Wednesday 29 October 2014

October 29th ICS Journal

The ICS Journal  

Wednesday, October 29, 2014


Mission:  The mission of Immanuel Christian School is to prepare students to meet the challenge of the world and culture they live in as young and growing Christians.  Thus, students are taught the skill of discernment in the light of God’s Word, the practice of stewardship for creation, the required commitment to a life of Christian service, and the beauty of witness through modeling God’s love in a broken world.

Upcoming Events

Oct.      29  Walking Wednesday Event at East Elgin
             31  Picture retake day

Nov.       2  Daylight Saving Time ends
               4  Volleyball Mini Tournament- Stratford
               5  Chapel (gr 1/2), Grade 8 Day at LDCSS
               7  Gr.1/2 trip to Chartwell
             11 Remembrance Day- School to join with town parade
             12 Building for our Children’s Future - ICS Fall Social 8pm
75 Caverly Rd, Aylmer, N5H 2P6
Telephone: 519-773-8476
Facebook: facebook.com/ICSAylmer       
Twitter:  twitter.com/ICSAylmer

LDCSS:  www.ldcss.on.ca   519-455-4360
Foundation (endowment): www.ldcef.org



From the Principal’s Desk:

We have had two very different, and good, community events recently.

Firstly, our Christian teacher community gathered in Ancaster last week to worship, encourage each other and learn together. I was able to make connections with schools hosting international students, and dig deeper into classroom management designed to build character and responsibility in our students. You will see reports from our teachers below.

Secondly, we gathered with our local public and Separate schools today for the Aylmer iWALK Celebration Day. Thanks to McGregor PS for organizing - it is good to make links where possible, remembering that our competition is not public schooling, but the elements of our culture which point away from Christ.  Our school culture, in terms of student relationships and character (as seen in our Graduate Expectations), remains vital to our health, especially as we grow!

As a Christian school community, we want to speak into all aspects of life. We also acknowledge that our convictions may lead to different decisions in how we act. One of these differences is Oct 31. As a school, we choose to recognize Reformation Day and Luther’s decision to pre-empt All Saints’ Day by nailing his 95 theses to the Wittenburg church door (see the door displayed in the school entry!). We neither support nor condemn Halloween activities, leaving those decisions where they belong with parents. Knowing that sugar and food colouring make for poor learning, please ensure lunches are reasonably healthy next week still!

yours in Christian education, Keith Cameron, Principal

Convention Recognition Mrs. Groeneweg:
Mrs Ina Groeneweg was recognized at Convention for 15 years’ service! Mrs Groeneweg started her teaching career in Holland where she taught Kindergarten at two different Christian schools.  She moved to Canada in 1990 with her Canadian husband and two children.  In September of 1999, God led her to Immanuel Christian School in Aylmer to teach the JK and SK students, where she loves every minute in the classroom.  Unfortunately she was unable to attend the convention, but with good reason.  She is attending the wedding of her son in Vancouver, BC. Congratulations!

Convention Recognition Ms. Buma:
Ms Buma was recognized at Convention for 35 years’ service! Ms Buma began her teaching career in 1979 at Brantford Christian School, where she enjoyed teaching grades 5 and 6 for ten years.  She then moved to Immanuel Christian School in Aylmer, and for the past two and a half decades has taught in both Primary and Junior divisions.  Currently, she is teaching grades 3 and 4, with some additional rotary teaching in JK to grade 2.  Ms Buma enjoys songwriting and playing the guitar, reading and storytelling, and encouraging students to discover and to tell their own stories, as they explore God`s creation.

Praying for our families: Each week our staff meet for devotions at 8 am on Thursday. We pray for all our school families on a rotational basis. Please join us as we pray for Neil & Laura Fehr and Jim & Helen Friesen.
Praying for our staff: Please pray for Mrs. Robinson.

Happy FamilyReminders: Is Your Photo Missing? New family photos are still being added to the Gallery. We’ll be contacting you to ask for your best photo if we’re still missing yours!

T.R.I.P: Next order will be sent out November 5th.

Cheese orders: Are due today, with delivery on November 5th

Are you missing a Ford hubcab? If so we have found it in the parking lot, please stop in at the office to retrieve it

Picture retakes: Will be happening Friday Oct 31 for students who were absent that day, or would like a retake. Please send the individual picture package back with your student. They are able to keep the class picture.

Building for our Children's Future!
Wed. Nov. 12, 2014, 8:00pm
Immanuel Christian School Gym
Deep fried Mars Bars!  Luscious Desserts!

Immanuel is growing and we are thankful for God's blessings!
On Wednesday November 12, we invite parents, grandparents, members and friends of ICS to come together as a community to talk about the future of ICS.
Dessert social where we will seek your input and advice.
(Please Note: Replaces the Fall Membership Meeting)

SMALL IMAGE (PNG)Public DomainNov 11th, Remembrance Day. As we have traditionally done, all classes will gather at the Aylmer parade at the Cenotaph by Town Hall. We will depart ICS at 10:15, returning by 11:30. One or two parent helpers for each class (more for SK/JK) would be helpful. Please let the office know if you can accompany. Please send some change for poppies, and dress your children appropriately - with the exception of JK/SK, we go rain, snow or shine!

Factory Shoe Fundraiser - Last week Fundraising distributed the Factory Shoe Fundraising Cards.  This fundraising program is a great way for Immanuel Christian School to raise money!  It is easy…simply use this card when you buy footwear from Factory Shoe and they will donate $5 for every purchase over $35.
Example:  A family of four comes in and purchases 4 pairs each valued at $35 pre-tax, you've now raised $20 towards your fundraising budget.  If all 105 students purchased at least one pair we would raise $510.
Things to Know:
1.      The card can be kept by the person they are in possession of and can be used until the fundraising period has ended –  June 1, 2015
2.      Cards can be reused infinitely until the end of our fundraiser period
3.      Each card has a small number located on the back lower right corner from 1-100.   We will track the card under family names and a prize will be awarded to the family with the highest donation
4.      For additional cards to distribute to your family and friends please call or email Janine Shelton at 519-765-2471 or sheltj2@gmail.com or visit the School Office.
Sweets, Treats and Treasures Sale: Sweets, Treats and Treasures Sale is coming up on November 15.   We have many local craft vendors coming as well as fresh outdoor pots and centrepieces for sale.   This year we are trying a few new things too.  We plan to have a children's fun area with games and prizes for kids, cotton candy, popcorn and a grab-a-prize barrel.  In the kitchen we plan to sell croquettes, Janneke Kroondyk's famous boterkoek and a German soup called "Zumbartsch".  We need volenteers to help run some of the kid's games (high school students needing volenteer hours are welcome!), babysit preschoolers and help in the kitchen. Please contact Emily Schuurman (schuur7@execulink.com) or Amanda Cameron or the school office.   If you cannot help out, be sure to stop by the sale for some Christmas shopping!

For Sale:  2 Uniden FRS Radios and charging cradle for $25.  Please contact the office if interested.

Our Student Fund at Work: We have been accumulating a surplus in the Student Fund in recent years, helped by healthy chocolate bar sales and yearbook advertising! As staff, we have decided to make some special purchases that will be appreciated by students of all ages: Playmobil sets for JK -2 for rainy days, classroom audio for gr 1/2, large chess pieces for chess club and rainy day play, art racks for drying creations safely, a replacement tetherball pole, and intermediate ball hockey sticks!

2014 Christmas Parade Float - This year our school will be participating in the Tillsonburg Christmas Parade on Saturday November 15 at 2pm as well as the Aylmer Christmas Parade on Saturday November 29 at 2pm.  Promotion Committee would like to thank the 2 families who have volunteered so far to help at our Tillsonburg parade - your help is greatly appreciated and has allowed us to put a float in Tillsonburg for the first time!  We still need more help.  Our parade float will need to have a pickup truck and driver for both days to pull our float which will be set up on a hay wagon.  We also will need adults and children who will be able to ride the float and hand out candy at the Aylmer parade.  We could still use more help at the Tillsonburg parade as well.  If you are able to help at either parade, please send an email to Charlena Ypma - charypma@hotmail.com or contact the school office and let Tracey know.  Remember that when you help with this extra-curricular activity you are earning valuable volunteer hours.
Electives: Do you have a special talent you can share with our student body? Electives are a 5 week unit for grades 4-8 in late January - early February. In the past we have included activities such as Woodworking, Cooking and Baking, Badminton, Computers, Small Engines, Cake Decorating, Curling and the like. Can you help? Please contact the Ed Ctte chair, Ray Kaastra (kaastra@amtelcom.net), or the office by November 15th

Journey with Jesus: All students need a tunic for the presentation of our Christmas Program. It’s not too hard to make one at home. If you need assistance with this, or are willing to assist someone else with this, please contact the office
For Primary: Adult-sized t-shirt in white, cream or brown.
Grades 3 and up: Tunics made out of a white, cream or brown sheet or tablecloth.
All grades: For head covering bring a towel and a dark coloured headband. Belt: leather or made out of yarn.
Due Date: November 21, 2014 (school “fashion show”!)

How to make a tunic - These pictures show three ways to make a tunic from cloth.Tunic 1_0002.jpgTunic 1_0001.jpg

Attachments:
Samko & Miko Toy Warehouse Fundraiser,
Building for our Children’s Future Agenda - Nov 12th

FROM THE CLASSROOMS:

JR / SR KINDERGARTEN – Mrs. Groeneweg (i.groeneweg@immanuelchristianschool.net)


Some of the things we have done in Kindergarten.....
Bible: Moses
Letter and Sound: e
Unit: Weather
Math: All About Number 8
Next Show and Tell: JK - Tuesday, November 4
   SK – Monday, November 3

GRADES 1 and 2 - Ms. Pieters (m.pieters@immanuelchristianschool.net)
Convention: I was looking forward to attending the teachers’ convention last Thursday and Friday but the Lord had other plans for me this year.  After parent-teacher conferences on Wednesday night I came home to find that my mother was very confused and not able to communicate. She was hospitalised and was given antibiotics to help clear up an infection. I stayed home to care for her. She was able to return home from the hospital on Friday. She is starting to get better and regaining her strength. God’s goodness and mercy and compassion are new every day.
                                      
                                       Happy 6th Birthday
                                                     Rebecca Krahn
                                                      Thursday, October 30, 2014
“May you be blessed by the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” Psalm 115:15

Memory Work: for Nov. 5,
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favour rests.”
Luke 2:13-14

Spelling: dictation test for list 8 words will be on October 31
Words for Gr. 1: not, on, dog, got, the
Words for Gr. 2: the, that, them, day, may, made, was, of, if, a

Creation Studies Home Project: Thank you parents for your support. There are some great maps that the students have made of their bedroom. The students may use two pages if their bedroom doesn’t fit on one page. Remember the students are to measure using their footsteps. One of their footsteps will represent one square on the grid paper. They may receive some help in measuring their bedroom furniture, window, closet and door using their footsteps.  Students will need to add a legend and scale to their maps.
Scale: One square represents one footstep
Legend: for the legend draw symbols and colour them the same way as on the map
             label the symbols in the legend
Have fun! Please bring your bedroom map back to school soon.

Intergenerational Project: Chartwell Aylmer Retirement Residences is starting a new HOPE (Helping Others for Purposeful Engagement) Project. This year they are filling boxes for Operation Christmas Child and they have invited us to join them in this project. As a class we would like to gather supplies for 13 boxes that can be given to boys or girls 5-9 years old. Donations may be brought in anytime before Nov. 7. Chartwell will be doing the same for boys and girls 2-4 years old and 10-14 years old. On Nov. 7 at 1:45 p.m. we hope to join the residence at Chartwell for a packing party. We will bring all our gifts to Chartwell and help pack the gifts into shoeboxes. We have good news: Chartwell sent us an update that they now have enough money to cover all the shipping cost expense. So there is no need to bring in money just new items for the gift boxes(no used items due to custom regulations). Please see gift suggestions:
School Supplies:such as pens, pencils, pencil crayons, note pads, picture books that could be a Bible story
Hygiene Items:such as facecloth, toothbrush, comb, soap (please place soap in a sealable bag)
Toys & Other Gifts:such as stuffed animals, small musical instruments, hair clips, toy jewelry, t-shirts, socks, candy (loose, individually wrapped, hard candy in a sealable bag)
Do not include:
  • decks of standard playing cards
  • food or any chewy, crumbly, or soft candy: including gum (due to custom regulations)
  • used items (due to custom regulations)
  • toothpaste (due to custom regulations)
  • liquids or items that could leak, melt, freeze, or break: shampoo, creams, lip balm, bath gels, mirrors, or glass, etc. (these can damage other items in the shoeboxes)
  • items that can scare or harm a child: war-related toys, knives, toy guns, etc.

Trip to Chartwell: We would like some volunteers to help us when we go to Chartwell on November 7 from 1:30 to 3:00 P.M. If you are able to help please send a note or phone the school before next week Tuesday. Thank-you.

Scholastic Book Order: The November flyers were sent home today. If you wish to place an order please fill out the form in the flyer and return it to school by Nov. 6 with the payment (cash or cheque).

GRADES 3 and 4 – Ms. Buma (t.buma@immanuelchristianschool.net

Convention Experiences:  One of the workshops I attended had the unique title, When Elephants and Mice Dance Together - Best Practices for Cross - Cultural Interactions.  The title of the workshop was based on a story we viewed about an exuberant elephant unintentionally trampling on his partner, the mouse. Presenter, Mr. Phil Beck, asked and drew some poignant questions based on the above story and from David Smith’s picture book, If the World Were a Village.
  1. Who are the majority and who are the minority in relation to people living in developed and developing countries?
  2. What is reality for other people?
  3. What are some ways to creatively promote cultural awareness in your school and/or classroom?
  4. How might our understanding of servanthood impact the way we engage other communities?
  5. What is ABCD?...This was a compelling question for me in relation to “helping without hurting.”
These letters represent Asset Based Community Development, as opposed to Needs Based Community Development.  Assets are skills that are found locally. This workshop was an eye-opener emphasizing yet again, the importance of finding tangible ways to increase and promote global awareness in the lives of students.

Cross Cultural Servanthood  by Duane Elmer, and Sharing With Eyes Wide Open: Doing Short Term Missions with Cultural Intelligence by David Livermore, were two recommended sources cited. Always a much anticipated event, the Edifide Convention of 2014 was an inspiring time, complete with meaningful worship, connections and celebrations!

Accelerated Reader - AR Reports will be sent home on Friday, Oct. 31.  Reading levels will be included on the Reports. Your child should be signing out AR books from our ICS library at his or her reading level.  Remember that tomorrow is Library class, girls and boys!  Students who are still working towards achieving their First Term goals should be signing out library books, reading and completing follow-up AR quizzes soon after books have been read.  Some students are very close to achieving their goals, and others have already done so.  Keep up the good effort, everyone!  AR goal due date is Thurs. Nov. 13.

Thurs. Oct. 30 - Social Studies - Canada Map Test - Be able to label provinces and territories on a map of Canada.  Be able to match the provinces and territories with their capital cities

Fri. Oct. 31- Spelling Dictation. Unit 7 - Grade 3 missed, willing, balloon, spelling, pretty, still, off, added, letter, different, pattern, middle, Mississippi, zipper, carry, funny, dessert
Grade 4 - blush, crutch, crunch, grumpy, much, umpire, uncle, none, does, fuel, cute, cubicle, human, future, usual, uniform, used, beautiful, Union Jack, United Nations
 
Wed. Nov. 5 - Memory Work - In Flanders Fields, by Lt. Col. John McCrae, (First Part)
In Flanders fields the poppies blow between the crosses, row on row, that mark our place;
and in the sky the larks, still bravely singing, fly scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead.  Short days ago we lived felt daw, saw sunset glow…
loved, and were loved and now we lie in Flanders fields

Thurs. Nov. 6 Bible Studies Test - The Book of Ephesians including a focus on The Armour of God.  Study Guides will be sent home with your child on Thursday, Oct. 30.
Daily Work: Students with subject duotangs at home, French (grey) and Social Studies, (green) are asked to return their duotangs to school, so that ongoing daily work can be included, and notes can remain organized and intact.
Student of the Week: Our Student of the Week this week is Sarah Janssens.
Next week: (Nov. 3 - 7) Devon Klassen.

GRADE 5 and 6 – Ms. Jones (k.jones@immanuelchristianschool.net)


Convention Experiences: It is always an enjoyable experience to worship, pray, listen and learn with colleagues. Specifically I valued the panel discussion on mental health held on Friday. The professional panel shared wisdom and insight with the audience of teachers, principals, professors and other leaders who were able to ask questions. It was an encouraging discussion to be part of knowing that the OACS is aware and compassionate towards a growing trend and/or awareness toward mental health needs in school.

Thanksgiving_WordArt2-300x206.pngMemory Work: Psalm 9: 1-5
I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart;
   I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.
I will be glad and rejoice in you;
   I will sing the praises of your name, O Most High.
My enemies turn back;
   they stumble and perish before you.
For you have upheld my right and my cause,
   sitting enthroned as the righteous judge.
You have rebuked the nations and destroyed the wicked;
   you have blotted out their name for ever and ever.
Art: Have collage materials for Friday. Working on a collage with the theme: Give it a voice/Tell a story.
Memory Work:  Wednesday, October 29 - Psalm 8: 6-9, Psalm 9:1-5 on Wednesday, Nov. 5 (Sorry for the mix up)
Health: Unit test next Wednesday on “The Habit of Wellness”.
Spelling: The students now have a 18 (+2 bonus) word list and worksheets in their binder. Small handouts will be available to keep in their planners.
Potluck: Friday, October 31 Main Course -  Yellow Group; Appetizers - Blue Group; Drinks, plates and napkins - Green Group; Desserts and clean up - Red Group
Student Merit Award: October Character trait is thankfulness

GRADE 7 and 8 – Mr. TenBruggencate (am) / Mr. Cameron (pm) e.tenbruggencate@immanuelchristianschool.net or k.cameron@immanuelchristianschool.net


Convention Experiences: My highlight of convention is always the time spent in worship with my peers. High school students led an auditorium full of teachers in songs of praise and devotion. I attended workshops on Friday that reflect the present stage of my age and career; mental health and planning for adequate retirement.  Both sessions were valuable and informative. Mr T.

Please see our class wiki page (linked from the ICS website, https://immanuelchristianschool.wikispaces.com)

Senior Volleyball: The boys and girls teams will play in a mini tournament at Stratford Christian School on Tue 4 Nov. We will leave ICS after devotions at 9:15 and return in time for the last class of the day at 2:30. Players need to wear ICS t-shirts and pack lunches like normal. Students not playing volleyball will become “senior fellows” in gr 5/6 for the day.
An invitation to Grade 8 day at London District Christian Secondary School - Current Grade 8 students are invited to be a student at LDCSS for the day on Wednesday November 5th. Students simply hop on our high school bus that day. For more information visit www.ldcss.ca.

Memory Work: Matthew 6:25-26

Language Arts - Spelling (Mr C): Dictation on Fridays
Science (Mr C): Cells “mastery project” was due today. The “Discovery Room Gallery” will be open until Friday. Science “lab test” will be Thu Nov 6 - students need to complete their definitions and re-read their lab reports.
Art: Collage work needs to be handed inno later than Tuesday, Nov. 4 (at the start of class). Students will be given time Nov. 4th and 5th to create submissions for art contests or work on upgrading an existing project to hand in for unit grade.
Royal Canadian Legion Poster Contest: http://www.legion.ca/youth/contests/
Health: Retests will be given on Friday for students with signed tests.

Convention Experiences:
Mrs Emily Schuurman:  French - I attended two workshops entitled Struggling Students in the Foreign Language Classroom led by a former professor from Calvin College.  It was very helpful as I was able gain an insight into why some students struggle as well as pick up some practical ideas of how to make learning French easier for them.  This was my first time back to the convention in 20 years and it was wonderful to be among so many Christian educators for the day.

Convention Experiences:
Ms Caroline Heo:  It was my first time going to the convention and I was very inspired by student-led worship on the first day in the gym. I was touched by how we were all singing and praising God as one. I attended two workshops - one on classroom management and on music curriculum. These lessons widened my insights on how to adapt differentiated teaching methods and communicate effectively with students in the classroom.