Encouragement and advice for a fresh start

We began our second semester of the school year with a chapel on Thursday morning, at which we welcomed four new students -- Andy, Nick, Jason and Brianne -- and a new teacher, Mr. Eli Banta.

Principal Ted Harris gave students a brief account of his recent travels to California, when he and five other staff members visited High Tech High in San Diego.
Mr. Harris told students that High Tech High is world-renowned for its emphasis on project-based learning and the spirit of cooperation between students and teachers.

But he told students that their exhibitions at January's Open House and Presentations of Learning evening were equally amazing.

"Wow, did you ever impress us," he said. "You produce top-notch work."

(Displaying the Trails and Corridors Project at Presentations of Learning.)

And the Smithville Christian High School community also enjoys a tremendous spirit of cooperation, he said, "and we celebrate that."

He said the teachers who visited High Tech High came back with some inspiring ideas, and that all the teachers at Smithville Christian are committed and "eager to seek out the best ways to meet your needs as learners in the 21st century."

While students can expect to see changes, Mr. Harris said there are already great things going on in our school that are worth celebrating.

"You need to be aware of the blessing you have, of the potential you have and the opportunities you have."

As advice for a new semester, Spiritual Life Director Gord Park gave students eight rules to live by.

1. Have high expectations for yourself. Jeremiah 29:11

2. Try something new. 2 Timothy 1:7

3. Keep a positive outlook. Romans 8:38-39

4. Don't compare yourself to your peers. I Corinthians 12: 14-27

5. Be smart with social media. Proverbs 13:3

6. Don't give in to normal. Romans 12:2

7. Be kind and compassionate. Ephesians 4:32

8. When you dream, dream big. Psalm 37:4

Park said the advice is not about things like studying harder or not losing your notebooks.

"This is more about your character than your grades."