As we consider this year’s theme (Think, Act, Be Like Jesus), let’s look at how it applies to the principle of relying on His Strength. Psalm 18:2 declares, “The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” The temptation for us as performance-oriented humans, even as Christians, is to look at the TABLJ theme and try to muster up more strength and more resolve to measure up to this standard. I don’t deny that effort is involved, but where do we find the energy to exert ourselves? It is right here in this verse–in the LORD! Find rest in that!
Congratulations to all of our students for successfully completing another year of education! We are so thankful for your perseverance and positive attitudes from beginning right to the end! Special congratulations are due to our graduating Grade 8 class–to Haley W, Zara A and Tamara S. This is a major milestone for you! Well done! May you be blessed as you take a well-deserved break and then head into high school! I would also like to congratulate our senior kindergarten graduates: Jude Z, Ava G, Abigail K, Lucy N, Anna P, Joshua V, and Lily V! We are excited for you!
In the broader picture, it’s good to know what’s ‘in’ in education. Did you know, for example, How To Teach Empathy? Consider this: without empathy, you’re teaching content instead of students. The concept of teachers as primarily responsible with content distribution is a dated one, but even seeking to ‘engage’ students misses the calling of teaching. To teach a child is to miss the child. You must understand them for who they are where they are, not for what you hope to prepare them for. “Giving knowledge” and “engaging students” in pursuit of pre-selected knowledge both are natural processes of formal education–and both make empathy hard to come by. For some strange reason, this idea, while it seems good in itself, according to the linked article, is connected with blurring traditional boundaries of binary gender, truth and faith. Teaching empathy, however, is what Christians should be best at.
Have you noticed that one of the special things about ACCS is how everyone works together? Would you consider reading to a class for story hour once a week to help out in September (assuming things return to normal by then)? It’s a great way to make a difference! Contact us.
Are you up for a challenge (submitted by one of our students)? A prisoner is in jail. There are two doors, one leads to freedom one leads to death. There is a guard at each door. One guard always tells the truth, the other always tells lies. The prisoner is allowed one question to either of the guards.
What is the question that will take him to freedom? (solution below) …And, did you know? John Wycliffe produced the first translation of the entire Bible from Latin Vulgate into English. However, after he died, the Catholic Church exhumed and burned his corpse as punishment for his translation work. Alternative narratives to current events is nothing new.
With you, eagerly awaiting the return of Jesus,
Mr. Richard Sommer, Principal
PS. In the last few weeks, we shared this and we thought we should pass it on to you. I thought you would be encouraged to hear this from a recent visitor …
Solution: If I were to ask the other guard which door leads to freedom, what would he say? Whichever door the guard points to, you go out the other door!