Announcements
Dual Citizens
by Greg Bitgood
In our September newsletter I contrasted the different goals and mission of “discipleship-based Christian education” from those of public education. Education, like any important long-term endeavor, requires clear direction that comes from well-thought-out goals. Once we see the end target we are able to then map a path towards that target. Last week we looked at our Provincial government’s target which talks about developing knowledgeable, skillful citizens who value democracy, pluralism and will become prosperous contributors to the economy.
The ultimate goal and task for all Christian disciplers is in Colossians 1:27-28
Again, I think these are admirable goals for public schools but this is not discipleship-based Christian education.
The Apostle Paul presented the ultimate goal and task for all Christian disciplers in Colossians 1:27-28.
Is There Room at the Inn?
by Janet Rainbow
It is the time of year where we share with our children one of the greatest stories in the Bible. God sent His only Son to be born of a virgin in a stable in Bethlehem. As I set up the manger scene this year I thought of how easy it is to romanticize the same story I have heard for so many years. I wondered how I can make this story new and fresh in my life.
The big thing about Christmas isn’t just December 25th and celebrating
For years I strove to recreate what I thought was the perfect Christmas from my childhood memories or storybooks… so much so that I nearly ruined it for everyone.
25th Anniversary Celebration of Heritage Christian Schools
by Jason Ranchoux, Special Projects Coordinator
On October 6 – 8th, Heritage Christian Schools celebrated 25 great years of success! On the 6th and 7th, Heritage employees gathered at Kelowna Christian Center to fellowship and look forward to the next 25 years from the leadership of the schools.
25 great years of success!
We heard the vision of Superintendent Greg Bitgood as well as Campus and Online leaders from the various departments. The two days culminated in a Friday night staff banquet to bless the staff for their dedication and hard work in making the group of schools the way it is today. Below is a link to the 25th Anniversary page that hosts all the videos that were recorded over the whole weekend. They are broken down into the various sessions of the days so you can watch them at your leisure.
Top 10 Reasons to Write the FSA Tests
by Steve Codling
The FSA season is fast approaching, when the government will be mandating that all grade 4 and 7 students in the province write these tests, the BC Teachers Federation will likely be voicing its opposition to the tests once again, and parents everywhere will be wondering what to make of it all.
Most of you, no doubt, already know what the FSA tests are, but if you don’t here are the basics. FSA stands for Foundation Skills Assessment, and every student in grade 4 and 7 in the province is required to write these tests. I use the plural “tests” because the FSAs consist of a few components:
FSA results do NOT count on report cards... you don’t have to give it a moment’s thought once the tests are done
- Online/computer math questions
- Online/computer reading comprehension questions
- Written reading comprehension questions
- One shorter and one longer writing assignment
- Two written math word problems
Navigation Systems
by Bruce Hildebrandt
I used to HATE driving in Vancouver. Coming from a small prairie town, and learning to drive in a small city didn’t prepare me for trips through the maze of congested and ofttimes narrow streets of Vancouver.
Last summer, I received a GPS system for my birthday. Suddenly my world changed. I now had a navigator (or, NAGivator as I sometimes like to call it.) Trips to Be alert for those teachable momentsVancouver were no longer intimdating and “dangerous.”
A friend of mine said this week, “As much as I’d like to, I cannot stop my girls from dating. However, I CAN teach my girls how to navigate boys.”
Raise Up 'Mighty Men and Women'
by Karissa Josok
I don't know what all you moms and dads face as home educators, but I am fielded by many questions about homeschooling as I tromp through our village with all my children DURING school time hours. I am challenged with the question of why we home school and endure comments about kids missing out, being unsocialized, not developing proper people skills, and missing opportunities. Does this sound familiar to you?
There were no adults in their lives to intervene or protect them
I recently was given, and consequently read, Chicken Soup for the Pre-teen Soul. Usually these books contain stories that are, well, you know, kind of mushy with sweet sentiment like Gramma's overcooked Campbell's Soup from a can. However, while cruising quite quickly through it, I was shocked, horrified and overcome with grief.
What Every Son Needs
by Lyle Prier
Last night at our Men's Group Bible Study we going through a course "The Quest for Authentic Manhood” by Robert Lewis. We were going through Chapter 5 REMEMBERING DAD. The part that really spoke to me was question #3
What is it that every Son Wants and Needs from His Father?
- Time Together – That builds positive memories.
- Life skills – Prov. 22:6 – Maximize the gifting that the son has.
- Direction with a solid why. Deut. 6:6-7 – What is life and what it is all about?...
One Solitary Life
by Roy Lycar
Here is a read and a thought for your Day:
Isaiah 9:6
"
For to us a Child is born,
to us a Son is given,
and the government will be on His shoulders.
And Je will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."