June 2015

 

What is Richmond Christian School?

For the last few weeks I have been thinking about the question, “What is Richmond Christian School?”  I have come to the conclusion that RCS, like most schools, is a complicated and diverse entity.  It is about learning and studying and homework and exams.  It is about friends and relationships.  It is about developing a Christian worldview.  It is about living in each day – happy days, sad days, mad days and bad days.

kids prayingAs you look at this picture you may wonder what these students are doing.  It looks like a huddle. Who are they talking about?  What are they talking about?  Why are they talking? Are they actually talking?  Who is the leader? Where are the teachers? Why am I not a part of this picture? Does this happen often?  Is the Principal aware of what is going on here?

Many questions! But I think this picture may help us answer the question at the beginning of this reflection.  This is a group of grade 12 students gathering together to pray before one of their final exams.  How beautiful!  Our students, your children, are praying together for God to lead, guide and direct them in this final exam.  I think this is more than a prayer of asking the Lord to “help us to recall all that we have learned and bring to mind the words that would help us be successful in this exam.”  This is also an act of submission, humility and community.  This is a group of students praying together and submitting to the Lordship of Jesus Christ in a very practical and humble manner.  These students are practicing their faith and acknowledging that Jesus is Lord over all – even Lord over final exams.

You can see there is a bond of love and caring amonst these students.  They have their arms around each other and they have bowed their heads.  They are standing together, shoulder to shoulder, living in unity with one another.  Hallelujah! Amen!

This is the prayer of RCS – “equipping all students to joyfully serve Christ in all aspects of life.”  This group of students is living their faith in the moment.  And it is humbling to see this.  I pray that this picture, this moment, would represent their desire to serve Christ wherever He leads them.  When all is said and done, what else matters?

This is the last publication of the 2014/15 school year.  Thank you for taking the time to read the various editions of “Wings,” “The Buzz,” “Eagle’s Eye,” and “The View.”  I hope and pray these publications have helped to keep you informed of the many events and activities that work together to create RCS.

As we break for the summer, I pray that you will experience the peace and grace of Jesus through all your plans, events and travel.  I pray that we would be able to gather again in September to grow and develop in another school year.  Thank you for your gracious and kind support over the past year.  It is an honour and a blessing to serve the community of Richmond Christian School.

Roger Grose
Superintendent

 

Convocation 2015

For parents, our Convocation Ceremony marks the completion of their children’s journey at RCS. This year’s ceremony was held at Bethany Baptist Church and was strongly attended by families, alumni, staff and parents. A few years ago we created a tradition of having our Grade 12 students partner with a Grade 1 student to pray for each other and meet together throughout the year. This chapter came to a close as the Grade 1 children sang for their graduating buddies at the beginning of our graduation ceremony. What a blessing to see an example of God’s grace in bringing together these generations of students. Spencer Reid provided the Valedictory address while Mr. Rob Buller-Taylor gave the grads advice and encouragement on behalf of the teachers.  Mr. Abraham Sayson gave heartwarming words of wisdom on behalf of the parents. We were honoured to have our MLA Linda Reid, the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, in attendance with us. After exams our graduates will have the opportunity to celebrate together with family for a special evening at the Westin Vancouver Airport Hotel on June 25th. Parents of graduating students and staff are looking forward to this evening of celebration with our grade 12 students.  Congratulations to our Graduating Class of 2015!

 

CLICK ON IMAGE FOR A CONVOCATION PHOTO GALLERY.
Photo credits to Abraham Chan.

 

Continuing Their Adventures

This year marked the end of two amazing teaching careers.

At the Secondary Campus, Evelyn Kersbergen decided to begin her next chapter after more than 15 years at RCS. In her time here she worked both as a teacher and as educational support for many students. In remembering her, students, staff and parents commented on her excellent ability to take a tough subject like math and make it easier to understand. Everyone at the Secondary Campus will miss her smile and generous spirit!

At the Middle Campus, Mrs. Freda Loeve retired as our Middle Campus Librarian after 7 years at RCS. Prior to that she taught in a variety of grades at many different christian schools through the Lower Mainland. She will be greatly missed by both staff and students. Many students were grateful that Mrs. Loeve always helped them find the perfect book!

 

Mrs. Evelyn Kersbergen

Mrs. Freda Loeve

Carnival…the Second Annual!

Wow! Great weather, incredible volunteers and a record turnout all contributed to the success of this year’s carnival. Staff from all three campuses climbed into the dunk tank while parent volunteers filled numerous roles throughout the carnival grounds. Special recognition goes to our incredibly dedicated team of Grad Legacy students whose work began months ago as they created plans for this year’s event. Their dedication to creating indoor and outdoor activities, food stations, prizes and more, was both encouraging and appreciated by our community. More than $2000 was raised for our RCS Benevolent Fund, helping families in our midst who have experienced hardships. We couldn’t have done it without the participation of this year’s grads!

Click on the Image for a Carnival Photo Gallery.

 

 

Thank you, Parents!

As this school year draws to a close, we want to take this opportunity to thank all of those parents who have gone above and beyond our expectations to make our school such a wonderful place. We even had an anonymous family work hard last weekend pulling weeds and sweeping the Secondary parking lot! RCS is blessed to have amazing, caring, generous families who work hard to give back to our community. Thank you so much!

 

 

Back to School BBQ

Mark your calendars and plan to join us for this year’s Back to School BBQ on Wednesday, September 2nd at 5:30pm in the Middle School field. All families from preschool through Grade 12 are invited for dinner. Visit with your teachers and friends that you will miss during the summer.