Ms Watts said there appeared to be a link between declining anti-social behaviour in the area and religious instruction.

"When I started at the school six months ago some of the more challenging students were particuarly vocal and some of them have obviously seen a bit of a rough time which reflected in their social attitudes," Ms Watts said.

"But over the months they have opened up a bit. They now enter into our Christianity debates with real interest and that seems to improve their social attitudes.

"More respect for themselves and each other; the improvement has been very noticeable."

South Lakes Anglican, Morisset Baptist, Morisset Christian Life, Morisset and Wangi Uniting, Morisset St John Vianney and Seventh-Day Adventist churches and Avondale College joined forces to form the South Lakes Christian Education Association to fund twice-weekly scripture classes.

"It was the universal denominational nature of the project which appealed to me.

"Different churches but all feature the same Christian faith. That in itself is a lesson on togetherness for the students."