PACIFIC CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Christ-like living, critical thinking and joyful service
PACER
PRESS June 2015
Educational Excellence to the Glory of God
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hat does ‘Educational Excellence to the Glory of God’ look like in the primary classes at Pacific Christian School? I asked this question to a number of primary teachers, and similar comments came from many of them.
It’s about being the body of Christ, building a classroom community, encouraging one another, celebrating achievements – especially from the struggling students, and having students mentor their peers. Educational excellence is attained by not only teaching reading, writing and arithmetic, but by teaching music to develop mathematical minds, and PE to develop mind and body. It is also achieved by reaching out and helping to meet ALL of our children’s needs. In order to know what their needs are we need to ‘know’ our students. What makes them who they are, what are their gifts, what are they wondering and thinking about, and what are their thoughts about God and the relationship they have with him? Little did I know that all I had to do was ask. ...continued over...
Pacific Christian School “...nurturing students in Christ-like living, critical thinking, and joyful service to become faithful citizens in God’s world.”
ELEMENTARY CAMPUS 671 Agnes St. Victoria, BC V8Z 2E7 elementary@pacificchristian.ca SECONDARY CAMPUS 654 Agnes St. Victoria, BC V8Z 2E6 secondary@pacificchristian.ca Phone 250-479-4532 www.pacificchristian.ca
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So, one day I said to my grade one students, “If God was standing right here in our classroom and you could ask him anything, what would you ask?” Within minutes each of them had come up with a question. Knowing that primary students are quite egocentric, I assumed they would ask God for things ‘for’ themselves. I was wrong.They asked ‘about’ themselves. “Dear God, how did you make me? Why is our skin so fragile? Why do we need eyebrows? Will you heal my ear? Why do you give people colds? Why does it take a long time for owies to heal? What does my name mean? I wish I knew how to make good choices.” There was also a heartfelt request, ‘Dear God, please make somebody play with me at recess.” They also wondered about ‘His’ creation. “Dear God, how do birds fly? How do the clouds move? How did you make a big flood? What does heaven look like?” Then came the questions about God himself: “Dear God, how were you always here? How did you get the idea to make the universe and the world for us? How did you make all the stuff in the world? How did you make all the lands?” Sometimes it’s just nice to have a conversation with God. One student writes, “Dear God, what was the first planet you made? I know my dad said you won’t tell everyone but I just want it. I also want to know how many people are in this city. Please tell me and that’s all for me and thank you.” I was astounded by what I read. These precious children have such curious and inquiring minds. We must never under estimate the breadth and depth of their curiosity. Here at PCS, we have a wonderful opportunity to set the bar high for educational excellence to the GLORY OF GOD. All the learning outcomes that we are required to teach tell us the ‘what and how’, but Christian education tells us the ‘why’. God, our Creator, put all the wonders of His universe on display for us to discover - together. Last August, before school started, Pastor Andy Moore spoke to the entire elementary and high school staff and challenged us to take time to build relationships with our students, and to BE there for them. He said how important it is for us to be looking for and ‘seeing the unseen’. Sometimes the most revolutionary thing that you can do is simply turn away, just for a moment, from ‘doing’, and make space for ‘being’. The world says ‘you are what you do’, but God’s Word says WHO you are. And what we DO ultimately flows out of WHO and WHOSE we are. The greatest relationship we have is with Christ himself. That was very important for one first grader, as he asked, “Dear God, can you come into my heart?” ‘Educational Excellence to the Glory of God’ is not only about academics. Our students have been created with social, emotional, cognitive, and spiritual needs, and all these realms need to be developed together in order for a child to grow in the Lord and have a relationship with him. We, as teachers, also need a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and a curiosity about God’s world in order to “nurture students in Christ-like living, critical thinking and joyful service to be faithful citizens in God’s world.” What a joy it is to serve God in this place and to be part of the body of Christ! Thank you, Lord, for Pacific Christian School. There is a prayer that one teacher prays often, and it is at the heart of why we are here. “Dear God, let me see my students as you see them. Help me to be the best that I can be in order for them to be the best they can be.” Mary Bomhof, PCS Elementary Teacher: Grade 1
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Let there be light “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was formless and void, and darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was moving over the surface of the waters. Then God said, “let there be light” and there was light. God saw the light and proclaimed it good!” Genesis 1:1-5 This mural depicts the powerful act of creation. In the beginning, the Holy Spirit hovers over a formless void, but a dynamic series of events are soon set into motion. God speaks and multi-hued galaxies are formed, stars are flung into space, the earth is carved into breathtaking geographic diversity, the animal kingdom is fashioned in a huge variety of fantastical forms, and finally, God breathes life into mankind! And when God saw all that he had created, He said, “IT IS GOOD!” The mural consists of seven panels to represent the seven days of creation. Multiple hues of tissue paper and acrylic gloss medium were used to create subtle layers of texture and tones, showcasing the full spectrum of the rainbow. Light, passed through the prism of God’s creative imaging, becomes the rainbow of colours that paints our earth and decorates the canvases of the mural. To indicate the emerging energy of atoms and bursting components of life, spoken into being, circular shapes cut from sheets of colorful foam were added to the surface of the canvas, spiraling outward with increasing abundance. Unwanted bits from dried acrylic paint were added just to remind us that God has a purpose for things that the world might discard. In God’s eyes, all of His creation has value. And that, is good! Dale Huberts, PCS Secondary Instructor: AP Art
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Young Artist Competition Congratulations to all of our students who participated in the Rebalance Young Artist Competition on. Competition was extremely stiff this year as there were artists competing from over 14 different high schools in the greater Victoria area, but our students did very well! A big shout of congratulations goes to Chae for winning the Gold award and $400. Alex took silver and $300, Rebecca, bronze for $200 and both Meghan and Jacob received honorable mention.
Chae
Alex
Rebecca
Meghan Jacob
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Balancing Our Minds On Wednesday, February 12th, thirteen students and six teachers/ counselors from the secondary school travelled to Vancouver to attend an event calling ‘Balancing Our Minds.’ The event took place at Rogers Arena and was sponsored by BC Mental Health and Addiction Services and the Vancouver Canucks; there were over 2000 students from all across BC! The goal of this yearly event is to break down the stigma associated with mental illness. Throughout the day, we listened to speakers share their own personal journies with mental illness and also heard from professionals in the field who taught us about healthy coping skills. We even got a lesson in a new therapeutic approach called Laughter Yoga; this was definitely Mr. Ryan’s favourite part of the trip! I had the honour of receiving a Champion of Mental Wellness award for the work I’ve done within the PCS community over the past two years to help educate elementary and secondary students, and even the teachers, about mental illness by sharing my own personal story. I believe that if I keep sharing my story and encouraging others to talk about their own experiences with mental health, we can continue to inspire other young people to reach out and ask for help and to have hope for their future. I am already looking forward to next year when I will be visiting the grade six and seven students and sharing my story again! Sarah Balderson, with Ms. Richardson
PCS Golf Tournament The PCS Golf Tournament was, once again, a great success. Clubs glistened in the sun, golf cart drivers jockeyed for position and team strategy sessions filled the warm air with a quiet buzz. We witnessed moments of greatness and the agony of defeat but in the end, we all celebrated being a part of the PCS community. This year’s tournament raised approximately $9500 for a new PCS minibus. This bus has already been used to drive 27 students to Mexico where they helped build two houses. So, many thanks to the sponsors and players of the 2014/2015 PCS Golf Tournament for helping to make this year’s Mission Mexico trip a great success. See you next year!
EQUIPPING FUTURE GENERATIONS
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hen I tour prospective PCS parents, they often ask, “What is PCS known for?” Think about that for a moment – what is your answer?
A few weeks ago I was asked to serve on the Nomination Committee for the Board, helping to find members of the PCS community who would be willing to allow their names to stand as potential board members. On Monday evening, the nominees met to discuss board expectations and to meet each other. As candidates introduced themselves and talked about the purpose of Christian Education, I was amazed at how often the essence of our Vision and Mission statements came through. My Answer? PCS is known as a community striving for “Educational Excellence to the Glory of God” and developing Christ-like attitudes, critical thinkers and joyful servants. It is a community working and serving together. Not perfect – but seeking to honour God in all we do. I believe that the current capital campaign, “Equipping Future Generations” is an extension of our Vision and Mission. With a theme of excellence in serving as we build on the hard work and visionary generosity of previous generations, I am looking forward to seeing our physical school develop to better serve and meet the needs of the students. It is an exciting plan with three projects: elementary upgrades, secondary science lab improvements and a campus gymnasium. We need you. You have heard of the success of crowd sourcing in rallying entire communities to make a difference – something we hope to see happen here. Our goal is to see the entire community participate in whatever way each person can – to join the board and admin team members who are already 100% in support. We are hoping to raise $2 million to help pay for the campaign so we can truly equip future Your monthly gift, not the amount, generations and not leave the burden of a long term debt. The following table shows how our but the fact that you are part of the goal can be reached if each member of the PCS community pitches in as able. As you look at supporting community, is vital to the numbers, please prayerfully consider where your gift can fit. seeing this journey through. Please prayerfully consider your gift. We are looking forward to celebrating with the community as we continue on this journey together. Sincerely serving on your behalf,
Chris Berghuis Development Director. chris.berghuis@pacificchristian.ca
p.s. head to www.Campaign.PacificChristian.ca for more information on the three projects
# of Partners
Three Year Gift
200
$360
$120
$10
$155
$205
$68
$72,000
100
900
300
25
387
513
171
90,000
50
1,800
600
50
774
1026
342
90,000
25
3,600
1,200
100
1,548
2,052
684
90,000
13
7,200
2,400
200
3,096
4,104
1,368
93,600
10
15,000
5,000
6,450
8,550
2,850
150,000
6
24,000
8,000
10,320
13,680
4,560
144,000
3
33,000
11,000
14,190
18,810
6,270
99,000
3
45,000
15,000
19,350
25,650
8,550
135,000
2
60,000
20,000
25,800
34,200
11,400
120,000
2
90,000
30,000
38,700
51,300
17,100
180,000
2
132,000
44,000
56,760
75,240
25,080
264,000
1
201,000
67,000
86,430
114,570
38,190
201,000
1
240,000
80,000
103,200
136,800
45,600
240,000
1
300,000
100,000
129,000
171,000
57,000
300,000
419
Annual Gift
Monthly Gift
* Tax Credit
** Actual Total Cost
Actual Annual Cost
Total Donation
2,268,600 * approximate based on average current CRA rates ** after tax credit If you have any questions about the donation process, or if you are considering donating shares or other types of gifts, please contact the Development Office at the school: (250) 479-4532 ext 142
One Campaign : Three Projects Pacific Christian School has its roots in a committed, passionate, generous community offering Christian Education in the Victoria area. From its humble beginning, with a bequest from a young man who tragically died in a boating accident with his fiancée, to the current enrollment of almost 1000, we have witnessed God working in all areas of life. It is from this vantage point that the current building projects are being launched. There is a need for continued quality, affordable Christian education. As we rejoice in the investment of those who have gone before, we also look forward with anticipation to seeing the vision continue as the new plans come together. We know that thousands of students will benefit from this visionary project. This is an exciting time as we look forward to these campus-wide improvements. Please join us in prayer as we seek to continue to minister to students! Colossians 2:6-7
ELEMENTARY UPGRADES Summer 2014-2016 - $250,000 A. B. C. D. E.
Washroom Renovations (complete) New Windows on North Face (complete) North Face Upgrades Tying Into the New Gymnasium. Window Replacement on West Wing & South Face of Building Upgrades to Heaters, Lockers and Lights
SECONDARY SCIENCE LABS Summer 2015 - $950,000 A. B. C. D.
New Chemistry Lab Area Expanded and Improved Storage and Prep Areas New Physics Lab Improved Junior Science Area
CAMPUS GYMNASIUM Summer 2016 - Fall 2017 -$4,000,000 A. New 9340 sq ft Double Gymnasium B. Mezzanine for Viewing and Classrooms C. Expanded and Improved Storage Areas
D. Renovated Washrooms and Change Rooms E. New Kitchen and Service Area F. New Special Education Room
Please come by or contact the Development Office if you have any questions or concerns about the campaign. We are here to help guide you through the donation process and help facilitate all types of giving. It’s our role in helping provide “Educational Excellence to the Glory of God.” www.Campaign.PacificChristian.ca
A Journey of Educational Excellence to the Glory of God
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An Elementary Athletic Director’s Perspective It has been so encouraging to see many of our students participating in athletics at PCS this spring! Many sincere thanks to our volunteer coaches and to parents for their support of our program. Post-Spring Break saw the middle school badminton players out in full force! Coaches had to pare down the more than 60 keen badminton players to just a handful of the best competitive players who would go on to play for PCS at the City Championship Tournaments. Although we had lots to cheer for and some outstanding play, a definite highlight was a 1-2 finish in the Grade 6 Girls Doubles division (Kailey & Addy beat Anitia & Cheyenne in an exciting all-PCS Final!). Not to be outdone, the boys stepped up as well, with Owen (3rd) and Noah (1st) both finishing in the top 3 in Victoria for Boys Singles! We went straight from badminton wrap up into a busy track and field season. P.E. teachers ‘jumped’ at the chance to get our students ready for the 10th annual PCS Track and Field Day. We shared a fantastic time of fun and fellowship at UVic, with all of our athletes running, jumping and throwing their way through most of the day. Once again, a BIG thanks to all the parents, teachers, and high school students who stepped up to make our annual track and field day a success. The results from our day at UVic gave us more than 130 PCS students who went on to compete successfully at the annual Victoria Independent Schools Championships held on May 26th. While we were in the midst of preparing for track and field, our first-ever PCS 14U Volleyball team, expertly coached by parent Claudia Covelli, was occupied with their training on the court, having continued on from the school volleyball season which ended in March. With 5 play-dates behind them, as well as a regional play-off and a good showing at the Provincial Club Volleyball Championships, the girls loaded a PCS bus, and with cheers and well wishes, headed off to Calgary to compete against some of the other very best teams in Canada. The experience was both remarkable and memorable; just ask the girls! And now, the school year is nearly over. Many Grade 7 students are looking forward to the annual Slo-Pitch Softball Tournament in Chemainus in 2 weeks. Others are sad that they’ll miss the tournament, but are likely even more excited for the renowned S.A.L.T.S. trip which is held at the same time. After these events, we can all breathe a sigh of relief. Then, take another deep breath, and charge off into a summer full of family fun! Keep on being active during your holidays! Gabe Kremler, Middle School Athletic Director
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Presenting ... On The PCS Stage The grade seven classes presented The Worst Christmas Pageant Ever ...in May this year! Thank you all for an excellent performance!
Congratulations to the Secondary Musical Theatre Class on their phenomenal presentation of A Chorus Line in early June! The show was certainly one...singular...sensation!
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Student Profile:
Nicholas Hoydal-Payne Nicholas Hoydal-Payne is finishing his Grade 11 year at PCS. He started attending the school in Grade 9; here are some of his reflections on service and extra-curricular academic pursuits in which he is involved: Four years ago, I started volunteering at Extreme Outreach Society, where I have the pleasure of being involved with several outreach ministries. For two months of every year, Extreme Outreach hosts a Saturday relief program for children so that they can creatively learn healthy living skills, grow in faith, and build relationships in a caring atmosphere. My role in this program consists of preparing lunch for 75 children, organizing team-building and disability-sensitive games, and just generally being a positive role model for the children. Another program that Extreme Outreach hosts is Hot Dog Wednesday. In this program, I work with other volunteers to organize a weekly BBQ in the Blanshard Courts housing complex to give Superkids (the name of the Extreme Outreach program for kids) and their families a chance to share in a free community meal. This ministry has given me the opportunity to connect with several Superkids’ families and create longterm mentor and friend relationships. Through my volunteer work with Extreme Outreach Society, I have seen that, far too often, individuals and families face extreme challenges in providing even basic necessities for themselves. One small way to help reduce the burden on those who live at or below the poverty line is through the Extreme Outreach Christmas Stocking Drive. For the past two years, the PCS secondary school community of students and staff have pitched in to help provide hundreds of filled stockings. In doing this, PCS joined with others from across Victoria to help Extreme Outreach provide over a thousand Christmas stockings to children in need. I was thrilled to spear-head the stocking drive at PCS for the past two years and, through it, to raise awareness about issues plaguing at-risk children and families here in Victoria. My volunteer work with Extreme Outreach Society opened my eyes to the complex issues faced by disadvantaged people in our community. My long-term goal is to pursue becoming a medical doctor and, through my work, to provide support to those for whom even basic health care can be a challenge. Because of my hopes to pursue medicine, I was very interested this winter when I heard in the school announcements that the BC Cancer Agency was inviting applications from secondary school students for an educational retreat – and, for a very fortunate few, for summer research internships with the Cancer Agency. I submitted my application and waited with anticipation. In April, I was thrilled to learn that I had been awarded a space in the educational retreat, along with just 15 other students from Vancouver Island. Throughout the retreat day, we learned about some of the latest treatments that researchers are using to fight cancer. We also had a chance to work on case studies, aiming to determine the best course of treatment for particular situations, and also to learn some key hands-on laboratory techniques used by researchers. It was an extremely interesting day and I am so thankful to have had the chance to participate. I am also thankful to Mr Jantzen, Mrs Hawthorne and Mrs Matheson for writing reference letters in support of my application, and to my Chemistry teacher, Ms Cunningham, for taking time on a weekend to participate in this educational retreat with me. Overall, since arriving at PCS in Grade 9, I have found it to be a remarkably supportive environment. Teachers go the extra mile to provide what students need in order to achieve their goals. I can truly say that being a student at PCS has helped set me on a road on which I am able to accomplish things that I previously did not realize were possible – and I credit the daily support of the teachers for this. I hope that my life will continue to give back in response to what I have received.
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Adam Price PCS Elementary Teacher: Grade 7
What an honor it is to be able to share with you my involvement here at PCS. From a practical perspective I have taught middle school for many years, and continue to love doing so. Throughout the school year as we move through the curriculum, Bible (as a course) yields so many rich opportunities to speak Truth into the lives of my students. The course, as it has been refined over the past 4 years, helps to align students with their True identify in Christ and combines practical measures, whereby each student can begin to recognize (in their own life) where they might be believing something about themselves that isn’t true. I always tell my students that in Christ, the Bigger Dream is the correct dream. What a complete delight it is to see a ‘light bulb’ moment when a student is able to recognize a limiting belief that they have believed about themselves, and are able to replace that with what the Truth that God believes about them! That’s a great thing. Along with teaching, coaching is another area where God has opened many doors for mentorship. Building athletic skill in an environment that requires character growth, has been a tremendous blessing for me over the years. From basketball to volleyball, track to badminton, the Lord is always calling us to receive more of Him through every experience. Although we have had many successes, if I were really honest, some of the greatest investments of character development have come in the losses, especially a loss in a game that we should have won. I find those opportunities, where kids seem to be heartbroken and tears running down their cheeks…God is so present, so loving, and the Ultimate encourager.
God is moving in this place. He is so good - Always!
Teacher Profiles:
Tracey Deringer PCS Secondary Instructor: Worship/Social Studies/English
As we approach the end of another school year, it is hard to believe that I am completing my 11th year at PCS. Teaching Math, English, and Social Studies across multiple grades has challenged me and allowed me to encourage and connect with hundreds of students, and while I love helping students thrive academically, I mostly love Christian education because it allows me to openly encourage teens to discover their God-given gifts and develop a firm foundation for their faith. Running the Worship Leadership program has allowed me to work with students who also desire to see their fellow PCS students experience a close relationship with Jesus Christ. They pray for and encourage one another and their peers, and they plan chapels that they hope will focus the student body on God for the short time they have together each week. Above and beyond their mandate, Worship Leadership students also plan school-and community-based initiatives like Cops for Cancer fundraising, movie nights, and a student Bible study. I am motivated by their passion and desire to effect change, but most of all, I am inspired by their faithfulness in doing what God has called them to do. The program is demanding in many ways, but God is always faithful to give us what we need to complete His work. Earning a Masters Degree in Educational Leadership from UVic this past March was a major highlight for me, and I am excited for the opportunity to utilize my training in coming years at PCS in any capacity I am needed. Looking back, it is obvious that God has gone before me to have me accomplish what I could never have done alone, and I look forward to continuing down the path He has cleared for me. May His will be done through me.
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Alumni Profile:
Megan Tennant (Welle) I attended PCS from kindergarten through Grade 12, graduating in 2006. I was (and still am) a proud Pacer, blessed to be a part of an incredible athletic program that sought to develop players of integrity and character, as well as skill. While I also played basketball and soccer, I fell in love with volleyball in grade 8 and never looked back. Through the tireless and sacrificial work of my coaches, I developed as a player and as a person throughout high school, and was able to captain the Senior Girls to an Island Championship in my grade 12 year. From there, I was awarded a scholarship to play volleyball at Camosun College, and was the setter for the Camosun College Chargers for two seasons. I then chose to focus on my schooling, thinking I was giving up competitive volleyball for good. I was able to coach the Senior Girls at PCS while finishing my undergraduate degree at UVic, and loved being able to give back to the school and pour into the lives of the girls on my team. In 2012, my husband and I moved to Vancouver to allow me to pursue my Masters of Physical Therapy. During my time there, I connected with Athletes in Action (AIA), a Christian organization committed to spreading the gospel using the great unifying language of sport to connect people, despite cultural, language, and geographical differences. Due to the intensity of my Masters program, I was never able to make my schedule work with volunteering, and it was left on the back burner while I completed my education. Two years later, I was back home in Victoria, working as a physical therapist, my conversation with AIA nearly forgotten. However, one Sunday evening, I sent up a half-hearted prayer telling God that I would say “yes” to whatever He asked me to do. The next morning I received an email from AIA, asking if I would consider travelling to Russia with a Women’s Volleyball Tour, as both the team physiotherapist and as a player. This was not the “yes” I had planned, but my plans are not His. From May 16-31, I will travel with nine other current and former college, university, and professional volleyball players to Russia and Latvia, to play volleyball and share the gospel, and to encourage Russian believers and local churches. We are called to go into the world and make disciples. My coaches at PCS did this for me, when I was a high school girl who loved the game of volleyball. Now I can take my love for Jesus and my sport into the world and do the same. This is the Pacer legacy, and I am so grateful for the privilege of sharing in it.
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ishing you all a blessed and relaxing summer! Please note, the school offices will be open through July 10 and will re-open on August 24.