The purpose of John Calvin School is to assist and support parents in the education of their covenant children to the glory of God.  In accomplishing this mission, the vision of John Calvin School is to provide excellent Christ-centered education in service to God and our neighbour.

“LORD, you have assigned me my portion and my cup;

you have made my lot secure.

The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;

surely I have a delightful inheritance.

I will praise the LORD, who counsels me;

even at night my heart instructs me.

I have set the LORD always before me.

Because he is at my right hand,

I will not be shaken.”

                                                                                                                                                Psalm 16:5-8 (NIV)

We can derive encouragement from these words of the Lord through David.  It is human nature to make our own plans and then ask God to bless them.  Instead, we need to ask God’s will first.  By constantly thinking about the LORD and his way of living, we will gain insights that will help us make right decisions and live the way God desires.  Communicating with God allows him to counsel us and give us wisdom.  By saying that “he will not be shaken,” David was talking about the unique sense of security felt by believers.  God does not exempt believers from the day-to-day circumstances of life.  Believers and unbelievers alike experience pain, trouble, and failure (Matthew 5:45).  Unbelievers have a sense of hopelessness about life and confusion over their true purpose on earth.  Those who seek God, however, can move ahead confidently with what they know is right and important in God’s eyes.  They know that God will keep them from being moved off of his chosen path.

Good Friday morning school community as we bring to a close week one of student learning-at-home, round three.  We hope and pray that this will be the last round.  With one more week remaining in April, we bring to an end 80% of the 2020-2021 school year and, once again, what a school year it has been.  We pray for the Lord’s continued blessing and guidance as we carry on with remote learning, at least until the middle of May by the sounds of things.  I know it’s only been a few days, but keep up the great work parents, students, and staff!  Let us continue to rise and meet the daily challenge of remote learning, encouraging one another and building each other up.  And please, if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact your child(ren)’s teacher.  If you have any questions of a general nature, don’t hesitate to contact the principal.  Please continue to pray for the staff as they continue to pray for you.  May our Heavenly Father continue to grant us health, strength and wisdom for our respective tasks as we navigate our way through the effects of COVID-19. 

May the Lord continue to provide for those in our community who need Him in a special way; be it those who are sick, who are impacted by the virus, who are dealing with difficult family situations, or those who are grieving the death of a loved one.   In particular, we think of Rev. DenHollander who has been given an indefinite leave of absence by his council.  May our good and gracious God provide him with everything that he needs.  We pray for him and his family, and the Covenant congregation.  

The Spring Membership meeting is planned for Wednesday, April 28.  The plan is to conduct the meeting via livestream from the Smithville Canadian Reformed church building.

A few matters for your attention:

*This past Wednesday was Office Administrator’s appreciation day.  We very much appreciate the work of our office administrators, Mrs. Elgersma and Mrs. D’Addazio, for all that they do on a daily basis at John Calvin School. 

*Next week, several Kindergarten and Grade 1 students will be coming to school for in-school instruction as per the allowance for Learning Resource students.  The following week, the Learning Resource students will be able to come back to school for in-school instruction.  If any of these students have been exposed to individuals with COVID-19, they will not be able to participate in the in-school instruction until their isolation period is over.  Also, while in school, the students need to follow the same protocols that were in place prior to the break and the subsequent switch to remote learning.

*Week #4 is completed for the student teachers.  Miss Jongbloed, Miss Tenhage and Mr. VanGameren were busy this past week with supporting remote learning with their associate teachers.   They have one more week remaining in their revised practicum at JCS.

*West Lincoln Community Care was in earlier this week to pick up the donations.  Thanks again to everyone who participated in this drive by sharing of their blessings.

*The School Spirit Day, Time Warp- The 1980s, has been postponed until further notice.

*Book Week which was planned for April 19-23 has also been postponed until further notice. 

*Hike for Hospice:  We are still planning to participate in this annual event once again this year.  We will be making a decision on Friday, May 7 as to what the hike will look like.  Stay tuned. 

*Thanks to all who contributed to the request for pop can tabs.  Miss Buist is planning to bring two paper boxes filled with tabs to the campaign office in Burlington.

*From the Ministry of Education:  As mentioned previously, financial support is once again available for families.  The OCCB (Ontario Covid-19 Child Benefit) will begin on April 26.  For more information, click on the following link:  https://www.ontario.ca/page/get-ontario-covid-19-child-benefit

This time around, an expanded COVID-19 Child Support program is providing:

$400 for each child/youth up to Grade 12, and;

$500 for each child/youth up to age 21 with special needs.

If you have previously applied for the COVID-19 Child Support, the $400/$500 will be sent to you directly; there will be no need to re-apply.

Have a good weekend everyone and a blessed Sunday, even if your worship services need to be conducted via livestream.  Until next week Friday, D.V.

                                                                                                                G. Hofsink