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IN THIS ISSUEDEC 2020VOLUME XLI, ISSUE 16488 SMITHVILLE RD.P.O. BOX 40,SMITHVILLE, ONL0R 2A0PH. 905.957.3255FAX 905.957.3431smithvillechristian.caCONTACT:MARLENE BERGSMAmbergsma@smithvillechristian.caPAGE 1 HYBRID LEARNING PLANPAGE 3 EXTRACIRRICULARSPAGE 4 GRADE NINE BLASTPAGE 6 IN MEMORIAM: MARC STROOBOSSCHERPAGE 8 CLASS OF 2024PAGE 10 WELCOME TO NEW TEACHERSPAGE 12 PICTURE THISPAGE 14 CHRISTMAS PROGRAMSo how is that hybrid learning plan going?By Ted Harris, adminisTraTorThe summer of 2020 was one of frequent ip-ops as we planned for the upcoming school year amid rapidly changing ideas about how to do school well and safely in the midst of a pandemic. As mid-August moved closer to late August, we nally settled on a plan. Here are the broad strokes of that plan:• School would be in-person four daysperweek.• Allstudentsandstaffwouldbewearingmaskswhileindoorsthroughtheentireday.• Wednesdayswouldberemotelearningdaysforallstudents.• Students and families could choosefull-timeremotelearning.• Wewouldmakeaplanforsynchronouslearning (Zoom, Microsoft Teams) forallremotelearners.• Tolimitcontact,wewouldruntwolongclasseseveryin-schoolday.• Wewouldlimitthenumberofstudentsin classes by implementing satellitespaceswithsynchronousinstruction.• Wewouldseparatecohortsofstudentsasmuchaspossiblebygivingeach grade their own zonefor lockers and hangoutandlunchspaces.• Wewoulddevisefrequenthandwashing,sanitizingand distancingprotocols and createdirectional signs forallhallways.• We would be readytopivottofull-remotelearning if and whenneeded.continued on page 2 . . .

2ECHOES DECEMBER 2020Onemightthink,giventheshiftingofourplansthroughoutthesummer,thatplanswouldalsoshiftthroughoutthefallsemester, but actually our plan has remained quite stablethroughoutthefall.As I write, local COVID case numbers have increaseddramatically,otherlocalsschoolshavebeenhitbymultiplecases,andparentsandsiblingsofourstudentshavetestedpositive.Itseemslikethevirusishoveringaroundus;and,thoughwearedoingourbesttobereadyforanything,wecelebratethatwehavegoneseveralmonthswithoutaCOVIDcaseinthebuilding.Wealsocelebratethesupportandtrustofourparentsaswehavemanagedtheseadjustments.There are challenges to be sure:• Wearing a mask all day is not the way we would prefer to have it. • Teachers have to teach students in their room, students in another room, and students at home or in another part of the world all at the same time.• Classes that run all morning or afternoon take lots of planning and stamina for both teachers and students.• It is hard to know exactly to what degree current circumstances impact the stress and behavior of students, but they certainly do.• It is challenging to do some of the things that can really drive school culture, including weekly in-person chapels, music and arts programs, and sports competitions. Despitethechallenges,byGod’sgrace,wearegratefulforthejoyofbeingtogether,ofseeinganewGrade9classformand gel, and of watching beautiful learning communitiesdevelopineachclass.Pleasepraythatourstaffandstudentswillcontinuetohavethedesire oftheir hearts–to continue tolearn from andwitheachotherinperson.Godisonthethrone.Wehavenoreasontofear.Infact,wehavemanyreasonstorejoiceatwhatGodisdoingduringthisratherbizarretime.. . . continued from page 1

3www.smithvillechristian.caExtracurriculars: in 2020 they’re extra importantBy Ted Harris, adminisTraTorDifferent students are driven by different things. It is our hope that all our students thrive on the instruction they receive in classes, and we think they do. However, it is also true that the parts of the program that happen outside of formal classes can be areas of ourishing for our students. Knowing this, we are working hard this year to give students COVID-compliant opportunities for this ourishing.Atatimewhenittakessomeheroiceffortsjusttokeepthecurriculummoving,itmakesitparticularlychallengingtokeepextracurricularactivitiesmoving.Hereare someofthethingsweseestudentsparticipatinginevenamidaCOVID-19pandemic:• Student Council is still meeting every week andplanningactivitiestokeepstudentsengaged.• Intramuralsportsarehappeningduringlunchtimetogivestudentsrecreationalandsocialoutlets.• Chapels are still happening every week. While wewouldlovetobeinthesameroom,Zoomallowsusandanygueststoworshipandreecttogetherfromclassroomsandhomes.• Wehavetwopraiseteamsworkingonsongstoshareliveandbyvideo.• Ouraudio-visualteamisstillsupportingourspirituallifeprogram.• Ouryearbookcommitteeisnishinglastyear’sbookwhileaccumulatingthememoriestotellthis year’sstories.• Our photography club is busy with their camerasmakingsurethatweareinapositiontoshareimageswithoursupportersandtorememberourexperiencesforyearstocome.• Our athletics leadership has brainstormed safe andenjoyablewaysforourstudentstocompeteandstayactivewithcrosscountry,beachvolleyballand golfcompetitions.• Students have had opportunities to participate inafterschoolclubslikeartclub,runningclub,ultimateFrisbee,volleyball,badmintonandhockey.Welovethefactthatourstudentsaresoeagertokeepthingsgoingandtomaketheirhighschoolexperiencesrich,andweareprofoundlygratefulforteacherswhomakethemselvesavailableforstudentsandkeepbrainstormingwaysforwardinatimethatcallsfortheircreativity.

Grade nine blast4ECHOES DECEMBER 2020

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6ECHOES DECEMBER 2020In memoriam: Marc Stroobosscher, 1939-2020Smithville Christian High School’s founding principal, Marc Stroobosscher, died on December 7, surrounded by his wife, Dora, and his family. After Marc’s funeral service, his family requested that Marc pay one last visit to the high school that he had loved and served for 23 years. Students, staff and guests lined the parking lot as the funeral procession wound past. Here are some reections on Marc’s legacy from drama and English teacher, Gordon Park, who was among the rst teachers Marc hired in 1980, when the school opened. MarcStroobosscherwillalwaysholdaplacenearanddeartomyheart.Marchiredmeasarookieteacherwhentheschoolwasrstbuilt,andforaslongasMarcwasprincipalofSmithvilleChristianHigh,Ihadtheprivilegeofbeingonstaffwithhim.I’moodedwithwonderfulmemoriesofMarc:hissmile,hissenseofhumour,hiskeepingtrackofstudentsinalittleipbookinhisjacketpocket,hisquietvoice(evenwhenheraisedhisvoice),hisdooralwaysbeingopenforgreattalks,his guidance, his hospitality at graduation get-togethers,hisfriendship...toomanymemoriestomention.OnekeytoMarcwashisgenuinecaringnatureforeachofusonstaff,andhiswillingnesstoexpresshisappreciationforusasbothcolleaguesandindividuals.ItwasinoneofmyrstyearsofteachingwhenIapproachedMarc feeling rather worried that I would not be able tocompleteallthecurriculumforoneoftheEnglishcourses.Marcturnedtomeandsaidsomethingtotheeffectthathewasnewiththisbecausehewashappyhavingme,andindeed appreciated having me – me – in that classroom.Hewastelling methathehad condenceinmeandmyteaching.Withthatkindofsupport,IthinkIdoubledmyeffortstodothebestjobIcould.AnotherkeytoMarcwasthathetrulyvaluedtheChristianeducationofstudents–inallaspectsofschoollife.TherewasatimewhenMarctalkedtomeabouthowmyclassdevotionswereattimesalittlelongerthanthescheduledtime,buthispointwas:justkeepdoingwhatyouaredoing!ThatwassoMarc:soafrming,soempowering.WewillallmissMarcgreatly,butweknowhisChrist-likelegacyliveson,inourmemories,inourhearts,andinourschool.

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Joel Alvis Joseph Attia Nadia Batourin Ruth Blake Caden Booker Silas Breukelman Samuel ClarksonCharlotte-Anne CullenHannah de Jonge Isaiah De Kleine Ethan DeBlieck Reuben DeBoer Levi Dekker Morgan DeKlerkMarlie Droppert Amalie Froese Ava Froese Esther Gerryts Coralie Gooderham Katherine Harris Zekijah HoekstraKadence HonsbergerNoel Huinink Willem Hultink Japheth Iriarte Leigha Maloney Natalie Miceli Grace Munningswelcome to The Class of 2024!8ECHOES DECEMBER 2020

Titus Neufeld Ephraim Nywening Katherine Paterson Logan Richardson Kalan Schat Ryan Soltesz Jeremy TalsmaJayden teBrake Corey Teeuwsen Will Thies Valentina Torres Abigail Vahrmeyer Eddie van den BosSydney Van HerwynenAllyson Van HoffenKyra VanderWierEvan Van HuizenHannah VellengaZac Van MarrumLiam WhiteheadAustin VanBerkelRiley WiersmaAddison VandenbergAbby WinterMatthew Vander WierAva WoodlandDavid VanderKolkJayce ZantinghJacob VanderMolenJonas Zuidersmawelcome to The Class of 2024!We’re so glad you’re here9www.smithvillechristian.ca

10ECHOES DECEMBER 2020Smithville Christian welcomesnew teachers Kyle Maerz, Morgan Rutledge, and Tim SellesIntroducing Tim SellesTeaches: EnglishCo-curriculars: praise teams, juniorbadminton,andhopingtohelpoutwithsoccerthisspring(assumingwegettohaveaseason!)Fun fact:In2010Iwalkedalltheway across Spain with a guitarstrappedtomyback.IgrewupinLethbridge,Alberta,and moved to Hamilton toattend Redeemer University in2005. I studied English, History,and Religion and Theology, andcaptained the varsity soccerteam for four seasons. WhenI graduated in 2010, I starteda band with some friends, andspent almost eight years playing and recording music indowntownHamilton.Afterseveralyearsofveryenjoyable(but not very protable) performances and tours aroundOntario,IdecidedtotransitiontoamorestablejobasanadmissionscounselloratRedeemerUniversity.Duringthattime, I realized how much I enjoyed working one-on-onewith high school students, helping them to discern theiruniquegiftsandGod’scallontheirlives.AftertwoyearsatRedeemer,IdecidedtopursuemyEducationdegreeatBrockUniversity,graduatingintheSpringof2019.IspentlastyearsupplyteachingandworkingatHDCHinHamilton,before getting offered the job at Smithville Christian thispastspring.MywifeandIgotmarriedthissummer(hurrayforCOVIDweddings!),andwecurrentlyliveindowntownHamilton.She’s a winemaker and sommelier in the area, so we’veenjoyedcommutingtoworktogether.Myparentsandmyvesiblings(andplentyofniecesandnephews!)allstillliveinLethbridge,soIusuallyvisitthemonceatChristmasandonceduringthesummer.My wife and I both love cycling, hiking, camping, andanythingoutdoors!Wealsoplayafewgamesofcribbageeveryweek.Ispendagoodamountofmyfreetimeplayingguitar,writingsongs,andrecording.I’mpartofamonthlypoetrygroup,andIalsolovewatchingallkindsofmovies.Impressions of Smithville Christian:  I’ve noticed thatthestaffreallyloveworkinghereandtendtostickaround,whichsaysgreatthingsabout thecommunity tome.I’vealsonoticedthatthereisaseriouspassionforintegratingfaith and learning, regardless of the subject matter. I’mexcitedtocontinuelearninghowtodothatwellfromtheotherteachershere!

11Introducing Morgan RutledgeTeaches: Science,Bible,Math,PhysEdCo-curriculars: beach volleyball, indoorvolleyball,ultimatefrisbee,badmintonIntroducing Kyle MaerzTeaches: Bible,Stewardship,PhysEdCo-curriculars: Running club (cross-countryteam)Fun fact:WhiletravellingtoNewZealand,IhadtheopportunitytovisitFijiontheway, whereIwasable to scuba dive with sharksUNCAGED!Itwaswild.Icomefromafamilyoffourboysof which I am the youngest –shout-outtomymomforhavingtoraisefourboys...yikes!Growingup, our home was lled withsports,wrestling,andgames,anditwasalwayscompetitive.SinceIwastheyoungest,Ialwayshadabitofadisadvantage,butthatdisadvantagedevelopedadriveinmeandhasalwayshelpedpushmetobethebest I can be in life. I am verygratefulforthis.Nowmybrothersareallmarriedandhavingkiddos,butweareallstillveryclose.Ilovespendingtimewiththem,havinggamenightsandbeingthefununcletoallmyniecesandnephews.Ienjoycard/boardgames,hangingwithfamilyandfriends,and staying physically active. I enjoy playing sports andworkingout,andmycurrentaddictionisdiscgolf.Impressions of Smithville Christian:IhavenoticedhowwarmandkindtheSmithville Christiancommunityisandhow welcoming they have been to a new teacher likemyself.FromdayoneIimmediatelyfeltincludedandpartofthecommunity.Fun fact:Idonothaveamiddlename.I attended Redeemer Universityfor my undergrad degree, inaddition to my B.Ed. Teachinghaslongbeenapassionofmineand I went to Redeemer withthe intention of going into theEducation program there. I ama recent graduate of Redeemer,and this is my rst teachingposition.IgrewupgoingtoChristianelementaryandhighschool,sobeingpartofthiscommunityisveryfamiliartome.IwaseagertojoinaChristianteachingcommunitytohavethechancetosharemyfaithinmyteaching.Ithasbeenablessingtobeheresofarandisagreatstarttomyteachingcareer.IhavebeenmarriedforayearandahalftoColene,whoImetinmyrstyearatRedeemer.WeliveinStoneyCreek.RunninghasbeenapassionofmineformanyyearsandIlovetheopportunitytointeractwithstudentsasweruntogether.Despitetheweathergettingcolder,westillhaveafewfaithfulrunnerswhokeepcomingouteveryTuesdayandThursdayafterschool.InmysparetimeIreallyenjoyreading.IhavecurrentlygottenintoBrandonSanderson’snovels(TheStormlightArchive)whichhavebeengreattoread. In addition to reading, I enjoy playing a variety ofsports.Runningisabigone,butIhave alsogottenintodisc golf recently and take every opportunity to play aroundthatIcan.Impressions of Smithville Christian: In my short timehere, I have noticed how willing everyone is to engagein different ways. It has been great to see teachers andstudents playing such a wide variety of games togetheratlunchandafterschool.Itisreallyencouragingtosee,andprovidesaverywelcomingenvironmenttojoininandparticipateaswell.www.smithvillechristian.ca

12ECHOES JANUARY 202012Picture thisGrade 11 media students created a series of personal collages from photos they took over the course of the semester. Photo assignments included landscapes, portraits, extreme close-ups, and experiments in composition, depth of field, framing, focal point, and lighting. On the left, a completed collage by Sadie Bennett-Chamberlain. On the right, a series of photos from various artists.Connor WiersmaSadie Bennett-Chamberlain

1313Connor WiersmaAlicia HeegRyan GilksEthan Van TuylJessica Cullen

14ECHOES DECEMBER 2020Smithville Christian senior music students, from left, Alexandra DeBoer, Kaitlin Doornbos, Haley Glasbergen, Gavin Elzinga, John Kok, and Silken Ricker with music teacher Beth Henderson. Below, Silken Ricker recording the program’s opening greeting in the school atrium. Inset, Elijah Lessard, post-production.Christmas Program Forhighschoolmusicstudents,thelossofanaudienceisanotherCOVIDcasualty.It’snofunmakingmusicifnoonecanhearit.That’swhySmithvilleChristianHighSchoolwasdelightedtohearfromAshleyDeRoo,thedirectoroftenantactivitiesatHollandChristianHomesinBrampton–aplacewhereour choir hasperformedmanytimes.SheaskedifwecouldrecordandshareaChristmasprogramforresidents.Herinvitationwasjusttheinspirationtheseniormusic studentsneeded.AsEchoesgoestopress,studentsareputtingthenishingtouchesonarecordedprogramthatincludescarols,Christmasmusic,poetry,andscripturereadings,witheditingandpost-productionbyremotelearnerElijahLessard.WewillalsosendtheprogramtoresidentsatShalomManorandDurhamChristianHomes.ItisablessingtosharethemessageofChristmas.

15www.smithvillechristian.ca1.888.BAYVIEW ext 344P.O. Box 2, 3764 Jordan Road, Jordan Station, Ontario, Canada L0R 1S0phone 905.562.7321fax 905.562.7851www.Bayviewflowers.comFRANS IPEMA HOME RENOVATIONS905-931-9499Specializing in Interior Home RenovationsSERVING THE NIAGARA REGIONReferrals available • Licenced CarpenterOver 20 Years Experience 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. #3isprintedon100%post-consumerrecycledpaper.Toll Free 1-800-461-7374-AIN3T%'RIMSBYs(IGHWAY3TONEY#REEKsCome visit our Garden Centre in Grimsby!Flowers, plants and unique gift giving ideas for every occasion!Joseph ZantinghC: (905) 746-2644E: 16metalworks@gmail.comwww.16metalworks.comSmithville, ONC`]\ËjYi`^_k\ile[\ik_\jle!DlklXc]le[j[`jki`Ylk\[YpJleC`]\=`eXeZ`Xc@em\jkd\ekJ\im`Z\j:XeX[X @eZ%JleC`]\8jjliXeZ\:fdgXepf]:XeX[X`jXd\dY\if]k_\JleC`]\=`eXeZ`Xc^iflgf]ZfdgXe`\j%JleC`]\8jjliXeZ\:fdgXepf]:XeX[X#)'(0%DXkk;Xd!?FE%9%8%9LJ%DXkk;Xd=`eXeZ`XcJ\im`Z\j@eZ%0',$/0)$,00*Kfcc]i\\1($///$//0$+.+)dXkk%[Xd7jlec`]\%Zfdnnn%jlec`]\%ZX&dXkk[Xd]`eXeZ`Xc(-,?np)'N\jk#Jl`k\*=fek_`cc#FEC'J(<,

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.Bergsma11 Livingston AveGrimsby, ON L3M 1K6William & Christina Bezemer905.945.8008SHUTTERS U BLINDSDRAPERIES U SHADESvillageinteriors@cogeco.cavillageinteriorsonline.comCLARENCE’S SERVICE CENTRECLARENCESSERVICECENTRE@COGECO.NETBRIAN PRINSOWNER801 CANBORO RD.P.O. BOX 129FENWICK, ON L0S 1C0PH. 905-892-3652FAX 905-892-4828CELL 905-351-43331051 Broad St. E., Dunnville, ON905-774-61152400 Highway 56, Binbrook, ON905-692-44151380 Fourth Ave., St. Catharines, ON905-688-5520Wayne SchilstraBROKERSteven SchilstraSALES REPRESENTATIVEDavid HildebrandSALES REPRESENTATIVE905.957.1188INDEPENDENTLY OWNED & OPERATEDWebsite: www.rosa ora.com717 Diltz Road, Dunnville, ON N1A 2W2Pride in Every PetalINSPECTIONSRoger Heeg rogerheeg@ozainspections.com80100120140601604020180Dekkers Auto S a lesService"VUPNPUJWF4BMFTŔ3FQBJSTŔ"$Ŕ5JSFTŔ"MJHONFOUTŔ%JBHOPTUJDT905.386.6253Home DesignFred & Adrian KoornneefSuppliers of Greenhouse Vegetables and Tender Fruitwww.koornneefproduce.comGrantham Plaza, 400 Scott St., St. Catharines, ON L2M 3W4Phone: 905-937-8833 • Fax 905-937-7196website: www.vandendooljewellers.com345 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, CFPAgentVan Hoorn’sinspired by you...created by usVHinspired by you...created by usQuality Cabinetry & Custom Woodworkingsteve@vanhoorns.ca • www.vanhoorns.ca • P.905.562.8886STEVE & ELAINE@vanhoornscustom