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IN THIS ISSUEAUG 2023VOLUME XLIII, ISSUE V6488 TOWNLINE RD.P.O. BOX 40,SMITHVILLE, ONL0R 2A0PH. 905.957.3255FAX 905.957.3431smithvillechristian.caCONTACT:MARLENE BERGSMAmbergsma@smithvillechristian.caPAGE 1 KEEPING THE MAIN THING THE MAIN THINGPAGE 3 HOW TO BE LEADERSPAGE 4 THE CLASS OF 2023 IN THEIR OWN WORDSPAGE 6 CLASS OF 2023PAGE 8 GRADUATIONPAGE 10 AWARDSPAGE 12 ANCHORED BY FAITH, SAILING INTO THE FUTUREPAGE 14 WINNING WHAT MATTERS continued on page 2 . . .Keeping the main thing the main thingBY TED HARRIS, ADMINISTRATORThis is my nal Echoes reection after twenty years of trying to nd the right words to say. I have been sorting through words a lot lately, particularly when asked to comment on what I have loved about my work or what my mark has been. I have been working in Christian education for 37 years, 28 of those as a principal. Here are the things I carry in my heart and why I recommend this work to anybody with the gifts and inclination:• Witnessing beautiful learning: One of the best things about being a principal is that I can walk out of my ofce and ‘see awesome’ every day. It takes less than a minute to travel from my ofce to any classroom in the school, where terric teachers really are making belonging, believing and succeeding happen, and where our purpose of training disciples of Jesus Christ really happens with joy and creativity.• The ongoing dialogue: I give thanks for all those whose lives have connected with my work. Being a principal has ushered me into ongoing dialogue with teachers, parents, students, board members, donors and bursary recipients. The intersection of my life with all these others has made me a rich person.
2ECHOES AUGUST 2023• Experiencing positive change: Every organization changes. I have been so blessed to be around when great things have happened in our school. To be sure, some of my own ideas bore out in positive change; but, more often, signicant changes simply happened on my watch due to the wisdom and persistence of others. I am grateful for the good view I had while seeing it all happen.• The privilege and joy of seeing what God does with young people during high school and in the years beyond: this is the part of my job that ranks above all others. God’s faithfulness is played out from generation to generation, and I am blessed to glimpse that faithfulness in the lives of students and former students, whether I initially recall their names or not. Our farewell celebrations in June brought many opportunities to connect with former students who remind us that our work matters.And the work does matter. It matters a great deal. A huge part of the kingdom work of Christ-followers is ensuring that the next generation learns about their place in that kingdom. This work is worth all the support we throw around it. My prayer for Smithville Christian High School is that Christians from many churches and denominations will continue to nd unity and common ground in a very focused core purpose, which remains on the walls of every staff work station at our school: to train students to live as responsible disciples of Jesus Christ. May the main thing always be the main thing
www.smithvillechristian.ca3How to be leadersBY WILL LAMMERS, VICE-PRINCIPALAdvice on leadership, resilience, and choosing who to follow from vice-principal Will Lammers, given to students, parents, and panelists during the opening devotions of Portfolio Day 2023. For students’ reections on Portfolio Day, see pages 4 and 5.As I reect on your journey here at school, particularly over the past year, I and other teachers have seen that a signicant number of you embraced roles of leadership: leaders in intramurals and sports teams, but also in corporate worship and prayer. Your desire to lead worship at chapels and in prayer teams has been exciting and inspiring, and it has had a positive effect on student life at school. This got me thinking about just how much we need thoughtful, courageous Christian leaders in our current culture. I’d like to share with you a few points of encouragement, and then a challenge, on what it means to lead well. First, an example from Daniel 3, where Daniel and his friends tell King Nebuchadnezzar, “Even if our God does not save us from the blazing furnace, we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up” (v. 18). In that story, God does in fact save Daniel and his friends from the furnace.Every one of you will need to lead at some point in your life, which means that you will need to ask others to follow your example – in fact, they will depend on you to provide an example. This means that each of you will need to decide whose example you will follow. There are many to choose from, but in 1 Cor. 4, Paul tells the people of Corinth to follow his example, because, to use his words, I “became your father through the gospel” (v. 15). So I encourage you to form spiritual disciplines that involve learning from Scriptures what it means to be a leader.You have all worked hard to get to this point. You could not have completed assignments and projects without persevering through challenges, which has developed an important character of resilience. Leaders require this kind of tenacity. As you look onwards in your life’s journey, whether that be to continued learning or to work, my encouragement to you is to build on the lessons in resilience you have learned. Stick with the task until its completion. This habit has important spiritual signicance, because, as Paul says in Philippians 3, I “forget what is behind and strain toward what is ahead, to press on towards the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus” (v. 13-14). To put this in more practical terms: stay connected with others, but don’t let their actions or reactions determine your actions or sense of being, so that you can focus on doing the good works that Christ Jesus has prepared in advance for you to do (Eph. 2:10). This way of living is possible only by Jesus’ call of grace, through which God has redeemed us to bring renewal and restoration to the places and people around us.
4The Class of 2023 in their own wordsEXCERPTS FROM PORTFOLIO DAY SPEECHES, MAY 30, 2023One of the best days of the year at Smithville Christian is Portfolio Day – when students of the graduating class have an opportunity to share their reections on what they’ve accomplished during their high school careers and how they have been changed and grown. Here are some excerpts from what the Class of 2023 had to say. What emerged was a picture of a group of hardworking students who value education, community, and the learning opportunities that were varied and hands-on. They were impacted by the pandemic, but grateful for a nal year that allowed them to seize opportunities to contribute and belong. They are grateful for transformative spiritual experiences at chapel, in their classes, and in the relationships and community they formed. They deeply felt the creativity, care, and love that their teachers lavished on them.There are so many people here that are invested in you and that want you to do well.I am grateful that the school continues to run a (metal shop) course.A big turning point for me was the Grade 12 Retreat. . .and a talk from Mr. Bender: Who is Jesus telling you to love? What broken relationships do you need to heal? This changed me. All of a sudden, I was able to see Jesus in each person.Smithville Christian is so much more than just a school building. It is a community that not only fosters educational success but also provides a place for those who don’t have one. I have always believed that seeking justice, fairness, and understanding is so vital to being a kind and equality driven society. As a Christian, love and kindness is the most important thing to extend to others, and understanding lays a much better foundation for that. Smithville Christian has and will hopefully continue to be ECHOES AUGUST 2023
5a safe space full of some of the most kindhearted and genuine people I have met. I am a better learner when I learn hands-on, being able to hold the problems, and solve them with trial and error.As I embark on this journey, I am committed to making a lasting impact in the world through the power of creativity, order, and the pursuit of my passions.My time at Smithville Christian High School has been an amazing journey with my classmates and teachers. I have learned so much and have really grown as a person throughout my learning and relationships. I am grateful for the opportunity to be able to study and learn in a Christian school and I am excited to start my next chapter.The teachers were always helpful and made the subjects interesting. You won’t nd better teachers than you have today.The capstone class has been a big life changer for me as it has challenged me to question how I think about things. Almost every single teacher at our school shows such passion for their teaching.I was out of my comfort zone and I was forced to tackle things I didn’t think I could do. The love, acceptance, and friendship everyone in my grade demonstrates shows Christ’s love to everyone .The teachers were welcoming and understanding.When we see the world from Jesus’ perspective, we start acting in love as Jesus did. Every high school can offer an education, but Smithville also gave me the opportunity to look at my faith and see how important God’s work in our lives is.The teachers here truly want what is best for their students. Smithville Christian High School has impacted me in so many ways. I met so many amazing people here. I grew so much. . . I learned perseverance, growth in community, and strength in tough times. Every single teacher cares about every student; they care about the actual student and their lives. They want them to be successful. I will forever be grateful for everyone who has impacted my education here.Smithville Christian excelled in creating a space where my classmates and I felt comfortable in discussing difficult questions and encouraging others to take steps to strengthen their relationship with Christ. I learned that building community with those around you and working on establishing meaningful friendships is worth so much. I experienced firsthand how impactful it is to be surrounded by teachers and staff who clearly demonstrate their level of care and commitment to us and our happiness that goes beyond academics.My personal faith journey was helped by being among teachers, staff, and a school body who were hard-wired in their commitment to spreading the love of Jesus to everyone.I am sad that it’s coming to an end.I am very grateful for my teachers, as they helped me learn subjects through the lens of Christianity, for my peers, as they made school fun for me and created a great community, and for my parents for choosing to send me to a Christian school.I am very thankful for my time at this school and I am sad to leave. I know that God has great plans for my future, and I am excited to see where his path leads me.
Colton BrownFrank EjehMaksim KavalevichReuben BuysBrooke GilpinBrady LangendoenJacob CrittendenLaurel GrahamCharlotte LarsonNatasha DamEmmett HardieBen LeeGavin DammEphraim HuininkEleanor LeeBethany De HaanLeona IfeanyichukwuAnderson LiddellEric BeckTyler DoornbosEvan Janssen6ECHOES AUGUST 2023C2 0 2 3L S SAof
Carter LunshofMatthew NyweningMorgan Van StaalduinenMatthew MafaLindsey RiddellIzak MaloneyEmma SinkeBraden MarrEric StiffMikayla MayKirsten TooheyEmma VedderPrince MbataKarson VahrmeyerConnor WilliamsonConnor LucasRegina MushegeraKyra Van GeestDaniella Zondag7www.smithvillechristian.caLucas Vander WierKeegan VanderWierAbby VanderlindeAnchored in faith; sailing into the future
8ECHOES AUGUST 2023Congratulations Graduates!
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10ECHOES AUGUST 2023A celebration of the character and calibre of our graduates – and of our school.BY MARLENE BERGSMADIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS AND ADVANCEMENTAt every graduation ceremony, we celebrate the accomplishments of our graduates. And, especially for the Class of 2023 – whose high school experience was signicantly affected by the pandemic – just making it to graduation was a major accomplishment. But when we hand out awards to specic students, it’s not just those individuals that we are celebrating. Our slate of awards is a testament to the overall character of our school, and it’s a testament to the relationships we have built with our supporting community. When you review the list of sponsors of our awards and the criteria that make students eligible, a picture forms of a community who understands our school and understands what Smithville Christian values. In order to be nominated for any award, students must have characters that align with the core purpose and values of our school. When our sponsors honour students for subject-specic accomplishments – such as excellence in math, or computers, or art, or science – they are also honouring students for things like perseverance, for hands-on work, for spiritual leadership, or for community-building. (Speaking of community-building, make sure you read the excerpts of the student testimonies from Portfolio Day on pages 4 and 5.) It is a beautiful thing when what happens inside our school is recognized – and valued – by those outside it too.Smithville Christian High School International Student Award Maksim KavalevichA $250 scholarship given to an international student who has contributed to the life of our school community, has maintained a positive relationship with staff and students at Smithville Christian High, and is graduating with an average over 80% in Grade 12.Top Marks ScholarshipEric StiffA $250 award given 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 ScholarshipEleanor LeeA $250 award, given in honour of Michael VandenDool, awarded to a student who has displayed the qualities of servant leadership and a caring heart.Christian Reformed Churches of Niagara Worship Leadership AwardEleanor Lee$250 awarded to a student who demonstrates excellence in musicianship and who uses their gifts to benet others. West Lincoln Township Council and Lieutenant Governor’s Community Volunteer AwardLaurel Graham$100 from the West Lincoln Township Council and a certicate and pin from the Lieutenant Governor for a student who has displayed exemplary community contribution or outstanding achievement through volunteer activity.W. J. May English Literary AwardLaurel Graham$250 awarded to a student who demonstrates excellence in English literary arts. Canadian Citizenship AwardMatthew NyweningCerticate given to a student who has provided community or volunteer service in and outside of our school, has participated in a number of extra-curricular activities, and has above-average grades.West Niagara Cornhole League Perseverance AwardsRegina MushegeraMatthew Mafa$250 each to two students who have displayed perseverance in the face of challenges while maintaining steady scholastic efforts, and positive attitudes and interactions with others.
11www.smithvillechristian.caISSERVICE Computer AwardBethany De Haan$250 awarded to a student who demonstrates excellence in computer programming and/or computer design, and who shares that expertise to the benet of others.Smithville Animal Hospital Biology AwardMorgan Van Staalduinen$250 awarded to a student who has demonstrated interest and prociency in biology.Stranges & Associates Excellence in Business Management AwardColton Brown$350 awarded to a student who demonstrates excellence in business management.Niagara Pallet Construction Excellence AwardColton Brown$250 awarded to a student who demonstrates excellence in construction technology, while demonstrating initiative, motivation, and work ethic through the use of their hands.Woodshed AwardKarson Vahrmeyer$250 awarded to a student who demonstrates excellence in construction craft. Niagara Peninsula Energy Inc. Student AwardFrank Ejeh$1,500 awarded to a student who has been accepted into a college or university in a eld of study that is in line with the business of Niagara Peninsula Energy Inc.Stanpac Science AwardKirsten Toohey$250 awarded to a student who demonstrates excellence in science. Stranges & Associates Excellence in Mathematics AwardKirsten Toohey$350 awarded to a student who demonstrates excellence in mathematics. Governor General’s AwardKirsten TooheyThe Governor General’s Award is a bronze medallion awarded to the student who achieves the highest academic average upon graduation from secondary school.Floyd Elzinga Visual Arts AwardNatasha Dam$250 awarded to a student who demonstrates excellence in visual arts.Cornerstone Christian Assembly Spiritual Leadership AwardReuben Buys$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. SMITHVILLE CHRISTIAN HIGH SCHOOLCore purpose: To train student to live as responsible disciples of Jesus Christ. Core values: Belong, Believe, Succeed.Athletic PlaquesAwarded to students who have accumulated 45 extra-curricular athletic points, having been involved in a wide variety of sports throughout high school. Tyler DoornbosLaurel GrahamEphraim HuininkEvan JanssenMikayla MayDaniella ZondagActivity PlaquesFor students who have accumulated 21 extra-curricular, non-athletic points, having been involved in a wide variety of activities throughout high school.Gavin DammLaurel GrahamEleanor LeeRegina MushegeraMatthew NyweningEric StiffKirsten TooheyKyra Van Geest School PlaquesFor outstanding performance and participation in school athletics and school activities. Gavin DammLaurel GrahamEleanor LeeRegina MushegeraKirsten Toohey
12ECHOES AUGUST 2023Anchored by faith, sailing into the futureEXCERPTS FROM THE CLASS OF 2023 VALEDICTORY ADDRESS BY ERIC STIFFHello, everyone! My name is Eric Stiff, and no, I’m not over the age of 20 and yes I am aware that I have a beard. I am incredibly honoured to have been chosen as the valedictorian for the class of 2023.Being a student at this school changed my entire life. I gained lifelong friendships, received an exceptional education, and had transformative experiences.I would like to express our gratitude to the teachers who worked tirelessly to ensure our success and made us feel loved. I am thankful to our administrative team for their dedication to keeping our school running smoothly. A heartfelt thank you to our parents for their encouragement and support throughout our schooling. These past four years have been a whirlwind for our class, as we were among those most affected by the pandemic. Despite the challenges and disruptions caused by the pandemic, I believe it is important to celebrate and remember a few signicant moments. In Grade 9, our class came together for an unforgettable bike trip from the top of Niagara Falls all the way to Niagara-on-the-Lake. It was a long bike ride, but with the guidance of our teachers, who made sure no one took an accidental plunge into the falls, we had an amazing day together. This trip was so impactful that we recently organized a similar bike trip in early June to recreate that exact same experience (although this time we pedaled much slower). This trip served as an important milestone for our class and was the very beginning of a lot of relationships and lasting memories throughout high school. Another noteworthy memory to highlight is our Grade 10 Ottawa trip. Despite the pandemic-related delays, we eventually got to enjoy the trip at the end of Grade 11 and reconnect with one
www.smithvillechristian.ca13another. Exploring Ottawa together and visiting the market were some of the highlights, but I’m sure we can all agree that the massive game of manhunt in the hotel parking lot was the most exhilarating part. Each member of the Class of 2023 has left a mark on our lives because God works through all of us. Each student of the class of 2023 is a gift from God. We are grateful we had the privilege of attending a small school, where we could form relationships with every one of our classmates. Parents, friends, and teachers, today is a day of celebration for the successes of these students. The amount of effort they have put into projects, tests, exams, and extracurricular activities is truly remarkable and deserves recognition. I believe every one of these students will achieve great things. They possess an unwavering perseverance that sets them apart from any other person. They will sail out into the world and demonstrate the goodness that the Lord has to offer in a world full of pain. Each of us is on a preordained path, created by God, which ultimately leads to Him. God knows that we may stray from this path, but God gives us an anchor, and that anchor is Jesus Christ.Our anchor is also found in the church, the Bible, prayer, and the people surrounding us. As you embark on this next chapter in life, remember that a ship is useless without an anchor. This is a time to celebrate! Students, it’s time to lift your anchors from Smithville Christian and set sail on the path that God is leading you towards. Drop your anchor at the next place where God has called you, and use your gifts to bless others and the Lord. And if you nd yourself grappling with the question of “what will be my anchor?” Well, just look around, we are a class of 44 strong anchors, and that is something worth holding onto. CLASS OF 2023 THEME VERSESDo not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. (Romans 12:2)And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm, and steadfast. (1 Peter 5:10)
14ECHOES AUGUST 2023Winning what matters: let character be your legacy BY LINDA BOOY-KORVEMAKER, HEAD OF STUDENT SERVICESEach year at graduation, we mention that awards, bursaries, and scholarships are granted to our students from various post-secondary institutions, in part to entice our students to attend a particular institution. We share some of this information at grad because it’s important for our supporting community to know that the education our students receive and the people who they are is valued beyond the gathering. This year we did not have a nancial tally of the awards to announce because very few of the many graduates who were honoured with academic, athletic and leadership scholarships actually listed the dollar value of their awards. This is unique and surprising, and I wonder if this is testimony to who the class of 2023 has become: a class about community and a community that values accomplishments collectively rather than individually. To the Class of 2023 – whether or not you are pursuing post-secondary education or whether or not you have received an award – these awards are important, and they represent our school well, but they do not dene you. Your education and career path are only a part of who you are. God sees each one of you and your gifts and he will use you – willingly or not – for his plan. Our God is so big. You are his beloved and created in his image. Remember that and live in that gift. Graduating from Smithville Christian High School is a valuable accomplishment that each one of you accomplished and a piece of the masterpiece of your life. Your legacy will be your character and what you shine in the bigger masterpiece of God’s kingdom here on earth. This year in our one-to-one individual pathway planning I met Jesus many times in our conversations. My prayer for each of you is that as you go to your next school or workplace that when people meet you, they too meet Jesus when they talk and interact with you. Our identity is in Christ – we are the hands and feet of Jesus in this world. Be kind for “you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” (1 Peter 2:9)I hope that your time as a student at Smithville Christian contributed positively to both your educational plan and your character. You have shown us that you value community. It was a blessing to walk with you these last four years. Thank you and congratulations to you ALL.“You are his beloved and created in his image. Remember that and live in that gift.”
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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. BergsmaHead Office36 Killaloe CrescentGeorgetown, ONL7G 5N2TICO #500195091051 Broad St. E., Dunnville, ON905-774-61152400 Highway 56, Binbrook, ON905-692-44151380 Fourth Ave., St. Catharines, ON905-688-5520Fred & Adrian KoornneefSuppliers of Greenhouse Vegetables and Tender Fruitwww.koornneefproduce.com80100120140601604020180Dekkers Auto SalesService Automotive Sales • Repairs • A/C • Tires • Alignments • Diagnostics 905.386.6253Lorem ipsumBlinds. Shutters. DrapesGRIMSBY, ONWilliam and Christina Bezemer905.945.80081.888.BAYVIEW ext 344P.O. Box 2, 3764 Jordan Road, Jordan Station, Ontario, Canada L0R 1S0phone 905.562.7321fax 905.562.7851www.Bayviewflowers.com