THE SUMMER REPORT
OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF WESTMINSTER CLASSICAL CHRISTIAN ACADEMY
Reformation Day
WCCA Family
Anne of Green Gables Children’s Musical
Recitation Day at High Park
DR.BRENDENBOTT HEAD OF SCHOOL
The more familiar you become with something, the more details you often notice Some of these details deepen the beauty and charm of what you see Others, however how shall I put it? reveal imperfections not so easily remedied Nowhere is this truer than in the field of education. But before we turn there, let’s briefly consider something I noticed in my backyard.
The most unusual thing about our backyard, at least to me, is the row of sunflowers stretched along a small fence in the middle of it. These distinct inhabitants tower above their surroundings as well as many of the people that walk by them they are giants when compared to the rest of our greenery, and they capture the gaze of everyone who encounters them But if you look more closely at the edge of our property, you’ll notice smaller plants, ones that are almost too small and unassuming to be noticed All of these plants, however as you may have guessed are sunflowers. In a very real sense, sunflowers are not made for the earth but for the sun in the heavens, as it is in the sun ’ s light that they thrive. The first group of sunflowers basks in sunlight most of the day, while the others live mostly in darkness and shadow, exposed to the light for only brief amounts of time.
The contrast between these groups is less significant than I may have implied. If the diminutive sunflowers in my backyard never reach their full potential, neither heaven nor my morning coffee will be disturbed But children are different profoundly different Just as the sunflowers are made for the sun, children are made for the Word of God and are thus to bask in God’s Word and soak in God’s wisdom. If children are to thrive as they were made to, the Scriptures are to be an ever-present reality.
There are many Scriptures that we could explore on this subject, but King David makes the point unmistakably clear in Psalm 119.
I have more understanding than all my teachers, for your testimonies are my meditation I understand more than the aged, for I keep your precepts (Psalm 119:99-100 ESV)
Were other Israelites of David’s time not acquainted with the Scriptures? Of course they were. But David was more so and he was better because of it. So too will our children be if they are raised in an environment saturated with the Word of God and are attentive to what they are taught for it is the Word of God that gives life. And this is precisely the difference that classical Christian education can make in a child’s life
In classical Christian education, at least at our school, children start their days with the Word of God, and the Word of God is used throughout the day to interpret history, science, literature, music, etc. It is a logocentric education one that sees Christ not only as the beginning and end of history but also as the interpreter of all things and their judge. He is also what we need every day to live in wisdom and in the fullness of what God has for us. As Jesus, drawing from the Old Testament, declares, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matt 4:4) an unchanging law for human flourishing and life itself Each child was made to feast on the Word of God It is surer than the law of gravity that this is what a child needs to grow and develop properly
In our lives and in the lives of those we know those who have lived attentively to the Scriptures, receiving daily exposure to them year after year, may appear the same outwardly, but in truth, they are far more different than the two groups of sunflowers in my backyard. The contrast could not be starker. This is why we must never diminish the importance of God’s Word in a child’s education
Yet this is not only about our children It is far more than that One of the entrances to the Royal Ontario Museum bears these words upon its ceiling: “THAT ALL MEN MAY KNOW HIS WORK” a phrase drawn from John 3:21. Our children are made for God Himself, to display His wonder and His works through their lives the highest calling anyone could ever have and their greatest privilege. But they cannot do this well without God’s Word shining on them regularly
May God continue to give us the grace we need to give our children what they need so that they may grow into the fullness for which they were made and bring glory to His name.
ning in junior years later as ave learned many valuable things, including challenging academic skills such as how to craft an excellent speech and a well-written essay. However, as important as the academics are, the people have been the most meaningful.
Overall, the most important thing I have learned at WCCA is that godly examples encourage people to strive to be godly examples. This may seem very specific, and it is, but this is a significant thing that WCCA has exemplified
To a youth, worldly things feel extremely tempting. There is the lure of not taming your tongue and the temptation of fitting in with society. At WCCA, you have example after example of excellent teachers who live beautiful, God-glorifying lives. Suddenly, you see that the lure of daily Bible reading, prayer, hard work, and fellowship with Christians is so much stronger In our school, Christ is glorified instead of the world This is something to cherish truly Our Assistant Head of School and Head of School both have beautiful families with strong convictions and a vigorous love for the Lord. Right now, beautiful families and the power of virtue seem lost in the world, but my teachers show me that surely these are not lost.
Mrs Bergs has been a remarkably gratifying example of a godly woman in my life She is faithful in her teaching She makes each student feel genuinely cared for When you talk to her, you can see the joy in her life and her family, and I have felt so blessed by her teaching and love. I have seen the Lord working in me through her. She knew me when I was only 3, but now that I am a WCCA graduate, it is a gift to be able to think of Mrs. Bergs not only as my beloved teacher but also as a sister in Christ
Through their example, my teachers have shown me how broken all worldly things are and how they lead to a downcast life, being overtaken by sin. However, following the Lord will lead to an abundantly joyful life, surrounded by people who love you. Charles Spurgeon says, “Thou canst not tell what showers of mercy, what streams of benediction, what mountains of joy, and hills of happiness, shall be thine when Jesus comes and reigns in thy soul ” True happiness is found in Christ, and my godly teachers have lived this for the students to see
Everything worldly will pass away The sovereignty of God, the beauty of having a family or loving spouse, and setting an example of a Christlike life are all things you can rejoice in they will not pass away! I know that the examples set for me will stay with me as I continue my journey in faith and academics. Just as my teachers have been an example to me, I will strive as I grow older to be an example to others
In conclusion, God has given such grace in my life by blessing me with Westminster Classical and the teachers here who have impacted my life in what I know will be such an enduring way. God is our firm foundation, and many godly teachers have again and again pointed me to him.
INTHECLASSROOM
BY MR. LUKE JENNINGS
GRADE 7 & 8 HOMEROOM TEACHER
What a blessing it has been this past 2024-2025 school year to serve at WCCA as a teacher of both Grade 1 and Grade 7/8 students! This unique opportunity has afforded me the privilege of witnessing those crucial early stages of Christian formation in WCCA’s youngest students, as well as the marvelous end-result of WCCA’s JK to Grade 8 classical Christian program.
In a civilization founded on JudeoChristian principles that it has by and large rejected in lieu of something far inferior, the light that WCCA has been gifted to shed abundantly in the hearts of its pupils has never proved more precious. Sublime worlds of epic proportions the classical and medieval worlds inherited by the Christian Renaissance and wonderfully reimagined by Romantic-era poets have tragically been concealed from the hearts, minds, and souls of far too many of today’s youth by a spirit-destroying force called secular humanism.
Naturalists those who deny the reality of the supernatural profess themselves to be wise, but precisely in doing so have become fools (Rom 1:22). Indeed, the Scriptures boldly declare that the “fear of the Lord” is the very “beginning of wisdom” and that it is the “fool” who has said in his heart, “There is no God” (Ps 111:10, Prov 9:10; Ps 14:1, Ps 53:1 KJV).
Lord willing, neither a prideful heart nor a haughty spirit, but rather a humble heart and a teachable spirit are carefully cultivated in WCCA’s students so that they may remain ever open and ever receptive to what it is that God would have them learn and not only learn but become for “ we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord” (2 Cor 3:18 KJV)
Far from having our students profess themselves to be wise, that they might become fools, we would have them tremble at His word, that they might be made more like Him (Isa 66:2).
The painstaking labour that WCCA’s parents, teachers, and staff put into helping shape our students into the young ladies and gentlemen that the Lord would have them become, however lowly esteemed in the eyes of this blinded world (2 Cor 4:3-4), is truly precious in the sight of the One who sees and declares the end from the beginning (Isa 46:10), and I am particularly inspired by the example set by the parents who make the sacrifices they do to ensure, especially in so trying an epoch as this, that their children be raised up “in the nurture and admonition of the Lord” (Eph 6:4 KJV).
As a Grade 1 teacher, I was tasked this year with realizing a seventeenfold instantiation of the harrowing injunction, “Train up a child in the way he should go, ” and as a Grade 7/8 teacher, I have been privileged to catch an inspiring glimpse of its partial fulfillment: “And when he is old” in this case older “he will not depart from it” (Prov 22:6 KJV). All fleshly obstacles to their flourishing notwithstanding, the Grade 1 students’ scholarly inquisitiveness and evangelistic zeal have been nothing short of breathtaking to witness, and the insightfulness and apologetic fervour of the Grade 7/8 students have been nothing short of miraculous to behold.
Allow me to close by praying our school’s benediction upon each and every WCCA family:
The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace. (Num 6:24-26 ESV)
Every blessing in Christ Jesus our Lord
Frances Lukowski
Through my two years at WCCA, I have learned to make new friendships, adapt to new learning styles, and, most importantly, deeply understand the humble life of our Saviour, Jesus Christ
Before I began my journey at WCCA, I had started my education at a public Catholic school. Being a practicing Catholic when most kids were not was a struggle for me, as I could not speak about my faith openly. I prayed that I could learn more about Christ in an environment where I could share my Christian opinions with others
One evening, my mother was looking online for a Christian school in Toronto. She noticed a school not too far away from our house called Westminster Classical Christian Academy, and we knew that God had answered our prayers. A few months later, my mother and sister went to watch the new school’s musical, Narnia and were astonished to see how every scene had Christ tied into it They had never seen so many children with such a deep affection for Christ. The next thing I knew was that my first day of Grade 7 was at WCCA. I was welcomed at my new school, and I was eager to stay because of my friendships and the joy of learning.
Adapting to new learning habits was something I found difficult. My teacher noticed that I was falling behind and offered extra help during my lunch break. I thought that this offer was very kind and accepted it gladly. With his help, I eventually caught up with my classmates. Then I was fully capable of writing a short story, an essay, a play script, and even my first speech! My teacher encouraged me never to give up, and soon I was ready for my final grade of elementary school. One skill I also struggled with (and still do!) was organization. However, with the help of my friends and teachers, I have made significant improvements.
The most important lesson I have learned at WCCA is about the life of Christ and His ultimate sacrifice for us I had hardly ever read the Bible at my old school, but here I have listened to the Word of God every single day. Christ’s love really shone when He sent me to a school full of fellow Christians who were also eager to learn about Him. I have noticed how God has worked through my teachers and classmates to help me adapt to a new school and how He has helped me do all my work for the glory of His Name!
I am very thankful for the opportunity to have attended this school, and I know that God will continue to guide me in His footsteps. I am thankful to the entire Westminster community for welcoming my family and me into this loving school, and I am excited to begin a new chapter of my life Although my journey here has been short, I know it is only the beginning of many new experiences soon to come.
April McTague WCCA Parent
We feel the Lord brought WCCA into our lives this last year. It was an answer to prayer for our family to find the school. We were exposed to the school by multiple school families who were friends of ours. Our kids jumped into the school with much enthusiasm and thoroughly enjoyed the year. They flourished in their classrooms educationally and socially. Their retention of the material and excitement for the material being taught was a surprising pleasure. They also enjoyed being a part of the drama productions that happened last year. I have loved seeing unknown talents and interests develop in both of my children throughout the year We are looking forward to next year!
ANNUALGRADE7&8TRIP
Every year, the WCCA senior class goes on an end-of-year trip. This June saw our students and staff visit Ottawa, ON, for a three-day guided tour. The trip offered a special bonding experience for the Grade 7/8 class and Mr. Jennings, who had recently stepped in as their homeroom teacher.
He remarked, “What a joy it was to chaperone the Grade 7/8 students on the Ottawa trip this year! From participating in a mock trial at the Supreme Court of Canada to enjoying what felt like V.I.P. access to top-secret technology at the Royal Canadian Mint, the Grade 7/8 students remained genuinely engaged in the pursuit of learning for the entire time, even as they had loads of fun biking in the rain and trying to beat me at bowling. Perhaps above all else, the trip provided a way for the class to enjoy each other’s company, have lengthy theological conversations about the deep things of God, and create memories poised to last nothing short of a lifetime. Praise the Lord for so wonderful a blessing!”
Special thanks to Ms. Gbesemete, Mrs. McTague, and Mrs. Billett for coming along as chaperones and adding much value and fun!
Sophia Simpson
VALEDICTORIAN, CLASS OF 2025
This school has grown me in countless ways. Here, I have learned how to hide God’s Word in my heart through memorizing Scripture. I have learned how to string thoughts into words and sentences. I have learned how to use the gift of delivering a good speech to bless others and to honour God. I have learned about the wonderful world we live in I have learned, through countless trials and joys, how to cultivate friendships that last Most of all, in all these things, I have learned who God is and that He alone is King over all
Goodevening
MynameisSophiaSimpson, andIhavebeenchosenas valedictorianfortheGrade8 classof2025
Iwouldliketobeginby expressingwhatanimmense honouritistobechosenfor thisroleandhowgratefulI amtothisschoolforshaping meintowhoIamtoday.
WCCA has also meant much to me through its culture and environment. I have learned how to respect my teachers and classmates. Thanks to my time here, I was brought up in a place that reflected the true Christian life in speech and action and through its very existence. One of the oldest sayings lived out in our school was to “Leave it better than you found it ” Though this may seem simple and childish, through this saying, and other organizational skills we were taught, I learned to keep a clean space, which I know will be a very valuable life skill The things I did and prioritized at WCCA will serve me throughout my life when it becomes necessary and difficult to persevere in things such as organization and good speech. I will dearly miss the community here!
Iwouldliketoshifthereandmentionourclassjourneythrough WCCA.First,Iwouldlikeyoutoknowthatfourpeopleinour class-Ella,Leah,William,andmyself-arethefirstfourstudents toeverfinishall10yearsatWCCA,goingfromJKtoGrade8. Overtheyears,ourclasshasgainedandlostafewpeopleandhas experiencedmuchchangeincircumstances,teachers,and classmates-eventhisyearexperiencingateacherleaving midyear.WealsolivedthroughthenotoriousCovid-19online school.Atarecentcastpartycelebratingourschool’smusical productionofAnneofGreenGables,abelovedformerteacher, Mrs.Okeke,gaveuswordsofencouragement.Shesaidthatwe havebeenthroughalotofchangesasaclassandthatshebelieves Godwillusethisadaptabilityandflexibilitytoblessusinthe future
Thesechangeshavebeenhard,butGodhasremainedsteadfast throughthemall,andIamexcitedtoseehowHewilluseour abilitytoadaptinthefuture FromZoomcallstosockpuppet performancesonalongbusride,changingcircumstanceshave neverfailedtoshedlightonourcomicalandanimated personalities.Iwouldliketosharesomejoyousmemorieswith younow
First, I would like to commemorate our school’s former Go-Texan Day and Field Day traditions. For those of you who do not know, Go-Texan Day was a day created to honour our former principal’s Texan background On that day, all students could dress up in cowboy or cowgirl costumes, and we were taught about animals native to Texas. Additionally, there was a cricket spitting
Competing in the ACSI - and later Innova - speech meet competitions multiple times has been a joy, and from them I have gained much confidence in my abilities I have been here long enough to participate twice in the same play, the Jubilant Esther Day, and to even see my brother perform the same number as I did at his age! Having forgone the exciting Medieval Times trip in Grade 3 due to Covid, I found it was great experience to go this year, nonetheless to go with my
contest ... using real, living crickets!
I was also here when throwing pies at the principal’s face became a treasured school tradition, although I was never quite bold enough to try my hand at it I will fondly remember my time at Ritchie Park, playing house and an intense version of grounders. I will dearly miss these special days.
brother. More recently, my class had the privilege of leading the school in the Anne of Green Gables children’s musical, though our class had to overcome the challenges of laughing on stage! It was especially fun to let go and be our dramatic characters, having a temper or accidentally getting “drunk”! I will miss the sweet fellowship and community that our class built during that time.
Only a week ago, our class took a trip to Ottawa. The drive took about 5 hours, and our itinerary called for a bike ride down the canal first thing upon arrival The only problem was the constant rain and the mud that consistently sprayed our backs as our wheels turned. Though somehow, through the gloomy weather, our classenjoyedit,andittrulyfeltlikeanadventure (Two of our classmates generously washed some of our clothes afterward, in order to prevent permanent stains.)
I would now like to issue a charge to my fellow classmates: Remain set apart in the Lord. Second Corinthians 6:17 says this: “Wherefore, come out from among them And be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you ”(KJV) Something our class has learned and grown in over the yearsishowtoloveoneanotherandtoliveinharmony with each other This verse mentions being separate fromtheworld,whichisanumbrellaterm,including
many traits and actions. But I would like to touch on the way we can be set apart in how we show love and kindness, even when it is difficult “Let love be genuine Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good” (Rom 12:9 ESV). Our class had genuine love for one another, and even this year, I saw the way that people in our class went out of their way to be friendly with everyone I pray that we will learn to abhor evil in a world where it is accepted. May we hold fast to the good that we have learned here and carry it out into the world with us. Mayweshowkindness,evenifitmeansbeingawkward. I pray we will obey this exhortation: “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christforgaveyou.”(Eph4:32)
Today, the world has a very twisted view of love. It is frequentlymisusedtomeanwhatevertheuserwishesit to mean. Always remember that love - real love - is sacrificial,layingdownourlivesforourbrothers (continuedonpg14)
Congratulations Class of 2025
It is not rude or proud, but gentle and humble And may we always look to Christ’s life as the ultimate display of true love. May we go out into the world equipped and ready to face its harsh realities with soft words and meek hearts, imitating Christ and, with God’s help, not giving in to temptation.
Iwouldliketoclosebyhonouringand thanking the many people who have blessed and helped me on my journey through WCCA Thank you to Mrs Bergs for being a reliable and steady teacher, who created a sweet learning environment in the hard transition years of Grades 5 and 6 I will never forget all that I learned over those two years, especially to never let a skunksprayed dog into the house. Speaking of dogs, an honourable mention goes to Pogo, who was our mascot and favouritevisitorforthosetwoyears.
Thank you to Mrs Galotti for giving me the confidence to step onto the stage and perform to the best of my abilitiesandforgivingourclassatruly wonderfulexperienceintheatre
Thankyouforlisteningto my music requests on the rides home from school and not playing the ‘boring’ songs. God bless youandyourfamily.
ThankyoutoMrs.Okeke, who taught our class more than once. You were a wonderful teacher, and I thank you for spending so muchtimewithus.
A special thanks to Mrs Friesen, for giving me and my class an incredible final year at WCCA. With your support I learned much about history andhowtowriteagoodandorganized essay Through your teaching, I learned the importance of treasuring Scripture through memory and that math really is achievable! God bless youandyourfamily
Thank you, Mr. Jennings, for stepping in only two months before the end of school. I appreciate your hard work and willingness to join us at the last minute.Itwasnosmalltask!
Thank you to all the teachers who are no longer teaching at the school: Mrs. Moore, Mrs. Ohh,andmanymore You have impacted my life in waysyouwillneverknow.
Thank you to Mr. Bott for your hard work in this school. Your leadership and dedication to this school have ensured that it will continue to hold to the values that make it so special.
A big thank you to WCCA. I owe much of my confidence in my faith to the years I’ve spent learning here at this precious school. May God bless the future generations that will pass throughit.
Thank you to my classmates. As we go our separateways,Ipraywe
Many thanks to Mrs. Brittain and Mrs Wabwoba, the Upper School administrators. I thank you for being like friends to me and my class. You were open, kind, and welcoming, and I enjoyed our manyrecessdiscussions.
Thank you to Mrs Huff, my JK teacher, who also happened to live in my basement for the first few yearsofmyschooling
will never forget the years we spent together. You havemeantsomuchtome and have taught me many lessons. As I look back over the many, many memories we have made together,Irealizejusthow much you truly mean to me. You have been my friends through trials, and as we have grown much closer over recent years, I realize how different high school will be without yourjokesandhijinksthat always make me laugh. I will dearly miss you, and I wish we could go through high school together as well, but I pray God will bless each one of you as we go on into different phasesofourlives.
And finally, thank you to my parents. You have been my rock and my anchor when I was confused or hurting You have helped me overcome academichurdlesand
have helped me persevere through difficult work. I thank you so much for all you have done for me and for believing in my abilities even when I did not. I thank you for making it possible for me to attend this Christcentred school and for all the hard work that went into that. I love you so much
I would like to conclude withareminderforus,my class and me, to go out into this world with a message of love and kindness Gooutwiththis command in mind: “Let love be genuine Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good.” Friends, let us love those created in God’s image and hold fast to the truthoftheGospel,which is Christ brought low for our salvation and raised foroureternallife
Thankyou.
(Valedictorian speech delivered at the graduation ceremony held on June 19, 2025)
the grace of Almighty God
Annual WCCA Advent Food Drive
Innova Speech Meet Winners
Downey’s Farm Field Trip
WCCA Art Night Advent Celebration
Dinah Wabwoba
ABOUT OUR SCHOOL
Westminster Classical Christian Academy is committed to academic excellence and making Christ the centre of every classroom. In the tradition of classical education, students at WCCA are taught not only facts but how to think, and then how to apply that thinking with wisdom and eloquence. WCCA seeks to foster spiritual growth and build Christian character in students. Our staff cultivate a warm, nurturing, and structured environment and an atmosphere of mutual respect, kindness, humility, integrity, and joy.
WHAT IS CLASSICAL CHRISTIAN EDUCATION?
In the classical model of education, children move through the stages of grammar, logic, and rhetoric. These three stages optimize children's strengths at each stage of growth to help them gain not only a great depth and breadth of knowledge but, more importantly, a lifelong love of learning. Our goal is to develop articulate, thoughtful, and discerning students who are prepared to live faithfully in God's world.
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JUNIOR KINDERGARTEN TO GRADE 8
WCCA offers part-time and full-time Junior Kindergarten and full-time Senior Kindergarten to Grade 8.
BURSARIES AVAILABLE
We strive to make tuition rates affordable for every family, and bursaries are granted on an annual basis.
BALANCED EDUCATION
We focus on academic rigour and Biblical truth, while building fun into the curriculum in the form of performances, special events, off-site travel, and sports.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ENROLLMENT AND VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES, VISIT US AT westminsterclassical.ca
Child the Gift of a Classical Christian Education
Make a tax-deductible contribution to our school’s Bursary Program. 100% of the funds will be used to help eligible families with tuition costs.