Smithville Christian Echoes February 2023 : simplebooklet.com

IN THIS ISSUEFEB 2023VOLUME XLIII, ISSUE II6488 TOWNLINE RD.P.O. BOX 40,SMITHVILLE, ONL0R 2A0PH. 905.957.3255FAX 905.957.3431smithvillechristian.caCONTACT:MARLENE BERGSMAmbergsma@smithvillechristian.caPAGE 1 A JOYFUL RESTARTPAGE 4 FROM OUR STUDENTS: THE SPARKPAGE 6 IT’S COOL TO BE GREENPAGE 8 ATHLETICSPAGE 10 TEACHING FOR TRANSFORMATIONPAGE 12 CORE VALUESPAGE 14 MUSIC LEAVES A LASTING IMPRESSIONcontinued on page 2 . . .A Joyful RestartBY TED HARRIS, ADMINISTRATORDuring the days prior to January’s Open House and Celebration of Learning, my words in the Forecast newsletter betrayed a certain pessimism about how it would go. Here’s what I was saying then:To be honest, we are ﬁnding it challenging to generate the kind of excitement we felt for this event prior to COVID. Our experience then was a building packed with people eager to connect with others and with student learning. So many aspects of our culture face restarts. We’re hoping this is a successful one. Success to us would mean lots of students and lots of people... While it is true that kick-starting traditions post-COVID can be challenging, we needn’t have been stressed out about this one. It was a beautiful event. Both the Open House and Celebration of Learning went very well.We started the evening with an information session for elementary families who seemed eager to learn about our school and the possibilities for the years ahead. Though the grade 8 classes from the schools we know about are on the small side (followed by much bigger ones), we were rather astounded by the numbers for this session. And the follow-up conversations have been numerous.

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2. . . continued from page 1ECHOES FEBRUARY 2023The Celebration of Learning featured a walkabout time as parents and other guests roamed through 27 student learning exhibitions throughout the building, and then attended a closing session which closely resembled one of our weekly school chapels. The evening was a lovely reminder of the crowds we were used to for this event in pre-pandemic years.The evening was deeply encouraging in a number of ways:First, it is beautiful to see how learning is validated and deepened by the interaction we see at our Celebrations of Learning. Any learning experience is richer when it is shared with others. Just knowing that a wider audience will connect with something you put together forces the bar a little higher, and the actual conversations with others bring that learning to yet another level.Second, having our building full of people indicates that parents, grandparents and others long for a connection with what’s happening here. At times it is said that Christian schooling is more transactional than it used to be, i.e. an arrangement between parents and the school that we deliver education and they pay for it. An evening like January 18 reminds us that we are in community, and that this community is far more than the sum of these transactional arrangements.Third, the evening reminds our students and us that the more we bend our instruction and our learning toward the world outside the school walls, the better. Education certainly involves grunt work for the sake of learning facts and applying them to new situations; but, as much as possible, it also needs to involve real learning which Posters on pages 2 and 3 of some of the student work on display at the 2023 Open House and Celebration of Learning. Scan the QR code to view the entire collection of student work on display, or visit simplebooklet.com/smithvillechristiancelebrationoearning2023

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www.smithvillechristian.casolves real life challenges for real people, and at the same time prepares our young people for lives of service in God’s kingdom. Having people other than our classmates around when we discuss our learning helps us in that direction.Deep learning that is excellent and faith-infused can only be fully validated when it folds itself into the life of a student or graduate who serves Jesus as a disciple and applies his or her learning in a life of service in His kingdom. That is grand talk, to be sure, but it’s really what we aim for, and we are grateful for the participation of many in carrying it out.3The student praise team leading in worship at the closing chapel of the Open House and Celebration of Learning.Civics students running an election at the Open House and Celebration of Learning. The NDP candidate won.

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4ECHOES FEBRUARY 2023From our students: wisdom, wit, and advice for their younger selvesEvery year, students in the Grade 11 media class become a team of magazine writers, photographers, content curators, editors, and resident jokesters, and the Fall 2022 edition of The Spark magazine did not disappoint. The magazine is only printed in limited edition with funds from our solar-powered Pursuit of Excellence Fund, but we are glad to share some highlights here, plus links to the digital edition, so you can enjoy our student’s creativity too.Why Join a Club? by Matthew Vander WierSchool clubs and school groups are some of the best ways to improve your high school experience. Studies have shown that students who join clubs in high school will achieve higher grades, gain a more positive outlook on school, and have higher

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5www.smithvillechristian.caScan the QR code to view the online edition of The Spark, or visit bit.ly/TheSpark_Fall2022academic aspirations. . . Clubs give you opportunities to talk with people you have never met [and] clubs can help with your mental health. . .You get to talk with others who enjoy the same things as you and develop a positive attitude.”What I Would Tell My Grade 9 Self, by Morgan M. DeKlerkOpen up and try to make more friends. . .talking to people throughout your day is an easy way to make friends.Join clubs.Stay on top of your work. Dating Tips and Tricks, by Noel HuininkBuckle up because you are about to get a ve-minute crash course on love. When you reach the end, you’ll be a romantic unrivaled by any seen before. Get ready to learn about the three fundamentals to dating success: attire, gifts, and cash. . . Though the dating fundamentals shared are nearly awless, there is an off chance that your love interest didn’t like your crown, didn’t accept your bread, and didn’t want your cash. Before you give up hope, there is one last option: be yourself. I know, it sounds boring and cliché, but there is a chance that the real you might actually be a really cool and interesting person. If all else fails, it’s worth a try.From “advice” columnist, WillieQ. Everyone has their diet, health tips, nutrition facts, etc. How do I keep up?A. I’m going to be honest with you: diets do not work. No matter which diet it is, I guarantee you the only thing you’ll lose is joy. If you want to live your best life, don’t listen to dieticians, nutritionists, or even doctors. These people want to trick you into following crazy food laws and restrictions while knowing full well that none of it works. This is why you should just eat whatever you want. Trust me, health sciences do not matter at all. – A note to our readers from the editors of The Spark: After numerous complaints and lawsuits, Willie has been ﬁred from The Spark staff. He is currently pursuing a career in family counseling. Advice columnist, “Willie,” AKA Willem Hultink

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6ECHOES FEBRUARY 2023It’s cool to be greenBY MARLENE BERGSMA, DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS AND ADVANCEMENTSmithville will be cooler, cleaner, and greener in the future, thanks to the efforts of Smithville Christian science students and their teacher.Scott Antonides, who teaches Grades 9 and 10 Science, has included creation care and ecological stewardship as a major part of his courses for many years. In June 2021, Antonides’ science students made a presentation to the Council of the Township of West Lincoln, asking the Township to partner with Land Care Niagara to apply for funding from Ontario’s 50 Million Trees Program and the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority’s Restoration Grant Program. In April 2022, Mr. A and his next class of students followed up by helping to plant two acres of Township-owned land with the 1,500 donated trees.In the fall of 2022, students planned and implemented a reforestation project on the Smithville Christian campus itself, planting 50 trees to coincide with the installation of the new beach volleyball and tennis courts. The goals of the project were to beautify the campus, create shady, inviting outdoor spaces that foster community, honour the contributions of donors, and support Niagara Region’s efforts to increase the tree canopy in Niagara to 30%, said Antonides. But there were important learning goals too. Students learned about how people around the world are working to mitigate climate change and loss of biodiversity. Students learned how to plant trees, how to work as a team to accomplish a meaningful goal, and how to contribute to the community and leave a lasting legacy. It’s the lasting legacy and the contribution to the community that tie into the school’s efforts to Teach for Transformation. Students’ learning is more meaningful when it matters. And students themselves are noticing. Grade 11 student Kalan Schat wrote about the tree-planting project in The Spark

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7www.smithvillechristian.camagazine. “It’s important to me that education be relevant both in tackling world issues and being plugged into the local community,” said Antonides. “The United Nations has declared this the decade of ecosystem restoration, recognizing that nature is a life support system for humans. It behooves us as a Christian school to recognize how much damage has been done to God’s creation and how we have a unique opportunity to restore as much of it as we can. And if all goes well, this is only the start for tree-planting students. Antonides is applying for more grants from various foundations, and if his applications are successful, there will be even more opportunities for students to leave a legacy.SPECIES OF TREES PLANTEDchosen because they grew on the land before it was deforested by early settlers• Basswood (Linden)• Red Maple• Autumn Blaze Maple• Sycamore• Serviceberry• Birch• Black Walnut• White Oak• Red Oak• Pussy Willow• White Pine• White SprucePlanting partnersMany thanks to the following partners who helped make the greening project possible• Willowbrook Nurseries• Arborwood Tree Service• Grimsby Soil and Mulch• Jay VanderWier • Brian Breukelman• Lucas VanderWier• Grade 9 Science Students• Connor and Ryan Williamson• Steve Van Lochem• Rick and Linda Sivyer• Will LammersScan the QR code to watch students’ Reforestation Proposal presentation to the Township of West Lincoln or visit https://bit.ly/WestLincoln_ReforestationProposal Read coverage of the students’ planting efforts in Niagara This Week by scanning the QR code or visiting www.niagarathisweek.com/news-story/10628605--you-ve-got-to-protect-your-space-smithville-students-plant-1-500-trees/

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10ECHOES FEBRUARY 2023Teaching for TransformationBY MARLENE BERGSMA, DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS AND ADVANCEMENTStudents at Smithville Christian appreciate how much their teachers care for them, and they also consistently report that they are well-prepared for the next chapter of their lives. But those are not the only things that makes Smithville Christian a uniquely Christian high school. At Smithville Christian, it’s not just what we teach, but how we teach it.Starting this year, teachers at Smithville Christian are Teaching for Transformation – applying their deep hopes to the subjects they teach, with the intention of making the purpose of learning come alive. Starting with a half-week of professional development before school started in September, and bolstered by monthly PD days since, teachers are learning and implementing an approach to Christian pedagogy originally developed in Alberta and now practiced in over 100 schools worldwide. The goal is to create learning experiences that empower teachers and students to explore their role in the story of the kingdom of God.The students are noticing. Grade 11 Media Studies student Liam Whitehead interviewed some teachers about their classroom storyboards, and reported on them in the Fall 2022 issue of The Spark. You can read Liam’s article by following the link or scanning the QR code on page 5. In the meantime, you can learn some of the lingo with this TfT overview. The big take-away is that teachers are connecting curriculum to the big idea, and that is something to celebrate.Q. Why do TfT?A “It is nothing but a pious wish and a grossly unwarranted hope that students trained to be passive and non-creative in school will suddenly, upon graduation, actively contribute to the formation of Christian culture.” – Nicholas WolsterstorffQ. What’s a deep hope?A A deep hope is a teacher’s expression of their calling as it aligns with parents’ decision to choose a Christian education, and it reects Smithville Christian’s mission and vision statements and points to our place within God’s story. It’s the rst question a TfT teacher asks when designing learning experiences for their students. TfT calls it the “north star” that guides us on our learning journeys.Q. What is TfT?A Teaching for Transformation is a design framework for the creation of authentic, formational learning experiences rooted in a transformational worldview. These learning experiences invite, nurture, and empower teachers and students to play their part in God’s story through their everyday learning. - History, Al Korvemaker

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11www.smithvillechristian.caQ. What are some Smithville Christian teachers’ deep hopes? Here’s a sampling across grades and subjects of the deep hopes found on display.Stu Bender – Physical education – Our deep hope is to Live Out as Image Bearers of God who are designed for and worship through movement.Jim Vanderlinde – English – My deep hope is for my students to be truth seekers, who grow in wisdom by discerning truth in unexpected places and/or people, and who, whenever possible, learn by losing themselves in the joy of the creative process.Erin Neufeld – Drama – My deep hope is that you would recognize the power drama has to allow you to enter into the stories of the world around you, the lives of the people in it, and the very heart of God.History – Al Korvemaker – Truth has not changed but our understanding of truth as been challenged and has morphed for Christians over the past 500 years. My deep hope is that as Christian students, we challenge accepted truth and try to understand the nature of our relationship with God and neighbour by looking to both Divine and General Revelation.Science – David Wonder – My deep hope is that students will continue to develop a curiosity and love for God’s good creation and desire to become active stewards of hope and healing in a hurting and divided world. Q What’s a storyline?A Within the Teaching for Transformation framework, the learning of every subject is rooted in a compelling vision of the kingdom. The fundamental purpose of the core practice storyline is to connect the learning and the learners to God’s story. Using language and imagery that connects both to the curriculum and the kingdom story ensures students see the story that invites them to be a part of how God is making all things new. A Teaching for Transformation classroom displays artifacts and evidence of students connecting their learning to God’s story of renewal.Q What’s a FLEx?A A FLEx is a Formational Learning Experience – an opportunity for learners to live the story, by engaging in real work that meets a real need for real people. Students are given the opportunity to respond to God’s call to be active, restorative, and creative in God’s story of redeeming love. Students master curricular content by being engaged and motivated.

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Smithville Christian High School offers a Christ-centered education from a biblical worldview, in a nurturing atmosphere. Our core purpose is to train students to live as responsible disciples of Jesus Christ in a God-honoring learning environment where they belong, believe, and succeed. We strive to offer a place where students…___________________________________________________________________________________________________________Understand their place in the Kingdom of God – students will receive instruction which reinforces that they belong to Jesus and have roles as Kingdom disciples. (1 John 3:1, John 1:12, Galatians 3:26, John 3:16)Accept others as fellow image bearers of Christ and work in meaningful collaboration – Students will learn to love and respect others in meaningful learning situations where collaboration is encouraged. Classes will be structured to ensure that everyone’s learning abilities thrive. (1 Corinthians 12:27, Philippians 2:3, 1 Corinthians 13:4-8, 1 john 4:7-8)Grow in character – students will be held accountable to a high standard of Christian conduct, and we will employ restorative practices to ensure that students are able to thrive in community. (Galatians 5:22-23, Philippians 4:8, Romans 5:3-5, Proverbs 10:9, Romans 5:8)Extend hospitality - students will be nurtured to receive guests in our school with kindness. (Hebrews 13:2, 1 Peter 4:9)___________________________________________________________________________________________________________Yearn for wisdom – biblical discernment will be integrated in all subjects, and students will be required to demonstrate an understanding that all scripture is useful for teaching, rebuking correcting, and training in righteousness. (2 Timothy 3:16)Learn Christian discipleship – through educational experiences rooted in God’s love and grace, students will be encouraged to commit their hearts to Christ. It is our hope they will grow in understanding, wisdom, and righteousness that positively impacts the community around them throughout their lives. (John 8:31-32, Galatians 2:20, John 1:12)Worship meaningfully – Christ centered chapels and devotional experiences will provide students an opportunity to lead and join in vibrant worship. (Hebrews 12:28)Learn to be discerning of cultural trends – students will be nurtured to be ﬁrmly rooted in scripture and to know their identity in Christ, as they navigate living out their faith in a fallen world. (Romans 12:2, 2 Timothy 3:16, Philippians 3:20)Demonstrate integrity – students will be taught to speak the truth in love, while living out their faith in authentic ways. (Ephesians 4:15, 1 Corinthians 13:4-8)___________________________________________________________________________________________________________Seek God’s calling – each student will be known, will be invited to explore their God given talents and passions, and will be mentored as they discern how they are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for the good works that God has for them. (Ephesians 2:10)Greet learning opportunities with curiosity and awe – students will experience learning activities which entice vibrant learning that leads them to revere God and enjoy His majesty and splendor. (Revelation 4:11, Colossians 3:17)Lead and follow with a servant’s heart – learning experiences will be led to engage the needs of the world with Christ-like humility, in learning that is reinforced with meaningful opportunities to lead and serve both inside and outside the school. (Romans 12:1, Matthew 5:16)Shape culture – in a world that suffers the effects of sin, we will encourage learning that seeks to restore creation, through Christ, to the way God intended as revealed in His word. (John 15:8, Romans 3:23)12ECHOES FEBRUARY 2023

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14ECHOES FEBRUARY 2023Music leaves a lasting impressionBY MARLENE BERGSMA, DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS AND ADVANCEMENTWhen West Lincoln wants music, who do they call? They call us – Smithville Christian High School.The school’s choir, under the direction of Deb Albrecht, and accompanied by Grade 12 student Eleanor Lee on piano and Grade 10 student Noah Dubé on cajón, performed at two high-prole public events in November, sharing the gift of music and the blessing of Christmas with the school’s neighbours. West Lincoln kicked off the Christmas season with the Kiwanis Club’s annual Civic Tree Lighting event at the West Lincoln Community Centre. The choir performed three Christmas pieces, and led the community in singing Christmas carols.Newly-elected West Lincoln Mayor Cheryl Ganann also invited the choir to sing at the inaugural meeting of this new term of council – an event which included the swearing-in of the new municipal councillors, a Town Crier, and a blessing from an Indigenous leader. The choir opened the meeting with the singing of “O Canada” and also sang “Seize the Day” as an encouragement for the elected ofcials to work for the good of all. The choir also recorded a version of the national anthem, and the recording is being used at the start of township council meetings – part of Mayor Ganann’s emphasis on amplifying the voices of youth in the community. The choir’s contributions also resulted in newspaper coverage – a great way to build the prole of the school in the community.Singing in the choir is important because it allows teenagers to develop their musical abilities and to be part of something bigger than themselves, said Albrecht. Being invited to perform at such high-prole events and singing Christian repertoire allows us to share the good news of Jesus. Plus, choir leaves a lasting impression. “I remember my high school choir experiences and I draw on them again and again,” Albrecht said. “They are some of my favourite memories, and that’s my hope and prayer for these choir members too.”Eleanor Lee Noah DubéThe choir performs at the Christmas tree lighting.West Lincoln Mayor Cheryl Ganann

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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, CFPAgentGrantham Plaza, 400 Scott St., St. Catharines, ON L2M 3W4Phone: 905-937-8833 • Fax 905-937-7196website: www.vandendooljewellers.com80100120140601604020180Dekkers Auto SalesService Automotive Sales • Repairs • A/C • Tires • Alignments • Diagnostics 905.386.6253Lorem ipsumBlinds. Shutters. DrapesGRIMSBY, ONWilliam and Christina Bezemer905.945.8008Claudia AlvesMarketing ManagerHorticultural | Agricultural | Residential | Industrial | CommercialSamuel Dekker Master Electricianfeederelectricinc@gmail.com1-905-932-6975Wainfleet, OntECRA/ESA Licence #701591Life’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 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!

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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. BergsmaHome DesignHead Office36 Killaloe CrescentGeorgetown, ONL7G 5N2TICO #500195091051 Broad St. E., Dunnville, ON905-774-61152400 Highway 56, Binbrook, ON905-692-44151380 Fourth Ave., St. Catharines, ON905-688-55201.888.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.com30%is printed on 30%post-consumer recycled paper.30%Robert DykstraMason905-834-2096 Ocedykstramasonry@gmail.comdykstramasonry.com