PACIFIC CHRISTIAN SCHOOL christ-like living, critical thinking and joyful service
PACER
PRESS May/June 2016
Pacific Christian School “...nurturing students in Christ-like living, critical thinking, and joyful service to become faithful citizens in God’s world.”
ELEMENTARY CAMPUS 671 Agnes St. Victoria, BC V8Z 2E7 elementary@pacificchristian.ca SECONDARY CAMPUS 654 Agnes St. Victoria, BC V8Z 2E6 secondary@pacificchristian.ca Phone 250-479-4532 www.pacificchristian.ca
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District/Authority Scholarship 2016 – PCS Recipients Congratulations to 16 of our graduating students upon being selected as recipients of the $1,250 District/Authority Scholarship. This program, which asks students to demonstrate a high level of competency in a wide variety of areas, includes all Grade 12 students from all of the independent schools on Vancouver Island, so achieving this honour is no small feat. Well done, grads!
Linsday A
Music Theatre
Samatha B
Performance in Sport - Team
Emily B
Performance in Sport - Individual
Josiah D
Leadership
Cassandra D Performance in Sport - Team
Jasmine D
Performance in Sport - Team
Nicholas H
Community Service
Jaling K
Classical Music
Abby K Leadership
Justin K
Photography
Austin L
Entrepreneurship
David L
Leadership in Sport/Health
Rachel S
Theatre Performance
Shaelyn T
Studio Art
Samuel T
Theatre Performance
Heidi U
Performance in Sport - Individual The artwork featured here are two pieces from the portfolio that Shaelyn T submitted.
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Vancouver Island Regional Science Fair 2016 Grade 5 Participants Once again the winners from our PCS Science Fair distinguished themselves at the Vancouver Island Regional Science Fair, held at the University of Victoria, April 10 and 11. They spent two days presenting their projects to several judges and participating in an Open House for schools and the public. On Monday they were treated to an exciting Chemistry show with lots of chemical reactions, explosions, and smoke! We are very proud of the effort all of our 16 participants put into their projects and presentations. Here is the list of the students who participated and the awards some were presented with. Well done, Grade 5’s! Woomi C
Can Sound Move Objects?
Carl-Philip L Effects of Sugar Drinks on Swimming Times
Taralyn C
What to Do about CO2? - The Canadian Meteorological and Oceanographic Society’s Award
Ariel C
Bonds…. Hair Bonds - Scientific Spirit Award
Natasha C
Mozart Reduces Sewage - B.C Engineers and Geologists - Rotary Club - B.C Hydro - Victoria Symphony - 4th place Overall in the Elementary Div
Andrew S
Does the pH in Your Mouth Affect How Long the Flavour of the Gum Lasts? - Scientific Spirit Award
Kate S
Does it Affect How Long an Egg Lasts if it’s Washed or Not?
Daniela C
Have U Cleaned Up?
Sofia D
Keep Peanut-Allergic Children Safe
Joaleah T
Dry Eye Blues - Quarky Science Award - 3rd place Overall in the Elementary Div
Davina D
Does Elevation Affect CO2 Levels in the Air? - The Canadian Meteorological and Oceanographic Society’s Award
James F
Cherry Juice: Sleep Miracle
Davian G
Be Still My Soil - Quarky Science Award
Tommy G
Does the Air Pressure Affect How Far the Soccer Ball Goes?
Saige H
The Strongest Animal in the World
Faith H
Does Your Favourite Colour Affect Your Taste? - Scientific Spirit Award
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On April 2, 2015 the development office began a project with the aim of featuring one PCS staff member in each “Thumbnail”. The Thumbnail is a weekly e-newsletter informing the PCS community of upcoming school events. The PCS community is comprised of students, current parents (including home-stay & international), alumni families, grandparents, and staff. The featured staff member is photographed and then asked to submit a few sentences to help us understand a little of what motivates them in and through their work here at the school. As you read their comments, you will see themes including respect for fellow colleagues, joy of teaching our students, and thankfulness for being a part of this loving community. Below you will find examples of just a few of these submissions. If you would like to read all of the past #peopleofpacificchristianschool, please see the “Archives” section on our website under “PCS Communique” at pacificchristian.ca. If you are not already receiving the weekly Thumbnail, this is also where you can sign up to do so. Jenna Blakemore, Elementary Educational Assistant “It’s amazing to work in such a caring and encouraging environment. I appreciate the uniqueness of each student and love that I get to be part of their journey as they learn and grow, discovering more of who God is and their role in His plan for creation.” Laura Langley, Elementary Teacher: Grade 6 “Having the opportunity to teach at the school that I went to has been a real blessing for me and my family. As a student, I always felt loved and cared for, and I want all my students to feel the same way. I know my students will not remember my lessons, but they will always remember how I made them feel. I encourage all students to listen to God’s call and know that where they are going, God is leading.” John Heard, Educational Assistant “Sharing a smile in the hallways and hearing a warm voice are wonderful gifts that students have given to me. I can only return the favour. Every year is quite different, yet surprisingly the same as each day offers an opportunity to open the roads to God’s love and learning to eager hearts and minds. Thanks to all of you, students and staff, for joining in and making this such a joyful task. You make PCS such a great place to learn, grow, and mature in Christ.” “I like your tie, Mr. Heard.” - “Thank you. It’s my Taz tie.” “How tall are you, Mr. Heard?” - “About the same as Mr. Cook.” “What’s your favourite hockey team, Mr. Heard?” - “Oh, that’s an excellent question. We should talk more about this.”
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Tim Kamsteeg, Secondary Instructor: Law/Social Studies/Tech Ed “I’ve been a member of this school since grade one and I love this place! Aside from teaching Law 12 and Social Studies 11, I have the privilege of partnering with many students in the Tech Ed. program and helping them to achieve their goals. Being a Christian school with a duty to be responsible stewards of Creation makes this program essential to the growth and development of all students. The shop is noisy, dusty and cluttered, but I wouldn’t have it any other way!”
Sue McKerracher, Secondary Instructor: PE/Christian Studies “I feel privileged to have spent the past 25 years teaching at PCS. I thoroughly enjoy the people I work with – they are a group of warm, engaging, and thoughtful Christians. I also love the opportunities that teaching has afforded me to help students learn about themselves and grow in their relationship with God. Whether reveling in the beauty of God and His creation while hiking the West Coast Trail or exploring through Christian Studies classes how our faith can be lived out in meaningful ways, PCS has provided a context for us to experience and live into the hospitality of a God who invites us to know and be known by Him.”
Simon Tuffin, Secondary Counsellor and Metal Shop Instructor “I love the people I get to work with at PCS. They are funny, smart, thoughtful and faithful people. We don’t always see things from the same point of view, and we don’t always agree with each other, but that makes working at PCS rich and rewarding. I wouldn’t want it any other way. As a parent of students at PCS, I am thankful that my children have such a caring group of adults in their lives. They are known, cared for, and challenged by their teachers. PCS has helped my children recognize that the Christian faith has many expressions and each has something to offer the other. Thank you, PCS.”
Gabe Kremler, Secondary Instructor: PE/Social Studies/ Leadership
“Relentless pursuit of excellence. It is what I do here. It is what I encourage my students and my athletes to do while they are here. I am blessed to be able to share my passion in this way. I feel honoured to work alongside others who choose to work at this vocation, helping to raise our students in His image, for His Glory!”
Helena Zeeman, Elementary Teacher: Grade 7 “I am often reminded of how blessed I am to truly love my job, my students, and this community. Each day I get to experience God through my work here at Pacific Christian School. Whether it’s through a piece of learning understood, a laugh shared, or an issue debated, God’s work is evident. It is an honour to be a part of, and learn from, such beautiful growth.”
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#TraceyHuff This June, I will walk my son Jacob down the aisle for his graduation ceremony at Glad Tidings Church, marking the transition of a 12-year relationship our family has had with Pacific Christian School. All four of my children – Lauren, Shannon, Mackenzie and Jacob – will have graduated from PCS. The school has been a blessing for all of us, and each of my children have taken their own unique experience from it. This is what makes PCS so special for me they allow their students to grow individually. Lauren is now starting the second year of her Masters degree in Medical Illustration at the University of Toronto, a unique fusion of Sciences and Art. Shannon just graduated with both a Biology degree and a Physical Sciences degree from Old Dominion University in Virginia where she attended on a full-ride athletic scholarship in rowing – a sport she started at PCS, went on to win the City Championships in Doubles for PCS, and later a Gold Medal for Canada! She is now applying to do her Masters in Physiotherapy in Canada. Mackenzie just finished his second year in Finance at Camosun and Jacob has been accepted into the Sports Management program at Camosun for next year. I share this because I am a proud parent (of course), but more importantly to share with parents of current students that your children are part of a wonderful education community that, along with your support, nurtures them to be the best they can be as individuals. We have a myriad of memories – Grandparents’ Days, Pastors’ Days, graduation celebrations, SALTS trips, Science Fairs, Mission Mexico trips, concerts, many, many uplifting chapels, and more. Our family also found support from the school community in times of our own personal crises, during which I always felt that all of my children were in a safe and loving environment. I also had the honour of being on the Board when the school was forging a new long-term strategy for its future and was grateful for the chance to give back with my own gifts from God. We will be done participating daily at PCS, but as I have seen with other alumni, you never really go away. Thank you, PCS, for the amazing job you have done partnering with us to raise our kids.
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#NeilRyan Last year was my 25th year of teaching at PCS. I know, some of you are thinking ‘what were they doing hiring a teenager?’, but remarkably I was 26. Nicole also recently received her 25 year long service award from the BC Public Service, and with the girls in grade 8 and 10, the timing seemed perfect for an adventure. We had really been thinking about it long before the girls were born, but life always seemed to get in the way. About 3 years ago, we decided it was now or never for our family, and the initial plans were made. We are now almost halfway into our 6 months abroad and are firmly planted in the town of Saint Antonin Noble Val (if you saw the movie ‘The Hundred Foot Journey’ you saw Saint Antonin) where we are very much enjoying the break from what had become a frenetic life. I have had the opportunity of going on the grad rafting trip for the past several years. As we traveled certain rapids, there were opportunities to jump out of the boat and float through the rapids. Though you jump in wearing a life jacket, for me, the short trip is that rare combination of excitement and utter terror. Contrary to your natural impulse, the key is to breathe at the bottom of the trough and hold your breathe at the top. Invariably I ended up opening my mouth at the wrong time and spent the next five minutes (seems like and hour) regretting that I had disembarked. All that to say for me, life sometimes feels like I am floating down that river trying to catch a breath, sometimes succeeding and sometimes failing, but always eventually getting back into the boat. I know that in life, our church and the PCS community are the boats that I can always rely on. Don’t get me wrong. Life is spectacular. I have a fantastic wife, two incredible daughters, and I get to work with my best friends, amazing kids and do a job I truly love. All in all, it is a very idyllic life. This trip has given us the opportunity to see some amazing places and to actually walk through history. As we were herded along the well-worn cobblestones of the Vatican, I couldn’t help but think ‘who else has set foot in this exact same spot’? While these memories we are creating are priceless, I think we have already come to realize how lucky we are to call Victoria home. To have the life we have and to experience it in such a beautiful, safe and friendly setting is truly a gift. And so, a few more months in France. Time to spend with Nicole. Time to spend Jessica and Jaime. Time to take a few extra breaths and slow down for a short while. A chance to recharge and appreciate life as it has been given to us.
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#RickFletcher Senior English teacher or rebellious teenager? After spending his grade 11 and 12 years at PCS, Rick Fletcher graduated in the second ever PCS grad class in 1982. Rick enjoyed his time so much at PCS that he decided to return in 1996, no longer a student, now as a teacher. Looking back at his time on PCS, Mr. Fletcher has a lot of memorable moments, funny times, and a couple regrets. His most memorable moments were when he was given the opportunities to go on class trips. He remembers a time when his class took a week and cycled through Washington State to tour the Boeing factory in Everett. The class camped along the way and even got to spend some memorable days on Whidbey Island. His funniest memory, however, was when he and a couple of his friends tied down Mr. Blades, their chemistry teacher, to his office chair. They then pushed him around the room until he got so angry that they were afraid to untie him. They rolled him into the chemistry prep room and left him there. They never did get in trouble, but they were sure to avoid him for a couple of days. After high school, Mr. Fletcher attended UVic and Regent College for a couple years, studying ancient languages, majoring in Classical Greek, and fo cu s i n g on biblical studies. After spending some time in leadership, Mr. Fletcher finally decided he wanted to pursue a career as a teacher. He attended UBC and completed a double major in English and History then did his professional year to become a teacher. He was encouraged by the memories of his own high school experience; he found his own teachers to be so helpful and caring that he wanted to do the same for future students. When Mr. Fletcher began his career as a teacher, he had a lot of support from his PCS community. Mr. Fletcher ended by saying that the time he spent at PCS was one of the most influential periods of his life, and he thanks PCS for his lifelong memories and friendships.
Written and edited by English 8 students: Anna, Rachael, Ella, Erica, Grace, and Malia
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#EstherGraham In 1991, Esther Graham graduated from Pacific Christian School. She came in grade five and stuck with it to the end. Esther was quite successful in school: she was class valedictorian; she was on the honor roll every year; and she earned the highest grade point average for four out of her five high school years. Her three sisters (all P.C.S alumni) thought of all of these achievements differently, however, calling her “Geek of the Year.” She claims one of her most valuable lessons she learnt here at PCS was when she went on the Japan trip with Mrs. Damude as her chaperone. Esther says she witnessed Mrs. Damude’s generosity to the homeless, and Mrs. Damude simply told her, “I just don’t think Jesus would pass them by.” That was a touching experience for Esther. Esther was asked, “What was it like at PCS when you were a kid?” She replied that when she was attending PCS, there were lots of Dutch students here who liked to say, “If you ain’t Dutch, then you ain’t much.” She also said that there were no houses on Christmas Hill yet, so they would often cross the road to go climb it. Esther went to UBC where she did a degree in History. After graduation she worked in banking then stayed home for a few years with her kids, two of which they spent living in Samoa. Esther now works in the BC public service as a Human Resources Coordinator in the Ministry of Children and Family. She assists with many human resource aspects of the Ministry, such as occupational health and safety training and development and workplace initiatives. When Esther went to PCS, she said that there were some teachers who really stood out to her like Mr. Bulthuis who supported her academic career and Mr. Nienhuis who had drama classes that Esther found “quite refreshing.” Esther was asked, “Did your parents make you go to PCS or did you pick PCS?” She answered: “My parents made me go, and at first I didn’t want to go. However, a lot of people came the same year that I did, which made me feel better about starting at a new school.” Esther has three sons and loves traveling, being out in nature, and being with her family. All of her sons go to PCS: “I wanted them to have the same sense of community that I had when I was there.” At the end of the interview, Esther was asked, “How you did get to where you are now, from P.C.S.?” Her response was, “One year at a time.”
Written and edited by English 8 students: Reuben, Jason, Abi and Mackenzie
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#JoshWild Josh Wild is the son of Elementary Assistant Principal Will Wild and Grade 5 Teacher Pam Wild, and brother to 3 siblings, 2 of whom currently attend PCS. Josh Wild is an alumnus of PCS who is currently serving in ministry as a worship leader at Glad Tidings Church. As a proud graduate of Pacific Christian School, Josh was happy to answer a few questions about the school and his journey with God. Josh was raised in a Christian home, so he does not really have or remember a certain time when he came to Christ. We asked about his role models, he said that he didn’t have a role model, so much as people that walked with him. Also that he didn’t have one role model, so much as people to look up to. One of the key things he learnt from them was not to look for big God Working Moments so much as the little ones. Josh believes that we should love God and be faithful to God in everything we do because that will give us a strong relationship with Him. Josh believes that PCS’s Christian foundation is important and that it helped him to define his faith. He says, “There were some aspects of it that I took and some that I didn’t, but it helped me to understand more of who I was and who I wanted to be.” One of his more important experiences in his life was at PCS when he was in grade 8. He experienced a worship service that was very exciting and different than what he had ever experienced before. “It wasn’t anything super special, but it shaped how I looked at worship and influenced my future decisions.” This experience led him to become a worship leader. “I was really drawn to worship and wanted to be involved after that,” He says that overall he found PCS to be a school that not only builds faith, but also community. All in all, PCS has changed his life and continues to change the lives of others.
Written and edited by English 8 students: Josh, Cole, John, Caleb, Josh, Shaun and Sarah (Michael is missing from photo)
#JasonTolsma Jason Tolsma is a PCS alumnus who graduated in 1991. He is now the successful owner of Bullfrog Transmissions. At PCS he had a good time with his teachers and friends, and he also met the most important person in his life, his wife Alisa. Jason sends all three of his kids to PCS because he recognizes that teachers in this community pay attention to every student, propelling them to hold high standards for work, relationships, and personal growth. Furthermore, he strongly believes in Christian education: “We want our kids to be wellequipped for life through their faith when they get into the real world.” “The school has a lot more choices in courses nowadays; back then our courses were not as cool. I think there is actually a mechanics class. I wish that would have been there when I was in school.” He also says the school itself has had a lot of additions, but it still feels like the school he went to. continued...
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When Jason was still in school, he said he did not have a lot of opportunities to learn about mechanics, so he has advice for students who have an interest in auto mechanics: “Make sure you have a good work ethic. It’s a lot of hard work. Also make sure you take classes about computers and technology because it helps a lot when you work on cars.” When it comes to owning a business, Jason says, “You need to be really passionate about what you are doing because it’s hard work. You also need to have good leadership skills, and that goes for any management position.” A Christian education has been really beneficial in Jason’s work life. “It’s good to know God is on your side even when times are tough,” he says. “I feel like you can spread the gospel in whatever you do, whether you are a missionary or if you are just living by example.”
Written and edited by English 8 students: Lily, Kylie and Katie
#Jeanne&MurrayBryden Jeanne and Murray Bryden are the parents of Lisa Bryden (grad 1988), Chad Bryden (grad 1990), and Craig Bryden (grad 1993). Chad now has two children currently attending Pacific Christian School, Avery (grade 8) and Peyton (grade 5). Jeanne and Murray were very integrated in the PCS community while their kids attended the school. Jeanne Bryden was a huge help in driving for and planning many events at the school, and Murray was a Board member and secretary from 1988 to 1993. Now they both attend Grandparents’ Day and look forward to seeing their grandchildren’s work and meeting their wonderful teachers. Murray and Jeanne Bryden are now retired. Murray had a career at the Saanich Fire Department as a Firefighter, Deputy and Fire Chief, in total working at the fire service for 33 years. Jeanne was a stay-at-home mom for the early part of her children’s lives and later became an office administrator and then a real-estate agent. continued...
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Jeanne and Murray chose PCS for their children because PCS supported their Christian values and taught their children to think about world issues and everyday occurrences from a biblical perspective. They also found PCS teachers to be caring of and good influences for their students with encouraging and supportive classroom environments. Changes at PCS over the years include a larger campus, a higher student population, improved technology, and newly renovated science labs. Jeanne and Murray still love PCS because it establishes friendships with students and families who share the same beliefs. PCS has a harmonious atmosphere that enables students to build their confidence and also helps generate communication with many Christian churches around Victoria. The whole Bryden family loves the fantastic community that Pacific Christian School has created for students and families.
Written and edited by English 8 students: Sam, Grace, Cindy, Avery and Lily (Liana is missing from photo)
#JohnMesselink John Messelink was a principal at Pacific Christian School for 14 years from 19872001. With the endless number of meetings and work needing to be done outside of school hours, John still had time to make sure his students got the education they needed. He felt very proud to be part of such an intelligent and successful school. That’s why two of his kids graduated from PCS in 1991 and 1995 and some of his grandchildren have attended and are attending there. John Messelink believed PCS had and still has a very good academic program and an amazing special needs program: “Any child is accepted here.” Some of John’s biggest accomplishments while being the principal at the school were starting a basketball program, instituting grad class trips, and developing cultural exchanges. One of the biggest changes from when he worked at PCS is that the student body is a lot bigger than before. Prior to becoming a principal, he was a school counselor and vice principal. “I was a principal in Abbotsford for ten years and felt I needed to grow as a principal, so the move to Victoria became the perfect opportunity.” Being a principal wasn’t always John’s dream job. In college he took economics and thought he would become a businessman. He is happy with where he ended up because of the community he was able to be a part of. “My absolute favourite thing was being a grade twelve History teacher because it felt like I got to know the students a lot better that way. I felt connected to them.” He also enjoyed the relationships he had with the staff. John Messelink is very pleased with Pacific Christian School and is also very proud of being able to be a part of such an incredible and successful school. Both the students and staff seemed to have loved working with him, and he has had a big impact on the school. He always said, “Every student has the right to a Christian education, no matter who they are.” John has always thought that PCS was good at making sure every child who wanted to get an education there got one, and overall, John Messelink feels very blessed to have been part of such an incredible school. Written and edited by English 8 students: William and Sophia (Faith is missing from photo)