God in our Transitions!

Last Friday, we welcomed students from JK-8 that are enrolled to begin at WCS in September. They joined their classes-to-be, were welcomed by their teachers and students, and had opportunity to get a taste of what school will be like for them in the fall. God is blessing WCS with many new enrollments for the school year 2016-2017 and we are so excited! We are thankful for all the new families and pray that as they prepare to come in September, God will lead them and bless the transition time.

The Grade 8 students are in their final days at WCS and as they prepare for graduation and for transitioning to high school, we also pray that they will ‘be well’. What an exciting …and a bit scary… time for our graduates. I also am finishing up my work at WCS, saying good-byes, and transitioning to what God has planned for my life as I face the future.

It is so good to know that God goes with us wherever and whenever we go to new places and situations. Deuteronomy 31:6 comes to mind as a verse we all can embrace, whether we are coming, going or staying: “Be strong and courageous, Do not be terrified…, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Mrs. Bernice Huinink-Buiter

It is hard to think that there are only 13 days left of school before we head out for our summer vacation. This year's school theme has been focussed on "Telling God's Story" and over the past 163 days of school many stories have been told. Each child has grown and travel led a little in their own story, we have heard stories of our amazing God and his creation, and this morning we heard stories through music. And over the next 13 days, more stories will be told as teachers begin to wrap up units of study, we talk about summer plans, and just rejoice in the amazing stories that God has for us to learn and experience over the next few days. 

As I think back to September and the new students I had coming into my classroom for the first time, and think to where they are now, I am amazed at the story that each one can tell. They will share stories of sadness, joy, challenges, and successes. Each one of their stories combined together for these past 10 months to create an additional story in their lives. A story of community where we could learn, grow, and support one another in all that we do. I pray that as you and your family prepare to head into the summer that you will continue looking for the many different stories that God is sharing with you. 

Have an amazing last couple of days looking for, and listening to the stories. 

E. Schuster

 

"Remember this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously....Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver, and God is able to make all grace abundant in every good work."  This is a passage written by Paul, in 2nd Corinthians.   After nine years attending WCS, these words ring very true to me and I see ways of how we apply it to our days at school. 

For example, here at WCS, we try to spread God's love to our community.  One way of doing that is becoming aware of issues around us and how we can help. Our senior class participated in an environmental program sponsored by GM.  We visited Cedar Creek and tested the water for pH, temperature, shade and dissolved oxygen.  Now our class has decided to tackle our own local problem: Turtle Road Crossing.  Together with Brad Hertner we are going to try to fix it.  In addition, our teacher challenged us to tackle another issue and write an essay on it.  Some topics were global warming, irrigation, water foot print and scarcity, water disease, habitat, and consuming freshwater. 

Another completely different way to reach out to our community is by monthly visits to Caressant Care.  We play euchre, shuffle board, jenga, snakes and ladders or just talk and listen to their stories.  The residents enjoy having us. 

 Back in school, we are also called to "sow our seeds" within our own school community.  One great way is our "Leadership" teams. These teams have replaced student council.  Students realize how many different tasks they can sign up for around the school. We have an environmental team, snow shovelling team, library club, morning announcements team and many, many more.  Personally, I think that this is a better system than students council because the weight is spread evenly between everyone.  This also means jobs get done much faster!

One great example of this is our recent Spring play, Anne of Green Gables .  Being in the play is a really fun experience even for those who think they can't act.  There are opportunities for the sound, facilities and technician teams.  I played one of the main roles in the play and was excited to get to know the younger actors also performing.  Acting alongside is not only fun, it provides lasting friendships.  The Directors give you feedback which will bump-up your performance.

 Overall, this school is one of the most comfortable places I have been to.  All of the teachers want students to grow in knowledge and become children of God.  Since coming here, my faith has seeded and blossomed.  I get a real sense of community and belonging when I participate here.  I hope all students will feel the  same way!

Janelle Kroondijk

This is the Air I Breathe…

It is a joy to begin my week in the Grade 5 classroom this morning for their opening devotions. The class sits in circle formation at the back of the room and listens to one of their peers lead with a reading about Psalm 8. Altogether, we ‘see’ God’s amazing presence throughout the universe and also within each of our hearts. In the devotional piece, the question asked is “How can God be EVERYWHERE?” with the response that God is so awesome we cannot understand His presence, but know it is true. As I try to wrap my thinking around this profound thought, I feel the gentle breeze through the window and I breathe deeply. Immediately I am overwhelmed with the message of Acts 2 in which God sent His Holy Spirit with what sounded like a wind. I realize God’s presence is like the air that is always around us and in us. I take that for granted and so often I take God’s presence for granted as well. But not this morning… through the message of a Grade 5 student, I thank God for his overwhelming presence, love and care. As we pray together, God hears our requests and praises. He is with us again as we live through another day.

What a blessing to begin our school day with God in this awesome way!

Mrs. Bernice Huinink-Buiter

WCS Field Day This coming Thursday we hope to have our Track Meet. If for any reason we cannot have our meet on Thursday, please check the website www.woodstockchristian.ca and have your children bring their lunches and books for regular classes. On Field Day, our primary and junior students up to grade 5 will strive to meet our school standards which will allow them to win a bronze, silver, or gold award for each event they enter. The results of this field day help us to choose the teams that represent the school in district action. Usually those who finish in the first two positions will be chosen for the school team, but many factors such as the results in another age group, or the number of events a student may enter also come into play. A schedule is posted in the Parent Link to help parents plan to watch the events of their children. Please ensure your children are dressed appropriately for the weather and for their events. Students should have sun screen on prior to coming to school. Mrs. J. Hickey

A moment in the day of…..

Last week Thursday, I spent 15-20 minutes visiting each class in session and wish that every supporter of WCS could do the same. Worship time in JK, storytime (Goldilocks and the 3 Bears) in SK, birthday celebrations in Grade 1, math (perimeter) in Grade 2, student presentation on Spiders in Grade 3, Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night introduction in Grade 4, Medieval  Era timeline in Grade 5, Math multiplication drill in Grade 6, Literature circles in Grade 7 and Graduation planning groups in Grade 8. I saw God’s love in every class! So, so good!
After this amazing time all I could do was pray. 
“THANK YOU GOD!! What a ‘wonder’ full place WCS is for our precious children to uncover Your works, to experience the love of Christ,  and to find their place in Your story! “ 
Thanks to Mrs. Streutker who takes photos and posts a ‘recap of the School week’ on the school’s Facebook page each week- that’s the way you can experience some of what happens at WCS!
I feel so blessed to be have been called to lead here at WCS!

                            Mrs. Bernice Huinink-Buiter

A recent survey sent to families at Woodstock Christian School asked the following question.

How has our school been a benefit to your child?

• Our children are happy to go to school.  They love their friends, are growing in faith and Christian character and are doing well academically.
• They are getting the right amount of help to pass their grades.
• Positive influence.
• My child has learned how to overcome hardships and forge new relationships.
• The love for our children from the staff is amazing.
• I know my child is loved and well cared for.  Their well being is top priority.
• My child is more independent and self confident now.
• Loving teachers that care.
• Amazing! I can't believe how much my child has grown and learned.  As parents we couldn't be happier!
• Highly recommend Christian Education.  Gives them a strong base to build upon.
• Beyond words! Our family feels a lot of support from the school.  We definitely feel that the school is walking alongside our family as we raise these kids for Christ.  

    First, I would like to thank the WCS community for their support in the production of "Anne of Green Gables." It was so great to see so many parents, grandparents, and friends of the children come out to see our production!! As one of the directors, I have the great privilege of working with the students and watching them develop the talents God has given them. It is so awesome to watch them shine on the stage.
    Second, I would like to thank the administration of WCS for allowing each grade in our school the opportunity to watch drama presentations. I have a real heart for acting and I am very grateful that each year our students can experience drama presentations. Grade 4 is starting a study of William Shakespeare this week and will have an opportunity to put on a play for the whole school audience and for parents and grandparents.
    Thanks once more for all the love, encouragement, and support that we have received from our WCS parents and community!!
                            N. VanAndel

 

The Next Page of our Story???

    This year we have been made aware that God is calling us to tell His story. And we have done this with much joy! We have also learned that God is writing our story. Each day we live, God is leading us through the story prepared in advance for us. Our life story belongs to Him! At WCS, we have seen some awesome days and some tough times, but we have always known God’s guidance along the way. We have learned to depend on Him for all things and be strengthened through Him.
    For the past months the Board of Directors has been praying over  and planning for ‘the next page’ (2016-2017) of our school’s story. I invite you all to come to the Spring Membership Meeting this Thursday to hear about these plans and bring your expertise to the discussions we will have. The BOD values your viewpoints as they make decisions. Together we will seek God’s will for the future! 
See you Thursday evening at 8:00 pm!
                            In Christ’s Service,
                            Bernice Huinink-Buiter

TELL THE STORY (Christian Schools International - Christian Education Week 2016)
    What has your God done in this place?
    Ancient people in the biblical period of history did not question the existence of God. To those people the question was always, “Which god/God do you serve?” We see the question answered in the biblical narrative. Pharaoh didn’t question the existence of the Hebrew God, but he believed the gods of Egypt were superior. The Philistines sent their champion Goliath to battle the Israelite champion in a contest to see which god/God was greater. David’s prayer that the world would know the true God bears it out.
    Nothing is different in modern times. Modern people serve their gods too. Atheism claims that there is no god, but in truth atheists simply deny the existence of a greater power, our God, and put themselves or natural order in his place. Humanism has been the temptation of humans since the Fall in Eden.
    In Christian schools we proclaim that every square inch of creation belongs to our God. The Fall has spoiled it and thrown the world into chaos. While Christ’s death has paid the price of sin and redeemed us, the process of restoring and reclaiming this broken world continues. We are his kingdom-advancing agents called to confront a world where people continue to put other gods in God’s place.
    To this day in the land of Israel there are large stones standing in many places. These stones are unmarked, inanimate objects. They are usually found on a high place. Visitors who understand their purpose ask two questions: “Who is the god of this place?” and “What did the god of this place do here?”
    When Israel passed through the Jordan, Joshua gave the elders of each tribe an instruction recorded in Joshua 4, “Each of you is to take up a stone on his shoulder, according to the number of the tribes of the Israelites, to serve as a sign among you. In the future, when your children ask you, ‘What do these stones mean?’ tell them that the flow of the Jordan was cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD. When it crossed the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. These stones are to be a memorial to the people of Israel forever.”
Why did the Israelites set up twelve stones? They did it for the children. They did it for the grandchildren. It was done so that generations yet unborn will know what God did for his people in that place! Forever!
    Standing stones are inanimate objects, and so are our school buildings. Yet both stand as living testimonies and witnesses to the God of the place. This week is designated as Christian Education Week. It is an annual reminder to us to tell the story of what God has done in this place. It is an opportunity to tell the stories of vision, commitment, and sacrifice. It is an opportunity to go beyond the explanation of what Christian education is and into the stories of why Christian education is vital for kingdom-minded disciples of Jesus.
    What has God done and what is God continuing to do in this place?

Christian Education Week  -  April 25-28, 2016

    During the week of April 25-28, Woodstock Christian will celebrate Christian Education Week. Not only will each event and happening throughout the week shine a light on our passion for Christian education, it will also reinforce our theme for the year - "Telling God's Story".
    We will start our Monday morning with thanksgiving to our dedicated and willing volunteers at a special tea held in the gymnasium!
    On Tuesday, we appreciate our Bus Drivers! It is also the day of our annual Picnic lunch - where parents and loved ones can join our student and eat together. To end the day, we will be helping others through our fundraiser "Jump Rope for Heart".
    On Wednesday, we look forward to seeing new faces at the Art Walk Open House. The hallways will be lined with beautiful art work from every class! In the evening we have a chance to shine for the community with the presentation of Anne of Green Gables. We praise God for the gifts and talents He has blessed each of us with!
    Thursday is the day to see God's faithfulness throughout the generations. We invite all Grand Friends to join us for lunch, classroom visits and student presentations.
    What a great way to celebrate who we are, and what God is doing throughout  the hallways and rooms at Woodstock Christian School. Please join us where you are able, and invite your friends and family to celebrate with us!
                            Dawn Streutker, Advancement Director

The Little Details

    As we've been unpacking and reflecting on the story of Jesus' death and resurrection throughout the past few weeks, the Gr. 5 students and I have been reminded of the importance of 'the little details'. The little details can make a story come to life. Whether it's the back-story of a character, or how the author describes the setting; all great stories seem to paint a vivid picture by including several details to allow the reader to create a memorable image, and hold on to that content for a long time.
    Recently our class finished a historical-fiction story-book entitled: Amon's Adventure which we thoroughly enjoyed. The story takes place in Jerusalem, a few weeks before Jesus' death on the cross. Amon, a 13 year old boy, and his two friends, have to try and save Amon's father (who has been accused of stealing from the temple) from a terrible fate: crucifixion. The three kids overcome many obstacles, all of which are based on writings from the 4 gospels. One major challenge for Amon is whether or not he believes that Jesus is truly The Messiah. Our class really enjoyed this story and would recommend it to anyone. The little details chosen by the author paint a vivid picture of that time culture and time period, and the different attitudes of the Jewish and Roman people toward Jesus. The grade 5 students and I, found out through experience that reading a story like Amon's Adventure  really helped increase our understanding of who Jesus is and what he stood for. 

                            Axel Hiemstra, Gr. 5