General News

“I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called…” (Ephesians 4:1) Throughout the year, the teachers will be taking the theme text and weaving into it the six pieces of the Armour of God.

We are engaged in a spiritual battle— all believers find themselves subject to Satan’s attacks because they are no longer on Satan’s side.  Thus, Paul tells us to depend on God’s strength and to use every piece of God’s armour to resist Satan’s attacks and to stand true to God in the midst of those attacks.  This week we pay attention to The Helmet of Salvation, the fifth piece of armour mentioned in Ephesians 6.  A helmet protects a soldier against damaging and deadly blows to the head.  Spiritually  speaking, the helmet of salvation provides hope and protects the mind against anything that would disorient or destroy the Christian, such as discouragement or deceit.  Satan wants to make us doubt God, Jesus, and our salvation.  The helmet protects our minds from doubting God’s saving work for us. (NIV Life Application Bible)

Greetings and salutations everyone on this chilly, autumn morning as we bring to an end the first week of learning and teaching at John Calvin School for the month of October.  At the same time, we look forward to celebrating Thanksgiving weekend; whether at home, camping, or at a cottage.  As we reflect on the past year, we have much for which to be thankful.  Above all, we thank our Heavenly Father for providing us with what we need each and every day.

Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with Mrs. deVisser who is currently undergoing testing for a health concern.  May our Heavenly Father continue to be near to her and her family.

FYI- According to the world calendar (and Google) today is World Teachers’ Day.

Yesterday afternoon, Mrs. Lemstra led the Thanksgiving assembly.  She introduced a volunteer from the Niagara Christian Gleaners (Mr. Adrian Dieleman, a member of Covenant Canadian Reformed Church in Grassie) who told us more about the work of the organization.  He told us about the vision of the Christian Gleaners, to help feed the hungry of the world in obedience to God’s command (Matthew 25:34-36), the origin of the word gleaners (think Boaz and Ruth), and the process of putting together food packages at a plant like the one on Spring Creek Road, just a stone’s throw away from the school.  In behalf of John Calvin School, Mrs. Gansekoele could present to him a cheque for $1000 from the mission money that the students contributed last school year.  Praise God from whom all blessings flow!

A few items for your attention:

*Today, the goods collected from our food drive were brought to West Lincoln Community Care by the Grade 7 students, their teachers and some volunteer drivers.  May our Heavenly Father continue to bless the work that is being done to provide for the needy in West Lincoln and the surrounding communities.  Thanks again everyone for your participation in this act of service for the broader community.

*With gratitude, we can report that over $2400.00 was raised for the Grade 8 Gatineau/Ottawa trip at the soccer tournament.

*A goodly amount of the money from the chocolate bar fundraiser is in; however, that is still quite a bit more that needs to be returned.  Let’s get that in as soon as possible so we can wrap things up for this school/field trip fundraiser.  Also, there are still three boxes of chocolate remaining to be sold so if there are any enterprising young men or women who would still like to sell a box or two, please stop by the office and pick one up.

*On a beautiful day for a soccer tournament, the boys’ and girls’ school teams had a very good day at this annual event.  They worked hard and did their best.  The girls’ team made it to the semi-finals where they lost in a shoot-out to Heritage and the boys’ team made it to the finals where they were defeated, 3-2, by Covenant, London.  Well done!  Thank you coaches (Mrs. Groen, Miss Vanderlaan, and Mr. Witten) for the time and effort you put into getting the teams ready for tournament day.  It was great to see so many parents and grandparents cheering on the teams from the sidelines.

*Today, the cross-country school team is running at Dundas Valley Conservation Area in the annual Canadian Reformed Elementary Schools Meet.  At the time of writing, we do not know the final results but we do know that the runners gave their best effort and, hopefully, most if not all of them were able to run their personal best for the 3.2 kilometer course.  Thanks again Mrs. Jenn Heemskerk for training the athletes for this year’s run.

*We are also planning to send a cross-country school team consisting of students from Grades 5-8 to the annual NACE meet held at Agape Valley on Thursday, October 11.  Students were encouraged to practice over the weekend and we will have one school practice on Tuesday of next week.

*Pork Theme Week:  Next week is our first theme week.  We are looking forward to a fun-filled week learning more about the suidae family.  Here is what we are planning for each day of the week.

Tuesday: Let’s Learn about Pigs- farming, breeds, what they eat, pork dishes we eat, swine/pigs in Scripture, pig relatives. In-class activities (read and watch about pigs) Introduce the colouring contest and the hog-calling contest

Wednesday: Pig Lit Day- Read, Write, Listen, and Speak about Pigs, Writing and Speaking in Pig Latin, Pig Books Buddy Reading:  DEAR from 2:10-2:30 , A couple of piglets (John and Calvin) will be joining us for the day.

Thursday: Pork Food Day- children (and parents) are encouraged to include various pork food items in their lunches

The staff is planning a supporting community appreciation Pig Roast for Friday, May 10.  Stay tuned for more details as we get closer to the event.

Friday     Dress-Up Day-  dress up as a pig, wild boar, warthog, razorback; or a favourite pig character; wear pig colours; make and wear pig masks. Finals for the hog-calling contest and announcement of colouring contest winners

General *Parents and grandparents are welcome to read a pig story to the children at any time during this week; just let the classroom teacher know when you wish to do so.

*Children will be introduced to pot-bellied pigs (courtesy the VanDam family)

Parents, if you have any pig paraphernalia that we can borrow for the week that would be great.  Please drop it off at the school anytime.

*Included with today’s Chronicle is an invitation to parents and teachers to attend Part 2 of the Leaky Brakes presentation at Grace Christian School in Millgrove.  Part 1 was presented in the spring.  The presentation is scheduled for next week Thursday, October 11 beginning at 7:30 p.m.

*JCS Library:  The students in Grades K-8 have received plastic bags for library book care and protection.  Please use the bags to keep the books in good condition.  We also ask that the students show proper care and respect to the book bags as well.  Thank you for your cooperation in this matter.

Reminders:

*Thanksgiving Monday is, of course, a holiday.  You are reminded that there is no PD Day on Tuesday, October 9.  It will be a regular day of classes.

*Due date for News and Views contributions is Tues., October 9.

*Picture orders are due on or by today, October 5.

*The Calvin Chronicle will not publish the week of October 22 because of the short week.

*A head’s up for the students in Grades 7&8:  The annual ANCHOR WORK DAY is coming up in four weeks’ time.  The usual information about the event will be sent home next week.  Perhaps the students and parents can begin to think about the different jobs in which students can be involved.

Enjoy the long weekend everyone and have a blessed Sunday and Thanksgiving.  The Lord willing, we will touch base again in a week’s time.                         G. Hofsink

Classroom News

Kindergarten

Hello everyone! This week the weather has been up and down. We have had a few indoor recesses where the students had the opportunity to do some different activities. When we could go outside for recess it was loved by all! This week we focused on the letter T and finished our math unit. Next week we will be learning the letter P and discovering patterns! In Bible class we continue to learn about Isaac as well as Esau and Jacob. Our memory work is Psalm 75:6 and is due at the end of the week. We will continue to recite our text which is Genesis 1:1. This week we will be learning a lot about pigs and doing many pig activities because the school is having a themed “Pork” week! We wish you all a lovely long weekend!

Grade 1

We had a great week in grade 1 even with all the rain and indoor recesses. We are looking forward to a great thanksgiving weekend. The Bible test should have come home with your child this week, most students did fairly well. The new Bible unit is God blesses His people. Next week is Pig week. We will be doing many activities throughout the week related to pigs. On Friday we are having a dress up day. You can dress up in pig colours or a costume. Please continue to practice words at home, it is making a difference. Have a wonderful long weekend.

memory work: psalm 116:1    text: Gen 17:7

spelling review: a, and, of, the, to, in, is, that, you

Grade 2

We’re looking forward to our theme week on Pigs next week. If you have any information or books with pigs in them, please pass them along for us to borrow. We’d very much appreciate it!  Looking forward to the dress up day on Friday! Once again,  please remember to pack extra socks on your child’s back pack.  Have a wonderful long weekend! BB/RG

Memory work: Psalm 43:3

Spelling: really, what, whom, our, line

Grade 3

Hello again. We finished our Church History unit on John Eliot with a quiz.  Please check your child’s agenda on Friday.  Well done, grade three! We now go back to our Bible stories.  We will be hearing about Abram and Sarai and how God will continue His covenant with them. Thanks to all the students who contributed to the “food drive”. We give thanks for what God has given to us first. On Tuesday we had a special guest in our room!  Thank you, Mrs. Buikema, for coming back to our school and giving us the BEST pioneer show and tell ever! Ask us all about it! Next week we will be celebrating PIG week.  Stay tuned for all the activities planned! Check the Chronicle for a day to day listing of events. That’s it for now. Have a blessed thanksgiving weekend! J.B./M.P.

Psalm 100:4,5 – Enter His gates with thanksgiving, and His courts with praise!  Give thanks to Him; bless His name!   For the LORD is good; and His steadfast love endures forever, and His faithfulness to all generations.

Words:  getting, laughed, pretty, prettier, prettiest

Psalm 19:1; Text:  Genesis 12:1-3 (two weeks)

Gym clothes on Monday and Thursday.

Library books in a LIBRARY BAG on Tuesday.

Mission $ on Friday

Grade 4

Pig Week! In Science, we continue studying living things and their habitats. In Church History grade 4B (Mrs. Lemstra’s class) has a test on Friday. In Math, we are starting a subtraction unit.

Review Spelling Lesson: their, were, wait, holes, takes, there, autumn, such, hear, watch, cried, apple (Grade 4B) treacherous, conceal, permanent, precious, discussion, advance

Memory Work: Psalm 130:2 (Oct. 12) Hymn 76:3 (Oct. 19) Text: Psalm 100:1-3 (Oct.19)

Grade 5

After a busy week of learning and a number of tests, we are thankful to have a long weekend to look forward to! In our short week next week, we will have a test on Mozart, whom we have been learning about in Music class. A number of the Grade 5 students also have an opportunity to do a cross country run on Thursday, and we wish them all the best. We are looking forward to learning all about pigs and seeing the different costumes that everyone comes up with! Have a wonderful weekend as we reflect on the numerous things we are thankful for, especially God’s grace to us in Jesus Christ! RK/KV

Memory Work: Ps. 38:1, 10; Text: Romans 1:16,17 (5A), Luke 1:46-50 (5B)

Devotions: 5A – Tu. Teagan, W. Merrit, Th. Hannah, F. Caiden

5B – Tu. Kelty, W. Morgan, Th. Joel, F. Eden

Grade 6

The past few weeks were important for the students to get used to Grade 6 and the daily work they have to do in Math, Science, Church History and Language Arts. Some tests have been sent home already so you have a little idea how they are doing academically. We are looking forward to seeing you as parents soon, so that we can get to know your children a little better. Just a few points of the curriculum we were dealing with over the past weeks: Science was all about FLIGHT and this week the students enjoyed their trip to the Warplane Museum. We were impressed with the facts they remembered and the questions they asked. Great stuff, they all enjoyed the unit. Church History is coming to an end and the students are left with the important question: How do State and Church work together?(Interesting in this time of elections). Wouldn’t it be handy if the church could decide which man would be appointed to office? At least you know which mayor would like to serve the Lord in the city. It is encouraging to see what the the students already understand about the government of our God in both church and state. Ah…… enjoy the Thanksgiving weekend and as the students said, “Don’t forget to say Thank You for everything!” CvA/IdeV

Grade 7A

Ahhhh the Thanksgiving weekend; the time when grand-parents/aunts/uncles and everybody else asks the student, “How’s school going?” The first month of Grade Seven has come to a close; how is your child adjusting? There are two new content heavy subjects, Science and History, and there is a greater focus on quizzes and written answers. From time to time your child will bring home a collection of marked/evaluated work; have a look or ask to see it. This is the time of school year when the original buzz and excitement of a new year wears off and students come to grips with what is going well and what isn’t. Please ask your child how they are doing, what is going well and what isn’t. Feel free to contact me at theodore.witten @johncalvinschool.com   Enjoy your weekend.

Grade 7B

Another busy week in Grade 7B has come to a close. In Bible History, we are coming to the end of Saul. Expect a test early next week on 1 Samuel. In History, we will begin looking at what everyday life in New France was like as well as start a new project. Independent Study continues with reading our book, as well as an author profile. Devotions – Alayna D. Have a good Thanksgiving!

Grade 8A

This past week, 8A saw the conclusion of the soccer tournament and our first major fundraiser. With much thanks, we can report over $2400 was raised for the Ottawa Trip! A new record for the concession stand! Special thanks to Mrs. Carrie DeVries and Mrs. Kerri Hordyk who headed up this BIG job! Speaking of Ottawa, look for the related forms to come home your way in the coming weeks! Have a blessed and restful weekend as we also pay more attention to specifically giving thanks for all the rich blessings we receive in Christ! Cheers, Mr. J

Grade 8B

Both Bible and History Tests have been returned (and in some cases re-written).  Please ask your child how they did.  Look for marked Math and Geography tests near the end of next week.  Some of the students enjoyed their time on both the soccer and running teams.

Memory Work:  Psalm 28:5,  John 1:8-14  (Overall, the students are a joy to listen to.  They learn their work well.

“TIC, TIC, TIC….BOOM!; UNDERSTANDING REACTIVE MELTDOWNS  (LEAKY BRAKES PART 2)

Ever feel like you are “walking on eggshells” or waiting for the “bomb” to go off? You may have a child, or be involved with a child/youth, who experiences significant, intermittent meltdowns. We refer to meltdowns as having a full frustration beaker. Full beakers are how we describe feelings of being overloaded with too many pressures, demands or stresses unique to having “leaky brakes”. In this session, we will learn how Anxiety, Obsessive Compulsion Disorder, and Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (” Leaky Brakes”), rather than intentional choice, contribute to your child’s meltdowns. We will also introduce you to an evidence-based model for solving problems created by Dr. Ross Greene. The focus of this workshop will be on skill development to predict, prevent and /to decrease meltdown episodes.

Come and join us at Grace Christian School on Thursday, October 11 at 7:30pm- 9:30pm to find out more about this topic.  Our presenter will be Becky Mathieu and she is currently working as a Community Behaviour Consultant at the Child and Parent Resource Institute (CPRI). Our address is 497 Millgrove Side Road, Millgrove, Ontario. Refreshments will be provided.