Church, Jerusalem; Emmanual Episcopal Church, Ramla and Immanuel Church (Tel Aviv-Yafo). Thus three major Protestant denominations Presbyterian, Episcopalian and Lutheran join informally, although they also have formal links within Israel.

Pupils

The school currently caters for up to 340 pupils aged 5 to 18 years in two departments, primary and secondary. Secondary pupils sit English IGCSE and A-Level examinations in a wide range of subjects, which give opportunity to access further study in Universities across the world.

Tabeetha School has, over the years since its founding, developed a pupil base from both local and international pupils. A majority come from the community in Jaffa with a significant number from a variety of countries based in the expatriate communities in Tel Aviv-Yafo. There are currently 37 nationalities represented on the school roll and a wide range of religious backgrounds, including Christian, Muslim, Jewish, Buddhist and none. This diversity is recognised by the teaching staff, the local board and the Church of Scotland as a valuable contribution to promoting reconciliation in a troubled part of the world.

External links

• [1] Tabeetha School
• [2] Church of Scotland
• [3] Immanuel Church Jaffa
• [4] Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem