Smithville Christian Echoes December 2023 : simplebooklet.com

IN THIS ISSUEDEC 2023VOLUME XLIV, ISSUE I6488 TOWNLINE RD.P.O. BOX 40,SMITHVILLE, ONL0R 2A0PH. 905.957.3255FAX 905.957.3431smithvillechristian.caCONTACT:MARLENE BERGSMAmbergsma@smithvillechristian.caPAGE 1 SEASONSPAGE 4 GRADE 12 RETREATPAGE 6 GRADE 9 BIKE TRIPPAGE 8 CLASS OF 2027PAGE 10 A PICKLEBALL PARTYPAGE 12 A WARM WELCOME - NEW STA F FPAGE 14 STEPPING INTO THE LIGHT - STUDENT COUNCIL continued on page 2 . . .SeasonsThe changes in the seasons are an incredible blessing of God’s creation. In the fall, when school got underway and I saw the beautiful variety of leaves and colours on the trees, I marvelled at God’s gift of the seasons. As we approach winter, we anticipate more change – in the cooling of temperatures and the promise (we hope) of fresh snow.Just as with the changing of the seasons, we experience change in our classrooms as we welcomed back returning students along with some new faces that have joined our Smithville Christian learning community. We pray all the new students and families who joined us in September quickly felt welcomed as a part of the school community. We have also welcomed new staff members, new

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2ECHOES DECEMBER 2023board members, a new nancial administrator and a new administrative assistant. We are thankful that God has provided for these positions. These new team members, students, board and staff all bring with them their own unique characteristics and gifts. God continues to bless our school just as He has in the past 43+ years, providing further evidence that our God is a faithful God. (See pages 12 and 13 for introductions to three new teaching staff.)As we stepped into a new season and a new school year, students at Smithville Christian were encouraged to try new things. There are a variety of clubs and teams that students are encouraged to try, and new ones starting throughout the year. There is praise team, the play, choir, cross country, gaming club, or a new club, Model United Nations, which we are trialling this year! Experiences outside of the typical classroom setting can add so much to an educational journey. Whether students are in grade 9 or grade 12, we encourage them to seek out ways they can be a part of or contribute to our school community. They will be richer for it and our school community will denitely be richer for it. We acknowledge that we participate and contribute in a variety of ways to our community. Sometimes we are at the front end of that participation, navigating guring things out, new routines, like our Grade 9s and new staff. Sometimes we are in the thick of this community – like our 10s and 11s. Others, like our Grade 12s, have been a part of Smithville Christian for nearly four full years. They have literally ‘grown up’ here, succeeding at some things, trying others, perhaps guring out that they may need to change it up. This is what we do, we gure out where and how we will serve! For these Grade 12s, their tenure at Smithville Christian High School is drawing to a close. This fall, I, and four other Smithville Christian staff members, had the privilege of chaperoning the Grade

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3www.smithvillechristian.ca11 Serve and Observe trip to downtown Hamilton. For this trip, we partner with Act Five, a gap year and residency program founded by Redeemer University. We spend time serving alongside different Christian agencies and observing how they love and serve people in need. We desire to have our Grade 11 students ask questions about justice and compassion, to pay attention to the people around them, to put their faith into action, and to understand what it means to love our neighbours like Jesus did. On Thursday evening, we had the privilege of listening to three storytellers. One of them, a pastor from a downtown church, shared a story ‘in reverse’ of a “friend” who was the best-dressed attendee in that downtown church. But the church-goer’s ability to wear ne clothing wasn’t always the case. At rst, his life had started out following the usual trajectory: success in high school, excelling in university, a good job. But he fell on tough times, lost contact with his friends and family, and nally ended up homeless. Yet God put people in his path who assured him of God’s love for him and of the bounty of God’s grace. Our students observed that they should never take for granted where they are at. They also learned that we should not judge, because outward appearances do not tell the whole story. Just as we encouraged our Grade 11s to see and do, I encourage you to look for Jesus in the beauty around you, in your place of work, in your classroom, in your neighbourhood. There is no need to go far to see God’s Glory and majesty. It might be in a loud, bustling hallway full of teenage conversation, it may be in the quiet of Wednesday morning Chapel, it may be in a shopping mall, or a family gathering.Just as God is faithful in the changing of the seasons, He will be faithful in this school. What a privilege it is to navigate the changing seasons with your children this year!

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10ECHOES DECEMBER 2023A pickleball party and a smashing good timeBY MARLENE BERGSMA, DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS AND ADVANCEMENTThe pain of pandemic lockdowns has turned into a blessing for Smithville Christian and its neighbours with a September party to celebrate the launch of the school year and of our pickleball, tennis, and beach volleyball courts.On a warm fall afternoon, board, staff, students, and families gathered with local dignitaries, including West Lincoln Mayor Cheryl Ganann and Kiwanis Club ofcials, to ofcially open the school’s new outdoor play spaces. “The event was well-attended and well-received,” said board member Pete Wierenga. “This was a beautiful connecting point with families and supporters, and special thanks to all who attended and helped with hosting this event.”Mayor Ganann also expressed gratitude for the way Smithville Christian has made these beautiful play spaces open to the community, and signalled the Township’s support with the location of a municipal garbage receptacle, for which the township will take responsibility.

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11www.smithvillechristian.caInterim principal Fred Breukelman hosted the event, thanking the many generous donors who made the facility upgrades possible.“Seeing Smithville Christian High School partner with the West Lincoln community illustrates a relationship that benets the broader community,” Breukelman said. “This is who we desire to be: people who love God and love our neighbours.” Breukelman said the courts were already well-used all summer, with neighbours calling and emailing the school before the nets even went up to ask if they could come and play. “Of course, we said ‘yes!’ “ Breukelman said.“Already in the summer it was great to walk outside and see people making good use of the space,” Breukelman said. “A ourishing Christian school shares its abundance with its neighbours, and we are so glad to have so much to share.”Athletics director Stu Bender said now that school is in session, the courts are being enjoyed by students and staff too, and t in well with the school’s philosophy of encouraging students to nd ways to be active all their lives. “It’s amazing to have facilities at our back door so students can try different sports and get better at them,” Bender said. “They can use them after school, for intramurals, and we are starting a tennis team next year.”Beginning the school year with a celebration is worth repeating, said Wierenga. “Hopefully something like this can be done as a kickoff to each new school year.”

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12ECHOES DECEMBER 2023Warm welcome, weird holes, and a passion for GodMeet Smithville Christian’s new teaching staff and nd out what they notice about the schoolCaroline Kralt Art, English, and GeographyTell us about your journey to Smithville Christian. After gr. 13 at HDCH I worked for a year in the family business, Kralt Greenhouses, then attended Redeemer, where I got a 4 year BA and a Bachelor of Christian Education, After teaching grade school for 4 years, I went to Brock and got my Bachelor of Education. Up until this September, I taught English, Art, and History at Heritage Christian School. Tell us about your family.I currently live with my youngest sister, her cat, and my dog. My parents and most of my siblings are in the Flamborough area; my older brother and his family live in Montreal.What extra-curriculars are you currently involved in at Smithville Christian?I have enjoyed helping out with the main stage auditions and hope to get an art club up and running sometime soon. What’s something you have noticed about Smithville Christian?Grade 9s seem to be having a great time (and there’s a weird hole in the oor beside the art studio).What do you like to do for fun?When I nd the time, I enjoy dabbling in various arts and crafts. I read voraciously. In the summer I’m off camping and canoeing. What’s a fun fact about you?I love vintage things, taking photos of my adorable dog, WW II airplanes, going to live concerts, and tropical sh.Lisa DoyleFood & Nutrition and ResourceTell us about your journey to Smithville Christian.I taught for 10 years, in elementary and secondary schools in the public board, then spent the last 20 years as an elementary administrator. I was at ve different schools in my administrative career. I retired in June 2023 after 31 years in education. I was called to continue to serve in education, and saw the posting for Smithville Christian. I was drawn to apply to the resource role and had interest in the food and nutrition position as well.Tell us about your family.I have a husband, Kris, and two daughters, Kylie and Kaity. My daughter Kylie is at McMaster in third year nursing. My daughter Kaitlyn is at Western in Health Sciences where she also plays for the varsity volleyball team. What extra-curriculars are you currently involved in at Smithville Christian?I am the teacher representative for the junior boys basketball team and will be assisting with the play in the Spring. What’s something you have noticed about Smithville Christian?The warm and welcoming environment, and the joy I see daily in the students and the staff. What do you like to do for fun?Watch volleyball, play golf, spend time relaxing in my RV. I also love to go on cruises. What’s a fun fact about you?I have a rescue Golden Doodle who is now four. Rich VanderWierConstruction Technology and MathTell us about your journey to Smithville Christian.God used my passion for volleyball to bring me where I am today. After graduating from Smithville Christian, I enrolled at Redeemer saying that I wanted to be a teacher, but I really

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www.smithvillechristian.ca13just wanted to play volleyball. I attended teachers’ college in Australia where I surfed, played baseball, and played more volleyball. Returning to Canada and continuing to play volleyball, I met other volleyball players who pointed me to jobs as a supply teacher and then to a position teaching wood tech at Hamilton District Christian High School. I taught there for 15 years, but am glad to be called back to my hometown and my old school, where I am learning a lot. I am also enjoying working with some amazing people and getting to teach some awesome students. Tell us about your family.I am one of seven siblings, born and raised on a dairy farm in Smithville. We all attended Christian elementary school and Smithville Christian High School. I am married to Chelsie and we have two children, Chloie and Jaxon.What extra-curriculars are you currently involved in at Smithville Christian?I had the privilege of coaching junior boys volleyball. Now that volleyball is done, I will have more time to help with student needs in the shop. What’s something you have noticed about Smithville Christian?It’s a small school but it has lots of passion for God and sports.What do you like to do for fun?I enjoy playing many different sports, and am now leaning towards more racquet sports. I enjoy renovation projects and hanging out with my family. What’s a fun fact about you?I can never say no to a bet.

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14ECHOES DECEMBER 2023Stepping into the lightBY WILLEM HULTINK, GRADE 12The Student Council chose “Stepping Into the Light” as our theme for this year. Our theme verse comes from John 8:12 - When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (NIV). As children of God and students of a religious organization, we always strive to strengthen our relationship with Him and live according to His plan. The theme “Stepping Into the Light” demonstrates this goal and recognizes that the first step is always significant. Accepting God into your heart and stepping into His light allows you to follow His path.This theme gives us inspiration and solace, knowing that God’s light is always there to show us the way. When we choose to take that all-important first step, we are choosing to live our lives the way God wants us to. This means showing compassion, love, kindness, forgiveness, and understanding to those around us. At times we may stray from this path, but the beauty of God’s light is that it not only guides our initial steps but also welcomes us back when we veer off course. Even in moments of doubt or struggle, we can always return to the loving embrace of His light.As we embrace this new theme, we are encouraged to remember that stepping into God’s light and following His path isn’t always easy. However, by trusting in His guidance and having faith that He will see us through, we deepen our understanding of what He requires of us and how we can fulfill it. Giving the school a theme allows us to be sources of inspiration for each other and help each other along the way. Let us all embrace God’s light and let it guide us through this school year and beyond.

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15www.smithvillechristian.ca345 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, CFPAgentClaudia AlvesMarketing ManagerHorticultural | Agricultural | Residential | Industrial | CommercialSamuel Dekker Master Electricianfeederelectricinc@gmail.com1-905-932-6975Wainfleet, OntECRA/ESA Licence #701591*Mutual fund business is done with your advisor through Sun Life Financial Investment Services (Canada) Inc. Advisors and their corporations conduct insurance business through Sun Life Financial Distributors (Canada) Inc. Sun Life Assurance Companyof Canada is the insurer and is a member of the Sun Life group of companies. © Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada, 2023.Advice from someone you trust.Matt Dam* Hons BA, CLU®Financial Planner, Sun Life Jingwei Raina Sun* CLU®, RRC®, CFP® Financial Planner, Sun Life Matt Dam Financial Services Inc. Tel: 905-892-5993 905.701.7900www.sticker -it.caWe print stationery, business cards, interior & exterior signs, banners, ﬂags and vehicle wraps. MORE THAN JUST STICKERS!Haldimand County’s#1 Print Shop!30%is printed on 30%post-consumer recycled paper.30%1051 Broad St. E., Dunnville, ON905-774-61152400 Highway 56, Binbrook, ON905-692-44151380 Fourth Ave., St. Catharines, ON905-688-5520Blinds. Shutters. DrapesGRIMSBY, ONWilliam and Christina Bezemer905.945.8008Head Office36 Killaloe CrescentGeorgetown, ONL7G 5N2TICO #50019509

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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. BergsmaFred & Adrian KoornneefSuppliers of Greenhouse Vegetables and Tender Fruitwww.koornneefproduce.com80100120140601604020180Dekkers Auto SalesService Automotive Sales • Repairs • A/C • Tires • Alignments • Diagnostics 905.386.6253Lorem ipsum1.888.BAYVIEW ext 344P.O. Box 2, 3764 Jordan Road, Jordan Station, Ontario, Canada L0R 1S0phone 905.562.7321fax 905.562.7851www.Bayviewﬂowers.comGrantham Plaza, 400 Scott St., St. Catharines, ON L2M 3W4Phone: 905-937-8833 • Fax 905-937-7196website: www.vandendooljewellers.comServing all of Haldimand, Norfolk, Hamilton & NiagaraRIJUS HOME DESIGNJason Schilstra I 905-701-1110 I www.rijus.comNew Custom Homes/Cottages • Additions • Stock Plans Garages/Pole Barns • HVAC Designs • 3D RenderingsCUSTOM HOUSE PLANSPVC Interlocking Liner PanelsCOMMERCIALAGRICULTURALRESIDENTIALadam@easybuildingproducts.cawww.easybuildingproducts.caAdam Bylsma (Outside Sales)289-686-9477EASY BUILDING PRODUCTSMetal Rooing,Wall CladdingPVC LinerProductsWindows, Doors,Accessories