We're glad to be back!

Over 200 excited students gathered in the gym this morning for the first chapel of the 2012-2013 school year, with Mr. Harris displaying his start-of-the-year nervousness as he sported new glasses. "I hope I look cool," he said.

Students applauded to warmly welcome new students -- those in Grade Nine, those transferring in from other schools, and those coming from other countries.

Mr. Harris said this school year will feature a focus on connections:

1) Learning: Connections between what happens in the classroom and what happens in the real world, with emphasis on project based learning and presentations of learning. "Tests and quizzes matter but we want to do things that have an impact outside school and on other people."

2) Lifestyles: Connections between students' behaviour in school and with their behaviour on Saturday nights or on lunch-time trips into town. "Do our lifestyles reveal that Jesus Christ is Lord of our lives at all times?"

3) Relationships: Connections between students from all parts of the world. "How can you get to know people in this school that you don't know?"

4) Our worldview: Connections between our daily life and our citizenship in the kingdom. "How do we live like we are part of a kingdom that's already begun?"

Mr. Harris read from John 15:  “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.  If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit."

Board member Cynthia Buist prayed for parents, student Ryan Vermeer prayed for teachers, teacher Gord Park prayed for all the leaders and volunteers who support the school and parent Steve DeHaan prayed for the students.

Mr. Harris invited parents to stay for coffee and refreshments afterwards, and invited all parents to come back for weekly chapels, which he says will feature praise and worship led by student praise teams.

"Come back on Wednesday mornings as often as you like, and bring more parents with you," he said.

 At lunch time, Mrs. Spyker served free ice cream in the lounge! This is going to be a great year!

See more first day of school photos on Facebook!