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