Each Monday morning, we have chapel in the gym. The reason for a weekly chapel is because we feel is it important to begin the school week together as a school community. This past Monday, our staff began the chapel by singing the song "Come, Now is the Time to Worship" and many of our students joined in to sing along. It was great to begin the week singing together.

After that song, I shared a paraphrase of 1 Corinthians 13 that included some words that unpacked the passage in a different way. One of our goals is to have our students hear and experience the school theme (God loves us so we must love one another) in a variety of ways.

Part of the paraphrased reading included these words:

Loves smiles through the pain of being hurt, criticized, misunderstood and ignored without constantly complaining. Love never confronts anyone unless it is with a kind, well-considered word without blasting them out of the room. Love doesn't judge or want what others have—clothes, car, job, wife, husband, money, personality or even spiritual gifts. It doesn't go around talking about God being unfair or people being uncaring when the real problem is envy and jealousy. It shuns the limelight and recognition. It doesn't have "I" problems (www.jonathjordan.squarespace).

Wow! That is a tall order. My human nature tells me that I don't want to do that. I know that it is tough to be consistently fulfilling those expressions of love. However, criticism, envy, self-pity, and pride leave me when love abounds.

That's the nature of love. It sets a different atmosphere. It counts the other better than I. It is my expression to others as a result for the Lord's love for me. It calls me to a better standard. It makes me think about how much the Lord loves me.

As you think of yourself as being loved by God, challenge yourself to express your love for others through the above ideas. May the Lord bless you as you seek to be an agent of His love.

In Christ,

Mr. G. Petrusma

Principal

Happy February to you! We are supposed to be in the middle of snow, talking about the possibility of a snow day, and longing for the summer to come quickly because of the cold winter months.

While those items are not the way they usually are, there is another item that remains the same no matter what the weather looks like.

Have you noticed all the cards about love and Valentine's Day in the stores? Some people are fond of Valentines's Day and buy gifts for each other which can include chocolate, jewellery, and flowers. Other people rebel at the thought of a "Hallmark Holiday" that promotes spending more money on cards and other items.

I am pleased to report that we will focus on the topic of love at John Knox this month. Our theme verse for this month is taken from 1 John 4:21 which states, "And He has given us this command: whoever loves God must love his brother" (and sister).

Our teachers will talk about that theme during their class time. We will talk about it during our Monday morning chapel times. We will also play a game that allows our classes to bless one another through a surprise act of love.

The difference between Valentine's Day and our monthly theme of love is that the Lord calls us to love each day again and not just on one day. He is in the business of restoring relationships and extended His grace and love to us on a regular basis.

Don't get me wrong, to use a day to appreciate those I love is a good thing. The people in charge of our chocolate candy apple fundraiser can attest to the fact that I have taken good care of my wife! I just need to ensure that it is done every day in ways that not only include things but also words and actions.

As you live this month with your children, ask them about our theme. Unpack aspects of God's love for us and our love for each other and what that looks like. We look forward to working with you as we show our children what it means to love.

How will you show your love to others this month?

In Christ,

Mr. G. Petrusma

Principal

The teaching staff of John Knox had a great day this past Monday. While the students were at home and experiencing a different type of a Monday, the teachers were at school discussing a variety of educational matters.

Our day began by discussing a vision for what we want our graduates to experience and a vision for what good teaching involves. The discussion and documentation continue and should be finalized well enough for publication by the end of this school year.

The day continued with presentations by Mrs. van der Boom about differentiated instruction, assessment, and pedagogy. Those presentations prompted us to discuss teaching concepts such as altering lesson plans to match the learner's needs, involving the students in the goal-setting and monitoring process, and presenting a variety of lessons to encourage each learner.

During the afternoon, we discussed our recently implemented Daily Physical Activity (DPA). We talked about some of the parameters around the program and shared various activities with each other in an effort to build our repertoire. In addition, we looked at a computer program that would help teachers identify internet sites that would help teachers and students consolidate ideas and concepts in unique and interesting ways.

This was a significant day for me. It represents the first internal Professional Development Day with the teachers since I arrived at John Knox eighteen months ago. My hope is that we can develop this even more. Research shows that when staffs develop together and are provided with the appropriate structures for support and encouragement, the organization grows stronger.

Thanks for the day! It was very helpful to us! I look forward to seeking the fruits of our labours as we proceed towards the best school we can be as we unravel the truth of God's creation and treat all learners with respect and encouragement.

In Christ,

Mr. George Petrusma

Principal

I have to tell you a story. It is one of those stories that reminds me that God is in control, and we are not.

This year we have established a clear fundraising strategy that includes three major fundraisers. The first one is called the Annual Fund Drive and includes our dinner, a mailing, and a collection at Christmas. The second one includes a student Bowl-a-thon in which the students ask for sponsorships. The third one is our resurrected Golf Tournament and Auction which surpassed our wildest dreams last year.

The Annual Fund Drive happens during the months of November and December and our fundraising strategy showed that we needed to raise $30,000. On the last regular school day of December, the drive amount stood at $20,000.

We here at the school involved in fundraising remind ourselves often that we must remain faithful to the Lord and bathe each effort in prayer. Even though our goal of $30,000 was short, we remained committed to the idea that the Lord was in charge.

We didn't ask the Lord to meet our goal. We didn't ask Him to send one donor to give $10,000 to our school. We only wanted to try our best, remain faithful to the mission and vision of the school, and ask the Lord to bless us.

By the end of December 22nd, one donor came forward and gave us a cheque in the amount of $10,000. I was left speechless and emotional. A couple was used by the Lord to accomplish our man-made goal of $30,000 on the last day of the school year.

Besides giving thanks to the couple, I find myself continuing to give thanks to the Lord. It is more than the goal that was reached. It is more than receiving a cheque with a huge amount on the last day. It is about giving thanks to the Lord for His faithfulness. It is about receiving the lesson (once again) that the Lord is in control and no matter how much we worry, God will work it out in His plan and His timing!

That lesson came to me recently. Has it ever come to you?

In Christ,

Mr. G. Petrusma

Principal