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.

As I was preparing to write this week’s edition of the Chronicle, I couldn’t help but think of Psalm 78 when reflecting on parents and teachers working together to instruct His children.  “O my people hear my teaching; listen to the words of my mouth.  I will open my mouth in parables, I will utter hidden things, things from of old—what we have heard and known, what our fathers have told us.  We will not hide them from their children; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the LORD, his power, and the wonders he has done.  He decreed statutes for Jacob and established the law in Israel, which he commanded our forefathers to teach their children, so the next generation would know them, even the children yet to be born, and they in turn would tell their children.  Then they would put their trust in God and would not forget his deeds but would keep his commands. (Psalm 78:1-7, NIV)

                God commanded that the stories of his mighty acts in Israel’s history and his laws be passed on from parents to children.  This shows the purpose and importance of religious education- to help each generation obey God, put their trust in him, and set their hope on him.  During these last few weeks of the school year, let us continue to work together to teach his covenant children to the best of our ability and to the honour and glory of his holy name. 

Hello again everyone on this beautiful Friday morning at the end of what has been absolutely wonderful weather week.  We have come to the end of week five of teaching and learning remotely at home and school.  We thank the Lord for his many blessings during the course of another week of instruction.  We pray that he will help us to remain focussed, motivated and persevere to the end of the 2020-2021 school year.  Please continue to keep the lines of communication open. 

After yesterday’s announcement (unfortunately no mention was made of schools) of the re-opening of some things, I am anticipating an announcement regarding schools next week some time.  There is enough clamor “out there” about reopening schools that the government will have to address that issue.  Dr. Williams, chief medical officer of health, said that he wanted to have schools reopened in June, provided public health units can handle contact tracing of any new cases.  He said that the exact date would depend on discussions with the Ministry of Education.

Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with those who need the comfort, encouragement and guidance of our Heavenly Father in a special way;be it those who are sick or in hospital perhaps because of the virus, who are dealing with difficult family situations, or those who are grieving the death of a loved one.   In this regard, we once again think of the D. Boersema family (Mrs. S. Boersema and Mrs. B. Vanderee) as they grieve thepassing away earlier this week of their uncle, Mr. Jack Pieterman.  May our good and gracious God comfort them with his Word and Spirit.

On Sunday, we can celebrate Pentecost, remembering the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, who is given to us, to make us by true faith share in Christ and all his benefits, to comfort us, and to remain with us forever. (H.C. L.D. 20)

A few matters for your attention:

*Update from the Learning Resource department:  Ms. Stoffels, the Learning Resource Coordinator,  just wanted to give the membership an update on how things are going in the department during this third school lockdown:  “I want to start by saying how very thankful we are for the opportunity to be able to have our learning resource students attend school in person.  What a blessing to be able to serve our most vulnerable students in person. Our six highest needs students are able to come in to school every morning and work on the core subjects with our amazing Educational Assistants.  Twice a week, we are also able to have the rest of the students in the Learning Resource Program work in small groups with the EAs.  We are so blessed to be able to serve our membership.”  

*It’s that time of year again, so when you are outside please continue to be wary of ticks and mosquitoes. 

*Just a reminder that, if any of the students currently attending school 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 continue to follow the same protocols that were in place prior to the break and the subsequent switch to remote learning.

*Today, once again, Grades K-8 parents have an opportunity to drop-off and pick-up materials.   The next drop-off and pick-up day is scheduled for June 4 which we hope and pray will not need to happen.  We are following the same procedure as last week:

• Parents will be able to carry out the exchange between 9:00 and 3:00.  Please note that we are not giving designated church times.  This gives a little more flexibility to parents.
• Parents may go directly to their child(ren)’s classroom(s).  Grades K, 1 and 4 parents please use the west doors (opposite the church) and Grades 2 and 3 parents please use the doors by the stairs.  Grades 5&6 and Learning Resource parents may use the main entrance, while the Grades 7&8 parent are able to use the north doors by the Grades 7&8 classrooms.
• Parents, please make sure your child’s name is on the submitted materials.

*Kindergarten registration reminder:  Kindergarten and Grade 1 registration forms as well as the kindergarten readiness form were sent out last week.  Please return them to the school as soon as possible, either by email or snail mail.  The deadline is next week Friday, May 28.  Due to the uncertainty of when we will be returning to in-school learning, the Kindergarten Day planned for May 26 has been postponed to either the second or third week of June, D.V.  We should be able to give parents a more definitive date in next week’s Chronicle.

*Hike for Hospice:  The Lord willing, we will be hiking in a virtual way next week Friday.  The majority of you have your Hike for Hospice packages; however, there are still about 15 families who still need to pick up their packages, so when you have a moment today or next week Tuesday please pick up your Hike for Hospice package.  It’s great to hear that a number of families are already planning their hike and collecting sponsors for this important cause.  Long range forecast shows that it’s shaping up to be a beautiful day.  Enjoy your hike. 

*Included with today’s Chronicle is the Protocol for Class Re-distribution.  Please read through the document carefully.  Class lists for the 2020-2021 school year will be developed in June from the considerations, criteria, and procedures included in the document.  The class lists will be emailed to parents on Friday, June 25.  This is the same document that was sent with last week’s Chronicle.  It is sent again today, in case you missed it.

                Have a great Victoria Day long weekend everyone.  May our Heavenly Father grant us a blessed day of worship.  We hope to touch base again in a week’s time.

                                                                                                                                G. Hofsink