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.

“Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances,

for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

                                                                                                                                                I Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV)

                Our joy, prayers, and thankfulness should not fluctuate with our circumstances or feelings.  Obeying these three commands—be joyful, pray continually, and give thanks—often goes against our natural inclinations.  When we make a conscious decision to do what God says, however, we will begin to see people and events in a new perspective.  When we do God’s will, we will find it easier to be joyful and thankful.  Paul was not teaching that we should thank God for everything that happens to us, but in everything.  Evil does not come from God, so we should not thank him for it.  But when evil strikes or a virus takes hold and causes massive upheaval, we can still be thankful for God’s presence and for the good that he will accomplish through the distress. 

Greetings JCS supporting community on this wet and chilly Friday morning as we bring the month of May to a close, save for the weekend and Monday of course.  That means that 90% of the 2020-2021 school year is completed, and we have come to the end of week six of teaching and learning remotely at home and school.  We pray that our Heavenly Father will continue to help us stay the course, stay motivated, and do our best under these trying circumstances.  Let us continue to put our hope and trust in him alone.    

After yesterday’s non-announcement, after much speculation that the province would hear something from the government, we are still wondering when we will return to school.  However, we do know that Premier Ford wrote a letter to doctors, scientists, and educators seeking their opinion about reopening schools.  I have included the link to an article (shared with me by a board member) that contains Premier Ford’s letter with the seven questions he posed to the experts.  I surmise we will hear something about the reopening of schools early next week.

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 think of Mrs. R. D’Addazio whose uncle, Mr. John Bultje, recently passed away after a battle with cancer, and relatives of Mr. Gary Vis who passed away this past weekend from the coronavirus.  May our good and gracious God surround the Bultje and Vis families with his love and care.

Staffing update:  We are thankful that some of our staffing needs could be filled during the past few week.  Mrs. Angela Ludwig was hired to fill the 45% vice-principal relief for Mr. Joosse, Mr. Jeremy Jongsma and Miss Laura Vis were hired to fill EA positions in the Learning Resource Department, and Mrs. Marian Blokker was hired to fill the 20% teaching position in Grade 2A.  HR is in the midst of finalizing the hiring of a TA for Kindergarten.  We are still in need of a Grade 6B teacher and a part-time (67%) EA position.

We congratulate Mr. and Mrs. Elgersma with the birth of their third grandson, Tristan Alexander VanHengstum.  We thank and praise the Lord that all is well.

A few matters for your attention:

*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 the school is still collecting can tabs for wheelchairs.

*News and Views materials are due on Monday, June 14.

*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.

*Grades K-8 parents have an opportunity to once again drop-off and pick-up materials next week Friday, June 4.  This may change, once we know more about the reopening of schools.  Once again, details are as follows:

• 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.
• Parents must wear a mask and sign in upon entering the school.  You only need to sign in once.

*Kindergarten registration reminder:  Today was the last day for returning Kindergarten and Grade 1 registration forms as well as the kindergarten readiness form.  If we return to school, Kindergarten Day is planned for Wednesday, June 16.

*Hike for Hospice:  Due to today’s inclement weather, families have the option of hiking on Saturday or Monday.  Enjoy your hike, no matter on which day you choose to go.  If you have any cash or cheques at home, please drop them off at the school on Monday or Tuesday of next week.  Thanks in advance for your cooperation. 

*Library Books:  If you have any library books at home, please return them on the next drop-off/pick-up day (June 4) or when we return to school.

*Lost and Found:  All lost and found items have been placed on tables so when you are next in school, please take a moment and have a look for lost items on the tables in the foyer.  All remaining items will be taken to the GBF or Value Village at the end of the school year.

*For long-term planning, the JCS Grade 8 graduation is still planned for Monday, June 28.

Have a good weekend and a restful Sunday.  We’ll touch base again next week, D.V.

                                                                                                                                                                                          G. Hofsink