General News
Good Friday morning everyone as we bring another week of instruction, the first full week of November, to a close at JCS. We thank the Lord for His blessing and guidance on our work throughout this past week. Progress reports will be going home with the students this afternoon. Parent-Teacher conferences are scheduled for Tuesday, November 12 and Thursday, November 14. Please make every effort to attend. The schedule will be emailed to you either later today or on Monday. Since Miss Broersma will be meeting with parents from both KA and KB, Kindergarten conferences will take place in the following manner: Kindergarten parents who have children in other grades will be scheduled on the 12th or 14th. Miss Broersma will meet with parents whose oldest is in Kindergarten on Monday evening, November 18. We look forward to getting together to discuss the progress of your child/children to this point in the school year. If you aren’t able to make your scheduled time, please let the school know.
We thank the Lord for the many gifts and blessings He has provided during the course of the first half of the first term and we pray that He will continue to provide for the needs of the students, the staff, and the parents during the remainder of the term.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Mrs. Brandy Stieva, one of our bus drivers, who underwent brain surgery this past Wednesday. It was a very long surgery but the doctors were able to achieve their objective. As for any potential side effects, it is still a wait and see situation. We pray that Mrs. Stieva may have a full recovery and be able to return to her family in due time. May our Heavenly Father continue to surround her with His love and care.
Our thoughts and prayers are also with the Ludwig family. Earlier this week, the Lord called home Mr. Fred Ludwig who had been in ill health for some time. He was a brother to Mrs. Jo-anne vanBrederode (our Grade 1A teacher) as well as an uncle/great-uncle to many in our school and school community. Fred was also a long-time resident in the Anchor Homes. May our God of all comfort surround the family and the Anchor community with his love and grace.
We congratulate Albert and Michelle Smouter with the birth of their second son, Adam George (definitely like the second name). He is a brother to Kierstin (8A), AJ (4A), Izabelle, (3A), and Quinn (1B). All is well with mom and son and the rest of the family too. (“Our children all are gifts of God, our sons and daughters his reward—each one a blessing from the LORD, as heritage on us bestowed.” Psalm 127:3, BoP). May the Lord provide Albert and Michelle with all they need as they raise their children in the fear of his Name.
On Monday, our nation will be celebrating Remembrance Day and we will join in the celebration with an assembly (Grades K-4) beginning at 10:45. Grades 5-8 is planning to travel to the Smithville cenotaph and participate in the Remembrance Day ceremony there. We have been invited to sing several stanzas from Hymn 54 (O God Our Help in Ages Past). Two Grade 8 students have been selected to lay a wreath in behalf of John Calvin School. Parents, grandparents and great-grandparents are welcome to join us at the assembly or at the cenotaph. The Royal Canadian Legion has cordoned off an area for us to stand during the ceremony. We thank our Heavenly Father for the freedom we can enjoy thanks to those who fought and continue to fight for that freedom, in ages past and in the present. We will remember them!
For a small donation to the Royal Canadian Legion poppy fund, students will be able to receive a poppy on Monday, November 11 to help in remembering why we pay attention to this important event.
A few items for your attention:
*Students in Grades 7&8 who have outstanding monies from the Anchor Work Day are encouraged to bring in the money next week as we would like to wrap up this fundraiser as soon as possible. Thanks for your cooperation in this matter and thank you to the students who have already brought in the money.
*Two weeks of practicum are completed and that means one more week to go for Miss Ravensbergen, Miss Jongbloed, and Miss Petter.
*Volleyball practices for all three teams continue after school every Monday and Thursday for the next three weeks leading up to the Guido De Bres Invitational Volleyball Tournament scheduled for November 29.
*The second skating session at the Smithville arena is scheduled for Wednesday, November 13. Grade 2 will skate from 12:15-1:15, and Grade 3 will skate from 1:15-2:15. In the interest of safety and concussion prevention, students in Grades K-4 must wear helmets when on the ice. They can be either hockey helmets or bicycle helmets. Students in Grades 5-8 are encouraged to wear them. Those playing hockey must wear them.
*A presentation by Tim Barnett (arranged through Lincoln Home Mission) is planned for Wednesday, November 13 from 1:00-1:45. The topic is The Heavens Declare the Glory of God and is geared to students in Grades 5-8. Parents are also invited to attend the presentation. Here is a brief summary of this presentation: Is design in nature just an illusion? Is there anything special about Earth and the Universe? Mr. Barnett will walk the audience through one of the greatest discoveries of modern physics and astronomy—the fine-tuning of the universe. Using the heroic, true story of the Apollo 13 space mission, Mr. Barnett draws parallels between the “just right” conditions that are necessary for the astronauts aboard the Apollo 13 space shuttle to emphasize that our existence, too, is balanced on a razor’s edge. Combining spectacular visuals and thorough knowledge of physics, this presentation is sure to have the audience echoing the words of the Psalmist, “The heavens declare the glory of God.”
Mr. Barnett is also giving a presentation on a different topic, Tactics in Defending your Faith, at Guido de Bres Christian high school that morning and in the Lincoln church building (4628 John Street, Beamsville) that same evening beginning at 8:00. Here is a brief summary of that presentation: Have you ever been caught flat-footed in conversations about spiritual beings? Have you ever wished that you spoke up but didn’t because you didn’t know how to start? This talk is for you! Instead of giving you a truck-load of information to download, this presentation does something a little different. Mr. Barnett wants to give you a game plan you can use to defend your faith to friend and foe alike. In his presentation, Mr. Barnett is going to equip you with a handful of effective manoeuvres, which he calls ‘Tactics’. Whether you are shy or outgoing, have a high school diploma or PHD, this presentation will help you get into the game and make an impact for Christ.
*Winterfest is on Saturday, November 16, one week from tomorrow. We are looking forward to a fun and festive day. We thank the organizing committee and the large contingent of volunteers for the enormous amount of work that they have put into making this event happen.
Reminders:
*The third skating session at the Smithville arena is scheduled for Wednesday, November 20. Grade 5 will skate from 12:15-1:15, and Grades KB and 1B will skate from 1:15-2:15. In the interest of safety and concussion prevention, students in Grades K-4 must wear helmets when on the ice. They can be either hockey helmets or bicycle helmets. Students in Grades 5-8 are encouraged to wear them. Those playing hockey must wear them.
*Friday, November 22 is a PD Day for both John Calvin School and Guido De Bres Christian high school. Students can enjoy a long weekend while the teachers of JCS will be busy with professional development coming out of the workshops they attended at the Teachers’ Convention.
*Grade KA is scheduled to visit Anchor Home on Wednesday, November 27.
*Grade 5A is scheduled to visit Kilean Lodge on Thursday, November 28.
*Grade 1B is scheduled to visit Shalom Manor on Friday, November 29.
*The Fall Membership Meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, November 27.
Have a good weekend and a blessed day of rest and worship on Sunday. We’ll be in touch again in about a week’s time. G. Hofsink
Classroom News
Kindergarten
The kindergarten children were so excited this week with the first snow fall for this school year. Often times throughout the day the students would look out the window and see the snow falling. How amazing is our God that He orchestrates the changes of the seasons and cares for the earth in ways that we could never imagine! The students also practiced a hold and secure drill and were quick to remind each other that they don’t need to be scared because God is always with them! We also learned how to write and recognize the numbers 0-5. In the following weeks we will be learning the numbers 6-10. In Bible we continue to learn about Joseph. Joseph experienced many difficult things in his life but God had a special plan for Joseph which the students can’t wait to learn about next week! One reminder to please return the dental forms back to the school. Have a blessed weekend. JB and NV
Grade 1
A chilly week in grade 1 has come to an end. Since the weather is beginning to cool, please have your child’s coats/hats/mittens etc. labeled so things do not go missing. We had a fun day exploring the Safety Village. Ask your child what they should do in case of a fire. Please check your child’s school bag, as progress reports have gone home. We look forward to seeing you next week at interviews. We have finished our Bible unit with a test. The new Bible unit teaches about how God Delivers His People in Egypt. Next week we will be testing spelling words, memory work, and sight words on Thursday because Friday November 22 is a P.D. day. On Tuesday we will be having a Math test to finish unit 3 addition and subtraction facts. This week we think about Mrs. VanBrederode with the passing of her brother Fred Ludwig. May the comfort of the Lord’s restoration, be with all the family. We thank Mrs. Tenhage and Mrs. Buikema for filling in. Have a great weekend and a blessed Sunday.
Memory Work: Hymn 54:1 (Friday Nov. 15) Isaiah 9:2 (Thursday Nov. 21)
Spelling Words: an, each, there, use, which
Grade 2
In Science this week, Grade 2 has been busy learning about getting enough exercise and also keeping our bodies clean. Next week we will also talk about how important it is to get enough sleep; as well as the amazing things that happen to our bodies while we sleep. In our math unit, we have learned about measuring with different standards; inches, centimeters, and feet. We’ll learn more next week! On Wednesday, we are excited to go to skating from 12:15-1:15. We would really appreciate extra hands to tie all those laces. We hope to arrive at the arena at 12:05. All students in Grade 2 must have a helmet in order to skate. Bicycle helmets work great! Miss Ravensbergen will be with Grade 2A for only one more week. May she be given strength to complete her studies with us!
Memory work:Psalm 42:3; Text: Micah 5:2
Spelling: won, one, who, thing, had
Grade 3
Here we are again! We finished our Bible unit dealing with Abraham and Sarah and look forward to beginning a Church History unit on Church Life. Ask us about the communion of saints and what it looks like. In Math, we started a new unit dealing with subtraction. Continue to do those drills, Grade 3! Next Wednesday, we hope to go skating. Students MUST wear helmets. Parents and grandparents are invited to join us and help us tie skates. We hope to go from 1:15-2:15. Thanks! Ask us what we know about penguins. Perhaps if you have books on these birds, you can bring them in. We began a Science unit dealing with our circulatory and respiratory systems. “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” Psalm 139:14. Congratulations to Izabelle Smouter with a baby brother named Adam! All praise and thanks to God! J.B./M.P.
Psalm 39:1; Text: Genesis 15:5,6
Words: first, hopeless, journal, let’s, recycle
Gym clothes on Tuesday and Friday.
Library books on Thursday.
Mission $ on Friday.
Grade 4
Thank you again to all of the parents who came to help at skating this past week! The extra help with tying skates and playing hockey with the students was much appreciated. Note to Gr. 4A and Gr. 4B parents about music class: New to Grade 4 this year, we hope to begin learning how to play the recorder in January. The school is planning to place an order soon, for those who will need a recorder. If you have a recorder for your son/daughter to borrow and do not need one ordered for you, please email yolanda.hoeksema@johncalvinschool.com and I will make sure that we do not order one for you. Thank you!
Thursday, Nov. 14: Grade 4A Bible Test (1 Samuel 16-31)
Friday: Memory Work (S: Ps. 56:1), Spelling Test 9
Upcoming memory work: Song: Psalm 60:1/Text: Isaiah 9:6,7
Spelling Words: art, master, smart, sisters, bar, finger, bark, paper, part, barrel, sand, says, matter, because (4B extra words temporary, participant)
Grade 5
After learning all kinds of things about Ancient Rome over the last couple of months, we are now finished with that unit. We spent this week learning about the Punic Wars (Rome vs. Carthage), and the famous story of Hannibal crossing the Alps with elephants. Next week, we are moving on to Science, where we will be studying nutrition for a few weeks. We are finishing up some group projects for our novel study on Call it Courage, and then we will be going back to the World of Literature stories. Monday is Remembrance Day, and we will be going to the cenotaph in Smithville. Please dress according to the weather, and remember to bring gloves so that we can be respectful and keep our hands out of our pockets. Looking forward to seeing you next week at Parent-Teacher conferences! Have a wonderful weekend and a blessed Sunday. RK/KV
Memory Work: Ps. 48:1
Devotions: 5A – M. Brianna, Tu. Madison, W. Morgan L., Th. Sydney, F. Aaron
5B – M. Olivia, Tu. Nate, W. Russell, Th. Logan, F. Taiya
Grade 6
The students enjoyed their skating outing at the new facility. Thanks to all the parents who came out. Some students were able to get some skating tips from Mrs. Folkerts and also some different ways to skate. On Monday we will be walking to the cenotaph and standing there for about an hour. Please make sure the students have warm enough clothes and gloves. Out of respect they will not be allowed to put their hands in their pockets. Next week the students will be writing a letter to Papa in code language as if they were Annemarie. Have a blessed weekend. AF/CV
Grade 7A
Our masks baked well in the oven and came out dry and ready to paint. The idea is to create a mask showing formal balance not only in shape but also in color. Luther has posted his 95 Theses and now thanks to Gutenberg’s invention, copies are circulating throughout Europe. Next week we will learn about the reaction from Rome and the Emperor. After fractions and decimals in Math, we’ll move onto plane geometry which will be anything but ordinary. Students are creating an author profile in Independent Study If they’re able to contact the author of the book they’ve read, they’ll be encouraged to do so. Thank you for encouraging this at home as well. Be sure to review your child’s progress report. I look forward to meeting with parents next week. Enjoy your weekend.
Grade 7B
In Church History, we have come to 1517, when Martin Luther nailed the 95 Theses to the castle church doors in Wittenberg. Next week we will be going through the aftermath of and reactions to the 95 Theses. In Math, we are coming to the end of our fractions and decimals unit, and we will be tackling plane geometry in our next chapter. In History, we have begun our rather large project for Chapter 4, “Everyday Life in New France”. For Independent Study, we continue with our author profile and looking at authors who have written about our topics. Memory Work – The Promise (Michael Card). Devotions – Noah T. Have a great weekend!
Grade 8A
As progress reports go home today, we find ourselves in the throws of November. Snow dust has covered the ground several mornings this week. Cars need to be warmed up before departing, and the school enters a mostly uninterrupted stretch until Christmas. Gr. 8 has lots on the go as well. Next week we will present our Confederation projects. In Science we will wrap up our investigation on the ‘functioning cell’ and in Geography we continue to investigate where people live and why. We will also be completing a Science Quiz and a Math test near the end of the week. Next week we can also look forward to sitting down as parents and teachers to discuss progress thus far. We look forward to welcoming you all into our room. Have a blessed weekend! Cheers, Mr. J
Grade 8B
It was a busy week of tests and assignments. Mrs. deBoer and I are working on marking them all. Please look for them in the coming couple of weeks. (Math should be going home today.) We are working through the middle part of Christ’s Ministry in our Bible lessons. Several times, we have been allowing the students to work through the passages as a Bible study first and then reviewing it together as a class. Miss Petter is teaching more and more lessons as the three week practicum progresses. On Monday we will go to the cenotaph to participate in the Remembrance Day ceremonies. Please make sure that your child wears warm clothes and good walking shoes. We will be reviewing some protocols for standing at school, but perhaps it could be re-iterated at home. (Quiet and still during the 2 minutes of silence, no hands in pockets, caps removed.) These are some of the things that are most appreciated/noticed by the veterans who are in attendance. We are reading our way through the novel Tom Sawyer and working hard to recognize Mark Twain’s biases and views on society by looking at the character of Tom Sawyer.
© 2015 Canadian Reformed School Society of Smithville and Surrounding District
