May 2016

This is the Air I Breathe…

It is a joy to begin my week in the Grade 5 classroom this morning for their opening devotions. The class sits in circle formation at the back of the room and listens to one of their peers lead with a reading about Psalm 8. Altogether, we ‘see’ God’s amazing presence throughout the universe and also within each of our hearts. In the devotional piece, the question asked is “How can God be EVERYWHERE?” with the response that God is so awesome we cannot understand His presence, but know it is true. As I try to wrap my thinking around this profound thought, I feel the gentle breeze through the window and I breathe deeply. Immediately I am overwhelmed with the message of Acts 2 in which God sent His Holy Spirit with what sounded like a wind. I realize God’s presence is like the air that is always around us and in us. I take that for granted and so often I take God’s presence for granted as well. But not this morning… through the message of a Grade 5 student, I thank God for his overwhelming presence, love and care. As we pray together, God hears our requests and praises. He is with us again as we live through another day.

What a blessing to begin our school day with God in this awesome way!

Mrs. Bernice Huinink-Buiter

WCS Field Day This coming Thursday we hope to have our Track Meet. If for any reason we cannot have our meet on Thursday, please check the website www.woodstockchristian.ca and have your children bring their lunches and books for regular classes. On Field Day, our primary and junior students up to grade 5 will strive to meet our school standards which will allow them to win a bronze, silver, or gold award for each event they enter. The results of this field day help us to choose the teams that represent the school in district action. Usually those who finish in the first two positions will be chosen for the school team, but many factors such as the results in another age group, or the number of events a student may enter also come into play. A schedule is posted in the Parent Link to help parents plan to watch the events of their children. Please ensure your children are dressed appropriately for the weather and for their events. Students should have sun screen on prior to coming to school. Mrs. J. Hickey

A moment in the day of…..

Last week Thursday, I spent 15-20 minutes visiting each class in session and wish that every supporter of WCS could do the same. Worship time in JK, storytime (Goldilocks and the 3 Bears) in SK, birthday celebrations in Grade 1, math (perimeter) in Grade 2, student presentation on Spiders in Grade 3, Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night introduction in Grade 4, Medieval  Era timeline in Grade 5, Math multiplication drill in Grade 6, Literature circles in Grade 7 and Graduation planning groups in Grade 8. I saw God’s love in every class! So, so good!
After this amazing time all I could do was pray. 
“THANK YOU GOD!! What a ‘wonder’ full place WCS is for our precious children to uncover Your works, to experience the love of Christ,  and to find their place in Your story! “ 
Thanks to Mrs. Streutker who takes photos and posts a ‘recap of the School week’ on the school’s Facebook page each week- that’s the way you can experience some of what happens at WCS!
I feel so blessed to be have been called to lead here at WCS!

                            Mrs. Bernice Huinink-Buiter

A recent survey sent to families at Woodstock Christian School asked the following question.

How has our school been a benefit to your child?

• Our children are happy to go to school.  They love their friends, are growing in faith and Christian character and are doing well academically.
• They are getting the right amount of help to pass their grades.
• Positive influence.
• My child has learned how to overcome hardships and forge new relationships.
• The love for our children from the staff is amazing.
• I know my child is loved and well cared for.  Their well being is top priority.
• My child is more independent and self confident now.
• Loving teachers that care.
• Amazing! I can't believe how much my child has grown and learned.  As parents we couldn't be happier!
• Highly recommend Christian Education.  Gives them a strong base to build upon.
• Beyond words! Our family feels a lot of support from the school.  We definitely feel that the school is walking alongside our family as we raise these kids for Christ.  

    First, I would like to thank the WCS community for their support in the production of "Anne of Green Gables." It was so great to see so many parents, grandparents, and friends of the children come out to see our production!! As one of the directors, I have the great privilege of working with the students and watching them develop the talents God has given them. It is so awesome to watch them shine on the stage.
    Second, I would like to thank the administration of WCS for allowing each grade in our school the opportunity to watch drama presentations. I have a real heart for acting and I am very grateful that each year our students can experience drama presentations. Grade 4 is starting a study of William Shakespeare this week and will have an opportunity to put on a play for the whole school audience and for parents and grandparents.
    Thanks once more for all the love, encouragement, and support that we have received from our WCS parents and community!!
                            N. VanAndel

 

The Next Page of our Story???

    This year we have been made aware that God is calling us to tell His story. And we have done this with much joy! We have also learned that God is writing our story. Each day we live, God is leading us through the story prepared in advance for us. Our life story belongs to Him! At WCS, we have seen some awesome days and some tough times, but we have always known God’s guidance along the way. We have learned to depend on Him for all things and be strengthened through Him.
    For the past months the Board of Directors has been praying over  and planning for ‘the next page’ (2016-2017) of our school’s story. I invite you all to come to the Spring Membership Meeting this Thursday to hear about these plans and bring your expertise to the discussions we will have. The BOD values your viewpoints as they make decisions. Together we will seek God’s will for the future! 
See you Thursday evening at 8:00 pm!
                            In Christ’s Service,
                            Bernice Huinink-Buiter