Teaching for Transformation (TfT) is an innovative approach to learning that ensures a strong Christian perspective is built deeply into the curriculum. Over this past year, teachers at Sarnia Christian School have spent eight professional development days working on TfT.
Storylines and Storyboards
One of the elements of TfT is an intentional, visual representation of learning within God’s story on display – the “Storyline.” This year, each class at Sarnia Christian School has a dedicated display space to visually document their learning journey. These displays show how everyday learning connects to God’s story and to each student. Storyboards are intended to creatively show artifacts of learning and evidence of students connecting to God’s story. It is wonderful to see the unique creativity of our students and staff on display as you walk through the building!
Students see themselves on the Storyboards in their classrooms and connect more deeply to their learning as a result. Recently, while looking at the grade one Storyboard, a student It is us on the tree–it’s like we are the ” A grade five student reflected on the grade five “Built for This” Storyboard in this We are built to be a team. We are built to work together. We are built to know that God loves us, and we are made in His
A short phrase and image brings the story of God’s Kingdom to life for students and teachers. For instance, the grade four Storyline is “Hear His voice and follow,” with an image of sound waves with students cupping their ears to listen. Footsteps illustrate the idea of following God with our actions.
Quotes from students are posted in many classrooms as part of Storyboards. A grade one student said, “little kids can do BIG things!” and a grade two student said, “God loves us in every way.” Displaying these words encourages the class to use their unique voices. Another grade two student referred to the class Storyboard and Storyline when asked what he liked about the school: “It shows my place in God’s world.”
Grade Five Storyboard
Grade One Storyboard
Grade Two Storyboard
Throughlines
In the TfT model, “Throughlines” are discipleship practices which students and teachers can use throughout a lifetime of learning to follow God. Each class has led a chapel service over the course of the year. The grade two class recently led a chapel about Order Discovering. With words, music, and dramatic presentations, they demonstrated the order found in God’s big story: Creation, Fall, Redemption, and Restoration.
The throughline of God Worshipping stands out as well. On a recent walk-through day in which a group of teachers had the privilege of visiting all the classrooms to observe TfT in action, many students expressed their joy in knowing God and being able to share his love with others. One student shared, “I can be myself with Jesus, and everyone believes in him.” A grade five student commented, “It was a brand new start when I came here. I can pray all the time, which feels fresh. Everyone is so kind.”
Community Building is another significant throughline. In grade eight, a student who, with a group, was writing a radio script for a public service announcement articulated: “We’re trying to get our message to the world, to the community.” This particular group spent a morning in May at Blackburn Radio recording a commercial that will be aired to the local Lambton area.
As we continue to implement Teaching for Transformation, we are excited to keep exploring how we can grow in these Throughlines, such as Image Reflecting, Creation Enjoying, and Servant Working. This teaching model aligns with, supports, and enhances our mission at Sarnia Christian which guides all learning and decisions:
As a Christian school, in partnership with families and community we:
• Deliver an education, which integrates faith and learning within a safe environment
• Challenge students to discover their gifts and use them to serve God and community
• Equip students with the skills and discernment required to interact with contemporary culture
Foundation. Challenge. Preparation.
Junior Battle of the Books Team Champions.
Having fun in gym learning gymnastics.
Deep concentration at the Christian School Chess Tournament.
Learning about decomposition in Grade 4.
Grade 1 sharing joy with cards for people at Bluewater Health.
Technology: Changes for 2026-2027
As the use of technology in schools continues to change and evolve, this year we have spent time focused on researching its place in the elementary school classroom, specifically the use of one-to-one devices such as Chromebooks. Our goal is to stay current while taking the research into account to enrich our students’ education. Much of the research shows that one-to-one devices were largely introduced as a result of COVID, so that students could complete work remotely. It also questions how much time is actually being used productively and whether that is worth the loss of face-to-face communication for students. These are all things we are taking into account as we make intentional changes to the way technology is used at SCS.
Currently, in younger grades, our use of devices is already very limited. Students do not use one-to-one technology in kindergarten or grades 1 and 2, as these years are vital to developing fine-motor skills for writing and teaching collaboration between peers in a healthy way. Hands-on experiences and activities, including during the “down time” parts of our days, provide important opportunities for students to develop their creativity and social skills.
Our older grades switched to one-to-one devices in 2021, which has been effective in giving students equal opportunity to complete assignments digitally. For our students who benefit from using tools such as speech-totext, this has been a wonderful way to increase the ability to communicate their thoughts clearly. We still see a place for some use of Chromebooks in older grades, although we plan to reduce the use of these devices.
Chromebooks can be used to provide quick feedback for skill development and can help students practice skills or present polished work. Students need to learn keyboarding and data entry skills, which they will use in their careers. Teaching students how to research well and choose quality sources is a vital skill to learn in our digital age. We know that AI is here to stay and will bring unforeseen changes to our lives, which our students will have to learn to navigate.
The multipurpose room was filled with “Sounds of Spring” last Tuesday as Grades 4-8 performed for their spring concert! It was clear that students and our band director have been practicing hard, and the bake sale fundraiser was an incredible success. We were able to raise $1,043 for the Ronald McDonald House Southwestern Ontario! Praise God!
Dressing Up from the 50s, 60s, 70s, and 80s for Decades Day!
A Review of Sarnia Christian School
By:Ellis(Gr.7)
Have you ever wanted to feel safe and learn a lot at the same time? Well, Sarnia Christian School is the place for you. SCS, led by principal Mr. Smit, is a private school. It was built in 1953 by a dedicated group of parents and community members. Throughout its 73 years of running, it has maintained good shape and plenty of renovations.
Founded in 1953, Sarnia Christian School is a private school in Sarnia, Ontario. It teaches plenty of subjects, such as geography, math, gym, and more. There are many activities for students to do at recess, with one track, one football field, three soccer fields, two playground structures, and a gaga ball pit. When you first walk in the building, you see a big confined space with the art room, library, and the fish tank on the left side. To your right, you will notice the piano room, staff room, and the warm, welcoming receptionist, Mrs. Kaldeway. There’s also a massive, colourful mural with the message, “Be still and know that I am God: Psalm 46:10” that was created by SCS students as part of a Discovery Days group in the spring of 2025. Sarnia Christian School is a wonderful place to learn how every subject reflects back to God. The staff are gracious, and you will make friends that will last a lifetime. In my opinion, these reasons make Sarnia Christian School better than public schools.
At SCS, every subject comes back to God. For example, at school gatherings we always sing praise songs. My favorites are “My Lighthouse,” “Praise,” and “Days of Elijah.” In Bible class, we learn about the Bible and how and why God created the earth. In geography, we learn about God’s creation. Also, in history we learn about God’s faithfulness.
SCS’ staff is kind and caring. They also do a fabulous job of teaching and spreading God’s word. Every day I go to school, I feel like I’m learning more and more. The teachers are kind and caringbecausetheylistentous,careforourneeds,andhelpus with any questions we have.
At SCS, friends are one of the most important things other than God. Friendships could be strengthened in many different ways, like competing in sports, working on projects together, and playing with each other. I have mostly strengthened friendships in sports, competing, and playing together.
If God picked a school to spread his Word, it would be Sarnia Christian School. SCS puts a twist on ordinary schooling. It’s fun and an exquisite place to learn. If you’ve ever wanted to feel God’s presence, this school was made for you.
Technology (cont.)
As a school, we are planning to make some changes to benefit our students.
1. Students will use Chromebooks in a limited way starting in grade four.
2. We are no longer going to have students purchase a Chromebook in grade 5. Instead, we will have a class set made available for specific skill development, such as practicing times tables.
3. In grades 6, 7, and 8, the Chromebooks that have already been purchased will be used in a reduced manner. First drafts of writing assignments will be completed with paper and pencil, with exception for students who need the use of speech-to-text features.
4. More focus will be placed on presentations done in different hands-on ways other than preparing a slide deck.
Technology is an integral tool in today’s education, and we continue to see its place and purpose. Our goal is to use devices as tools to support and enhance student learning while teaching Christian discernment in our ever-changing technological culture.
Calendar of Events
May 26
Grade 4 Field Trip to Lambton Centre
May 27 District Track & Field (Windsor)
May 28 Life School Musical at 6:30 p.m.
May 29 Grandfriends Day
June 5 PD Day (no school)
June 8 Special Membership Meeting
June 8-10
Grade 8 Trip to Forest Cliff
June 10 Celebration of Learning JK to Grade 4
June 11 Celebration of Learning Grades 5 to 8
June 12 Hot Lunch BBQ
June 17 Last Day of School for Grade 8
June 17 Closing Chapel at 9:00 a.m.
June 18 Grade 8 Graduation at 7:00 p.m.
June 19 Last Day of School with early dismissal at 12:30 p.m.
