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IN THIS ISSUEAUG 2022VOLUME XLII, ISSUE V6488 TOWNLINE RD.P.O. BOX 40,SMITHVILLE, ONL0R 2A0PH. 905.957.3255FAX 905.957.3431smithvillechristian.caCONTACT:MARLENE BERGSMAmbergsma@smithvillechristian.caPAGE 1 PECULIAR PEOPLEPAGE 3 LEARNING TO NAVIGATE A STORMPAGE 4 WHAT’S THE POINT?PAGE 5 BUILDING COMMUNITYPAGE 6 GRATITUDE AND GRACEPAGE 8 GRADUATING CLASS OF 2022PAGE 10 GRADUATION PHOTOSPAGE 12 CELEBRATING THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF THE 2022 CLASSPAGE 14 WHERE GOD GUIDES, HE PROVIDEScontinued on page 2 . . .A large gathering of peculiar peopleBY TED HARRIS, ADMINISTRATOROne of the rst things our graduation committee discussed when we began planning for the celebration of the class of 2022 was whether or not we should issue graduation “tickets” in order to control the size of the crowd for the June 29 event. We have done this in the past when the class is large, and our 2022 class of 68 students was a large one. What we didn’t know was how much of an appetite there might be for being in a crowded place amid conversations about yet another variant in the news. We decided not to issue tickets. I’m not ready to say it was the wrong decision, but it is clear that many school supporters wanted to be part of the celebration after two years of pandemic-constrained events.Thanks to the presence of authoritative teachers as our ushers for the event, we managed to seat everyone who showed up at the Mountainview Christian Reformed Church venue.Once this shoehorning effort was complete, it became the biggest Smithville Christian High School gathering in several years. It was a joy to celebrate with a large class of students who have had a rather unique high school journey, swinging back and forth about half a dozen times between in-person and remote learning. It was also a treat to see supporters who have not been to a big school event in a long time. Among many guests we were glad to see were a number of church
2. . . continued from page 1ECHOES AUGUST 2022leaders, whom we had specically invited. The presence of pastors, priests, and youth leaders from many of our 49 connected churches gave us a tangible indicator of the village of faith that surrounds our students.We reected at the start of the ceremony that God’s people are peculiar by nature. Perhaps it’s an easier thing to say about this class than about many groups of people, but really all of God’s people are a peculiar t in the world. Followers of Christ are called to image God, to unfold creation, and to occupy the world in such a way that the world is reminded that it belongs to God (ideas drawn from You Are What You Love, James K.A. Smith, p. 174).Supporters, parents, and teachers of Smithville Christian High School, thank you for being peculiar, and for another year of working together to train another generation of peculiar Christ-followers, ready to serve him wherever he guides them. For more clear indications of the character of the class of 2022, I invite you to have a good close look at this edition of Echoes. Class of 2022, we enjoyed working with you, and we wish you God’s richest blessings.
3www.smithvillechristian.caLearning to navigate a storm: reections on the Class of 2022BY LINDA BOOY-KORVEMAKER, STUDENT SERVICESYou are now alumni of our school – how does that feel? I wonder if at the Grade Nine Blast you could even imagine what a “lock-down” meant? I wonder when you studied the Spanish Flu epidemic in History if you could imagine the relevance and how that connected to your life? In grade 11 – still at home and frustrated because the novelty wore off – did it impact your goals? Finally, back in person for grade 12 with long classes, cohorts, and satellite rooms, you kept moving forward and worked hard applying for coops, apprenticeships, jobs, admissions to colleges and universities, and scholarships, bursaries, and other awards. I wonder where will you be in one year? Five years? Ten years? Self-reection is an important aspect of personal growth. It’s how we learn from our experiences, by letting go of some things and holding on to others. What did you learn about yourself? What will you change in your life? What will you embrace or what will you ght against? This unique time in history challenged us all and you made it – you have graduated despite all the roadblocks. You learned to navigate a storm, and God was with you through it all. You inspire the classes behind you to do the same, simply by persevering, and you have set the course for future students to learn how to keep going despite difcult circumstances. You are resilient. Thank you for leaving your mark on our school. You will be remembered, and you will move on, and you may even change course as you journey. We are thankful for your contributions and wish you well, praying that you continue to grow in your faith, show kindness in your words and actions, and reect Jesus in everything you do.Student responses to a graduation survey administered by student services.What are your current plans for next year?54 responsesHas Covid 19 impacted your post secondary plans? In other words have you decided to defer your plans due to Covid 19? 54 responses66.7%13%University 66.7%College 13%Pursue apprenticeshipGap yearWorkOtherNo - 85.2%Maybe 14.8%}85.2%14.8%
4ECHOES AUGUST 2022What makes Smithville Christian a Christian high school?We have a core purpose, to train students to live as responsible disciples of Jesus Christ, which is supported by our core values: Belong, Believe, and Succeed. These are woven into the curriculum using seven threads.What’s the point? Shaping the people we becomeBY MARLENE BERGSMA, DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS AND ADVANCEMENTGraduation is a chance to get dressed up, to eat yummy treats, and to invite family and friends to celebrate the results of years of hard work. But at Smithville Christian, it’s much more than that. It’s also a chance to reect on the goodness of God, and on the ways in which our response to God’s love and goodness have profound impact on our learning, our lives, and on our vocations, and also on those around us.We began celebrating that already in May, when we held our annual Portfolio Day. That’s a day that also involves delicious food, but, more importantly, gives graduating students an opportunity to think about, and give thanks for, the learning that has shaped them for God’s service.Yes, Smithville Christian graduates earn an Ontario Secondary School Diploma, and yes, their teachers are teaching the Ontario secondary school curriculum, but our ability to connect this curriculum to the truth of God’s word is a blessing for the students who are given the gift of a Christian education. At Smithville Christian, we connect curriculum to real Christian life via seven “threads” that are expanded in a series of habits or practices that we pursue and celebrate with students. At Portfolio Day 2022, Assistant Adminstrator Will Lammers led students and portfolio panelists in an opening devotion that focused on one of the seven threads: Building Community.See pages 4 and 5 for an excerpt from the opening devotions shared by Lammers.Taking Care of Earth, Stewarding Resources
5www.smithvillechristian.caBuilding community: The importance of learning togetherBY WILL LAMMERS, ASSISTANT ADMINISTRATOR, PROGRAMThe challenging circumstances of the past two years can both help us understand what is most important and help us live it out. For the Class of 2022 learning remotely kindled in you a erce desire to return together in person. In the pandemic you gained a rich appreciation of how important your classmates and your school community are to your personal well-being. What can we learn from this? Here are a few questions that spring from this desire to be together:1. Do you know Jesus as your Lord and Saviour? Your learning has pointed you toward a picture of what being a disciple of Jesus actually looks like. The reason your learning has been created in this way is two-fold: to encourage you not to permit the ways of this world to mold and shape you – to build skills in discernment and wisdom; but then also to help you to think, see and walk in a new way. When we embrace these two goals for learning – discernment and transformation – then, in the words of Romans 12, “you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – His good, pleasing and perfect will”. (v. 2) Knowing Jesus as your Lord and Saviour allows you also to know these blessings, because through the Holy Spirit, God will help you know what He wants for you, things that are good and that help you to walk the path of becoming a mature and true person.2. Can your knowledge of Jesus as Lord and Saviour shape and strengthen your relationships with others? Paul, again in Romans 12, says, “In Christ, we though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.” The word “belong” is an important one for us at Smithville Christian; we use it as an anchor for how we seek to build
6ECHOES AUGUST 2022and nurture community. Paul afrms this desire by saying that in Christ we can understand belonging in the most encouraging, comforting way. He is saying that through Jesus’ blood, we not only belong to him but also to each other. Our blood relationship in Jesus rises above even the real blood we share with our family members. Furthermore, he says that when we belong to each other, we use our talents and abilities with and for each other. Whether it is in bringing God’s Word to people, teaching, leading, serving, giving, or a number of other activities, when we use our gifts in Christ, their impact leads to all kinds of ways in which we can show God’s love to one another and to all the people around us. When we relate to each other in these ways, a community of peers looks more like the communion of the saints.3. What does this love look like? Again, Paul addresses this question directly starting in verse 9, with several imperative statements. Love sincerely. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Practice hospitality. In other words, love like family and honour others by putting them rst. If someone wrongs you, don’t let evil overcome you, but overcome evil with good.To summarize, Paul starts by focusing on our character and how we approach new learning opportunities. He shows us that the things we can’t see – our character and virtue – are the essential elements that completely shape the people we become.My hope is that every one of you will be blessed as you engage with panellists in your portfolio interview on the signicance of your journey of learning and faith formation at Smithville Christian. My prayer is that this event will serve to nurture your desire to grow in faith in Jesus as you continue discovering ways you can use your talents to build one another up in service to the Lord and for the benet of all.For the students’ reflections on the impact of Christian education on their lives, see Gratitude and grace, here and on page 7.Gratitude and grace from the Class of 2022Here are some excerpts from the portfolio speeches given by members of this year’s graduating class. These students had a high school experience that was dramatically affected by the pandemic, yet their appreciation for what they learned about God, the world, and themselves shines through.This school has given me the opportunity to discover my creativity and grow deeper in my faith.The teachers at this school are exceptional and helped me to excel in my classes, supported me, and pushed me to do my best work. They are truly the reason I was able to thrive and do so well in school, which is something I will forever be grateful for.It was a huge blessing to be able to go to Smithville Christian. It was truly a great experience, with an amazing community I am so thankful for.Being here has taught me how to integrate God into each aspect of life. Attending school at Smithville has pushed me and challenged me in my faith and allowed me to grow to be a stronger Christian.I think it’s so cool that we have a class at Smithville where we can talk to others about God and our relationship with him. It isn’t just in Bible class, but in every class and every assignment.I hope that some of the attributes that I developed from my work here at Smithville Christian will help me reflect God to everyone I meet.This school showed me what it truly means to be a steward of Christ and how to feel and make others feel like they belong, believe, and succeed. I am forever thankful for the Christ-centred
7www.smithvillechristian.caeducation I received while attending Smithville Christian High School, and for how it has prepared me with skills to step out into the bigger world.Smithville shapes you and teaches you important skills that are helpful now and in the future. These are the things people will see in you and think ‘Wow, they have love,’ or even “Wow, they love Jesus.’ That, I think, is the most important thing, that people see Jesus in you.The people in this school care for whoever enters this place. They take the time to nurture the students to get them to succeed. This place will definitely have a place in my heart, and I will truly miss it very much.In the years I have spent at Smithville Christian not only have I grown as a person, but also as a child of God. I have learned more about what it means to live in the world, but not of it, and I have grown closer to being the person God calls me to be. I have always felt the love from the community around me and I have always felt as though I belonged. Now as I move into the next chapter of my life, I have made it a goal to continue to pursue kindness and love towards others. The staff and students at Smithville have really been able to push me in living as, and becoming more of, an imitator and servant of Christ.All the amazing people in this school have really helped me grow a lot in my faith and make my relationship with Jesus my own rather than just something my family believed. I am really grateful for my time here at Smithville Christian and I will always remember it.I will miss this place.
8ECHOES AUGUST 2022David Awad Sadie Bennett-ChamberlainAlia Breukelman Willem Buist Jessica CullenWilhem Caissie Seth De HaanSteven Ghaly Abdel MasihJesse Deboer Ethan Dekker Derek deKleine Ella Exelby Ryan GilksKristen Gao Haley GlasbergenElijah de JongeAlicia Heeg Cheyenne Heeg Darren Heerema Jacoba Hoekstra Kendra KikkertTori Hultink John KokJosiah HaynesMadison LaPenna WierengaLogan Liu Kayla Loerts Kaitlyn McMullinOwen MunningsDaniel Mokuye Jean Alexander MushegeraCole LangendoenCONGRATULATIONS TO THE CLASS OF 2022
9www.smithvillechristian.caConner ParisottoTaylor ThiesKate Vander WierJade PosthumusLauren ThiessenMelanie Vander WierGabriel RiadJacob Van der MeulenJennifer van der beekLiam RoelfsemaCarson van der WierTye VanderKolkSteven SharobimLauren Van HuizenKeean VeldhuizenLauren SantosAmber Van HerwynenColby VanderWierScott SnyderEthan Van TuylHope VeldmanHenry SuiJayden Van TuylMonique VellengaShanessa OkerekeNathan TeeuwsenSeth Van TuylYilia Wang Kelly WassenaarAidan WhiteheadConnor WiersmaMadelaine ZantinghHannah WoodlandDarius Zeng Abby ZuidersmaNaomi Wagter“Where God guides, He provides”
10ECHOES AUGUST 2022Graduation 2022
11www.smithvillechristian.caCONGRATULATIONS GRADUATES!
12ECHOES AUGUST 2022Celebrating the accomplishments of the Class of 2022 The following students were recognized at the June graduation ceremonies for their outstanding academic and community-building achievements. Smithville Christian High School and the award recipients are grateful to the many generous sponsors who join us in celebrating student character and accomplishments. Smithville Christian High School International Student Award Kristen GaoA $250 scholarship given to a graduating international student who has contributed to the life of our school community, has maintained positive relationships with staff and students, and is graduating with an average over 80% in Grade 12.Top Marks Scholarship Owen Munnings$250 awarded to a student who has made a signicant contribution to the quality of student life, and whose character and accomplishments exemplify the core purpose and values of the school.Michael VandenDool Scholarship Jayden Van TuylThis $250 award, given in honour of Michael VandenDool, goes to a student who has displayed the qualities of servant leadership and a caring heart. West Lincoln Township Council and Lieutenant Governor’s Community Volunteer Award Jacoba HoekstraThis award, consisting of $100 from the West Lincoln Township Council and a certicate and pin from the Lieutenant Governor, is given to a student who has displayed exemplary community contribution or outstanding achievement through volunteer activity.Canadian Citizenship Award Kendra KikkertThe Canadian Citizenship Award is a certicate given to a student who has provided community or volunteer service in and outside of our school community, has participated in a number of extra-curricular activities, and has achieved an academic average of 75% over 3.5 years.Gordon B. Park Dramatic Arts Award Kayla Loerts$250 awarded by Smithville Christian High School to a student who demonstrates excellence in the dramatic arts and whose character aligns with the core purpose values of Smithville Christian High School.ISSERVICE Computer Award Tye VanderKolk$250 awarded to a student who demonstrates excellence in computer programming and/or computer design, who shares that expertise to the benet of others, and whose character aligns with the core purpose and values of Smithville Christian High School.Smithville Animal Hospital Biology Award Kendra Kikkert$250 award is given to a student who has demonstrated interest and prociency in biology and whose character aligns with the core purpose and values of Smithville Christian High School.Stranges & Associates Excellence in Business Management Award Kristen Gao$350 to a student who demonstrates excellence in business management, and whose character aligns with the core purpose and values of Smithville Christian High School.Niagara Pallet Construction Excellence Award Elijah de Jonge$250 to a student whose character aligns with the core purpose and values of Smithville Christian High School and who demonstrates excellence in construction technology, while demonstrating initiative, motivation, and work ethic through the use of their hands.Woodshed Award Connor WiersmaThis $250 award is given to a student who demonstrates excellence in construction craft and whose character aligns with the core purpose and values of Smithville Christian High School.Niagara Peninsula Energy Inc. Student Award Jean Alexander MushegeraThis $1,500 scholarship is awarded to a student who has been accepted into a College or University and is entering a eld of study that is in line with the business of Niagara Peninsula Energy Inc.Stanpac Science Award Hannah Woodland$250 awarded to a student who demonstrates excellence in science, and whose character aligns with the core purpose and values of Smithville Christian High School.Stranges & Associates Excellence in Mathematics Award Owen Munnings$350 to a student who demonstrates excellence in mathematics, and whose character aligns with the core purpose and values of Smithville Christian High School.Smithville Garden Club Scholarship Kendra KikkertThis $275 scholarship is awarded to a student who is dedicated to pursuing a program in agriculture, horticulture, landscaping, ecology, or environmental science at an accredited college or university, and who has accumulated the highest average over 3.5 years among those who are eligible for this award.
www.smithvillechristian.ca13W. J. May English Literary Award Lauren Thiessen$250 awarded to a student who demonstrates excellence in English literary arts, and whose character aligns with the core purpose and values of Smithville Christian High School.Floyd Elzinga Visual Arts Award Sadie Bennett-Chamberlain$250 to a student who demonstrates excellence in visual arts, and whose character aligns with the core purpose and values of Smithville Christian High School.Christian Reformed Churches of Niagara Worship Leadership Award Ella Exelby$250 awarded to a student who demonstrates excellence in musicianship, who uses their gifts to benet others, and whose character aligns with the core purpose and values of Smithville Christian High School.Cornerstone Christian Assembly Spiritual Leadership Award Kelly Wassenaar$250 awarded to a student who has shown spiritual leadership in classes, chapel, or other extracurricular activities, who exemplies the character of Christ, and has encouraged spiritual growth in others. The student’s character aligns with the core purpose and values of Smithville Christian High School.Governor General’s Award Gabriel RiadThe Governor General’s Award is a bronze medallion awarded to the student who achieves the highest academic average upon graduation from secondary school.The blessings of community involvementIn addition to celebrating individual graduates’ accomplishments (as noted on the previous pages) Smithville Christian High School also acknowledges the students whose participation in extra-curricular sports and activities throughout high school made valuable contributions to our shared lives as members of a Christian learning community. The following students from the Class of 2022 were recognized at graduation for what they contributed over the past four years – even during a pandemic. Their involvement enriched us all.ACTIVITY PLAQUEFor involvement in a wide variety of activities throughout high school.Haley GlasbergenJacoba HoekstraMadison LaPenna WierengaOwen MunningsJacob Van der MeulenColby Vander WierATHLETIC PLAQUEFor involvement in a wide variety of sports throughout high school.Alia BreukelmanJacoba HoekstraOwen MunningsConnor Wiersma SCHOOL PLAQUEAwarded to students for outstanding performance and participation in both school athletics and school activities.Steven Ghaly Abdel Masid David AwadSeth De HaanDerek DeKleineJacoba HoekstraTori HultinkKendra KikkertJohn KokCole LangendoenOwen MunningsJean Alexander MushegeraJade PosthumusLiam RoelfsemaJacob Van der MeulenColby VanderWierMelanie Vander WierAmber Van HerwynenLauren Van HuizenHope VeldmanConnor WiersmaHannah Woodland
14ECHOES AUGUST 2022Where God guides, he providesBY JOSIAH HAYNES AND LIAM ROELFSEMAThe Smithville Christian High School Class of 2022 chose Josiah Haynes and Liam Roelfsema to be co-valedictorians. In addition to reminiscing about some of the highlights of their high school experiences, the pair also reected on the theme and theme verses chosen by their class. Here are some excerpts from their valedictory address. To watch the whole speech, and the entire graduation ceremony, scan the QR code or visit https://youtu.be/txXtMMowMd0We would like to start off by expressing our gratitude towards everyone who has made this possible. In particular, we would like to thank our teachers for their hard work in educating our class, especially since we didn’t always make it easy on them, our parents for their investment in our education, and God for his guidance as we make choices and prepare for our future. Our main theme chosen for our graduation was “Where God guides, He provides.” There are two bible verses that strongly relate to this theme. Our rst verse comes from Isaiah 58:11 which states, “The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.” Our second verse is from Philippians 4:6-7 - “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Both of these verses remind us that God is able to abundantly provide for all of our needs and that he will strengthen and empower us to do his will. But, we need to remember to ask and to be thankful. This is pretty different from the blind panic many of us may have felt as we tried to decide on programs and universities. We need to remember to spend more time in prayer than we do searching for answers online. And when we do, God promises us peace.So, why do we struggle with this? I think it’s fear. Fear is one of the most signicant obstacles that prevents us from accepting God’s guidance. Instead of focusing on his greatness and his promise to equip us, we focus on our weakness. Fear insidiously erodes our condence in God and hinders us from following God’s calling. It’s important to keep in mind that where God guides, he provides, and we need to have the courage to step out in faith. Often, it seems that God calls us out of our comfort zone and leads us to do things that are difcult. Trust in God’s plan for you. As we all graduate and go forward in our lives, moving onto bigger and more important things, whether we are moving onto university, college, trades, or a gap year, it’s important to allow God to guide you so that you give him an opportunity to provide for you.Scan this code to watch the recording of the graduation livestream.
15www.smithvillechristian.caHome DesignHead Office36 Killaloe CrescentGeorgetown, ONL7G 5N2TICO #50019509YOUR AD HERETo see your business or service advertised in Echoes, contact Marlene Bergsma at mbergsma@smithvillechristian.caBelong. Believe. Succeed.1051 Broad St. E., Dunnville, ON905-774-61152400 Highway 56, Binbrook, ON905-692-44151380 Fourth Ave., St. Catharines, ON905-688-5520Life’s brighter under the sun*Mutual funds distributed by Sun Life Financial Investment Services (Canada) Inc. Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada is a member of the Sun Life Financial group of companies. © Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada, 2019. Matt Dam* HON. B.A. BUS. Matt Dam Financial Services Inc. 905-892-5993Toll free: 1-888-889-4742 matt.dam@sunlife.com www.sunlife.ca/mattdamfinancial 165 Hwy 20 West, Suite 3 Fonthill, ON L0S 1E5
We draw Christian schools and donors together toexpand the influence of Christ in our culture.www.christianschoolfoundation.caThe Echoes is a periodical published ve times a year by Smithville Christian High School. Editor: M. BergsmaWayne SchilstrabrokerSteven SchilstrabrokerDavid Hildebrand sales representative905.957.1188Wesley Schilstrasales representative30%is printed on 30%post-consumer recycled paper.30%1.888.BAYVIEW ext 344P.O. Box 2, 3764 Jordan Road, Jordan Station, Ontario, Canada L0R 1S0phone 905.562.7321fax 905.562.7851www.Bayviewflowers.comFred & Adrian KoornneefSuppliers of Greenhouse Vegetables and Tender Fruitwww.koornneefproduce.comSHUTTERS • BLINDSDRAPERIES • SHADESQuality WindowFashionsat anAffordable Price905-945-8008GRIMSBY, ONWilliam and Christina Bezemer345 Argyle St. S. 214 Broad St.Caledonia, On N3W 1L8 Dunnville, On N1A 1G2(905) 765-5788 (905) 774-7576fax: (905) 765-1811 fax: (905) 774-9479cell: (905) 929-6783 email: peter_dieleman@cooperators.caPeterDieleman, CFPAgentINSPECTIONSRoger Heeg rogerheeg@ozainspections.comGrantham Plaza, 400 Scott St., St. Catharines, ON L2M 3W4Phone: 905-937-8833 • Fax 905-937-7196website: www.vandendooljewellers.com Accounting Consulting Personal & Corporate Taxation Succession Planning Agri-Business Programs, Accounting & TaxT. 905-899-2424 • F. 905-899-2426dwight@tebrake.ca • www.tebrake.ca42126 Hwy #3, R.R. #380100120140601604020180Dekkers Auto SalesService Automotive Sales • Repairs • A/C • Tires • Alignments • Diagnostics 905.386.6253Lorem ipsum