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