PACIFIC CHRISTIAN SCHOOL CHRIST-LIKE LIVING, CRITICAL THINKING, AND JOYFUL SERVICE EST.
PACER PRESS November 2012
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Are You Compliant? Every 6 years PCS undergoes a rigorous inspection from the Office of the Inspector of Independent Schools (OIIS). As a Category 1 school PCS receives 50% of the per student educational grant for our school district. In order to maintain that funding, the Ministry of Education requires us to be compliant. So, what does that mean? It means that the OIIS organizes a group of people known as the External Evaluation Committee (EEC) to visit our campus and spend 3-4 days reviewing staff records, student records, course overviews, teacher assessment practices, building safety, drills and code adherence. Along with that, they review our financial reporting, handbooks, teacher and support staff qualifications and a number of policies. I’m happy to announce that PCS came through our recent inspection from October 9-12 in excellent shape. Kudos to the teachers and support staff who worked so hard to ensure that PCS was compliant in the eyes of the ministry. The school was well-prepared and no statutory concerns were found that would jeopardize our funding. While it is a lot of work to prepare for these inspections, they do serve to help us ensure that all things are in order. We would also do well, both as a Christian community and as individual followers of Jesus Christ, to submit to rigorous inspections that serve to reveal to us areas in our lives where we might not be compliant. This can be a self-evaluation where we examine the desires of our hearts or it can involve asking someone to help us stay true to the teachings of Christ that we hold central to our lives. Personally, I’m a big fan of outside help! In Psalm 139:23-24, David cries out to God and asks God to search him, to know David’s heart, to test his thoughts, to reveal any offense and to redirect him so that David is compliant. David relies on outside assistance. He is not satisfied that his conscience is clear or that he feels he measures up to the expectations of God. He asks God to conduct an inspection—an audit if you will. We don’t have to wait every 6 years to pray the prayer of David. We can, and should, come before God daily, pleading with Him to examine the motives and intentions of our hearts. Let us, as a community, pursue holiness in our relationships, both personal and as a school, as we seek to nurture one another in Christ-like living, critical thinking and joyful service. In His Service, For His Glory! David O’Dell, Secondary Principal
Pacific Christian School www.pacificchristian.ca
“...nurturing students in Christ-like living, critical thinking, and joyful service, to become effective members of the Christian community in God’s world.”
Reminder
The Fall AGM Meeting of the Victoria Christian Education Society (VCES) is scheduled for Wednesday, Nov.21st at 7:00 pm. All PCS parents are encouraged to attend this important meeting.
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
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Elementary Principal’s Ponderings I am extending an invitation to all interested parents to come for “Coffee with the Principal” on Friday mornings after chapel. Come and join me for coffee (maybe even refreshments!) in the staff room, starting on Friday, November 16. Why am I doing this, you ask? Well, with several new initiatives at PCS over the past couple of years, and with the school starting to make plans to renew our Strategic Plan, we would like your input. What are some of these changes and developments? • The purchase of the “Kasapi lot” behind the elementary school in March 2011, the first new property purchase by PCS in decades. • Plans are developing well for the design and building of a large new gymnasium, to be constructed on this new property, and ultimately to be used not only for elementary and middle school PE classes, but also for secondary sports teams. • The PCS staff is appreciating the new professional development initiative provided through our “Early Start//Late Start” program every Wednesday morning.
Proverbs 15:22 “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” Proverbs 16:3 “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.” Proverbs 20:18a “Make plans by seeking advice”
• Teachers have been working hard at integrating “Biblical Throughlines” in their curriculum planning, a fresh and innovative approach to integrating a Christian perspective throughout the curriculum. • Teachers are excited about the benefits of the new technology now in use in every classroom at the elementary campus, including SmartBoards, Document Cameras, Digital Projectors, etc. all provided through your generous support of the Walkathons and Readathons in recent years, along with our Hot Lunch program fundraising. • We have fourteen new staff members at the elementary campus this year!
So, come on out for coffee to give me your input and thoughts on all of these new developments, or simply to share any other advice and new ideas about programs and initiatives at PCS. I look forward to meeting many of you over coffee! Bill Helmus, Elementary Principal
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Calendar Reminders: Strategic Planners and Graphic Design Skills Needed! As we embark on the development of a new Strategic Plan for Pacific Christian School, we are looking for a couple of people with specific skills in the area of facilitation, developing, refining and writing a Strategic Plan. We are also looking for expertise in graphic design to prepare the Strategic Plan for publication. If you have skills and experience in these areas, and are willing to give some of your time to this project, please contact Bill Helmus, principal at the elementary school (250-479-9365 ext.203; email: bill.helmus@pacificchristian.ca) or Board Chair Corrie Barclay (250-217-3692; email: corrie@leadingmatters.ca) Any questions about this, please let either of us know. Thank you in advance for considering the use of your time and talents to support PCS.
• Elementary Parent-Teacher Conferences: are scheduled for Tuesday, Dec.4 (4:30-8:00 pm) and Thursday, Dec.6 (4:30-8:00 pm). Request forms have already gone home and were due back to school by Thursday, Nov.1 • Elementary First Term Report Cards: will go home on Friday, November 30. Yes, it is that time of year again! • Elementary Christmas Concert (K-6) will be held at Glad Tidings Church on Tuesday, December 18, with a matinee (12:30) and an evening performance (7:00 pm). • Secondary Christmas Concert (Grades 7-12) is scheduled for Thursday, Dec.13 at 7:00 pm at the Victoria Christian Reformed Church right beside the school. • The last day of school before Christmas break is Friday, Dec.21, with dismissal at noon. • School will resume on Tuesday, January 7, 2013.
TEACHERS’ CONVENTION 2012 On October 4 & 5, most of the PCS staff joined about 1200 other teachers and Christian school staff members from Christian schools all over BC and northwest Washington state at Lynden Christian School in Washington for their annual Convention. The theme this year was “How Do We Love Our Neighbour?” based on Isaiah 61:1a & 3b: “The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor… They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.” Many agreed that it was one of the best conventions ever! Everyone especially appreciated the challenging and inspirational keynote addresses by Dr. Tony Campolo, a world-renowned speaker, media commentator, ordained minister and prolific author. Campolo challenged us all to be “Jubilee People”, seeking to heal the broken-hearted within our schools and communities, and to open the blinds to the world for our students. In addition to promoting good interaction and fellowship among our PCS staff, many also enjoyed a diversity of practical, informational and encouraging professional development workshops and seminars throughout these two days. All in all, it was a very worthwhile event for everyone.
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Fundraising at PCS Grade 7 SALTS Fundraising: : Kudos to the Grade 7 students who have done such a great job selling Valu-Books as their first and most important fundraiser of the year for their SALTS sailing trips. Altogether they sold over 1100 books, for a combined profit of nearly $10,000!! Thanks to everyone who supported their sales campaign. Three students have sold 50+ books and thus paid for their entire trip through this sale alone, while about 30 others have raised half or more of the cost of their sailing trip. Child Care & Bake Sale: The Grade 7 classes will be providing child care during the Parent-Teacher Conferences. They will also have delicious baked goods for sale during the conferences. All proceeds are to raise funds for their SALTS sailing trips next June, so plan to support their fundraising efforts by making a generous donation for the child care and by purchasing lots of delectable treats at their bake sale. You can also regularly support our Grade 7s by bringing in your pop bottles, juice boxes, and other returnables to school every Tuesday morning (drop off at the primary entrance), and by participating in the pizza lunches and the daily milk program. Operation Christmas Child: All elementary students have received a shoebox to fill with gifts for needy children in other countries. We are collecting these over the next few weeks, so you are encouraged to support this great cause. Extra boxes are available, so that you can fill as many as you want! Compassionate Resource Warehouse: Thanks to your generous donations, in September we donated hundreds of stuffies (stuffed animals) to go overseas to needy children. In October, we are collecting “Mom’s Old Linens” (pillow cases, sheets, duvets, blankets, quilts, towels, etc.), all going to needy families through the Compassionate Resource Warehouse. Thank you for being such a giving community! In November we are collecting baby items (bedding, blankets, toys, baby clothing, etc.) and for December we are collecting children’s toys. Mustard Seed Food Gifts: Thanks to your generosity, both campuses collected over 3300 pounds of food for the Mustard Seed Food Bank!! There were also many items of winter clothing donated for those in need. The Secondary campus accomplished their goal to ‘Fill the van, man!’ Thank you for sharing generously from what the Lord has so abundantly given to us.
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Muddy Buddy Mondays Muddy Buddy Mondays have begun in kindergarten! We are very excited to be incorporating a “nature play” model within our kindergarten program. The students are spending time outdoors, rain or shine, in a variety of environments. We will be exploring local Garry Oak ecosystems, temperate rain forests, lake and ocean ecosystems. We are actively observing the changes in these environments throughout the year. In the classroom, we are learning about Creation and we can actively admire God’s amazing handiwork through exploring His world. God has created the environment for our health, enjoyment, and to connect us to His greatness and splendor. We are swinging from cedar branches, washing our sandy hands in lakes and climbing up slippery roots on all fours! This last week we observed a tree filled with holes and the children determined that a certain woodpecker had probably been there a time or two! We listened for him but we couldn’t find him; maybe next time! If you have any questions regarding this program, please contact the elementary school.
Pumpkins, The Size Of Our Heads! The two Grade 1 classes went on a fieldtrip to Island View Beach and Michell’s Farm. We enjoyed eating our lunches at Island View and then playing on the driftwood on the beach. We piled back into the bus and headed to Michell Farms to pick out the perfect pumpkin “the size of our heads.” We like the work we did with our buddies to decorate the pumpkins!
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The Wonder of God’s Creation The Science department at PCS continues to be a rich and exciting place to learn about God’s world. Through our studies of chemistry, biology, physics, earth science, astronomy and sustainable resources, students are learning more about God’s world and their place in it. The scientific method, scientific theory, applications of science and laboratory practice are preparing our students to serve our society and be better stewards of God’s creation. Yet, through these studies we are learning more about God as he reveals Himself to us through His creation. One cannot help but be drawn to Him in awe and admiration as one learns more about the amazing design, complexity and beauty of the natural world. May God continue to guide us as we learn about His world, and may our knowledge lead us into praise of God and service to others.
PCS Paris Trip The students and chaperones had an amazing trip to Paris and have the pictures to prove it! 34 students from grades 11 and 12 joined Madame Milroy and Madame Webster along with three other chaperones (Angela Nault, Deb Smith, and Tom Tolsma) Oct 3 – 10, 2012. for an action-packed week. The highlights were many: visiting the beautiful churches of Notre Dame and St. Eustache, touring the artist area of Montmartre and the wonderful Palais de Versailles, going to the top of la Tour Eiffel and l’Arc de Triomphe, shopping on the avenue Les Champs Elysées and in the area of L’Opéra, taking the métro everywhere, and having a boat cruise at night on la rivière Seine. Both French teachers are thankful for taking such a delightful group of students and chaperones to Paris, and they look forward to the next Paris Trip in 2014! Barbara Webster – Secondary French Teacher
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For Argument’s Sake... The state of debate at PCS A palpable nervous energy pervaded PCS van number two traveling up the Malahat last Friday night. Twelve high school students, grades eight through eleven, all brand new to debating, were en route to their first tournament, being hosted at Brentwood College School. For these students, this event was their inauguration into the world of resolutions, arguments, refutations, and rebuttals. For most of them, this would be the first time they would stand opposite students from another school and argue an impromptu resolution. Two rounds later and the nervous energy en route to Brentwood was replaced by animated enthusiasm on the way home. Arguments were recounted, rebuttals recited, and evidence rehashed. The students had a great time! Those twelve students represent just half of the students involved in the PCS high school debate program this year. There are yet another dozen students who have been involved for a year or more, and who continue their involvement in the debate class, the Tuesday after school debate seminar, and in regular tournaments, conferences and speaking competitions. Since its inception as a class in 2005, the debate program has grown and expanded. As a credited elective, students participate both in the class - learning the rudiments of formal debate and public speaking - and in extra-curricular events, competitions and conferences. PCS has been competing at the regional and provincial level of debate every year; students have advanced to both junior and senior nationals in three separate seasons. We have been hosting an annual debate tournament at PCS since 2007, one that has involved many people in the wider PCS community as judges, moderators and timekeepers, and helping serve food to the many competitors, coaches and volunteers who help to make these events a success. In the last couple of years, we have resurrected PCS’s involvement in Model UN events. Twice yearly we take eight to ten students to Model UN events; we have done well, taking home certificates, commendations and honours at each event we have attended. Next weekend nine PCS high school students will attend the University of Victoria Model UN conference, joining about 120 other delegates. This event has a theme of Human Trafficking; students will be discussing resolutions on that and a wide variety of other topics of contemporary significance, such as arms trade, nuclear proliferation, drug trafficking, and sustainable development. Students represent a country, and sit through two and a half days of sessions in the General Assembly, the Security Council, or the Organization of American States. It is rigorous work, but the students enjoy being part of a large scale simulation such as this; learning the inner workings of the UN provides them with incredible life skills and experience. These students are gaining experience in true civic engagement. They represent us well, and have, over the years, forged great relationships with debaters and Model UNers from many local schools. I am convinced that as a Christian school - of all types of schools - we should be teaching our students these important skills of standing up and defending a position, engaging the community and learning to see the other side of an issue on which they have perhaps held a strong opinion. That there are students with the desire, the energy and the motivation to stretch themselves in these very challenging pursuits is a huge source of encouragement to me, as a teacher, a parent and a citizen. Ruth McGhee PCS Debate/Public Speaking/Model UN Teacher/Coach
 
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Narumi Yun
Heather Cape
Expressions If you haven’t already, you are invited to wander the halls of PCS and check out the art work on display throughout the school. In the Secondary Campus you will also find many photo works by students and staff hanging on the walls during the current photography contest! Zach Wilkinson
Props needed Various French plays in grades 2-9 needs your help. If you are willing to donate any of the following items it would really help. We’re looking for head pieces or ears and noses for the animals (not a complete outfit). - 1 wolf (for grade 2 & 3) - 1 cat, 1 dog & 1 sheep (for grade 4) - 1 alien, 1 police hat, 1 captain’s cat (for grade 5) - 3 bears - Papa, Mama and Baby (for grade 6) We also need some wooden props made for the grade 4 & grade 6 plays. Please contact Mrs. Porter if you can help.
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Reflections from Student Teachers Ms. Tennant
Congratulations PCS Grads Congratulations for PCS grads who are the recipients of University of Victoria entrance scholarships for the 2012-2013 academic year. Students who received a renewable scholarship are indicated by an asterisk beside the scholarship name. Devon Chan Nathan Chen-Mack
- University of Victoria Entrance Scholarships ($2000) - Victoria Foundation Chinese-Canadian Community Scholarship ($1000) - T.S. McPherson Entrance Scholarships ($4500)* - Victoria Foundation Chinese-Canadian Community Scholarship ($1000)
Holly Conklin
- UVic Excellence Scholarship ($6500)*
Christie-Anne Dear
- Faculty Association Entrance Scholarships ($3000)
James Gayfer
- University of Victoria Entrance Scholarships ($1000)
Krystal-Dale Monych - University of Victoria Entrance Scholarships ($1000) Levi Saphir
- University of Victoria Entrance Scholarships ($2000)
My “first week” experience as a student teacher here at PCS has been amazing. As Dale Huberts heads off to sunny Hawaii, I will be with her AP art class as they continue my painting unit on music as abstract art (watch for the canvases in the cafeteria). I feel the positivity around this school, and am looking forward to getting to know everyone better as my practicum continues. Thank you to the wonderful staff for making both Robyn and me feel so welcome!
Ms. Kruger There is definitely a strong spiritual presence at PCS. I’m becoming a teacher partially as a great opportunity to integrate an element of spirituality, positive attitudes and prayer support in the classroom. The influence of being surrounded by positive staff and people makes all the difference in feeling welcome. Thank You Pacific Christian Secondary for allowing me to feel welcome at your school. This is the perfect atmosphere for miracles to happen.
PCS on the WWW The new face of PCS on the world wide web was launched at the beginning of October. If you haven’t had a chance to use it, be sure to go to www.PacificChristian.ca. It’s a very useful tool for keeping up-to-date on the many activities at PCS. In addition to classroom communications, a weekly “thumbnail” is being sent via email. If you’re not receiving it, be sure to “subscribe” on our home page or call either office. www.Facebook.com/YourPCS is another great spot to track with us this year. There are many pictures and updates posted here in a less formal setting than our website.
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Girls Soccer Team
Pacer Athletics
Congratulations to the Grade 6/7 Girls Soccer Team for a short, but successful and fun, season. In two jamborees at Central Middle School, the girls won two games, tied one and lost one. Thanks, girls, for your positive spirit, great sportsmanship, and good teamwork. It was a pleasure coaching you! From your coach, Mr. Helmus (and special thanks to assistant coach, Dayna Clarke)
Boys Soccer Team It was an excellent season for the Grade 6/7 Boys Soccer Team, who went undefeated in the league tournament, placing them in the championship bracket. Unfortunately, the championships were cancelled due to inclement weather, but it was made clear that PCS has a bright future in Middle School Soccer. Congratulations boys! From your coach, Mr. Taal.
Boys and Girls Basketball Pacer basketball at the Middle School level is in full swing! We are very excited for the upcoming season, as basketball provides an amazing opportunity for our student athletes to honor our Lord through sport! The season began in mid-October and runs through the week of December 10th. Please refer to the school’s website for games and practice times.
PCS Night League Basketball The Night League Basketball season is now in full swing. Practices are up and running, and games have started. I am very thankful for this opportunity, as I have witnessed how this league has been of great benefit to the skill level of our basketball players here at PCS. With the many teams that we have at PCS, I just want to say a VERY BIG THANK YOU to ALL of the coaches that have gone above and beyond! Also, thank you to Joy Weaver, who has spent many hours getting this season off to a great start! Mr. Price.
A Great Finish for PCS Cross-country Well done to all elementary students in Grades 3 – 7 who ran crosscountry this year. You all did an amazing job and contributed to our largest team ever. It was great to see your enthusiasm, effort and improvement over the course of the season. Hope to see some of you in our Running Club that will take place from October to March. Special thanks to Mrs. Cronk and Mrs. Harvie for their help with practices and meets.
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Elementary Swim Club 2012-2013 Swim club has begun! We are excited to have 50 eager swimmers from Grades 3 to 7 practicing weekly at the Commonwealth Pool. Students are being coached in all strokes, proper start and turn techniques, and preparation for competition. We also have an additional three swimmers who regularly practice in local swim clubs who will be joining us at the city Championship Meet in February.
Teacher Sponsors: Karen Erler, Kim Mazzulli, Sean Rathburn
Parent Sponsor: Kimberly Christison
Student Helper: Heidi Ullrich
The Swim team webpage is linked from the Elementary Pacer Athletics page. Check it out for all the details.
Jr Boys Volleyball At the time of writing, the grade 9 and 10 boys are about halfway through their current season. Having faced 6 of the 9 teams in league play, the team currently sits in the middle of the pack. We are looking forward to two upcoming tournaments: The MEI Invitational and the Christian Schools Tournament hosted by Langley Christian School. In addition, PCS has the privilege of hosting the Jr. Boys’ Island Tournament (Nov. 16th/17th) this year! We are looking forward to taking advantage of both the home court and a supportive crowd. We hope to see many of you there!
Senior Girls Volleyball The Senior Girls Volleyball team has just finished regular league play. At press time, we are waiting to find out our placement, but we do know that it will be in the top half of the 16 teams in the city. Our next step is to vie for a chance to compete in the Island AA Playoffs. To do this, we must be in the top 3 of the AA schools in the Greater Victoria Area. We will be competing with Lambrick Park, SMUS, St. Margaret’s and St. Andrew’s on the evenings of Nov. 6 and 8 to determine which three teams will advance. The Nov. 6 games will be held here at Pacer Stadium, so we invite you to come and cheer on this hard-working team of girls.
Senior Boys Volley Ball The Senior Boys Volleyball team moved their season record to 24 wins and 6 losses by claiming the Silver Medal at the B.C. Christian Schools tournament. The Pacers started the tournament by splitting with the #1 ranked ‘A’ team in the Province, Kelowna Christian, and then in one of their best games of the season they also split with BC #3 ‘AA’ ranked Langley Christian 24-26, 25-22. In their last round robin game the boys handily defeated the 3rd ranked ‘A’ team, Richmond Christian. This was first time in 12 years that the Pacers claimed a silver medal and with the strong showing have moved up to #7 in the Provincials ‘AA” rankings. Congratulations to Cam Fennema and Aaron Jentink for being selected as tournament All-Stars.
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Meet the newest Pacer Crew, our Sailing Team!
Celebrating Learning!