Wearing our organs on the outside of our bodies on "Backwards Day" was a perfect way to culminate our unit on the digestive system.  Tracing and colouring the organs on t-shirts took several weeks, and the grade 5 students were excited to finally wear the finished products.  During our study of body systems, we were often amazed by the incredible way our bodies have been fearfully and wonderfully created.  Several times over the past few weeks I heard students question, "How can people NOT believe in God?"

-Tracy Bulthuis, Grade 5 Teacher

Ms. Koops was the "winner" today!  All the students wanting to be principal for the day were entered into a draw (as part of our Backward's Day events).  Here is what she has to say about her time in the Principal's Chair!

Sitting in the Principal’s Chair:

Today is sdrawkcab yad (backwards day)! I am the principal today for Mrs. H-B. There is some work that needs to be done today.

First I go and deliver a note to the other teachers about the melting snow and keeping their students out of the puddles. When I am delivering them it makes me feel superior because the teachers are listening to me instead of the other way around.

Next I go to my new desk and work on putting stickers on the birthday cards. It sounds easy but it takes me about 10 minutes. While I am working some teachers come and ask me questions. I am not sure how to answer all of them.

There is probably a lot of pressure when you are a principal because you have to be in charge of a lot of things.

Yesterday:  In the 1950’s, a community of determined parents with a dream/ vision for Christian Education for their children, formed a board, engaged in unending prayer, seeking God’s leading, and after many long planning meetings, bought this property and built JKCS.   They hired some teachers and enrolled students and in Sept 1959, with joy and thanksgiving, the school doors opened. 55 years ago….it was a school much like the public schools in educational standards, it was much like the public schools of the day in what kids looked like, it was a school much like a public school in community support- schools were the social hub of the community. So what was different? Well, each family had to commit to paying tuition (Education dollar stays with the public school system). Teachers and parents and supporters believed that every square inch of creation belongs to the Lord, and in every sphere of life, God is to be honoured and served. They committed to supporting a school that taught each subject through that lens. It was love for God and one another that drove these people.  It took faith, determination and a lot of mistakes, failures and successes to keep the school going. By God’s grace, through the 60’s, the 70’s the school grew and grew and grew in so many ways. Then in August 1979, the tornado ripped through the school tearing it apart and only rubble remained. As the community sifted through the ruins in grief and brokenness, God filled them up and with new determination, those people took God’s word seriously “I am with you always!” “I know the plans I have for you- plans to prosper and lead you, not to hurt you!” As a community, they obeyed, cleaned up the mess and rebuilt. They grew closer together through their weeping, their working, their laughing, their praying, their loving and they built the school again! With joy and thanksgiving, they grew and grew and grew! Children spent their elementary education years at JKCS, learning what it means to live in a world captivated by the love of God through Jesus Christ. They graduated with the academic skills to go on to high school. Through the years, they were equipped to lead a life of Christian service. Parents continued to pay tuition and supporters committed to give. Through the 80’s the 90’s and then the turn of the 21st century, God led them. Each year, the community kept their eyes on what education for the children ought to be- delving into, visioning, dreaming, and then putting into practice the best possible elementary education for the children.    

God’s Glory Revealed in Creation.
“the universe is before our eyes like a beautiful book in which all creatures, great and small, are as letters to make us ponder the invisible things of God”.                       Belgic Confession Article 2

Research cutbacks by government alarm scientists
Federal government has dismissed more than 2,000 scientists in past 5 years
http://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/research-cutbacks-by-government-alarm-scientists-1.2490081
THE SILENCE OF THE LABS/the fifth estate https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ms45N_mc50

London chapter opposes dump near Ingersoll  Jun 30, 2014. June 30, 2014 - 9:16am   …The article continues… “We have more (fresh water) here (in Canada than other countries),” she said. “We’re more blessed than most, but instead of being cavalier, we have a responsibility (to protect the water). We’re stewards of the water.” Barlow said there is no such thing as a landfill that doesn’t leak.          https://monctonfreepress.ca/post/40779

    We have just completed our annual science fair. Students approach this large endeavour in a variety of ways, ranging from excitement to apathy. As the science fair coordinator as WCS, I am always moved and impressed by the show of projects on display in our gym for this event. Being a teacher who loves science, I bemoan the fact that more families and supporters do not take the opportunity to view this awesome exhibition of student learning. What better way to honour the Creator than to explore the intricacy and wonder of the creation? How do we come to understand the glory of God that is evident in the created environment? We joke about how the stress level in families increases as science fair approaches. How do we as adults support our students as they study creation? How do we respond to major creation-keeping issues in the news?
    The headlines above attempt to bring attention to stewardship issues that we, as creation-keepers, need to attend to. What will water quality be like in 30 years, or 50 years if we don't pay attention now? Are there some social justice issues in which we should involve ourselves? Do we know what is going on in the world around us? What are we, as Christians, called to do?
    I recently heard an interview with Vandana Shiva, an environmentalist, author, physicist and social activist who spoke of the seven generation rule. Shiva says, "When we make really major decisions about earthkeeping, we should ask not only what will it do for me today, but what will it do for my children, my children's children, and their children's children into the future? (Questions for good ancestors. p.133)" The Bible speaks of the consequences of sin affecting the third and the fourth generation of the offenders. God also promises his faithfulness from generation to generation, even to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments. Are we faithful earthkeepers?

                                C. Verbeek

Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise;

The buses are running this morning as usual and the school is open. 

Your Glory Fills the Highest Place!
It is the season of Lent, and we see God's glory filling the highest place!
Our eyes are on the cross…the cross of Jesus. His love for each of us is amazing, and with hearts filled with LOVE for Him, we sing:
 
Oh Lord You've searched me,
You know my way;
Even when I fail You,
I know You love me.
Your holy presence
Surrounding me
In every season,
I know You love me;
I know You love me.
At the cross I bow my knee 
Where Your blood was shed for me,
There's no greater love than this.
You have overcome the grave
Your glory fills the highest place
What can separate me now?
You go before me,
You shield my way,
Your hand upholds me;
I know You love me.

Read more:   http://artists.letssingit.com/hillsong-music-lyrics-at-the-cross-vswkz1r#ixzz3TBZ9kDE1    LetsSingIt - Your favorite Music Community
                            Mrs. Bernice Huinink-Buiter 

In November, a number of classes participated in the Royal Canadian Legion's colouring Contest. Students were challenged to design a poster, either in colour or black and white, that remembers the sacrifice given by many as well as encouraging peace. 

Six grade two students recieved the honour of placing in our local branch's division, and two who continued to the next level, also placed there. 

Congratulations goes to Julia, Kyle, Gabriel, Abigail, Eden, and Judah who all placed in our local division. Also, to Julia and Eden who placed in the next level. 

We are asking for prayers for our Royal Canadian Legion representitive, Steve Smith, who has recently joined the Army Reserves and will be heading for training soon. 

Adrienne Reyneveld (Route 6)'s bus and Renee Meekel (Route 5)'s bus will not be making the morning runs (Tuesday, February 24), since the buses are experiencing problems. If your children are on these buses, please bring them to school in the morning. Hopefully the buses will be fixed in time for the afternoon run. Sorry for the inconvenience!!!

    I have the privilege of working one day a week as Librarian of WCS. So when it is my turn to write for this newsletter it is no surprise that I will write about the love of reading! Seneca, an important Roman writer and tutor once said "As meat is to the body, so reading is to the soul." Is it really that important? I often hear kids, and young adults say, "I just don't read…."
    In the context of the school, studies show that "Students with a more positive attitude toward reading tend to be more successful in all subjects" as well as "Reading is not only associated with high student achievement. Engaged readers are also more likely to be socially and civically engaged as well." (People for Education 2011) This is where the school library comes in. WCS has always had a board that has consistently valued funding towards the school library. The students have access to a solid collection of great books and the love of reading is instilled early on by superb teachers. Parents support fundraising efforts such as the Book Fair. The Library at WCS is a well used and positive place.
    Parents can support their child's achievement by addressing the joy of reading by example and by being supportive. Regardless of the form (think technology and social media) reading for the joy of it will broaden our horizons, and make our imaginations work. Think of how reading has enriched your life. I will end by quoting Hazel Rochman, a famous South African author. I love her quote which tells us how reading opens doors to many new places, ideas and things. "Reading makes immigrants of us all. It takes us away from home, but most important, it finds homes for us everywhere." Now that is enriching!

                            M. Dieleman

    I have the privilege of working one day a week as Librarian of WCS. So when it is my turn to write for this newsletter it is no surprise that I will write about the love of reading! Seneca, an important Roman writer and tutor once said "As meat is to the body, so reading is to the soul." Is it really that important? I often hear kids, and young adults say, "I just don't read…."
    In the context of the school, studies show that "Students with a more positive attitude toward reading tend to be more successful in all subjects" as well as "Reading is not only associated with high student achievement. Engaged readers are also more likely to be socially and civically engaged as well." (People for Education 2011) This is where the school library comes in. WCS has always had a board that has consistently valued funding towards the school library. The students have access to a solid collection of great books and the love of reading is instilled early on by superb teachers. Parents support fundraising efforts such as the Book Fair. The Library at WCS is a well used and positive place.
    Parents can support their child's achievement by addressing the joy of reading by example and by being supportive. Regardless of the form (think technology and social media) reading for the joy of it will broaden our horizons, and make our imaginations work. Think of how reading has enriched your life. I will end by quoting Hazel Rochman, a famous South African author. I love her quote which tells us how reading opens doors to many new places, ideas and things. "Reading makes immigrants of us all. It takes us away from home, but most important, it finds homes for us everywhere." Now that is enriching!

                            M. Dieleman

CELEBRATE!!! 

    It was certainly a weekend of celebrations - Valentine's Day, Canada Flag Day, and Family Day! I pray that you were all blessed in amazing ways!
    This morning, I visited various classes to see what they were doing, and yes, I saw more celebrations…. Four classes are celebrating a classmate's birthday, many classrooms are sharing their wonderful celebrations of the weekend, the JK class is baking cookies and plan to bring them to various service agencies in town, Grade 6 /7 students are celebrating French culture with delicious crème puffs, Grade 7 /8 students are delivering their speeches (after all the weeks of preparing, they finally can present!), a longtime Christian school supporter stands at the front desk in the office and shares the story of her husband's death and, with a smile, she testifies that he is now celebrating life forever with Jesus….it is a beautiful day!!!
    Jean Vanier says, "We must learn to celebrate. I say learn to celebrate, because celebration is not just a spontaneous event. We have to discover what celebration is. Our world doesn't know much about celebration. We know quite a bit about parties…... We know what movies and distractions are. But do we know what celebration is? Do we know how to celebrate our togetherness, our being one body? Do we really know how to use all that is human and divine to celebrate together?"
    Here at WCS, each day we are learning what celebration is… God has given us so much to celebrate! "This is the very day God acted - let's celebrate!" Psalm 118:24

                            Mrs. Huinink-Buiter