Inside this editionInside this edition•On Your Mark... p. 3

•49Graduates p.8

•StudentWork p. 10

2014-2015-Issue3AChristiannewsletterforCalvinChristianSchool

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We are approaching the end of another school year and the plans for the new school year are already well underway. Enrolment looks good and we are slightly above our budget in terms of family numbers. We thank the Lord for His goodness and kindness toward us. We have had another year in which we praised God through the academics as well as through arts, athletics and special programs. We enjoyed the assemblies, the tournaments, the Christmas program, the Sounds of Spring and much more. The new SK French immersion program and the after school robotics programs were very successful.

There will be some staffing changes: Mrs. Dekker will be returning from maternity leave. The maternity leave substitute teacher, Mrs. Eising, will then be shifting over to grade 3 to commence a job share with Mrs. Goodwin. Mrs. Sennema -Robinson has announced that she will be leaving CCS to work with inner city children; we wish her God’s blessing in this ministry. Beginning in September, Mrs. Rumph, one of our administrative assistants, will be taking on more bookkeeping responsibilities and assisting our finance manager. As a result, we will be welcoming a new front office assistant to help Mrs. Gallea. We anticipate further changes in staffing and will keep the community informed as they occur.

We have decided to open up a third grade 6 class in September. This will mean that the science room will be used as a homeroom. Our grade 6 enrolment has reached numbers where it is possible to have three classes of 20 students instead of two classes of 30.

Another important development is that the BOD has begun to phase in increased prep time for teachers. Prep time allows teachers, who often supervise during recess and lunch, to focus on lesson planning, conferencing and assessment. There are benefits for the students where lesson planning will result in more individualized lessons, more effective resources, more use of technology,

and more coordination and collaboration among teachers to develop shared goals. During prep time, another teacher will be assigned to provide a certain expertise. We plan to phase in prep time with grades 1- 4 beginning this year, and grades 5- 8 the following year. The grades 1 -3 teacher will be teaching French and the grade 4 teacher will be teaching engineering. Yes, engineering. We are planning a program blending science, math, and technology (IT) with creativity and problem solving.

Here are our reasons for developing this program: children are natural engineers and this comes through during play activities when they design games, build infrastructures in the sandbox, and take things apart. Because math and science tend to be taught without applications, engineering will introduce applications along with creative problem solving opportunities and skills. The problem solving process removes the stigma of failure as failure is an important part of the process. Engineering involves expanded use of resources, particularly technology. The students are engaged with the project and with each other; this

also advances decision making skills. Collaborative thinking, critical thinking and communication are essential 21st century skills which emerge from an engineering program.

We congratulate our grade 8 graduates and wish them well as they move on to highschool and to places where God plants them. May each of them bloom to His glory. I convey a big thanks to the staff, the bus drivers, volunteers and committee members for their efforts in making 2014 -2015 a wonderful school year. All praise to God.

Finally, the staff and I wish to thank the school community for its prayers and support. May God watch over all of you and grant you a safe and enjoyable summer.

Principal’s Ponderings Mr. T. Postma

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Lightning BoltsLightning, Lightning, Lightning BoltsFight like lightning and strike like a bolt.We’re gonna blind you with our flash.All the ribbons we will stash.We will win!Freestyle,3,2,1,Boom!

Purple PythonsWe are the Purple Pythons.We train to win marathons.You are strong, but we are stronger.You are fast, but we are faster.We’ll hiss and we won’t miss!Go Purple Pythons!

Blue Phoenix’sYou may want to take a seat‘cause Blue Phoenix’s have you beat.Throwing far and jumping high,we will wave as we run by.One, two, three, four.Go...Blue Phoenix’s!

We thank our grade eight students for their capable leadership. In addition to our staff members, we count on volunteers to help make this a fun day. We thank you for offering your time and your cheerful assistance.

Records: We congratulate two record-breakers: Chukwuka U. broke the 8 year old boys standing long jump record in 2001 with a jump of 1.9M. Jonathan O. broke the 9/10 year old boys 100M record in 2001 with a time of 14.99 seconds.

On Your Mark... Miss W. Wierenga

The grass is greening up, the playground is drying up, the sandpits are dug up...and Field Day is upon us. It’s a fun day of competition and cooperation. At CCS, Field Day is deliberately structured to be just that: cooperative and competitive. We recognize that some students excel athletically, and some shine in other areas. It is our hope that all of our students can enjoy the day.

Each student from grades one through eight is placed on one of twenty cross -grade teams headed by grade eight captains and grade seven assistants. These student leaders establish buddies within the team and together they create a team name and cheer. They lead their groups from event to event, trying to stay on schedule. There are several track- and- field events. For these, students are awarded ribbons, depending on set standards. They also accumulate points for their teams throughout the day. There are fun and cooperative games as well, in which one team competes against another. Again, team points are awarded. At the end of the day when all points are tallied, teams gather in the gym where they share their team cheers. The top five teams are awarded additional ribbons.

There are other things that make the day fun: a break from classroom work, parents and grandparents cheering on young athletes, pizza and other treats, making a new friend.

Our students have been quite creative in making up team names and cheers. Team names include: The Destroyers, The Bazingas, The Blasting Kangaroos, The Spizy Chimichangas, The Champions, Chicken Wings, Fierce Rainbow Pandas, Space Unicorns, Flaming Phoenix’s, The Deadly Dragons, The Atomic Blobs, Purple Pineapples, Platinum Goldfish, and The Fiery Mace.

Some of the cheers:Mkmnnhstzmckmcwdnjsj (nickname: The Gibbers)We have many letters.We are the go -getters.We don’t have any vowels.We won’t throw in the towels.We’d win field day any day!Happy Field Day!

The LionsWe’re number one, not two,not three, not four.We’re gonna win, not lose,not tie the score.We’re the Lions – hear us roar!(ROAR)

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Battle of the Books Meaghan F.

Being part of Battle of the Books was a lot of fun, and my personal favourite part was probably the practices. Although practising can sometimes be tedious, practising for BOB was actually quite fun and everyone laughed a lot as we reminisced about our favourite characters and scenes while, of course, studying the details. However, the actual battle at Trinity Christian School was also very exciting! We got to hang out, sing, eat, and rack our brains for the details which we know we read but couldn’t quite grasp - until the answers were revealed and we couldn’t believe we forgot! In the end, our senior team won the battle and we went home with the prize - a lovely book, of course!

Our senior team, consisting of Erika B., Abby M., Simon B., Owen V., Meaghan F., and Micah M. competed against six other teams and placed first in their division. The two junior teams competed in a pool of eight teams with Team B, made up of Oyin A., Ally B., Alyssa DV., Eli S., Sember VdB., and Ada C., placing third and Team A, consisting of Rachel H., Sophia M., Anna B., Vanessa K., Karis S., Jenna V., and Grace L., placing sixth.

Walter Elgersma began volunteering at CCS in 2001. Walter helped our school in many different ways including: listening to students read, checking books in and out of the library, proof-reading the Courier, doing piles of shredding, counting money, and marking spelling tests. He was always cheerful, and staff and students enjoyed having him around. “Mr. Walter,” as the students called him, showed his love and commitment to CCS all these years and we are thankful for all that he was able to give. We pray that he will find many more friends in his new home in Grimsby. We will miss him.

Good-bye to Walter Elgersma

Student Quotes: A primary student lost his shoes. After an extensive search through the classroom and the lost and found, he announced, “Teacher, I still can’t find my indoor shoes.” After a short discussion as to where else he could look, he said, “How about I go and ask Mr. Postma where they are?”

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We were having a discussion about heaven, and how it is a wonderful place. One student, quite concerned, asked, “But, do you think there will be video games in heaven?”

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Gr. 1 student: The iPad said it’s going to be 5 degrees today.Teacher: And the iPad is right?Student: Yeah. The iPad is right. The radio always guesses.

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On Open House Day:Student: I have to phone my mom, I have to phone my mom, I have to phone my mom!Mrs. Gallea: Why?Student: I have to tell her about the outhouse (Open House).

TRIP Update Mrs. N. Rumph

Thank you to all who participated in the Tuition Reduction Incentive Program this past year. The gift card program continues to be a successful program that benefits both the parents and the school. This past year we were able to raise $40,900 of which 50% goes towards reducing tuition for the 2015/16 school year for participating families. The remainder goes towards the school which in turn helps to keep costs down. Please contact the school office if you would like to participate!

The re-Source Thrift Shop has relocated to the plaza at Upper Gage and the Linc. (1050 Upper Gage). Donations and volunteer assistance are always welcome.

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This year I had the awesome pleasure of working with nine motivated, creative, and talented students: Lily W., Mason H., Oyin A., Hannah W., Garrett T., Mary D., Jodie V., Travis V., and Abby M. They joined student council in hopes of helping others enjoy their school year and they have succeeded! Thank you!

Freezie Friday and Sports & Popcorn Day were events that helped raise money for our World Vision sponsor child. Students raised double the money needed – enough to pay for one year’s contribution to World Vision plus a sizeable donation to City Kidz here in Hamilton. Thanks CCS!

Where’s Waldo was a day in which students, all dressed alike, searched for Waldo’s friends to get a clue as to who the mysterious Waldo might be.

It is always a great treat when the Student Council is brave enough to organize a talent show. This year student council members helped screen the student auditions over several weeks and chose a variety of talented participants to perform for parents and the student body on April 24. The success of the show was the result of careful coordination and seamless transitioning orchestrated by the student council members. Well done crew! And now, as students are trying to match the handwriting and shoes to the correct teachers, student council is busy planning one more event to finish up a fantastic year! Well done!

Boys’ Basketball Mr. A. BoonstraWearing the new school uniforms for the first time, the boys’ basketball team competed in the annual Christian Schools basketball tournament on February 21 to defend our championship from last year. With four wins we qualified for the championship game again. All the games were tightly contested and this fact prepared us for a wild championship game. The finals were a back and forth affair, but with 30 seconds left, and down by three points, Connor B. stepped up to the three point line and nailed the shot – tie game! After four minutes of overtime, we were still tied. Double overtime loomed. Finally, the guys got a bit of a lead and were able to nurse the game to victory – 28- 26. Back to back championships! A few days later, the team also competed in the HDCH invitational tournament where we entered two teams. Both teams played well throughout the day, but there was no championship game to be had on this day. “A” team members included: Matthew C., Justin K., Nick G., Josh P., Kenny U.A., Travis V., David L., Connor B., Dylan V., Ryan D., Garrett T., and Aaron S. The boys were coached by Mr. R. Brouwer and we thank him! “B” team members included: Carson V., Jonathan V., Jordan B., Justin B., Jordan G., Nick B., Jamie H., Isaac N., Daniel L., and Noah B.

Girls’ Basketball Meagan V. This basketball season was great! The girls played hard with enthusiasm and encouragement. We participated in two tournaments. The first one was held in Smithville. We went undefeated and brought home the NDCS pennant. The second one was at HDCH. A few of the area teams could not make it to the tournament, so our school was asked to enter two teams. The “B” team played their very best on such short notice and encouraged each other. The “A” team won the tournament. We wore our new team shirts proudly. It was an amazing experience. The girls on the two teams were: Alysha B., Erika B., Esther D., Ashton D., Grace d., Elisa d., Alyssa H., Anna H., Abby M., Alicia R., Annika R., Nadine S., Jessica S., Julia S., Sydney S., Elise V., Stephanie V., Meagan V., Hannah V., Jodie V., Alyx V., Maaike W., and Hannah W.

Indoor Track Mr. N. WensinkThis February, in the middle of the snow and cold, 32 grade 6 -8 students prepared for the 91st annual indoor track meet, held at the First Ontario Centre. This track meet consisted of many Christian, Catholic, and public schools in the Hamilton area and provided a different set of students for competition than we are familiar with in our Christian school community. The meet was a great opportunity for students to compete in an environment as grand as the First Ontario Centre, even being highlighted at times on the Jumbo tron! The students did very well, receiving medals in both triple jump and high jump. The day really helped to foster a community spirit as we cheered each other on.

Student Council HappeningsMrs. L. Sennema -Robinson

Sports at CCS

Nutritious snackTalent Show

Administrative Assistant’s day

Sounds of SpringField day freezies

Pentecost assembly

Making papermache animals

New Tribes Mission

Snuggle up and read

Good-bye cake

Healthy snacks from the Farmers’ Market

Engineering 101

Grade 4 readsto Jubilee

Grade 3 HDCH soccer clinic

Nutritious snackEngineering 202

Sounds of Spring Grandparents’ Day

Grade 8 and Jubilee

Look at this Grandpa

Grade 8 snack sale

Good-bye Walter

Groovin’ to the beat

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Connor B.Nicholas B.William B.Alysha B.Victoria B.Erika B.Matthew C.Ashton D.

Grace D.Ryan D.Nathan F.Meaghan F.Elijah F.Nickolas G.Alyssa H.Anna H.

C. J.Sarah K.David K.Justin K.Aliya K.David L.YeEun L.Matthew L.

Francisco L.Micah M.Zachary M.Abby M.Ify M.Aidan P.Joshua P.Alicia R.

Nadine S.Jessica S.Hendrik T.Kenny U.Jodie V.Meagan V.Elise V.Travis V.

Dylan V.Matthew V.Noah V.Stephanie V.Carson V.AJ V.Ezra W.Maaike W.

Grade 8 ReflectionsReaching a milestone is always an opportunity to reflect on both the past and the future. We again asked our graduating class to share some thoughts about their year(s) at CCS. What follows is a sampling of their reflections:

I loved being in Mr. B.’s Bible classes and hearing his sermons. They were always so inspiring and interesting. Nick B.

I personally enjoyed music class. We get to have a band class from grade 7 to 8. I believe that music is a huge influence on us and that we should be thankful for this great opportunity and experience. Sarah K.

My favourite subject was geography because it was nice to learn about different places in the world. Kenny U.

A class that I really enjoyed was science. It was very interesting and fun to learn about all the things in God’s creation. Going to CCS has definitely helped me grow as a Christian. Jodie V.

One of the subjects I enjoy is composition. It was very fun to learn to write poetry. Matthew V.

I was new this year at CCS. I was really nervous starting my last year of grade school but I loved it! Everyone was really nice and welcoming, and I had an awesome year. Aliya K.

I starred as Tinker Bell in the Peter Pan play last year. It was a lot of hard work and dedication, but I became friends with the other people in the cast and I had a great time. Alicia R.

49 Graduates

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When I came here in grade 2 everyone greeted me. My favourite memory in grade 2 was Dr. Seuss Day. Nickolas G.

I came here in grade 6, and everyone made me feel welcome. I especially liked all of the sports teams that CCS provided. Matthew C.

I enjoyed the robotics program. I looked forward to it every time. It was the highlight of every week and it taught me so much. I loved it so much that I got my own kit. Nathan F.

One of the most memorable experiences at CCS was getting snowed in at Fair Glen. We got delayed three hours and it took us six hours to get back to school. Dylan V.

My favourite sport of the year was basketball. We ended up winning the championship. Justin K.

One of my oldest and fondest memories was in grade 1 when we went to a gymnastics gym. My favourite part was jumping as high as we could on the trampoline and then landing in a huge pit of giant sponges. Meagan V.

I have really good memories of CCS. My most memorable experience was at Christie Conservation

Area. The trip was fun because I never rode in a canoe before. Ye Eun L.

I think that CCS has really benefited me, giving me a great Christian education. It has really helped knowing that I have a privilege that many others don’t have. Micah M.

Being a student in CCS helped me to believe in God and what God has done for us. C. J.

I enjoyed the Bible stories we read because we were able to reflect on our own lives. These stories helped me grow in my faith with God. Ify M.

Attending a Christian school has helped me in my faith because all of my peers set an example and all of my teachers taught me more about God. Maaike W.

I have grown so much since grade 1. Now I am confident and my faith in God has grown tremendously. My teachers and friends have had a great role in my faith. They showed love, encouragement and patience with me as I learned and grew in a wonderful Christian environment. M. W.

Sounds of Spring Mrs. D. Van Egmond

Throughout the year, students in grades 5-8 participated in extra-curricular musical groups at Calvin Christian School, including the Chamber Choir, Concert Band, Praise Team, Woodwind Choir, and Jazz Band. These dedicated groups of students practised during recesses to prepare for community and school events. The most recent school performance was the Sounds of Spring event. This event gave the students an opportunity to present their talents to the CCS community. They did a wonderful job! The students were joined by guest pianist, Mrs. Shari Streutker, and our band director, Mrs. Marsha Heeg, for a number of two-piano works. Their performance was amazing! The concert was planned by the pianists and teachers as a benefit concert for the special education department. We are pleased to announce that the event raised $ 2,800.00. We thank our community for supporting special education.

(The picture on the front cover shows the Concert Band at Gore Park.)

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Nepal FundraiserAfter the devastating earthquake, we wanted to think of a way to help the people of Nepal. We suggested that students wear red, white and blue, the colours of the Nepalese flag and simply bring in a donation. A total of $4,600 was channeled through World Renew which the Canadian government will match.

Student WorkJubilee students were asked what they like to do with their mothers.

JKA“...play games with mom, like frozen.” Priscilla M.

“...I play Monopoly and I like when mommy rubs my feet.” Rachael H.

“...I like to eat my mom’s food.” Tyler V.

“...play games with her like my car game.” Kalem T.

“...read and make gingerbread.” Micah D.

“...I love to kiss mommy and make crafts with mommy.” S.B.

“...sometimes I go to Jungle Jam with her.” Kerrington G.

“...she goes to the shop with me and we buy candy and buy vegetables and fruit.” Chiazom O.

“...I play in the snow and the leaves.” Kaden B.

“...I watch movies with mom and eat snacks.” Jacob V.

JKB“...I like to play with her and have picnics.” Alyvia V.

“...I like to cuddle with her.” Makayla W.

“...I like to play with her, watch TV, eat supper with her and give her supper in bed.” Kaitlyn S.

“...we go to the park, play on the structures and play catch.” Sophia P.

“...I wash the dishes with her, bake pizza with her and clean the floor with her.” Sara Jayne H.

“...get toys and presents.” Young Jae K.

“...we make pancakes together and eggs.” Willa V.

“...we read together and make muffins.” Kate H.

“...we make cakes and wash dishes.” Evelyn M.

Jubilee students were asked what their mothers enjoy doing.

JKA“...she’s best at making cookies and everything else I like.” Joel F.

“...my mom enjoys computers. She knows a lot about computers.” Zachary M.

“...she enjoys making good spaghetti. We ate it last night so we probably won’t have it againtonight.” Sidney D.

“...she enjoys helping people.” Claire V.

JKB“...mom likes to jump on the trampoline.” Kent W.

“...mom loves to bake pancakes, muffins, cookies, and I forget what else.” William B.

“...mom likes to sweep and clean my room.” Kristina S.

“...mom likes to make donuts, orange juice and I love it!” Hudson V.

“...mommy makes cakes and she is really good at it!” Anneliese D.

Cole V. SKB

Chichi U-A. SKB

China V. SKA

Eli W. SKB

This year’s Book Fair was an overwhelming success, and we thank our community for supporting this literary fundraiser. Students in grades 5 -8 enjoyed an engaging session led by Dr. Jonathan Juilfs, a medieval specialist from Redeemer University College, who spoke on the topic of mythology and literature. We also express deep appreciation to Dr. Juilfs for his generous donation of five books, Tales of Heroes, myths re told by Roger Lancelyn Green. These books will provide a gateway to the world of mythology for many years to come!

This year we were privileged to welcome Mrs. Marja Fledderus from the Family Christian Book store in Burlington. She brought a wonderful selection of Christian books and other products such as cards, posters, CD’s and DVD’s. Thank you for your knowledge, expertise and warm cheerful smile! We also welcomed Scholastic Books, which offered a great variety at a good value. The benefit to the CCS library this year was approximately $2,950 in books! A warm thank you goes to our faithful volunteers, whose help made this week possible.

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It was a great night as some well-dressed boys brought their mothers to Calvin Christian School’s first Mother /Son Night on Saturday, March 28. The night consisted of fun games such as “Make It or Break It” and several “Minute to Win It” games. The sons competed against their mothers in games that consisted of balancing dice, stacking cups, facing the cookie, and much more. After some healthy competition, moms and their sons enjoyed a dinner together followed by a wonderful dessert. The fundraising committee thanks all those who attended this fun -filled evening.

Mother/Son Event Mrs. A. Breimer Sunrise Fest Mrs. A. Breimer

It was a beautiful day on Saturday, May 9th to enjoy our annual Sunrise Fest. The smell of pancakes and sausages was in the air. Some may have even spotted a few teachers and board members flipping pancakes in the kitchen. As well, there was opportunity to check out the vendor tables and plant sales. Thank you to all those who were able to come out to support our school. God blessed us with fantastic weather and many families were out celebrating their mothers for Mother’s Day. The Sunrise Fest takes place every spring. If you did not get the opportunity to come out this year, be sure to mark your calendars for this great morning next year!

This year, all grade 7 and 8 students worked very hard on creating Science Fair projects, gaining a deeper appreciation and understanding for a specific topic. Our science room filled up with experiments, innovations, and studies from fingerprinting, to aerodynamics, to memory tests. Seven projects were chosen to go on to the Ontario Christian School Science Fair, held at Redeemer University College, where over 200 of the top projects from all over Ontario were displayed. Their presenters were interviewed by several judges who evaluated the projects on appearance, method, Christian perspective, and many more topics. The students also had the opportunity to participate in many “Science Olympic” activities, including egg drops, bridge, tower, and barge building competitions, laser reflections, and pasta car creations. The day concluded with a banquet and an awards assembly for the participants. Our school did very well in the Arthur Custance Award category, given for an integrated Christian faith component in their projects. Four of them were recognized for this award, receiving first place, third place, and two honourable mentions. Overall, the students had a great experience exploring God’s world in a deeper way through science.

Science Fair Mr. N. Wensink Book Fair Mrs. A. Benjamins

Student Quotes: While studying for a Bible test at home:Mom: “What were three types of offerings the Israelites gave to God?”Gr. 3 student: “Grain offerings, fellowship offerings and burnt offerings – that’s like when dad barbecues.”

In Touch is the newsletter of Calvin Christian School. Contents are copyright by CCS Publications. To receive more information about

CCS, please contact the school. This is a publication of CCS, Hamilton.

Associate Editors: Wilma Wierenga, Tony Boer & Greta GoodwinPublication Design: B&K Printing

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The mission of Calvin Christian School is to assist parents by providing for each student a Bible based elementary education in a supportive Christian classroom community that nurtures growth in knowledge, maturity and commitment to God for sharing in the life and work of His people in the world.