does HDCH support student

By: James Apers (Guidance Counsellor) & Nate VanKampen (Dean of Students)

How do I lay bricks, wire a house, plant a field, defend a client, teach a class, or do anything as a person of faith? How does being a Christian change and shape what I do and how I do it? What does it mean to be a Christian [fill in occupation here]? In the Guidance and Careers Studies program at HDCH, understanding how to serve God in whatever vocation one follows is a core principle.

Students are challenged to think about their gifts and interests and, more importantly, how those talents and experiences uniquely qualify them for engaging with and working in God’s kingdom. Understanding that we are all created with a plan and a purpose (Eph. 2:10), students are encouraged to consider what it means to serve and to be a blessing in their various roles.

Early in Careers class, students interview an adult in their lives who is working in a profession that aligns with their interests. They ask them these important questions about how faith influences their work. Students share how their role models have responded, offering the wisdom of multiple voices from various disciplines about how people walk with God and serve others in their fields. Students hear from these adults that the motivation for and the approach to work is framed by faith.

Students unpack these ideas as they do interest inventories, learning styles assessments, and postsecondary program explorations. This involves understanding how their unique skills and interests can be applied in different professions and how faith can guide their choices and actions. They also shape how students understand employment standards and protections, the job search process, and the impact of a changing workplace. Finally, as students complete their summative exploration about a specific career, they articulate what it means to be a Christian [fill in occupation here].

Counseling Services at HDCH

We have expanded our mental health supports. Abby Tigchelaar is our new school counsellor, and is at HDCH four days a week. Abby is an HD alumna and a Certified Child Life Specialist. She is trained to provide therapeutic intervention and developmental-appropriate support for children under 18. She will be implementing proactive mental wellness initiatives.

Mark Your Calendar

Oct 3-10: HDCH Online Auction for CARE

Oct 17: Discover HDCH. Check Us Out (5:30-7:30pm) & Parent Info Session (6pm)

Oct 17: Student Learning Conferences with HDCH parents & Online Auction Pickup

Oct 24-25: PD Days

Oct 30: Build | Preserve | Give Legacy Presentation, 7pm

Nov 1-Dec 31: Annual Appeal Campaign

Nov 6: Exceler8 Day

Nov 18: Fall Membership Meeting (membership required to attend)

Nov 28: New Parent Info Zoom Session

Dec 21-Jan 4: Christmas Break

Jan 17-23: Culminating Activities end of semester mandatory course requirement

Jan 24 & 27: PA Days

Jan 29: Semester 2 begins

Connect With Us

Duncan Todd Principal principal@hdch.org

905.648.6655 x 105

Sara Whetstone Vice Principal swhetstone@hdch.org 905.648.6655 x 103

Nate VanKampen Dean of Students nvankampen@hdch.org

905.648.6655 x 109

Sandra Baker Director of Admissions & Advancement sbaker@hdch.org

905.648.6655 x 122

Tina VanDyk Marketing & Engagement tvandyk@hdch.org

905.648.6655 x 110