The Humblest of Kings December 17, 2012

The King of kings is our example of humility, as odd as that may seem.  How does the  portrait and imagery of a King serve as the ultimate example?  How do we cover ourselves in humility when we are united with Christ?

Jesus humbled himself.  The King of kings, His very nature God, became man.  Philippians 2 paints a stunning picture of the extent that Christ humbled himself.  It would be one thing for God to come to this earth and rule as an earthly king but that is not how he revealed himself.  He made himself nothing.  He came and was not born in a palace but in the squalor of a stable.  He came and led a life as a teacher and a servant, not a life of privilege.  If that was not humbling enough he became obedient to death itself.  The next words in Philippians are familiar but should not be read too quickly, “even death on a cross!”   We may miss the full weight and impact of that statement.  He did not live a life as a servant and die just any death; he did not die in his sleep at an old age.  He humbled himself to die the death of the cursed, to hang on a tree. 

That modeled humility is the perfect antidote to the self-serving attitude that can creep into our lives.  It provides a stark contrast from the self-love that plagues humanity.  It is a message we all need to hear; it is a message our students need to hear.  In a society where people clamour for their “just” rights and entitlement Christ’s example becomes counter to that culture.  He became nothing and forfeited much.  We also need to surrender our entitlement and our rights to follow the example of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. 

The clothes of Christ, those are the clothes that I want my children to be wearing.  We pray that our students, throughout the year, will practice clothing themselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience all bound in love, the perfect adhesive for the community of Christ.

Presidential Wood Chopping Dec. 10th, 2012

As we enter the Christmas season and the month of December I would like to take the opportunity to view the next piece of clothing, humility.  In Philippians 2 we are instructed to live with a Spirit of humility.  It states, “in humility consider others better than yourselves.”  I am reminded of the story I read of a college professor appointed to his post in the 19th century.  This president, Booker T. Washington was a renowned educator and  exemplified this humility. Not long after his initial appointment as president of a college he was taking a walk in the well to do part of town.  There he was stopped by a wealthy woman who had some yard work that needed tending.  Not knowing the famous individual by sight, she asked him if he would like to earn some extra money chopping wood.  Because he had no pressing business at the moment, he agreed and smiled as he rolled up his sleeves.  He then went about the business of completing the humble chore.  After the chopping was done he spent the extra time to carry the logs into the house and stacked them neatly by the fireplace. A little girl recognized him and later revealed his identity to the lady. The next day the women went to see him in his office.  She was apologetic and embarrassed by the whole incident.   He was gracious enough to reassure her that he enjoyed a little manual labour and it was delight to help her in her time of need.  A truly humble man is hard to find, yet God delights to honour such selfless people. We deal with each other in this community in various relationships and I pray we will cover ourselves with humility with an attitude of loving service as we interact.   ~Mr. Bouwers

What’s in a Name Change? Dec. 3, 2012

As we step forward as a school and embrace a new name on the outside of this building I think it would be good to explore the topic of name changing altogether.  In the Bible there were numerous times when someone was “renamed.”  Often the new name was used to help with the remaking or the identity of the individual.  Abram was renamed Abraham, Jacob was renamed Israel, and the list could go on.  The names did not change who they were as God’s children but it may have helped clarify their calling.  It did not change who they were before that point it just enabled them to move forward with renewed mission under a new banner. 

We will often hear of a name change after a wedding ceremony.  When two become one in marriage in our North American tradition the one partner will often change her name.  This does not change who she is as a person.  She remains who she is with all her gifts, talents, idiosyncrasies, and imperfections intact.  She does receive an expanded identity as she takes on a new name.  She becomes part of a larger family.   The family is expanded to include both the husband and the wife’s family.   As we marry the two names it is important to know that we will not cease to carry our identity but we will look to expand our family.  We will remain faithful to the mission and vision of this school.  

As we celebrate the heritage of Dundas Calvin Christian School we can also look to the new banner that will help clarify our calling and mission.  We live and move and breath in God’s providence and we claim that fact as a Christian school.  When we provide a quality, Christ-centered education we do so in the knowledge that the Lord is Lord of all.  When we develop the gifts of God’s children we do so clinging to His divine care and direction.  When we prepare them for a life of leadership and contribution in His Kingdom we do so knowing that we rely wholly on his provision for us.   This is what defines us as Providence Christian School.

Stepping in Faith November 26, 2012

There has been much talk about the happenings of late at the school as well as plans for the future.  As we look at the school’s current economic reality we need to address a trend of declining enrollment at the school.  We also realize that the best laid plans would be considered fruitless if we did not stay firmly rooted in our trust in God’s faithfulness and ability to provide.  We do not want to lose sight of the fact we are called to bring our community and school to our Lord in prayer and we ask for your continued prayers as we seek God’s will and direction for our school.  The Board has delved deep into this issue and have worked on plans that they believe will help aid this school and its enrollment issues.  The Board, through the Golden Anniversary Fundraising, has addressed facility improvements, tools to enhance the quality of the education, as well as long term planning around the mission of the school to ensure we are doing all we can to aid the school in its existence from year to year.  As we move forward we look to the next steps in this process.  We continue our search for a Director of Recruitment to help spread the word about our school and Christian education.  The Program and Personnel Committee is looking into the development of a band program at the school to help enhance the education of our students.  The Board is also looking at the next steps in regards to a name change at the school.  Tonight there is a motion forward to the membership regarding that name change.  This is reflective of the general consensus from the information meeting that we had on October 22^nd and the recommendation at the committee level.  It is the shared opinion of the board that the proposed name change will not only broaden our geographical cache of prospective families and students, but the name Providence also embodies our reliance on our Lord’s leadership and reinforces the Christ-centered vision of the school.  The other proposed name, Grace Community emphasizes our dependence on God’s grace in each and every step we take and, additionally, highlights one of our school’s strongest attributes, the community.  It is this community and the passion for Christian education that we want to share with others. 

The Grey Pall November 19, 2012

It is a foggy day today.  The gray pall distorts the landscape and conceals colours as well as details normally seen at a distance.  We do not get to see the complete brilliance of God’s creation but we only see bits and pieces that may not give a true representation of the whole.  It is like a blurry photograph.  Last March I wrote about the progress reports being but a snapshot of our students.  I think it prudent to keep this in mind as today the report cards go home.  If we use the progress reports as our filter for how we view our children then we miss the bigger picture.  It will cloud and fog our minds if we do not recognize that our children’s identity is not anchored in their marks, their specified work habits, or the teacher’s remarks. It is just a snapshot of the child and their real value comes from the fact that they are created in the image of God.  When we see each student in this light helps put the other aspects into the proper context.  May you see the image of our Creator in the lives of the children as we endeavour to clear the fog that may cloud our vision of the bigger picture.  To God be the glory. ~ Mr. Bouwers

Of Bazaar and Mission November 12, 2012

I am sure you will read more about the Bazaar in the writings contained in this edition of the Connects but I would not want to miss the opportunity to acknowledge the faithful hand of our Heavenly Father throughout the process.  Last year’s theme focused on God’s faithfulness to us and we continue on in that faithfulness as we trust in the Lord to provide.  Nothing is impossible for our God.  With a statement like that we do not want to undermine our responsibility to work for the Kingdom of God.  The impossible part belongs to the Lord but I believe, quite strongly, that he leaves the possible up to us.  He allows us to partner with him to work for and in His Kingdom even now.  He is the great reconciler, our saviour and redeemer but he loves us so much that he allows us to work through His Spirit for His glory.  I pray that we may continue to work for His glory at this school by carrying out our mission that has been discussed in recent weeks.  The efforts and support at the bazaar will enable us to continue to provide a quality, Christ-centred education, to develop the gifts of the children and prepare them for Christian service.   

Prepared for a Life of Christian Service November 5th, 2012

Over the past two weeks we have reviewed different parts of the school mission statement.  The third aspect of the mission statement has an eye to the future.  We provide a quality, Christ centred education and develop the gifts of the students so we can prepare them for a life of leadership and contribution in God’s kingdom, a life of Christian Service.  The only response to all that the Lord has been faithful to do in our lives is to live with gratitude.  If we want to live for the glory of God then we are called to live out our response with a thankful heart by willingly doing the work set for us by our Heavenly Father.  This is our hearts desire, to see our graduates being salt and light in the communities in which the live and move and breath.  We believe these years are foundational in their formation and it sets the stage for them to be conservers of the faith, discerners of the age, and transformers of our culture.  We desire for our students to be a faithful presence in the world.  We will take a look next week how all these aspects come together as it addresses the vision of our school.  To God be the glory ~Mr. Bouwers

To Develop the Gifts of our Students October 29, 2012

Just last week we had a meeting at the school and discussed some very important items as we look to enhance Christian education at our school.  Once again, I had the opportunity to talk about the mission of this school and how we are using it as a filter for our decisions and establish direction.   Last week we looked at the first part of the mission that highlighted a quality, Christ-centered education.  This week we will look at the second part of our mission which says we are  to develop the gifts of God’s children.  Each of us are made in God’s image and, quite frankly, that is the reason we have value.  Since we believe this at DCCS it is important to also recognize that each student is a unique creation with different needs and learning styles.  We look to find ways to develop the gifts of our students and to provide forums for them to respond.  Students should be supported as they unwrap the different gifts God has given them: intellectual, social, spiritual, physical, and aesthetic.  We want to develop these gifts to enable our students to respond to God’s call for their lives and to worship Him.   To God be the glory. ~Mr. Bouwers 

 

Christ Centred Education October 22, 2012

Christ-Centred Education

In the mission statement there is a very small phrase that is a very big part of education at DCCS.  The first part of the mission is to provide a quality, Christ-Centred education.   The fact that we provide a Christ-Centred education is, I am sure, not a surprise to most.  Even so, it is worth mentioning because it is so closely tied to our identity.   Every education model is tied to an ideology and expresses faith in something. At DCCS we educate our children from a Christian perspective in each of the subjects.  It is not a matter of adding a few Bible verses that may relate to the content.  We strive to have our teachers engaging our students in biblical themes and from a solid biblical worldview.  Christ is at the centre of each subject.  At times I have been asked, “Well isn’t math still math in the public school system?  Isn’t 2+2 still 4?” I think the answer is yes, math is still math in the public schools because the Lord is Lord of all.  The bigger question may be, why is 2+2 always 4?  We ask you to pray for our teachers who work at making these connections in the classrooms and to God’s creation with and for our students. 

Kindness and the ill fitted garment October 15, 2012

Kindness – The ill fitted garment

We all have a piece of clothing that we have to wear during special occasions that we just do not really enjoy putting on.  For me it can be a tight fitting tie.  Thinking specifically of Hockey players and what they wear we can see even more evidence of this.  Professional hockey players loved to play the game without helmets.  Now it is mandated that they wear this protective gear.  It may not always be comfortable but it is necessary.  I think some of us view kindness in the same way.   It is something that can work against our sense of self referenced justice.  It is one thing to expect kindness from others but to extend kindness to all those around us is not an easy task.  It is important to realize that we need to continually ask for the Spirit to be working in us and through us so that the ill fitted garment of kindness will seem like a more natural fit.    We seek to, “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”  Ephesians 4:32.  It is my prayer that we will ever increase in kindness so that we will exhibit a caring culture of Christ at this school. 

Praise and Thanksgiving Tuesday, October 9th, 2012

Praise and Thanksgiving

What’s our reaction to receiving gifts?  When we really take the time to reflect on the gifts God has blessed us with what is our reaction?  It is one thing to marvel at the gifts and enjoy them. It is good to do so but if we were to stop there I believe we would fall short.  The Lord does not grant us good gifts so that we can say, “Hey, look at all these gifts!”  We should be thinking also of the giver of the gifts, spending time in thanks and living out a thankful response.  We can be thankful for the gift itself but also the love that it symbolizes.  When we meditate on that love, especially the love exhibited in Jesus Christ, we will desire to live out our thanks and use our gifts for the building of God’s kingdom.  In  I Chronicles 29:10-13 David is giving from his treasury for the building of the temple.  He praises God with his gifts and acknowledges that it all came from the Lord anyways.  Let this also be our prayer during this Thanksgiving season:

“Praise be to you, O Lord,

    God of our father Israel,

    from everlasting to everlasting.

Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power

    and the glory and the majesty and the splendor,

    for everything in heaven and earth is yours.

Yours, O Lord, is the kingdom;

    you are exalted as head over all.

Wealth and honor come from you;

    you are the ruler of all things.

In your hands are strength and power

    to exalt and give strength to all.

Now, our God, we give you thanks,

    and praise your glorious name.

Kindness Follows Compassion October 1, 2012

We continue to take a look at the school theme for the year, Colossians 3:12-14.  For the first month we focussed on compassion and that relates well to the second attribute of kindness.  We know that even as we look at each aspect individually it remains part of the whole.  It is a complete set of clothes that are visible not just one or two items.  With compassion there is a deep desire to alleviate the suffering we see as a result of living in a broken world.  With kindness we move to a hope for the welfare of others, those who are suffering and those who are not.  We are preparing our students for a life of Christian service; a life that is marked with compassion and kindness.  For our students to be transformed by this we need to provide opportunities for them to live out compassion and kindness at the school.  Each day provides them with the chance to do this in the classroom, on the playground, in the hallways and on the bus.  As we look beyond these walls the students are called to participate in a food drive to exhibit the compassion and kindness that has been shown to them through Christ.   Please allow and encourage your sons and daughters to experience the call to serve others through the food drive and in the school.  ~Mr. Bouwers

Terry Fox - Compassion Sept. 24, 2012

Compassion – Terry Fox

This week our students will be running on Terry Fox day.  Each year our school participates in this event but this year our Grade 8 class will focus on Terry Fox and the theme of compassion.  I came across this quote, “Fox is not only an embodiment and example of Christian love but also someone who makes such love available to the community.”  As we focus on compassion this month we can see how Terry Fox is a humble example of making Christian love available to the community.  Last week I discussed the meaning of compassion and Christ’s actions surrounding compassion.  The quote above does a wonderful job, once again, of explaining how we can live out compassion in our communities.  I believe we are called to be an embodiment and example of Christian love and also make such love available to our neighbours both near and far.  “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort,  who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” 2 Cor. 1:3-4 Blessings on your journey this week as you exhibit Christian love and compassion ~Mr. Bouwers

Clothed in Compassion September 17th, 2012

Clothed in Compassion

The first garment of clothing that we will focus on this school year is the garment of compassion. Compassion is readily equated to feeling pity for another but there is so much more. Compassion stirs in us a deep distress for the suffering and brokenness we see around us. It is usually accompanied by a desire to restore or alleviate that suffering and brokenness. If we use the examples from the gospels of Matthew and Mark, Christ takes it one step further. At least three times it is mentioned that Jesus encountered the suffering that accompanies the brokenness in our world and he was moved to have compassion on them. In this reference compassion is a verb, not a noun. Jesus’compassion did not end with the emotions and desires that were stirred within him; it was not a hollow pity. In each of the circumstances he was moved to action; to bring about a measure of restoration in each situation. He saw the crowds and had compassion on them, seeing they were sheep without a shepherd and he taught them (Mark 6). In another instance there had been a crowd that had followed him for days. He saw that they were hungry and had compassion on them and he fed them (Mark 8). Also, as crowds gathered to hear him he was moved to act on his compassion again and he healed them (Matt.14). The blind came and experienced Christ’s compassion and they received their sight (Matt. 20). In each of these situations compassion became something that was carried out rather an unfulfilled feeling. It is important, especially in the school setting, that our students are moved by the suffering of others and that they are able to identify with them, it shows sensitivity to the Spirit. It is also equally important that our students are not just moved to pity others but to actively work at restoring those situations and alleviating the hurt around them. If we are living out compassion then we are agents of reconciliation on the playground, in the hallways, in the classroom and in the communities in which we live. May the Spirit continually convict us to live out compassion in a very tangible way. ~Mr. Bouwers

Covenants or Contracts? September 10, 2012

Covenants versus Contracts.

At the beginning of this school year we have asked our students to review some of the classroom expectations and sign corresponding behaviour agreements.  In many of the classrooms this has led to conversations about what this looks like in action and what would it sound like in the classroom, the hallways and on the playground.  After these participatory conversations the students were given behaviour contracts that outline the expectations in the parent handbook.  I would like to suggest that it is much more than just a lifeless contract that was signed.  We covenant together around our core values and agree how we should treat each other and how we view ourselves.  We have a shared commitment to these values and goals laid out in this document.  It is not a cold and formal agreement but a living document that helps us express compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience with one another.  It aids us in the formation of a caring community that is influenced by love because over all the points on the behaviour contract we are called to put on love.  It is the crux behind it all; the central and unifying element.  We look to strengthen our school community by rallying around our core values and focus on living out Christ’s love in our learning community.  Through a Christ-centric education we pray our students will don the clothes of Christ as stated in Colossians 3:12-14 and be prepared for a life of leadership and contribution in God’s kingdom.  ~Mr. Bouwers

Welcome Back September 4th, 2012

What a scene this morning as all the students were lining up to come into the school.  .  It was so good to see their smiling faces and the students connecting with “long lost” friends.  A lot of them were wearing special first day of school attire.  Parents and students are quite intentional about the clothes they wear.  During the opening assembly I also showed some pictures of individuals in different fields of work.  The students were able to identify construction workers, health care professionals, soldiers, and business people.  When asked how they were able to identify them so easily they mentioned it was the clothes they were wearing.  How true that is.  What we wear is very visible to others.  This year our theme will be focussed on the “Clothes of Christ”.  In Colossians 3 Paul urges God’s people to clothe themselves in compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.  Each of these, bound in perfect unity by exhibiting love to others.  These characteristics should be very visible, identifiable and recognizable to others.  Please pray for the Holy Spirit to work in the hearts of our students and our community so that we can dress for success. ~Mr. Bouwers

Dear Graduates June 19, 2012

Dear Graduates,

Much of last night focused on you and for good reason. It was a night that we celebrated together.  You made it.  You are here after many years and you are about to graduate and step out into a different context.  As you go I would just like to focus on your text for graduation this year.   “For it is by grace you have been saved and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God, not by works so that no one can boast.  For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works which  God prepared in advance for us to do.”  Eph. 2:8-10 The verse you chose, intentionally, speaks of grace.  You chose it for this reason.  It is fitting as we celebrate 50 years of God’s faithfulness and grace to DCCS. 

We are asking for God’s grace to go with you now into the future as you have goals and dreams that you hope to attain.  We pray for you for God’s continued blessings as you continue on this path and working towards those goals.  You are a part of a media generation, a generation that has told everyone can be a movie star, a rock star, and you are entitled to be the center of your own universe. This is fed so easily by sites like Facebook, MySpace, and other social media sites where you are the controller of the content, you are center stage, you are it.  I am not condemning these sites but I do want you to be aware that as you grow older you will find out that it is not true. Not everyone is going to be a celebrity or the top dog.   It is impossible for everyone to be the center.  You may even come to realize you are being lied to and you may become increasingly ticked off about the fact you’ve been fed lies about a lifestyle and a dream that may taste sweet for a season but will reap a harvest of loneliness.   Identity rooted in success is a fragile thing. 

There is a real danger if you tie your identity to your success.  If your identity and value is wrapped up in a title or what you accomplish, if you put your hope in your own strength and talents then you set yourself up for disappointment.  When we replace the true center of the universe with ourselves we repeat the rebellion in the Garden of Eden.  Be conscientious of turning this world, your life, upside down: serving God first, then others and then yourself. 

Your identity belongs and should be rooted in the fact that you are made in the image of God.  Our identity belongs rooted in Christ as it states in your text; we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus. 

Grace is not performance based.  Right before your grad text it speaks of being dead in our transgressions.  We are alive, yet we are dead in sin. You see, it is aparadox; the living dead.  The dead can do nothing for themselves.  Now, as your text highlights, you are dead to sin and alive in Christ.  It is God, through Christ Jesus, that you experience life.  It defines life.  It defines who you are.  We are defined by the act of Grace through Christ.  Life is not defined by your achievements, your grades, your awards.  You are freed from this.  It is a life giving message and freeing to know your identity is rooted in him

We do celebrate tonight the gifts God has given you.  As part of our mission statement we want those gifts to be developed.  We do take the time to celebrate those mountain top experiences but we develop them for a purpose.  We develop them so you will be continually prepared for a life of Christian Service.  When living a life of service your identity is firmly rooted in serving their Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, our example

Now with our identity firmly set let’s take a little closer look at grace. 

Grace has consequences. We are called to do good works, to transform lives.  This is the heart of a life of Christian Service; we respond to the life giving message of God’s grace.  You are starting to live that out already.  Your trips to the Good Shepherd have the fingerprints of grace all over it.  God has made each one of us and we are called to extend that to others so that they may experience the grace of God through our lives. 

I encourage you, graduates, to be available with your gifts to be moved by the Spirit to do amazing things in God’s Kingdom and show His grace in this world.   

Thank You June 18, 2012

I want to take the opportunity to thank the DCCS community for a fantastic first year. I have felt more than welcomed with kind words and acts of support for myself and my family as we have been transitioning to a new community.  You have been a source of great encouragement as we work and live in this community.  So thank you so much for a wonderful year.  I look forward to more years of serving God in this community.   It is great to take the time to look back over the year and plan the next steps for the year to come.   

I want to congratulate our graduates for their accomplishments.  We will celebrate with them tonight as we gather for graduation.  We send them off with the hope that their gifts have been developed so they are ready to learn more about God, His creation, and His created order in the years to come.  We celebrate the giver of the gifts whose grace and faithfulness we rely upon.  We not only rely upon it but we are also called to respond.  It is our prayer that the students will come to use these gifts for God’s glory and in His service, existing as Living Stones in His temple. 

Also, I want to ask for God’s richest blessings on all of our students for the summer months.  I pray that it is a wonderful time of rest and relaxation, character building, family bonding and exploration of God’s world.  Wherever you find yourself may you remember that God is good; all the time.  It brings us back to Psalm 100:5, our theme verse for the year “For the Lord is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations.”  May you experience His faithfulness through his goodness and His love this summer. 

Be well and thank you for an excellent year.

Walking with us June 11, 2012

The school remains a flurry of activity this week. In meeting with the staff this Monday morning we looked at the week ahead and listed 15 different items scheduled for the week. Class trips, meetings, fire drill, golf tournament and a few other items punctuate the busyness of the week. We meet on Monday mornings to start the week off in devotion to our God. We place all these activities in His hands and we uphold each other and our students and parents in prayer. As we carry out our calling through the week we can be mindful of God’s faithfulness as we approach each activity. At the end of the week the staff meets again to recap the week and to offer our thanks to God for keeping His promise to walk with us. No matter the frantic pace of the week, the numerous events that need to take place and the various circumstances in each of our lives it is a promise we can cling to and cherish. God will walk with us. May you sense his Spirit working in and through you as we complete our last full week this year and take comfort in the knowledge that God walks with you. Blessings.

Avoiding Stagnation June 4th, 2012

At Dundas Calvin Christian School we hold various conversations with our students and aim to shape their character.  We try to work with our students and parents in community so we can have conversations about their behavior and efforts in the classroom.  We want to avoid, if at all possible, stagnation and complacency at a young age.  In John Ortberg’s book If You Want to Walk on Water, You’ve Got to Get out of the Boat he discusses stagnation in what Gregg Levoy calls “the common cold of the soul.”  Levoy says stagnation leads:

To sinful patterns of behavior that never get confronted and changed,

Abilities and gifts that never get cultivated and deployed—

Until weeks become months

And months turn into years,

And one day you’re looking back on a life of

Deep intimate gut-wrenchingly honest conversations you never had;

Great bold prayers you never prayed,

Exhilarating risks you never took,

Sacrificial gifts you never offered,

Lives you never touched,

And you’re sitting in a recliner with a shrivelled soul,

And forgotten dreams,

And you realize there was a world of desperate need,

And a great God calling you to be part of something bigger than yourself—

You see the person you could have become but did not;

You never followed your calling.

You never got out of the boat

We want to prepare our students to get out of the boat.  We want to have those conversations and pray those bold prayers so they can take appropriate risks and follow their calling.  We pray for our students and their families in the staffroom each week and we long to remain a positive impact on the lives of our students.  Thank you for partnering with us as we aim to promote the character of Christ to our children.

What a Blast!! May 28th, 2012

Saturday, May 26^th 2012 and Sunday, May 27^th was a weekend to remember! Alumni

started to roll in around 3:30 and there was a steady stream of people.  I was able witness a variety of reunions as more and more people arrived. After an hour of fellowship it was time for Bob Cates and his Comedy in Motion show and he did not disappoint.  He was high energy, very talented, family friendly, professional and I laughed at every one of his corny jokes.  We transitioned to the barbeque dinner and the food was delightful.  I had a hankering for barbeque and it did not disappoint.  I also had a healthy portion of two different salads and I am not a salad guy.  After some more time of fellowship we moved into the gymnasium for the formal program with greetings and remarks from various speakers.  Following the program we made our way outside for a fireworks display. 

What a show!  I could not resist giving you a bit of play by play of the evening.  I would love to capture for you every sight, every mouth-watering bite, every bit of laughter, and every important word uttered.  I would love to but I just do not have the space.  I can tell you this. In my short time as principal this was a weekend that testified most clearly God’s goodness, love and faithfulness to this school

The fireworks were a feast for the eyes; a buffet for the senses.  With each explosion we proclaimed God’s goodness to us for the past 50 years.  It was a way to shout about God’s love and faithfulness from the mountain top.  It was as if a herald were announcing that the Lord’s school is here so take notice.  Take notice because we will continue our endeavours in God’s strength in the years to come.  It was a reminder that we are called to be a light in this world.  We are called to shine like stars in the universe.  The sheer amount of people here were a testament to the school’s response to that call in the past and it was a blinding reminder to all of us that we must continue to cultivate the character of our students and prepare them for a life of leadership and contribution in God’s kingdom in the future. 

The culminating event was the service of gratitude at Redeemer University College.  It was a moving service with multiple connections to this community.  It remained intentionally focused on giving God the glory.  It was so good to be a part of the communion of saints in that auditorium.  The message framed our efforts at this school as part of carrying out our purpose; to glorify God and enjoy Him for ever. 

 Look for some of the student’s reactions in the upcoming issue of the Outlook.

Heritage Day and the Celebration Weekend

Well, it is right around the corner.  At the end of this week we will have an opportunity, once again, to celebrate the school’s 50^th anniversary.  The students already took some time to celebrate the school’s heritage on May 11^th.  It was a wonderful time for us to listen to guest speakers Bernie and Anita Voortman.  They were entertaining and were able to share a different perspective.  The students put a lot of work into their submissions for a time capsule for a future generation to uncover.  We also had the opportunity to take a picture of the entire student body.  The students’ stomachs were not neglected as the enjoyed a tasty treat and a hot dog lunch.   Each of the students also received a tree in commemoration of the 50^th.  Part of the desire for our students is tied to that image.  From Jeremiah 17:7+8 where it says “But blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream.  It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.”  We want our students to be mighty oaks of righteousness that have roots that anchor and nourish them.  As we look back over 50 years of God’s faithfulness this weekend we are reminded of our call to stay rooted and anchored in Him.  It is an exciting time and I look forward to the weekend celebrations.  Come out and enjoy the day and join us in expressing our gratitude to our Heavenly Father.  “For the Lord is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations.” Psalm 100:5

Thank You Mom! May 14, 2012

Thanks Mom!

Setting aside one day to accomplish something that we should do on a continual basis may seem insufficient or even trite.  But the fact is we need these days as reminders to be intentional about some of the more important things in life.  If you haven’t picked up on it yet I am talking about Mother’s Day.  It is a day that is set aside to honour mothers.  Some may be a little calloused to the commercialization of our appreciation but that should not mitigate our heartfelt appreciation for our mothers and the roles they have played in our lives.  I am aware that there are situations of brokenness that can affect this relationship and we do long for a day when that brokenness will be no more.  That being said,  I am so thankful for my mother.  She is a woman of faith and knowledge. Throughout my life she has been a steady, loving presence.  She and my dad anchored our family through “thick and thin.”  I love my mom.  I am thankful for a day that makes us take the time to acknowledge their contribution even if I did not get the opportunity to see her yesterday it does not lessen my deep appreciation.   Without my mother’s support I would not be sitting here today. And as I sit here today I also think of the multitude of mothers that are a part of this school and supporting community.  We would not be able to function as a school without their support, wisdom, and commitment.  Thank you to all of our mothers.  I pray that you felt honoured yesterday and that you will remain a steady, loving presence in the life of your child(ren).   I am thankful for the mother of my children and the role she plays in their lives and the influence I pray she will be in the years to come.  May God grant you, mothers, all that you need to deal with raising children in a complicated world.  May he grant you strength, courage, wisdom, love, understanding, faith, hope, perseverance, and compassion (just to name a few).

Encapsulated May 7th, 2012

I remember being in high school for a special anniversary and engaging in the discussion about what we should include in the time capsule.  The conversation was exciting and it gave students something to rally behind. I distinctly remember being part of the campaign to include the hair from my economics teacher’s handle bar moustache.  It was Yosemite Sam-esque.  This week the classes will be getting their submissions ready for a time capsule that we hope to bury on Friday (weather permitting).  It is exciting to think that something from our time will be preserved for future students to unearth and discover.  We will leave photos, post-cards to the future, an ode to the penny, memories, writings, and a typical desk contents in a box(minus the moldy sandwich).  This year we celebrate the heritage of faith and the tradition of Christian education that has been preserved for our students to unearth and discover.  Also, in doing so, this time capsule also represents a strong desire to leave a legacy for future generations.  We cannot trap those desires in a box that we hope to dig up one day, rather, we try to encapsulate it in the hearts of our students so that one day it will bear fruit and they will pass on the same passion for Christian education to their children and their children’s children wherever they end up.  ~Mr. Bouwers

Reading a good book... April 30, 2012

Reading a Good Book

The other day I was in the grade 7 class and the students were to be working on sketching.  The students were a bit restless so I picked up the book they had been reading and started to read aloud to them.  Most everyone likes a story told to them and this was no exception.  For the most parts, the students were attentive while they worked on their art work.  That book just happened to be the one I read after my first year of university.  I have not always enjoyed reading as a recreational activity but it was after that first year that I discovered joy in reading a good book.  Since then I have come to read a variety of books and for various reasons: educational, professional, enjoyment, interests, faith development and personal growth.  It is one aspect in my life that enables me to continue to grow and learn. 

This is something we want for our students as well.    We want them to continue to grow and to learn and to enjoy a good book. We want our students to be lifelong learners.   It is a valuable use of the time we’ve been given.  Reading a book allows you to go deep into thought and expands your attention.  There are times when I wish that I had spent more time in my earlier years reading and discovering the impact of a good book. 

I encourage you to keep working with your children to engage them in reading.  Some may take to it right away, others may with some reluctance while others may take until university but do not give up in your attempts.  Meet them where they are with their interests and reading level and make some time in this busy, fast paced life to read. 

Reading is also a discipline that we use frequently in our walk with the Lord.  We are able to get into God’s word and explore His will for our lives and hear how we are a part of God’s story.  Reading is also important in our devotional lives.  It enables us to delve into other devotional books or books written to help us grow in our faith and walk with the Lord.

If at all possible, take some time to read and encourage reading this week.  We praise God for His gift of language and the Word.  God’s blessings ~Mr. Bouwers

Christian Education Week April 23, 2012

It is Christian Education Week at Calvin Christian School in Dundas.  It is a week that we set aside to celebrate Christian education and God’s faithfulness and grace we experience on this journey.  It is great to celebrate but it also brings to mind a number of questions:

1.       What is Christian education?  Christian education is a response to our calling to bring all things under the Lordship of Christ. 

2.      What is it about the goals of this school that can be seen as a faithful response to what God speaks to us in His word? God’s word says that our lives are to be marked by loving God and loving others.  At school we need to walk along beside our students to help them demonstrate their love for God and others in an appropriate way.  

3.      What is the purpose of Christian education?  We aim to develop the knowledge of God and His creation.  Students respond to the task of creative and redemptive work as an act of worshipful response using their knowledge and applying wisdom.  This can only be attained by loving God, having community and fellowship with him that result in whole-hearted worship.   

We are so thankful for Christian education across Ontario, throughout Canada and on a global scale.  Join us in a joyous response to all that God has done for His schools.  Please, let me know if you have any more questions about Christian education and we may have the opportunity to explore them together or through these writings.  Peace of Christ to you. ~Mr. Bouwers

Membership has its privileges...

    “Membership has its privileges” was an advertising slogan made famous by American Express. The commercials would feature some extravagant items or experiences, and it was implied that all you had to do was enjoy the privileges associated from being an American Express cardholder. Something they didn’t outline in the advertisement was the responsibilities that come from being a member. Yes, there are privileges associated with membership as well as responsibilities. Those responsibilities include learning how to live, learn, love, and exist as a community. Being part of any community involves some active participation. We look forward to your participation tonight at the Dundas Calvin Christian School Spring Membership Meeting. It is another opportunity to get together and confirm our core values as a community while we express our commitment by being involved at various levels and carrying out all this community building with a sense of love for God and our neighbour. I look forward to seeing you tonight at the membership meeting.

~ Mr. Bouwers

Saved for what purpose? Tuesday April 10th, 2012

This past weekend we had the blessing of celebrating Easter with our family.  Easter is a special time that we distinctly remember the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ.  It was through His death on the cross that we can be reconciled with God.  It was his resurrection that assures us of His victory over death.  Through this season we can reflect on Jesus as our Saviour.  He is risen! He is risen indeed!  This is something to be celebrated and acknowledged as it begs the question, “Saved for what purpose?”  We can recognize that salvation is not only about the removal of our sin.  God allows us to partner with Him to the praise of His glory.  We have been saved by His grace through faith and the overflow of salvation should be evident in our lives.  Christ is not only our Saviour but also our Lord.  The way we live our lives becomes a faithful response to our Creator and brings everything under the Lordship of Christ.  At DCCS we desire our students to be prepared for a life of Christian service as part of that faithful response, as an overflow of salvation.  We pray that at DCCS the works of our hands, the meditation of our hearts, and the learning that occurs wil  be a manifestation of our faith and help serve our purpose of presenting ourselves as living sacrifices before our God.  Thank you for joining us in celebrating Christ as our Saviour and Lord.  ~Mr. Bouwers

He is risen! He is risen indeed! Easter Monday April 9th, 2012

He is risen! He is risen indeed!

This reminds me of a story Dr. Jim Payton told one of our history classes at Redeemer.  He spoke of Russia in the 1920s when the Communist government would send speakers to the towns to dissuade them from the Christian faith.  One of the large crowds of people sitting in a public auditorium listened for three hours to one such speech from a Russian official.  It already seemed ironic that he was using a language that was founded by Cyril and Methodius, missionaries to the Slavic people, and it was littered with Christian imagery.  Nonetheless, at the conclusion of his rant he was satisfied he had done his best and that most had been convinced. It was at that time a Russian Orthodox priest stood up at the back of the hall: "Christos voskres!" He said loudly (Christ is risen!) Instantly the entire crowd responded, "Voistinu voskres!” (He is risen indeed!)  He is risen! He is risen indeed!

Loving and Kind April 2, 2012

Loving and Kind

My children are often inspiring to watch as theyinteract with each other, living out a good sense of family. There are alsoother times when discord is the dish of the day. At different times they take on interesting roles. One decides to be the boss, the other tries to manipulate the others by withdrawing from play and they are all capable of the whine factor. I used to sing a song to them that we made up. It was called the loving and kind song. It was a simple song, it talked about being loving and kind over and over again. It worked to a certain degree, either they would think it funny that I was singing, they just wanted to get back to playing, or it distracted them enough to stop bickering. It caused enough of a pause for them to recalibrate.

Our family at school can get into similar situations.  Our students do go through difficult emotional times and we have to help them develop skills in how to deal with them. I don’t think it would befavourable for me to walk through the halls singing my greatest hit,“Loving and Kind”, it may be humorous but I do think it would wear itself thin pretty quickly. Of course, that is the answer though isn’tit? Be loving and kind. Love wins out every time. Darkness cannot abide the light. We are called to be a loving people. Another song aptly names it,“They will know we are Christians by our love.” Jesus’summary of the law also boils down to love, love God and love others.

I challenge you to discuss with your children how they can show to others in their class or the school that we are a loving people. Ask your child if there are students without friends or being left out. The love that Christ calls us to is one that reaches out to others. Let’s start with friendliness and move our children on to compassion that exhibits a concern for others with empathy. We want to impact our students in what they think (Head), personally owning it (Heart), and doing something with it(Hands). Let’s catch our students exhibiting Christ’s love to others. Have a great week!
                                                ~ Mr. Bouwers

Putting the lights down low March 26, 2012

The lights were down low and music was softly playing in the background.   There was a distinct ambiance.  Oh, and there was passion.  There was a lot of passion.  As one course of food followed another our taste buds were treated to an array of flavours and spices.  It was an intimate time, as intimate as you could get with over 150 guests and the passion that united us was for Christian education and celebrating 50 years of God’s grace to DCCS.  It was a wonderful event that allowed us to celebrate the mission and vision of this school.  It was an opportunity to break bread together across various generations and see what unites us:  our faith in our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ and our passion for educating our children in the way of the Lord.  As we continue to move forward with our 50th anniversary celebrations we look forward to the concert with Selah at Redeemer University College this coming weekend.  We praise God for His faithfulness exhibited in His love and His goodness. We will continue to sing His praises, now and forever.  God is good.  ~Mr. Bouwers

As you have been blessed… March 20, 2012

You may have noticed in the Connects a few announcements about a number of things going on at the school.  The grade 8 class is undertaking a food and clothing drive for the Good Shepherd Centre.  The students have been going to the Good Shepherd Centre for a number of years and the grade 8 class is taking on this extra initiative as a way to help bless others in our community.  It comes from a recognition that we are differently blessed than some of our neighbours and as we have been blessed we are also called to be a blessing.  It is a wonderful way for our students to show the Love of Christ to others.  Part of the school’s mission is to prepare our students’ for a life of Christian service and we try to provide a number of forums for our students to respond to this very intentional part of our mission statement.    At the end of the week, on Saturday, there is the Spring Gala Event.  It is another opportunity for the broader community to show their support for this school and its mission and vision.  So, as we have been blessed let us also continue to be a blessing.  Help us to shape the character and minds of young lives through a Christ-based education that will prepare them for a life of leadership and contribution in God’s Kingdom.  ~Mr. Bouwers

Labels and Learning Reports March 5, 2012

Sticks and stones will break my bones but names will never hurt me!!  This was a common response to the slings and arrows of my wonderful siblings when I was growing up. There would be heated exchanges and angry words would be hurled at each other.   I think there were times that the phrase was more of a wish than it was a pronouncement of some profound truth.  The fact of the matter is that names and labels and how they are communicated do have the power to hurt and to tear down.  Our words do carry the ability to edify or destroy.  We still have the choice to how we respond but that does not remove our responsibility to encourage one another and build each other up.   Today the students will receive their Learning Reports to take home.  I just wanted to remind you that this is just a snapshot of a portion of the students’ lives.  They are so much more than a set of check marks or percentages.  Each and every student is made in the image of our God and deserves to be treated as such. Let us not lose sight of the bigger picture and reduce the students and their worth.  Each and every student is uniquely gifted and that diversity is something to be celebrated.  May you see the image of our Creator in the lives of the children entrusted to us at DCCS.  Sticks and stones may break our bones but let us lift high the name of the one who made us.   ~Mr. Bouwers

A Forum for Responsive Discipleship February 27, 2012

I was noting the ebb and flow of the school calendar this past week.  As the weeks go by and I outline the week ahead I am often struck by the number of events at our school.  We offer a comprehensive curriculum that covers a variety of subjects and, completing this, are wonderful programs that are geared to help develop the gifts of our students and provide a forum for our students to faithfully respond to God.  Student Council does a wonderful job leading multiple events and it provides some of our students unique leadership opportunities.  We continue to have a strong, competitive sports program at the school as well.  Later this week some of our students well be competing in a public speaking contest.  The intramural program has just ran its course for the grades 4-6 and will kick off in the upper end soon.  I also think back to our Winter Enrichment program that provided a number of opportunities for our students as well.   I find all these activities provide a forum for our students to develop their gifts, respond to their Creator, and experience a sense of community at Dundas Calvin Christian School.  I am thankful for the many opportunities our students have through our co-curricular programs to develop the gifts God has given them.   To God be the glory.  ~ Mr. Bouwers