WCS Blog

Walk With God, Talk With God

Monday, June 17, 2019

As we worked through our theme this year, Walk with God, Talk with God, we learned the importance of knowing God, reading the Bible, sharing with God in prayer - both speaking with, and listening for God. We wondered, "what does it mean to be in step with God?" We learned that God is Lord of all creation - of words and language, of math, of people, of living and non-living things. We learned to pray not only for our own needs, but for others and on behalf of others. We learned finger prayers and acronyms, and to remember to praise the God of creation for His goodness, mercy and love. We have walked with our students for the first year or one more year. As we walk in this world, we trust that the Spirit is going before us. As students grow into the next grade and as we send off this group of grads, we thank you parents for sharing your family with us and partnering with us on the journey. We thank God for the opportunity and blessing of getting to know these students - for their joy, their sense of humour, their creativity, perseverance, their energy, their peace and for all that makes them who they are. To walk in this world requires wisdom and a heart in rhythm with God. Go well students and graduates. Go well into highschool and beyond: Alex, Allyson, Amber, Ashley, Brandon, Brennan, Brynn, Elliot, Eric, Frank, Hayden, Heeyeon, Jana, Julian, Katie, Liam, Malachi, Matthew C, Matthew T, Nathan, Owen, Paige, and Quinton. We thank God for each of you.

C. Verbeek

Posted by admin @ 04:06 pm

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nurture faith...

Monday, June 10, 2019

nurture faith….engage learning….grow in community

“As everyone has received a gift, even so serve one another with it, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” 1 Peter 4:10. God has given us an exceptional gift, Woodstock Christian School. Our physical building grants a safe space for children to gather and develop in the knowledge and understanding of God. To support this process, God has richly blessed us with classrooms, furniture, learning tools and beautiful outdoor space. Grade 7 used WCS to reach out and serve children in Liberia. The students imagined, planned for and held a fund-raiser to support the development of a library in Liberia, Africa. To complete this task the students collaborated with our school librarian, Mrs. Dieleman. She informed the students of the needs in Liberia and connected our students with an organization called CODE: Rewriting the story of global literacy. Students used math class to plan monetary and baking goals. The students used geography class and devotional time to initiate an understanding of the ‘injustice’ that exists in Africa. They used art class to design and create posters to promote the bake sale. The students used our school kitchen to bake their sale products. Parents supported the students by volunteering their time to supervise and encourage students in the kitchen. Generous parents sent their children to school to purchase the baked goods. Our school community raised $860. This is a significant amount of money for the development of a library in Liberia. In obedience to God’s word, we focus on the needs of others. Our curriculum allows us to gain knowledge and plan service. Our community supports our vision and encourages our success. The experience of meeting our goals in serving others deepens our love for God. What a beautiful cycle of biblical education, glorifying and giving testimony to the greatness of our God.

nurture faith….engage learning….grow in community

L. Racicot

Posted by admin @ 02:21 pm

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A day in the life

Tuesday, June 04, 2019

A Day in the Life – High School with LCH

On Friday, May 24^th, the older half of our WCS student body was able to experience a day in the life of a high schooler – well … almost. London Christian High (LCH, formerly LDCSS) took several of their teachers, students, and a few alumni on the road, headed east and set up shop – literally – at WCS. The gym became a wood shop and in the gym, students donned their safety glasses, were instructed in the safe use of power tools, and were able to build a Mennonite Marble Machine. What is that you wonder? It is, potentially, a perpetual motion machine using gravity, a lever, and a few wood pieces. Should there be an infinite number of marbles available for it to scoop and drop, it could operate ceaselessly. Students participated in a drama workshop and learned about tableaux. In the geography workshop, they learned about world economies and the use of resources, particularly international trade, and were challenged to think about what it means to be keepers of creation. What a great way to learn a little about the Christian high school experience! There are many ways that we partner with our sister school in London. In November, our 8^th grade students attend Grade Eight Day. We partner with transportation services. LCH provides the venue for some of our Bluewater District Christian School sport tournaments. Physical education students from LCH officiate and facilitate our sporting and Battle of the Books events. Many of our senior students go on to Christian secondary education at LCH. We share calendars and Remind groups. Our staff attend Edvance gatherings together, including the ‘new year kick-off’ breakfast in August each year. Our workshop day was a great way to bring students and schools together to celebrate Christian education.

Carol Verbeek, Principal

Posted by Joleen @ 02:45 pm

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Field Trips

Monday, May 27, 2019

The Benefits Of Field Trips

What do you remember from school? Chances are, a group project, a special speaker, or a field trip helped you decide. Every student comes to the classroom with a different world experience. We know that students who have been exposed to many different things do better in school. In order to be successful readers, students need to relate what they read to what they've experienced. To think broadly students need to have a variety of experiences.

As teachers, we know that field trips are important, but why specifically? There are a number of significant benefits. As teachers, a field trip is one of the best tools that we can use to provide every student with real-world experiences. Whether that's a trip to the local grocery store, waterfront park, a library, a museum, a theater, each experience that a student participates in contributes to their understanding of the world. They begin to see that what they learn within the walls of the classroom can help them solve the problems they see in the world around them.

Field trips and hands on learning make concepts more memorable. Just think back to what you learned in school, the field trips you took, and what you learned on them are still some of the clearest concepts. By seeing real-life application of the lessons that they are learning in school, children might be more likely to understand and appreciate the importance and relevance of what they are learning. Students are exposed to new experiences that hopefully broaden their horizons. Educational trips encourage the development of social, personal and study skills. It has been observed that students appear to come out of their shell on field trips, becoming creative and displaying leadership qualities.

At WCS field trips are an important part of the curriculum and I am sure your child will agree that it is something that they wouldn’t want to part with.

Mrs. J. Hickey

Posted by admin @ 03:07 pm

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The effectiveness of PBL projects

Monday, May 13, 2019

Every teacher longs for student engagement in their learning. Most teachers covet this because it means less behaviour issues which equals an easier time teaching. However, there are more reasons: teachers want their students to hit the curriculum targets for the year and gain important skills for later in life. But they also want their students to have fun at school and go home satisfied at the end of each day.

In my recent experience as a teacher, I've experimented with a concept that you may be familiar with: Project Based Learning (PBL). The Buck Institute for Education describes it as "Students working on a project over an extended period of time… a project that engages them in solving a real-world problem or answering a complex question. They demonstrate their knowledge and skills by developing a public product or presentation for a real audience."

In my experience, PBL units have allowed my students to hit the curriculum requirements and be engaged in their learning, especially when it's a hands-on project. In my last PBL, students were learning about medieval history in social studies. They were required to research a medieval person/occupation (i.e. blacksmith or serf) and the structure associated with that person (i.e. blacksmith workshop and serf's cottage). Students eventually built a miniature structure as well. Having students show this project off to parents and friends at our 1st Annual Celebration of Learning night was a highlight for myself and many of my students this year. Many teachers at WCS are now using PBL units as part of their teaching methodology and I'm excited to see more in the future!

Posted by admin @ 02:32 pm

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Physical Fitness & Health

Monday, May 06, 2019

Physical Fitness and Health

If you were at our Celebration of Learning, you would have seen, heard, and perhaps participated in the Daily Physical Activities which took place in the school gym. Our 6th grade students researched, wrote about, and presented the case for regular physical activity, as it is good for the body, the brain, and for our well-being. God has gifted us with beautifully designed bodies - bodies ready to move! As educators, we have commented that our students at WCS generally make excellent use of our playground and outdoor activity centres. Students are shooting hoops, playing soccer and four-square, climbing, sliding, playing baseball, practising their gymnastics skills, skipping, and playing GaGa ball. They are an active and lively bunch and embrace the opportunity for exercise. In just a few weeks, we will have our school-wide track and field day. Students are spending phys ed classes outdoors in preparation for this event. Please note that this is a school day and that we expect all students at school to be able to participate in this opportunity to run, jump, throw and to socialize with classmates and family. Parents and grandparents are most welcome to join us as well as we celebrate the gift of movement and physical abilities. We praise God that we are "fearfully and wonderfully made".

C. Verbeek, Principal

Posted by admin @ 02:19 pm

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Busyness

Monday, April 29, 2019

What business at WCS lately!!

Last week was Christian Education Week. What a blessing it is to have a Christian school where God is the center of everything we do. It was so great to see so many parents at the Picnic lunch on Wednesday. The children couldn't wait for your to come and with special lunches! The weather even cooperated and we were able to eat outside. What a blessing all you parents are to our students! Thursday was Grandfriend's Day and wow, what a lot of grandparents came to visit with their grandchildren. It is so much fun to watch the children and their grandparents interact with each other. The love they have for each other is so evident. What a blessing our grandparents are to our students!

This week, we are having our first ever, Celebration of Learning. The teachers and students have been busy learning, working, and polishing for this Wednesday evening event. The children are super eager to show off what they have been learning at school. Some of the learning on display will be about plants, 3D shapes, self portraits, living and non living things, simple machines, severe weather and natural disasters, legends, poetry, medieval structures and reports, healthy living, Sustainability presentations, art, and structures. We hope you will be able to see how amazing our Creator God is through our celebration. See you all on Wednesday evening from 6:30 to 8:00!!

N. VanAndel

Posted by admin @ 01:46 pm

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Tuesday, April 23, 2019

CITIZENS OF THE KINGDOM Christian Education Week 2019

Each school year Christian Schools International (CSI) designates a week to be Christian Education Week. Christian schools are established to glorify God, to recognize the lordship of Christ over every square inch of creation, and to nurture and equip students to become the next generation of those who answer the call to advance the kingdom of God across the globe. Christian Education Week is a time to remember the sacrifice of those who founded our schools and the continuous sacrifice of those who sustain them. It is also a time to reaffirm our commitment to advance God’s kingdom in the places we serve. Jesus’ ministry was singularly focused on the coming of the kingdom of God. Jesus said that the kingdom has ‘come near’, ‘is at hand’ or ‘is here’. The worldview of the schools that are part of CSI recognizes that the kingdom of God is here now. It is a present kingdom, not a kingdom that awaits us after we die. The kingdom advances when the people of God act like kingdom citizens and when God’s shalom bathes our schools, homes, and churches. Jesus empowered his disciples to open the door so all may enter. The kingdom of God is an unstoppable force. Jesus won. God’s kingdom is ever advancing. Our Christian schools are places where the good news is shared, where the next generation of disciples is being prepared for service, and where citizens of his kingdom are being equipped. Jesus teaches us to seek it: to put the kingdom first in our lives and in the lives of our children. That is the mission of the Christian school and the reason to celebrate God’s gift of Christian education today. The writer of Matthew focuses on the kingdom theme throughout the Gospel. Jesus tells and illustrates that Kingdom citizens love God above all. They seek to put obedience to God first. Kingdom citizens understand that kingdom living requires unmatched sacrifice and commitments that the world could never understa nd. They realize that kingdom living is a worthy calling along the difficult paths of life. Give thanks to God today that he has given us Christian schools as places to advance his kingdom and that he has given us the good news of his ever advancing kingdom to bring hope to the world. It is to glorify his name that we are called to kingdom citizenship. We have reason to remember and to celebrate God’s blessing of Christian Education. (Source: csionline.org/articles/christian-education-week-2019) Carol Verbeek, Principal

Posted by admin @ 03:34 pm

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Palm Sunday

Monday, April 15, 2019

Yesterday, in my church the Sunday School students stood at the back behind closed doors waiting for their entry into the sanctuary at an appointed time. It is an annual occurrence on Palm Sunday that students wave palm branches down the aisles as a reminder what happened when Jesus was about to enter Jerusalem. It was in his day that Jesus rode into town on a donkey, and a large crowd gathered and laid palm branches and cloaks across the road as they welcomed the Son of David. But what we, the adults in church, expected was not to be. Instead the students waved swords down the aisles as a reminder to us of what kind of Saviour the Jews were expecting. The crowd wanted a Saviour to deliver them from the hands of the Romans. What they received instead is a Saviour who could deliver them from their sins.

As we approach Good Friday and Easter take time to reflect on the message that Christ came into the world to be a Saviour who delivers us from our sins. It is a "lifesaver" (to use a word we heard at the Volunteer Tea this morning) that our students can hear that consistent message each year, each week, and each day at Woodstock Christian School. They can proclaim that "God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16)

Have a blessed Good Friday and Easter!

G. Hiemstra

Posted by admin @ 02:25 pm

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Monday, April 08, 2019

Springfest: Spring & Community

The snow has melted. Mud is drying. Birds are singing and building nests. Lawns are being raked and gardens cleared. Snow pants and winter boots are cleaned and stored. It's spring! For those in agriculture, construction, and other weather- dependent businesses, things are ramping up with new lists of jobs to do. One of the sure signs of spring at Woodstock Christian School is SPRINGFEST! If you've been in our front hall in the past few weeks, you would have seen signs, loads of bizarre (bazaar) bottles, and heard the excitement for this event mounting. This past Saturday, all the planning for this spring tradition culminated in a beautiful community event. We have a long history of bazaars and auctions and "-fests" at WCS, and each year and each event again, I thank God for blessing us with an outstanding supportive community. What do we mean when we include "Community" in our tagline at WCS? The idea of community comes from the sense of responsibility we have for each other. In the Bible, God encourages us to take care of each other while following the word of the Lord. We recognize the importance of maintaining connections with others to ensure a thriving community. Our desire at WCS is to create places of belonging. When there is opportunity for conversations, for good food, to sit and eat together, to meet new people, catch up with people not seen in months - or perhaps years, to play together, to engage in friendly competition, to be together because we love and support Christian Education - what a blessing! To the planners and volunteers, to those who generously donate for our various project and events, for all who attend WCS events - know that you are appreciated for your support and as community builders. We thank God for all of you!

C. Verbeek

Posted by admin @ 02:37 pm

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Change Your Perspective

Monday, April 01, 2019

Are you ready to change your perspective?

What are some of your routines? What is something you always do each morning? Or what about an evening routine? Maybe even your prayer life or Bible reading has become routine. Are you feeling stuck in a rut, or running on autopilot? Are you finding yourself doing the same things again and again without even thinking about it anymore?

A few minutes into the sermon on Sunday our pastor challenged us to change our perspective - literally! A few moments later the entire church was relocating themselves in new places in the sanctuary! There were lots of laughs, giggles and maybe a few interesting looks. Once settle in our new place I must admit it felt strange but, also got me thinking.

Isn't life like that. We are used to sitting in the same spot, singing the same songs, talking and hanging out with the same people; just going about things that are comfortable. God doesn't call us to live a comfortable life - He wants us to reach out and step out. This coming Saturday we as a school community will gather for the annual SpringFest. It is going to be easy to mingle with our familiar people, hang out with those we feel comfortable or have things in common with. But, I challenge you to take this opportunity to change your perspective. Take time to meet someone new. Talk with someone who looks unfamiliar, someone who in fact may be a total stranger! Remember, Jesus himself hung out with the tax collectors, Pharisees, with the children and the widows. You will be amazed at what opportunities God will provide you with to share His love with others if you are just willing to change your perspective.

Marcia Horinga

Posted by admin @ 01:19 pm

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Spring

Monday, March 25, 2019

"When there is still snow on the ground and it is too cold to do most other outdoor projects around the homestead, maple syrup making seems like the perfect activity to welcome in Spring." Over the March Break I decided to tap the two maple trees we have in our backyard and produce some maple syrup. After five days of collecting the sap from the tree, I began the boiling process. This indeed is a process, it took three hours of boiling on our camp stove outside to remove the water content from the sap. I spent a bit of that time just watching the sap boil, watching the steam rise from the pot. While outside watching the sap boil, I also witnessed birds fluttering around, singing, and the warmth of the spring sun on my back. The bright clear blue sky. Over the past number of weeks at our church we have been encouraged to slow down the pace of our lives and appreciate the blessings around us. March Break is an opportunity for our school community to slow down and take in the blessings around us. I hope and pray that you and your family were able to do that. If not, I encourage you to take some time this spring to go for a walk in the woods, sit on a bench in a park, or even boil some sap in your backyard, and look and listen for the blessings God has given to us. Enjoying creation and seeing God there is also part of Walking and Talking with God. "Come near to God and He will come near to you." James 4:8 Source: wholefedhomestead.com/small-batch-maple-syrup-making-you-only-need-1-tree/