A HAMILTON DISTRICT CHRISTIAN HIGH PUBLICATION
VOLUNTEERING
Sharing a Precious Resource: time
HDCH is so blessed by people who share that very precious commodity--time. And, along with their time is expertise. Our volunteer supporters share so much with us: their knowledge and skills complement our staff team. Together, we are so much better! Our Board of Directors, for example, provides insight into the direction of the school, supporting staff through the changing educational landscape. The board’s ongoing work is ensuring that the school focuses on its vision: To see all HDCH students become a faithful presence in the communities that they serve. We have an incredible team of volunteers that muster a resale of wardrobe items every year. This team takes in gently used clothing and prepares it for families to purchase and wear, at a fraction of the full retail cost. Volunteers contribute countless hours behind the scenes in construction, painting, sewing and more, to bring drama productions to the stage. There are volunteers that visit classes, sharing real world experiences...and the list goes on! HD’s students and staff are truly blessed by the abundance of resources that you share with us.
FALL 2021
Vol. 15 Issue 1
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES Board of Directors Finance Committee CARE Campaign Cabinet Facility Advisory Council Contract Partnership Committee Event Support: Golf Tournament, Spring Fundraising Dinner, Check Us Out Open House Athletics Coach Wardrobe ReSale Volunteer Classroom Speaker Testimonials--Parent Forum, Our Kids
There are many ways for students to volunteer at HD: WATCH Committee Student Council
Thank you! h
Student Ambassador Team
Sharing Abundance
Assembly Team
To whom much is given, much will be required (Luke 12:48)
Diversity Committee
Jim Vanderwoerd joined the HDCH Board of Directors in 2014, in the midst of his four children’s time at the school. Joining the HDCH Board often means serving on a committee, so Jim became the Board’s Contract Partnership Committee (CPC) representative right away. When Jim’s youngest child graduated in 2017, he completed his time with the Board. In the spirit of sharing his abundance, and wishing to retain his connection to the school, Jim remained on CPC noting: “We still had so much important work to do!”
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Jim brought experience and skills to his HDCH volunteer roles: he emphasizes that the driving force behind his volunteerism is his commitment to ensuring students experience Christian education for their entire school career.
Volunteering at HD has had personal benefits for Jim. While his kids were at the school, his role helped him to feel more informed. After his kids left HD, staying on as a volunteer meant that he could continue to enjoy relationships with staff and volunteers, while continuing to play a role in a growing, thriving HD. Jim sees his volunteerism as part of God’s call in his life. He thinks often about how to share his responsibility to his family, his profession and his community. “God asks me to give within my limits and to contribute.” Jim recommends that anyone wishing to get a glimpse of the complexity of educating a child might consider volunteering at HDCH. ”It is an enormous undertaking to teach teens. Being on the Board and on CPC gave me a front row seat to what it takes. And, I made connections with so many wonderful people that I otherwise would not have met”.
PHOTO : HANK RINTJEMA
Jim has enjoyed 15 years at Redeemer University, where he presently serves as Associate Dean of the Social Sciences.
Jim has now completed his time on the CPC, and we extend our heartfelt thanks to him for his wisdom, encouragement and consistent commitment to the school. h
Co-op Education -- Giving time to HD Students Co-op employers are the lifeblood of our experiential learning program at HD. Starting in grade eleven, students enrolled in Co-op are placed in work environments that reflect the career path they hope to pursue. Co-op Coordinator Richard VanEgmond is always interested in speaking to people who would consider having a young person become part of their workforce for a semester. The gift that you would be giving the student--the gift of your time and expertise--could set them up for a successful career in your field! This year, through the support of Edvance Christian Schools and the Christian Labour Association of Canada, HDCH is able to offer the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) for students who choose to do a co-op in a skilled trade. This program provides a student with the opportunity to complete several key industry training certifications such as Working at Heights and WHMIS as well as WSIB insurance as required. HDCH OYAP students could also have the option to begin their apprenticeship training during a cooperative education placement in any of the 140+ skilled trades. Using co-op hours towards their apprenticeship means HD students will complete their apprenticeship goals more quickly and get a head start on the training qualification requirements. We invite you to become a part of developing the next generation of Canada’s workforce. Please visit hdch.org/venture to find out more about being a co-op workplace. If you are ready to sign up as a co-op employer, please complete the online form. h
Would you like to find out more about volunteering at HDCH? Please connect with our Engagement Coordinator, Tina VanDyk at tvandyk@hdch.org or 905-648-6655 x 110
Connecting With Us
Duncan Todd, Principal dtodd@hdch.org 905-746-7961 Cheryl Webb, Director of Operations cwebb@hdch.org 289-775-2107 Sandra Baker, Director, Advancement & Admissions sbaker@hdch.org 905-466-0237