June 2016

"Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story - those he redeemed from the hand of the foe"  Psalm 107:2

As we look back upon our school year, we find evidence of our story as God's people in many circumstances. Students deepened their knowledge and understanding of who they are as God's redeemed people through learning from a biblical worldview. Water studies and battery recycling taught students to honour the gift creation. (Gen 1) Fellowship in chapels, the performance of Anne of Green Gables and buddy classes taught students to honour community. (Hebrews 10:24-25) Devotion time and bible class taught students God's nature and how to live in obedience to Him. (Exodus 18:20 and 2 John 1:6) We felt our membership as God's people through another year of the WCS community  nurturing, volunteering and supporting us through prayer and finances. We lived our story in the Woodstock community through our participation in, acts of service, field trips, and community events.

As we end this school year we rest. We turn to God in anticipation for Him to reveal His will for our WCS community in the 2016-17 school year. 1Thessalonians 5:17 reminds us to "pray continually". Deuteronomy 7:9 states "Know therefore that the Lord your God, He is God, the faithful God, who keeps His covenant and His lovingkindness to a thousandth generation with those who love Him and keep His commandments."

And so our story continues.

Mrs. Lesa Racicot

God in our Transitions!

Last Friday, we welcomed students from JK-8 that are enrolled to begin at WCS in September. They joined their classes-to-be, were welcomed by their teachers and students, and had opportunity to get a taste of what school will be like for them in the fall. God is blessing WCS with many new enrollments for the school year 2016-2017 and we are so excited! We are thankful for all the new families and pray that as they prepare to come in September, God will lead them and bless the transition time.

The Grade 8 students are in their final days at WCS and as they prepare for graduation and for transitioning to high school, we also pray that they will ‘be well’. What an exciting …and a bit scary… time for our graduates. I also am finishing up my work at WCS, saying good-byes, and transitioning to what God has planned for my life as I face the future.

It is so good to know that God goes with us wherever and whenever we go to new places and situations. Deuteronomy 31:6 comes to mind as a verse we all can embrace, whether we are coming, going or staying: “Be strong and courageous, Do not be terrified…, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Mrs. Bernice Huinink-Buiter

It is hard to think that there are only 13 days left of school before we head out for our summer vacation. This year's school theme has been focussed on "Telling God's Story" and over the past 163 days of school many stories have been told. Each child has grown and travel led a little in their own story, we have heard stories of our amazing God and his creation, and this morning we heard stories through music. And over the next 13 days, more stories will be told as teachers begin to wrap up units of study, we talk about summer plans, and just rejoice in the amazing stories that God has for us to learn and experience over the next few days. 

As I think back to September and the new students I had coming into my classroom for the first time, and think to where they are now, I am amazed at the story that each one can tell. They will share stories of sadness, joy, challenges, and successes. Each one of their stories combined together for these past 10 months to create an additional story in their lives. A story of community where we could learn, grow, and support one another in all that we do. I pray that as you and your family prepare to head into the summer that you will continue looking for the many different stories that God is sharing with you. 

Have an amazing last couple of days looking for, and listening to the stories. 

E. Schuster

"Remember this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously....Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver, and God is able to make all grace abundant in every good work."  This is a passage written by Paul, in 2nd Corinthians.   After nine years attending WCS, these words ring very true to me and I see ways of how we apply it to our days at school. 

For example, here at WCS, we try to spread God's love to our community.  One way of doing that is becoming aware of issues around us and how we can help. Our senior class participated in an environmental program sponsored by GM.  We visited Cedar Creek and tested the water for pH, temperature, shade and dissolved oxygen.  Now our class has decided to tackle our own local problem: Turtle Road Crossing.  Together with Brad Hertner we are going to try to fix it.  In addition, our teacher challenged us to tackle another issue and write an essay on it.  Some topics were global warming, irrigation, water foot print and scarcity, water disease, habitat, and consuming freshwater. 

Another completely different way to reach out to our community is by monthly visits to Caressant Care.  We play euchre, shuffle board, jenga, snakes and ladders or just talk and listen to their stories.  The residents enjoy having us. 

 Back in school, we are also called to "sow our seeds" within our own school community.  One great way is our "Leadership" teams. These teams have replaced student council.  Students realize how many different tasks they can sign up for around the school. We have an environmental team, snow shovelling team, library club, morning announcements team and many, many more.  Personally, I think that this is a better system than students council because the weight is spread evenly between everyone.  This also means jobs get done much faster!

One great example of this is our recent Spring play, Anne of Green Gables .  Being in the play is a really fun experience even for those who think they can't act.  There are opportunities for the sound, facilities and technician teams.  I played one of the main roles in the play and was excited to get to know the younger actors also performing.  Acting alongside is not only fun, it provides lasting friendships.  The Directors give you feedback which will bump-up your performance.

 Overall, this school is one of the most comfortable places I have been to.  All of the teachers want students to grow in knowledge and become children of God.  Since coming here, my faith has seeded and blossomed.  I get a real sense of community and belonging when I participate here.  I hope all students will feel the  same way!

Janelle Kroondijk