Category Archives: Weekly News

Employment Opportunities

Alliston Community Christian School is presently looking for qualified applicants for the following positions:

At present, ACCS does not have a current opening for these positions, but we always welcome your applications as we may be looking for someone in the future!

Supply Teachers: Throughout the year, ACCS welcomes applications to be added to our supply teacher database. Our school is often complimented for being a great place for supply teachers to work.  If you hold a Bachelor of Education, Bachelor of Religious Education, your Ontario College of Teachers certification, or your Christian Schools Teaching Certificate, please send us your resume, a statement of Christian faith, and references.  We’d love to arrange an interview to get to know you!

Personal Support Workers: Sometimes children need help navigating successfully through their day.  We’re looking for Personal Support Workers who will provide health and welfare assistance to students.  Educational assistance is a secondary activity for a PSW.  As a PSW you would work with an individualized assistance plan for a student, ensuring that activities throughout the day are pursued effectively and safely.   Every day, you will be making a positive impact in a child’s life!  We will be looking for someone who is a Christian; with a compassionate heart for children; competent; has good communication skills; and a team-worker.  A current Vulnerable Sector Police Screening is required, and if you do not currently have First Aid/CPR training, it will be provided to you.  In your application, please include:

  • A cover letter and a statement of your Christian faith
  • Your resume
  • Two or more references who may be contacted

Educational Assistants: Alliston Community Christian School is looking for educational assistants to join our team! As an Educational Assistant, you’d be asked to provide educational support for children identified for special assistance by an Individual Education Plan (IEP).  You will be working with children in 1-to-1 and/or small group settings, providing guidance and support as students complete their classwork.  Your work will be supported by the Special Education Resource Teacher and classroom teachers as you advise students ranging in age from 4 to 13 years old.  In this role, you will be influential in helping students develop a growth mindset that carries them through their future.

In your application, please include:

  • A statement of your Christian faith
  • A description of how and why you see yourself being successful working at ACCS in this role
  • A resume outlining any training and previous work experience relevant to this position
  • Two or more contact references who may be contacted

If you’re interested in applying, please send your cover letter, personal statement of faith, and resume to principal@allistonccs.com.

 

Announcements Weekly News

Spring 2022 Fundraising Campaign

We’ve recently begun our Spring Fundraising Campaign! If you are able to support ACCS financially, would you be willing to contact finance@allistonccs.com to find out more?
Your financial donations are being used to improve the Christ-centred learning activities and environment for students. Thank-you for partnering with ACCS to raise the next generation for a life in service to Jesus Christ!

Weekly News

Spur One Another On

Dear Families and Friends,
Graduations and many of the goodbyes are behind us. Summer lies before us. Open, it seems. Congratulations to all students, graduating, yes, but also all who are advancing from one grade to the next. The resilience that has been built up in you over these last sixteen months will last a lifetime. You have not been broken down; you have been made stronger.
A horse would not consider a spur the same way we would. For the horse, a spur causes a painful sensation in the sides, and it is connected with the urgency of the human to go faster. It does not always make sense, because the horse that loves its owner is already highly motivated to go. A good owner, like a friend never uses the spur to inflict pain. He uses it to remind the horse what bad horses require to get them going.
Kids, you are standing at the edge of another beautiful summer. Will you be gently nudging your siblings and friends to be better followers of Jesus this summer? Will your behaviour make your parents see Jesus in you and make them love Him more? The Day is approaching. Jesus is coming back. What do you want to be doing when He comes back? If you have time, would you want to have to quickly shut off what you are watching, quickly be nice or obedient? “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Hebrews 10:24-25
Mrs. Sommer and I wish you all a safe and happy summer. We do not know if our Best Friend will come back or not soon. We will miss you all dreadfully; you have been dear friends to us. We have been blessed by you, and we will not forget you. We ask ourselves, “Did we make any of them love Jesus more? Want to follow Him?” We hope so. You did. Don’t forget us. You can join our mailing list here if you are interested. We would love it if you could come and visit us. We would love it even more if we heard that God was transforming you by His Word and using you in the lives of others.
This week, finally Week 40, we especially appreciate our dedicated Learning Support team that ensures that every student has the needed support! Mrs. Vanska and Mr. Yu have been such a blessing to so many, especially over the remote months. Thank you to them! We have heard our students have made great strides through their help.

Leadership development is also such a valuable thing for young people. They learn to serve; they learn to think of others; they learn to work as a team, etc. I am blessed to have seen how our Student Parliament leadership team worked well together this past year, as difficult as it was. Mason as Prime Minister, Aiden as Deputy Prime Minister, Lily as Minister of Finance, and Neema as Communications Minister– former “rivals” in the election, functioned in supportive unity. For the coming year, kids, talk about this with your family: do you have gifts that you could use to bless the student body at ACCS? Would you like to serve on the Student Parliament in the coming year? You will have a chance to run in these offices if you are in Grades 6 and up.

Something to consider: 1 Timothy 2:1-2  “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” He does not say what we are to pray for them to bring about peaceful and quiet lives, but he does urge us to pray. Let’s.

Do you realize that one of the special things about ACCS is how everyone works together? Would you consider Volunteer Activities to help out? This week, starting TUESDAY at 5PM, we will be moving the lockers out of the west wing and preparing the floor for new flooring! Would you like to help, even a little? Send us an email or call if you think you can help–even if it would be now and then.

Prayer Corner: Do you appreciate it when other Christians pray for our country? This week, let’s pray for  Canada.

God of all mercies, we want to see Jesus in our lives, in our community, in our ACCS. Open our eyes to see how we could stir up one another to good works and to a greater passion for You. Would it be possible to reach out and touch You in others, and say that we love You in how we love others? Transform us, Lord. Thank You for the year now passed. You know it has been hard for us. You know we have felt crushed and defeated at times; but still we can say that You sustained us. You brought us through, and we thank You for that. As we part for the summer, and as changes come, we commit one another into Your almighty hands. There is none like You, Lord Jesus. No one loves us like You do. No one is patient and kind like You are. Protect us in the months ahead. Let the things that we have learned, especially from Your Word, continue to percolate through our lives to make us beautiful for You. Oh, and do come quickly, Jesus. We do love it here, but we know that what is lovely here is only a glint of what it will be to be with You. Will You keep us faithful to You? Will You still add some more to Your flock? Thank You for the eleven students who have graduated; be their hiding place forever. Bless our teachers; renew them. Let the new ones soon feel welcome with us, and use them all to do powerful things for You. In Jesus’ Name.

Weekly News

The Best Instruction

Dear Fellow Travellers,
You say, “Did you say, ‘Travellers?’” Yes. We are travelling for this brief time on earth from our beginning to our eternal, never-ending destiny. You remember that when we could travel, each of us, before setting out, took to the internet or to the travel guide to find out all there was to know about the destination and how to get there. 
Can you believe our enrolment is currently at 84 for September! People come to a school like ACCS for many different reasons. The best reason is because at ACCS we give good travel information! That is to say, we point to God’s way for living. He says, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.” (Psalm 32:8) Immerse yourself in the Word and get excited about the journey; it will rub off on your fellow-travellers!

Have you considered how important it is that we have a K-8 handwriting program, and how it is making a huge difference that will last for life? I encourage you to keep up some cursive writing practice over the summer months so there is not too much regression. I am so impressed at the level of practiced skill I see in the the students’ writing! Speaking about our school, someone recently said this about ACCS…
We are extremely fortunate to have found you and the school.  We are so happy with our choice. 
Go to www.allistonccs.com/testimonials/ to leave your testimonial!

Need a break or taking a long drive? Try FocusOnTheFamily.ca/TryAIO for a free kids Adventures in Odyssey audio episode!

Something to discuss at the dinner table: The horse rises from the ground on its two front legs first. A cow rises from the ground with its two hind legs first. I wonder what evolutionists think the mid horse-cow species did. How wise the Lord is in all His works of creation! And, for the Canadian trivia fact… The border between Canada and the United States is officially known as the International Boundary. It is 8,900 km (5,525 miles) long, including the 2,475 km (1,538 miles) between Canada and Alaska. It’s the world’s longest unprotected border, especially at Roxham Road.

How would you respond to this suggestion? 1 Peter 4:10 As good servant managers of God’s grace in its various forms, serve one another with the gift each of you has received.

Prayer Corner: Would you like to pray for a country this week? Please pray for  Moldova.
Awesome is Your Name, O God! You are the all-powerful, everywhere-present, merciful God. We commit to You Mrs. Charade (our PSW in Grade 1/2); thank You for her. Blessing and honour be to You for a Biblical framework at ACCS and that we can learn our lessons with a Biblical worldview. This week, we especially focus on Dads as the spiritual leaders of their homes. It is easy to be pulled into the vortex of today’s anti-Christian culture. Help them to deliberately stand against that culture, leading their children with wisdom into the green pastures of Your Word. Bless even the feeblest attempts at family devotions to ignite fires of passion for You and resilience against the world! In the Name that is above every name!

Weekly News

His Strength

Dear Parents and Other Friends,
May you be blessed as you consider Psalm 18:2: “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.” No other refuge will do. No other strength is enough. No more is required.

MAP tests have been completed this week. Thank you, parents for everything you have had to do to support that process, and students for your diligence in doing your best at these tests. It will be great to see the results! They will be included with the emailed report cards. The Spring Parent Meeting was a success: many attended and heard reports, reviewed the budget and heard Mr. Pelleboer’s encouraging words. Our enrolment for September is presently at 84. Just a few weeks left! 

Someone said this: 
ACCS is awesome! This is from the perspective of a staff member who is also a parent, so, you could say biased, but it’s first-hand. When we arrived at ACCS in January 2018, we found a friendly, welcoming, bully-free environment for our kids. I don’t know where you would find more committed parents and more dedicated teachers and support people. We still find it to be so! Pass the word around!
Another recent visitor said …
My son’s comment was that he felt like everyone in the class wanted to be his friend, which is not what is happening at his school presently. I was overjoyed at his response to the visit. You have a wonderful school there. 
While in my office, he was pleading with his mom, “Mom, please let me goto this school! Please!” 🙂
Go to www.allistonccs.com/testimonials/ to leave your testimonial and pass the word about ACCS!

How do you respond to this admonition? 1 Peter 3:15  “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”

Please help! We invite people to join our volunteer team. There are many jobs available such as the feature task of the week: exterior window-cleaning. Send us an email or call if you think you can help with this.

Prayer Corner: Do you want to change the world? Pray for  Niger. The following is from a prayer from the Valley of Vision.
Lord God, high and holy, meek and lowly, You have brought me to the valley of vision, where I live in the depths but see You in the heights; hemmed in by mountains of sin, I behold Your glory. Let me learn by paradox that the way down is the way up, that to be low is to be high, that the broken heart is the healed heart, that the contrite spirit is the rejoicing spirit, that the repenting soul is the victorious soul, that to have nothing is to possess all, that to bear the cross is to wear the crown, that to give is to receive, that the valley is the place of vision. Lord, in the daytime stars can be seen from deepest wells, and the deeper the wells the brighter Your stars shine; let me find Your light in my darkness, Your life in my death, Your joy in my sorrow, Your grace in my sin, Your riches in my poverty, Your glory in my valley. We praise You for Mrs. Gillard (one of our Office Receptionists and Administrative Assistants). We are so thankful for her work and the blessing of who she is. We also cannot thank You enough for the progress our struggling students have made; for the support they receive and for the way they feel loved and supported at ACCS. I surrender everything to you in Jesus. Amen.

Weekly News

Who’s Upon the Throne?

Dear Parents and Community Members,
Graduation plans are set and talk of the end of term is on our lips! I am so glad that we have these weekly opportunities to interact and to feel a little connected. Remember those conversations we used to have in the parking lot after school about matters like this? You have been a blessing to me! A passage that is often called up at Christmas time is Isaiah 9:6-7 for obvious reasons, but you cannot afford to miss the other parts. It says, “Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.” That, my friends, is why we are in Christian education! The devil and the lost may rage and even appear to triumph for a time, but Jesus is solidly on the Throne! 

At the time of writing, there are rumours we may be returning to in-person learning. We’ll let you know as soon as we hear that. In the meantime, count on the following:
June 9 – SK Graduation
June 16 – Last day of online classes for Grade 7/8
June 17 – Last day of online classes K-6 & Grade 8 Graduation
June 18 – Drop off day and good-bye to students
June 29 – Report cards sent home electronically or picked up at the school
 
What we have been doing at ACCS for the past 39 years came into focus when I read this: 
A first generation student says … I joined ACCS the first year it opened as one of four grade 8 students. Although we were 3 grades in the same classroom our education was second to none. My children also attended and graduated as second generation. If I had the opportunity, my grandchildren would also attend. I thoroughly recommend this school. I like the familial aspect of it as well as the fact that staff are 100% approachable and accessible. Thank you for all you do!
Go to www.allistonccs.com/testimonials/ to leave yours!

Isn’t it amazing? Young earth creationists believe that dinosaurs inhabited the earth at the same time as people not that long ago! As for general trivia about Canada, did you know … The West Edmonton Mall, once the largest in the world is now the fifth largest indoor shopping mall. It still claims the title as having the largest indoor amusement park.

Think about it: 1 Corinthians 15:58  “Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”

Prayer Corner: Let this prayer video lead you in prayer for this country this week:  United Arab Emirates.
Heavenly Father, 
Thank You for the blessing of an education for our nation’s children. Please fill our classrooms with godly teachers. Give wisdom to administrators. Protect and guide today’s students who will be tomorrow’s leaders. Give them a love of our national heritage and religious liberties. Thank you for parent involvement in our schools and encourage parents as they are supporting teaching at home. We commit to You Mrs. Vanska (our Learning Support team leader), especially as she and her family face major transitions. Thank You so much for her over this past year! Blessing and honour be to You for our Home & School team that is so ready to serve You with love in hospitality. All this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Weekly News

Christ the Lord

Dear Families,
Are you encouraged today? Do you ever feel like your efforts do not make a difference? Do you ever feel that where you need to make a difference, your efforts are never enough? Have you ever stopped and thought about Galatians 2:20? It says, “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” This is the believer speaking–someone who has been born again by the power of God at work within him. That person can say this: It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. It is not easy–in fact, it is impossible–to live contentedly in the flesh. Let us look up, and live by faith in the Son of God.

This week is already Week 36–only four to go! Enrolments have been pouring in for the new school year, bringing every class to capacity! We hope to be able to host a school community event later in the summer for everyone to meet new and old friends. We welcome the new families into our community! We will do that more explicitly later in the year, but many have already joined the emailing list, so welcome to you now already! One of the effects of the vanished community experience we have all endured over these past 14 months is that the normal mechanism for validation, encouragement and support that we used to find in each other is also largely out of practice. Can you imagine the happiness there will be when we can get together again? Take courage, friends. And well done so far, students; just another few weeks!

Your testimonial on the ACCS website could make a big impact on a prospective parent and build up the work we are doing as a community. Here is one from a former student: 
Huge impact! ACCS is where I really dug into my faith, having my teachers believe in the same love that I did was so encouraging. I trusted them and they poured into my academic and spiritual life and pushed me to be my best. My teachers at ACCS made a huge impact on my life and I believe that having that experience prepared me really well for high school. I also made really meaningful friendships at ACCS with individuals who are still a part of my life now, it is a wonderful community and I’m so glad my family is a part of it.
Go to www.allistonccs.com/testimonials/ to leave yours!

Do you realize that one of the special things about ACCS is how everyone works together? Do you remember when volunteers could drive for class trips and sports events to help out? If you are willing to do that, why not sign up for next year by email or phone–or just drop in? 

Prayer Corner: Do you want to change the world? Pray for  Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Gracious, loving God,
As this school year draws to a close, we lay it all before You. Bless what was good. Cleanse what was impure. Add to what was inadequate. Breathe life into what was dead. Prune away what hindered. Sanctify us. Fix our eyes on You. May we die to self and ever live for You! Uphold Mrs. Martin also (our Music, Drama and private lesson teacher). We give You humble and heart-felt thanks for the Mission Emphasis Weeks our school has each year to help us think about our call to get the Good News out to all the world! Help each one of us in this time of disillusionment and distress. Jesus, the wind and the waves still know Your Name! Calm them, please. In Jesus’ precious Name.

Weekly News

Announcements 5-6: Problem B: Bad Moon Rising Solution

This will be the last Thursday email from POTW for the 2020 – 2021 school year. There is no new problem today.

The CEMC is excited to announce The Canadian Junior Team Mathematics Challenge; a new team activity for Grade 6, 7, and 8 students! Students will work together, in teams of 4, to solve math problems, complete puzzles, and participate in math relays. The materials will be emailed, at no cost, to interested teachers on June 1, 2021. For more information, and to sign up to receive the materials in June, please visit the following link: https://uwaterloo.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9TtL6smfHXkwtLg.

A link to the solution to last week’s problem is included in this email. We need to use the definition of the terms mean and median.

Check out our website at http://www.cemc.uwaterloo.ca/resources/potw.php over the summer. The problem / solution archive will be updated in late August. Look around the website – you will find many useful resources.

Have a wonderful day, an amazing June, July and August, and happy problem solving.  

Solution from Last Week


Weekly News

His Peace

Dear Friends and Parents, 
Thank you all for your help in making the PUDO on Friday go very smoothly! It was really nice to chat with so many of you! We are praying for you and your children as you press on through these times.
 
How valuable is peace to us? To our world? Considering that nations spend billions on defences (and for offensives), it does seem that at some level the world values peace. Think about how most people avoid conflict at all costs, and if they don’t, how costly it is! What about inner peace – peace with God? The thing about inner peace is that it is a core level peace. Everyone knows that one cannot simply apply drywall “mud” over rot or mould or a hole in a wall without first addressing the core problem. There are no lasting shortcuts. So it is with true peace: the heart must be renewed, and peace must be given to you. It must be received by faith. So says Jesus in John 14:27: Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

With only 7 weeks to go, let’s reflect on how we can all spread the word about ACCS: what would help you do that better? Is there more we could be doing to spread the word? One way is to add your business card to the yearbook so we can support each other. Another way is to get on board with the yearbook, and make it our best ever. Then use it to showcase ACCS to your friends. Any other ideas?

Have you left your testimonial on the ACCS website? Here is one: 
So happy we found ACCS! As a homeschool family (with a small amount of time in the public school system), we are very pleased with our experiences so far at ACCS! The communication between parents and staff is excellent. It is clear that we’re all in this together. The rates are quite affordable, thanks to all the volunteers! We love that there’s a music program (vocals and instruments) and that ACCS strives to stay away from worldly songs. It’s hard to find a school which focuses on gospel and classical selections nowadays. We have a child with Down Syndrome and there is no better place for her than ACCS, thanks to her amazing teachers, EA, volunteers and classmates! Go to www.allistonccs.com/testimonials/ to leave yours!

Would you put it like this? “The job of an educator is to teach students to see the vitality in themselves.” — Joseph Campbell

Would you like to help with marking for a teacher after school or even during school? Contact the office at info@allistonccs.com or (705) 434-2227 if interested.

Prayer Corner: Do you appreciate it when other Christians pray for our country? This week, let’s pray for  Nepal.
Father God, I pray for fractured families: for those who have gone through the trauma of divorce; for children who are growing up without a father; for single moms who face the challenge of parenting alone. I pray that You will bring comfort and direction to all who feel unloved. Stir the hearts of Your people that we may be agents of love and hope; that we will seek Your plans for our role in Your kingdom and in our culture. Give us courage to speak the truth in love. May our lifestyle demonstrate that we are followers of Christ. Unrelated to that, we also want to lift up to You Mrs. Aelick (one of our Office Reception and Administrative Assistants). Thank You for her enthusiasm and hard work! Thank You also for hard-working students who do their best for You, even in these tough times. Strengthen us all and give us Your true peace. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Weekly News

His Faithfulness

Dear Families,
A few important notes to start:
1. Friday, May 7 is a PD Day, so no school for students. We will hold a Pick-up and Drop-off (PUDO) on the same day. Please come by the school between 2-4PM on Friday, May 7. Bring any work teachers have requested for marking. Teachers will have any additional material ready for you.
2. The bike trip that a few families were organizing, is still a go IF restrictions allow. Organizers will keep you posted if you have signed up. It is not a school event. 
3. We are all optimistic that things will return to normal after May 20. We will let you know as soon as we have solid information.

This week is Teacher Appreciation Week. What better time to reflect on God’s faithfulness? 1 Corinthians 1:9 reminds us that “God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.” The word “called” there is striking. It is a divine summons type of call, not a come if you feel like it invitation. God is faithful to His own cause and to His Word. We should not doubt His faithfulness when we experience losses or disappointments, for though He does care for His own, His purposes transcend ours. The encouragement in this verse is that His commitment to His own promises is unfailing. In following Him, we will not be disappointed.

Have you left your testimonial on the ACCS website? Here’s one: Valuable Education! I attended ACCS many years ago and am thankful for the education I received. I was able to receive a Christ-centred education that shaped many of the values that I have today. The quality of education was far ahead of the public curriculum in math and science. The family-like atmosphere was one of my favourite things, everyone knew, cared for, and supported each other. Go to www.allistonccs.com/testimonials/ to leave yours!

Have you heard? Atheists are redefining ‘atheism’—shifting the goal posts. But why? Many modern atheists insist atheism is merely a passive lack of belief in God, rather than an active disbelief. But this re-definition is both disingenuous and illogical. As for general trivia about Canada, did you know … A bald eagle can see 4-7 times better than humans (though not just in Canada) and they have been recorded doing 160 km/h dives!

Would you put it like this? “The important thing in life is not the triumph but the struggle.” — Pierre de Coubertin

Prayer Corner: Let this prayer video lead you in prayer for this country this week:  Taiwan.
Dear Heavenly Father,  We come to You today as a humble people desperate for Your supernatural intervention on behalf of our beloved nation. First, we thank You for all the blessings You have bestowed on our land, blessings that have allowed us to bring so much good and benefit to not only our own citizens but also to the rest of the world. We acknowledge Your kindness in giving us Your patience with us in all our weaknesses, failings and challenges. 
Enable us, by Your Spirit, to no longer be “secret agent Christians” but rather to publicly declare and live out Your truth in a spirit of love so that You are welcome in our country once again. We uphold Miss Eade (our Grade 7/8 teacher, coach and Student Parliament liaison). Thank You for her! Bless, empower and guide her.
In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Weekly News