General News

“Thank God!  He gives us faith and changes our life through His Spirit!”  This was the theme of Mrs. deVisser’s Reformation Day assembly.

Hello again everyone as, this week, we could bring to an end one month and begin a new month of learning and teaching at John Calvin School.  Our Heavenly Father has richly blessed us in that we are able to educate His covenant children in freedom in our Reformed, Christian school so that they may learn more about Him, His Word, and His world.

The staff had a very good convention last week Friday at Grace Christian School.  Pastor Jake Torenvliet encouraged the teachers with his devotional based on Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through him (Christ) who strengthens me.”  During the day, the teachers could interact with their colleagues from 15 different schools, and there were a lot of workshops in the three separate workshop sessions that the teachers could participate in as well.  It was a great day!  The teachers will have opportunity to engage in follow-up for the workshops they attended on the November 23rd PD Day.

Earlier this week, we could welcome back Mrs. Elgersma.  She and her husband had a very nice trip to Bermuda to visit with their grand-daughter, son and daughter-in-law.  Once again, we thank Mrs. Jane Oosterhoff for taking over the secretary duties during Mrs. Elgersma’s absence.

On Wednesday of this week, we could celebrate the 400th anniversary of the Synod of Dort (Canons of Dort) at our Reformation Day assembly. (As part of the assembly, Ms. Alyssa DeVries from the Food Bank at West Lincoln Community Care thanked the John Calvin School community for the donation of non-perishable goods that were donated to Community Care.  She welcomed John Calvin School as a community partner with West Lincoln Community Care.)  After introducing her theme (see above) and saying a few words about it, Mrs. deVisser told us the story of Arminius and the heresies he was teaching in the young, Reformed churches.  This led to the calling of the Synod of Dort and subsequently the writing of the Canons of Dort.  The Synod also decided to write a new Bible translation which was completed in 1637.  Mrs. deVisser shared with us a very old Bible (almost 300 years old) and a little booklet containing the 5 Canons of Faith written at Dort (Unconditional Election, Particular (limited) Atonement, Total Depravity, Invincible (Irresistible Grace, Perseverance of the Saints- also referred to as the Five Articles Against the Remonstrants, aka Arminians).  To quote Mrs. deVisser, “How blessed we are to be chosen by God.  To Him be the Glory!”

Speaking of Mrs. deVisser, we thank and praise the Lord for the good news about Mrs. deVisser’s cancer.  It has not spread and is contained to her one breast.  We pray that a date may soon be determined for her surgery.  May our Heavenly Father continue to be near to her and her family.  Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with all who need the Lord in a special way, whether they are grieving the recent death of a loved one or are dealing with difficult family circumstances.

Progress reports will be going home with the students next week Friday, November 9.  Parent-Teacher conferences will follow on Tuesday, November 13 and Thursday, November 15.  We look forward to getting together to discuss the progress of your child/children to this point in the school year.

Parents, grandparents, and other supporters of our school community are invited to join students and staff for the Remembrance Day assembly planned for Friday, November 9 beginning at 10:45 a.m. in the school gym.  Mrs. vanBrederode and Mr. Hofsink will be leading the assembly.  Since Remembrance Day is on a Sunday, Grades 5-8 will not be going to the cenotaph.  However, the plan is to lay a wreath in behalf of John Calvin School by a student whose family will be attending the memorial service after their regular church service.

A few items for your attention:

*There is still some outstanding chocolate bar money (13 boxes x $90.00) that needs to come in.  Please get the money in as soon as possible.

*The annual ANCHOR WORK DAY is an event of the past.  Thank you to all the students in Grades 7&8 who participated in this act of service.  The students are encouraged to bring in the money as soon as possible if they haven’t already done so.  Thanks for your cooperation in this matter.

*Earlier this week, we could welcome three student teachers from Covenant Canadian Reformed Teachers College.  Miss Debra VanEerde is teaching with Miss VanderZwaag in the Special Education Department and Miss Breukelman in Grade 3A; Miss Brianna Lof is teaching with Mrs. Lemstra in Grade 4A; and Mrs. Alanna Folkerts is teaching with Mr. Witten in Grade 7A.  We hope they had a good first week and wish them all the best and the Lord’s blessing for the duration of their practicum at John Calvin School.

*Volleyball practices for all three teams continue after school every Monday and Thursday for the next four weeks leading up to the tournament which is hosted by Guido De Bres Christian high school on Friday, November 30.

*This week Grade 2A could visit the residents of Beacon Home, Grade KB could interact with the residents of Anchor Home, and Grade 4A could spend time with the residents of Kilean Lodge.  It is good for the children to be able to participate in these acts of service with the seniors and the special needs people in the broader community.

*Picture retakes are scheduled for next week Wednesday, November 7. Students who want retakes must take along their proof sheets.

*For a small donation to the Royal Canadian Legion poppy fund, students will be able to receive a poppy next week Friday to help in remembering why we pay attention to this important event; in particular this year, as we commemorate the 100th anniversary of the end of the Great War.

*Today was the due date for the Royal Canadian Legion Poster, Poem, and Essay contest entries.  Student contributions will be dropped off at the Legion later today.

*The following is a repeat of what is written in the October edition of the News and Views:  The John Calvin School PTA is currently in limbo because its duties have been taken over by other committees or organizations.  The school board is soliciting feedback from the school membership to see if there is any interest in retaining the PTA and, if so, what that might look like, i.e. a different mandate, a new structure, different functions/ duties.  If you have any thoughts or ideas what a revitalized PTA might look like, please email your local board member or the school, office@johncalvinschool.com

Reminders:

*Please continue to collect tabs for cans for Jude VanVeen so he and his family can get a wheelchair for his sister, Anna.

*Time changes this weekend.  Enjoy the extra hour of sleep.

*Winterfest is on Saturday, November 10.  We are looking forward to a fun and festive day.  We thank the organizing committee and the plethora of volunteers for the huge amount of work that they have put into making this event happen.

*PLEASE NOTE:  The Fall Membership meeting has been re-scheduled to Wednesday, November 28.  The reason for the change in date is that this will now allow parents from our community to attend the parent evening about Mental Health that is being held at Guido De Bres high school on Wednesday, November 21. This event precedes the student Mental Health conference on Thursday, November 22.

*The first skating session at the Smithville arena is scheduled for Wednesday, November 14.  Grade 4 will skate from 12:15-1:15 and Grades KA and 1A will skate from 1:15-2:15.  In the interest of safety and concussion prevention, students in Grades K-3 must wear helmets when on the ice.  They can be either hockey helmets or bicycle helmets.  Students in Grades 4-8 are encouraged to wear them.  Those playing hockey must wear them.

Enjoy your weekend and have a blessed Lord’s Day.  We hope to touch base again next week Friday.  G. Hofsink

Classroom News

Kindergarten

We had quite an eventful week in kindergarten this past week! KB enjoyed a trip to Anchor Home on Wednesday. After a few minutes the students and residents were having fun playing games together. Both KA and KB had the opportunity to open up a pumpkin and see what was inside. We officially wrapped up our math unit on patterns and have started our next unit on counting and matching. We will continue to review patterns throughout the year as it is a difficult concept for some students to grasp. In Bible we are finishing up our stories about Jacob and will continue into the story of Joseph. Just a friendly reminder to practice letters, sight words and memory work at home.  Have a lovely week! NR

Letter of the week: Kk

Words of the week: blue, one, see

Memory work: Psalm 87:1, Genesis 8:22

Grade 1

On Wednesday morning we could enjoy a Reformation Assembly led by Mrs. deVisser.  We are thankful that the LORD continues to guide and preserve His church.  We will finish our Bible unit on Tuesday and a test will follow on Wednesday.  Look for the Bible notes in your child’s school bag.  We have also finished our Math unit this week and tests have been sent home.  If all went according to plan the Grade Ones and Sevens will have completed an Art project together.  Thanks, Grade 7, for all your help this afternoon.  Please continue to review the Agenda words and Spelling words on a daily basis.  Thanks for your help in this matter. Have a great weekend and a blessed Sunday.

Memory Work for Friday, Nov. 9 – 93:1; Ex. 20:2,3

Spelling Words:  by, had, one, or, word

Grade 2

What an amazing amount of rain we have received this week! The students have really enjoyed the indoor recesses that they had. Even with rubber boots, socks get wet. Please ensure that your child has an extra pair of socks in their backpack. Thank you to our class moms, Mrs. L. Schulenberg and Mrs. C. Jonker who often practice math facts with the students on their class mom day. The more we practice, the faster we become.  Have a blessed weekend! BB/RG

Memory work: Psalm 92:1

Bible test: Friday

Grade 3

We want to welcome Miss VanEerde to Grade 3A. We pray you will have a great time learning and teaching this practicum session. May God bless you in this. Great stories were heard about the long weekend. The children are back and working on finding facts by asking the questions who, what, when, why and how. These questions help us in our story writing as well. In Bible we are at the end of the unit on Abraham. A test will most likely happen mid-week. Take the time to go over the notes. In Math we have begun learning the first times table and the children just love it. Our hall has become a history wall; come and see the pioneer pictures. Thank you Mrs. DeVisser, for giving us a heartfelt message on Reformation Day. How blessed we are to be chosen by God.Greetings and we wish you a blessed Sunday.

Memory work: Ps. 34:3; Text: Genesis 15:5,6 (two weeks)

Spelling words: beautiful, discover, before, enough

Monday and Thursday bring P.E clothes, Tuesday Library; Friday Mission $

Grade 4

Grade 4B has had a great week with Miss Lof!

Grade 4A: Math Test: Tuesday Nov. 6 (Subtraction) Bible Test Thursday Nov. 8 (David L. 1-10)

Grade 4B: Bible Test: Wednesday Nov. 7 (David L. 1-10)

Spelling: art, master, smart, sisters, bar, finger, bark, paper, barrel, sand, says, matter, because, (4B) decline, plunge, capable, massive

Memory Work: Psalm 21:1,2 (Nov. 9) Psalm 56:1 (Nov. 16) Isaiah 9:6-7 (Nov. 16)

Grade 5

Hello students and parents!  After a short week last week, it was good for us to be back together again!  We have made great progress in our novel study, wrapping up the reading and assignments of chapter five.  Next week, we hope to work on a new project connected to Call it Courage.  A Bible review is planned for Monday, with the test scheduled for Tuesday.  Memory work for this week is Psalm 48:1 and John 3: 14 – 16.  Devotions this week for Grade 5A: M. RaeAnna, T. Landon, W. Teagen, Th. Merrit, F. Hannah.  Grade 5B: M. Isaac T. Kelty, W. Morgan, Th. Joel, F. Eden.  Have an enjoyable weekend!  RK/KV

Grade 6

Both Grade 6 classes will be going skating from 1:15-2:15 on November 14. The students are enjoying the novel and noting the significance of the star of David and how the author uses certain words and phrase to create tension. We will be starting to plan our new art project which will be a quilt pattern using geometric and free form shapes. Have a blessed weekend. IDV/CVA

Grade 7A

We welcomed Mrs. Folkerts to our classroom this past week. Citing J.C.S. as her alma mater, Mrs. Folkerts joins us from the C.C.R.T.C. and will be with us until Nov. 16. In Language Arts we’re learning about “Digital Citizenship”, as citizens of Jesus Christ our use of the internet and technology must reflect that belonging. We’ll discuss technology privacy, security, relationships and footprints. We’re halfway through our study of Geometry in Math, the unit is a nice change from “ordinary” math as we learn about plane geometry, triangles, quadrilaterals and polygons. We’ve learned what documentaries/biographies are and aren’t, next we’ll learn how to review them and find a quality one relevant to our Independent Study topic. Fitting to the calendar year, we’ve just learned about the reaction to Luther’s “95 Thesis”; next up…the break with Rome. Enjoy your weekend.

Grade 7B

In Church History, we have started looking at Martin Luther and the Reformation. Next week we will be looking at the effect of nailing the 95 Thesis to the doors of the Castle Church in Wittenberg would have in Europe. In Math, we are coming to the end of our Geometry unit and will be having a test toward the end of the week. In Geography, we will be looking at Climate, and how the LORD has created things in such a way that we all enjoy such unique climates all over the world. Independent Study continues to go well. The students have finished their author profile and we move on to our second source, the Documentary. Devotions – Karlee J. Have a great weekend!

Grade 8A

All told we had a good solid work week here in 8A. Although some received some disappointing grades on our recent History Quiz, for all of us it reminded of us to have ownership over ALL our work EVERY time. Doing our best, all the time! For others it serves as a healthy reminder that we have to self-assess and seek out different strategies that give us a better opportunity to succeed. That might mean changing our study habits, changing how we prepare for tests, or even how we write tests. We are in this all together and together we will find and pursue better strategies! No doubt this will be a constant conversation. And that’s a good thing! Have a blessed and restful weekend! Cheers, Mr. J

Things to look out for: Mon/Thurs: Volleyball Practice, Wed: MW; Spelling Quiz, Thurs: Bible Quiz

Grade 8B

We are wrapping up our second Math unit and expect to have a test on Tuesday.  Bible Tests were written today.  We will soon be having another Geography test as well.  We are transitioning from a soccer unit to one about volleyball in Phys Ed.  Please help the students to remember to bring their gym clothes on Tuesdays and Fridays (shorts and shirts please).

Memory Work:  Psalm 41:1, John 14:6-7

Devotions:  Liam, Evan, Ilse, Kierra, Zach