Inspire! Bers No Matter Where They Might Live, As Well As Be a Tool for Advertising

ALBERTA ADVENTIST EDUCATION COMMUNICATION

Connecting Classroom, Constituency, & Christ Communication #19

case school events with photos for extended family mem- Inspire! bers no matter where they might live, as well as be a tool for advertising. Our schools are doing a good job staying cur- rent! (To be a part of any school, simply key in the name of The back page moves to the front! the school in the ‘Search for Friends’ bar. Select and Like This month my in-box has been pleasantly filled with and you can tap into Adventist education happenings!) delightful photographs showcasing all manner of activi- Thank you to each of you who have contributed to AAEC ties and events in our ten schools. From graduations to this past year and month. I love learning about what is hap- sports days to community outreach projects to taking the pening across the province and then sharing that with Alber- classroom outdoors and afield, the images demonstrate ta’s membership. We have a story to share and must con- curriculum and caring with tinue to keep ourselves in the pizzazz and passion. I forefront of educating our chil- am proud of Seventh-day dren/youth for the here and Adventist education in now…and for eternity! Alberta! It is fluid; evolv- ing and growing with I want to pay tribute to the Christ as the center and teachers, teacher-aides, and inspiration for each pro- volunteers who tirelessly con- cess, activity, and en- tribute hours and expertise in deavor. nurturing our young people. You daily “inspire hope, ignite Space and time doesn’t the imagination, and instill a allow me to recount each love of learning.” (Brad Henry) progressive step. There Students, you in turn inspire us with your zest and energy! is one use of technology that has taken wing in the past You put smiles on our faces and help us to age gracefully! couple of months which I want to mention… You are our “raison d’être” (reason for being)! Parents, your Facebook. This Social Media website does not always sacrifices to support and espouse Christian education are win popularity contests and certainly is a tool to be moni- not unnoticed. Numerous times you go without, you change tored. Six of our ten schools have, however, recently your plans, and you give of yourself because you believe in activated Facebook pages positively. They are informa- your children and the Adventist Education system. Thank tive and showcase a plethora of learning activities being you for the value that you place upon education, your chil- experienced by our children/youth. As I pursued the dren, and Alberta’s Adventist education staff! Without each accounts, it was challenging to leave their page because of you our schools cease to exist! of the interesting features. May we continue to be inspired by choosing Christian edu- A school Facebook account can provide day-to-day infor- cation until Jesus Himself reclaims His jewels! mation for students and their parents. It can also show-

Inside this issue: Be inspired by the picture exposes Inspire! 1 and snippets that follow... Outdoor School 2,3

This ‘n’ That 4-7

Retirement 8 P AGE 2

School Outdoor

Each year Grade 5 & 6 students from Alberta Adventist schools gather at Foothills Camp in Alberta’s parkland area for fellowship, fun, and amazing learning experiences in fresh air, sun- shine…and sometimes raindrops and wind. They come prepared and one never hears grum- bling and complaining. They sleep well, eat well, play well…and in general live life to its full- est. This year 121 students from all ten schools spent three days at the end of May. During the three days each student cycled through the nine exploration topics: Historical Trading Post, River Rush (determining speed and volume of the river), Marsh Monsters—pond ecolo- gy, Wired (electricity), Bubble-ology, Tracking Clues, Planter Manufacturing—crafting a wood- en planter, Float a Boat (groups made boats to race the final day), and LOG—log dissections.

The highlight of the time was the auction on Day One where each group purchased with Out- door School (OS) money items such as pool noodles, tape, wood, foam etc to craft their boats for the final boat race. It was a lively auction as the students made decisions about how to manage their money to create the best possible boat. The OS money had pictures of the leaders Kevin Kiers, Scott Sackett, former Pastor Steve Reasor, and teacher, Steven Gabrys. Despite imperfect weather, the final boat race was a screaming success.

Thank you one and all! Relive great moments through the pictures.

Toting the boat.

Auctioning supplies. The Race!

Just look at that backdrop! Can you think of a more majestic setting in which to praise God? And look at all those participants! Singing and playing...what an opportunity!

Eager “Marsh Monsters” investigated pond life. There were many oo-s and ah-s to be heard as a whole new world was discovered in the pond. P AGE 3

Each year students craft a project...often of wood. This year they built planters and completed the project with pansy plants.

Wired...just right! Meticulous details to be achieved.

What’s more fun than bubbles?

Following the tracks! Studying the log Bargaining tools at dissections. the Trading Post.

Determining the speed and volume of the river was COLD, wet, muddy….and fun!

And who wouldn’t opt for a class in Bubble-ology?

You can be certain that in 2015 a whole new group Plenty of fresh air and enthusiasm of enthusiastic Grade 5/6 in this outdoor classroom! We students will be running invite readers who have skills to back to Foothills Camp for offer to contact Janet Griffith (403- three days of Outdoor 342-5044, Ext. 214). OS is held School. If you’re in that the last week in May. grade category, you can join them! P AGE 4 Curricula Moments... Curriculum must be constantly in the forefront...always providing the ultimate opportunities for our children...giving them the best of the best. The “best” isn’t always staged in elaborate facilities with the highest technology. As I re- viewed and selected the submissions, I swelled with pride, knowing that God is glorified daily. Drink deeply as you peruse the submissions. Each speaks for itself!

Grade One students at College Heights Christian School participated in the annual Pioneer School Day on May 8, 2014. A classroom was transformed to look like a one- room school house with boys sitting on one side, and girls on the other side. Students came dressed in period clothing, and each brought a vegetable to add to the class soup pot for lunch. Slates and simple alphabet lesson booklets were used to learn the three Rs. At re- cess the students played Drop the Hankie. They tried to master Jacks, Button and String Spinners, and Jacob's Ladder toys. The teacher was strict and students needed to be on their best behaviour, just as in pioneer times. Even before the school day ended, students already asked if they could have another day of pioneer school because it had been so much fun.

by Tarja Lee Grade One teacher at CHCS

Boats & Buoyancy Gr. 2 Science at CHCS Abstract Art—PACeS

Kiana-Gr. 11 Amanda-Gr. 12

The race is on!

Danial-Gr. 12 P AGE 5

It makes me worry I want to pull my hair out Finals made to kill

Haiku By Kiana, Jagged Edges

Grade 11, PACeS student Me and my imperfections I have lots of them They are pokey enough to slice through plastic But yet, they are welcomed They are always welcomed into a lovely lock I have tried other locks but it just hurts too much to try that It seems Like the lock is always there for me And my imperfections

Persona Poem By Rachel, Grade 11, PACeS student

Choral Project

The grade 5-8 choral students at Coralwood Adventist Academy were given the opportunity to create, compose, and perform their own original music. Under the direction and guidance of their music teacher, Colin Forde, the students worked in groups to write their own lyrics. Every song that was written has a positive Christian message. They also received guidance and advice from professional recording artist and Coralwood alumnus, Daniela Andrade. They collaborated with Mr. Forde to add music to the lyrics. After weeks of fine tuning and practice, the students went into Resonate Studios in Edmonton to record their songs. For most of them it was an enriching experience to see what the recording process is like. Sound engineer, Justin, was very helpful and patient with the novice recording artists. The goal is to put these songs on iTunes. All proceeds from sales will go to the music program for Grades 5-8.

Submitted by Colin Forde Coralwood Adventist Academy P AGE 6 SSCS Takes the Classroom Outdoors...

Sermon on the Mount… During one outdoor class, Eddie explains how worldly riches are like a plastic cup (without a bottom) of gold fish crackers. Riches may look good from the outside but they won’t last and you can't take them to Heaven with you. Just like you couldn't pick up the cup of goldfish and take them with you.

Congratulations SSCS ‘K’ Graduates! ...and into the community

The grade 6-9 science class visited Silver Cove, a rock/ fossil store in Lacombe.

More outdoor fun Akiera Arden

SSCS joined Cultural Celebration SMAS for a cooperative Sports Day experience.

Cultural Day at Coralwood Delightfully colorful!

Students from Mamawi came to share in the day. P AGE 7 CWAA HIKES Spotlight on Service FOR KID'S CANCER CARE! $5000+ for Ronald McDonald House The CHCS Student Association chose the Red Deer Ronald McDonald House as the focus of their fundraising efforts for the year. Many families at CHCS know of people across the nation who have used Ronald McDon- ald House, so this fundraiser received a lot of support. It start- ed off with a basket raffle at the school’s Winter Carnival, which raised $500. The next phase occurred during the whole month of May, with each class doing individual fundraisers. The original goal was to raise $10 per student, but that was quickly surpassed during the first week! The classes came up with creative ideas: ECS saved coins with the theme “Use Your Change to Make a Change”, Grades 1& 2 received a lot of support for their Skip-a-thon ($800). It was great to see these young students working so hard to make a difference, and being proud of their accomplishment. Grade 3&4 held a bottle drive, and had mounds of bottles to recycle for $$$. Grade 5&6 partnered their car wash with the Grade 8 car detailing services. Anyone driving by would have seen smiling, partially soaked students working away and trying to get cars to stop and support their cause! The Grade 7 class held bike-a- thon, and fought through sunburns and aching muscles to raise over $2500. The students were very enthusiastic, and participated in the various activities whole-heartedly. The whole school was filled with pride when they were able to present Patti Parker, Community Relations Coordinator from RMH, with a check for over $5,200.

On Friday, June 6, Chinook Winds Adventist Academy students, staff & parents hiked to raise money for a local Calgary charity--Kid’s Cancer Foothills camp hosted several Grade 7-9 Care. Our Hike-a- students from across the province to as- Thon occurred along Calgary's beauti- sist with a camp clean-up on June 4. ful Bow Valley River pathway. Many hands can accomplish great things! Students chose to raise money for Kid’s Cancer Care because they want- ed to reach out to our 'neighbors'. Kid's Cancer Care is a charity that helps support kids fighting cancer with As the sun sets on cancer camps, community education, the 2013-14 school family support groups and year, may your research. In total our school summer be restful raised $2,718.45! The Grade 2 class and return each raised the largest amount ($632); one to the class- Grade 1 raised the second largest room rejuvenated amount ($420.50) and the Grade 11 in September! class raised the third largest amount ($325)!

Weeeeeeeee…. had a great year! Life After the Classroom... Who is more in demand and harder to contact than a teacher? Sometimes it’s a retired teacher! And that is not a criticism!

From time to time I meet former teachers—now retired. It’s great to catch up and learn what is happening in their life. Thus I thought it would be interesting to connect and explore some ideas and events associated with retirement and retirees. I was able to secure responses from seven teach- Alberta Conference of Seventh-day Adventists ers. (I did try to contact others.)

Education Communications Let’s see what some are up to. Those I contacted have been retired for Email: [email protected] one to twenty-one years. Two individuals retired from the role of being a Phone: 780-387-4961 principal, while the other five were active in the classroom.

Things missed: *children’s drawings, energy, “light-bulb” moments, and smiles *the lively, bustling atmosphere of students everywhere; the feel of learning in the air *professional interactions

Things not missed: www.albertasdaedu.org *the early morning alarm clock *the long commute to work *grading essays (and other curricula) *meeting deadlines I asked the retirees what consumed their days. Here’s what they said: *Marion Deer is working with three schools in Belize—assisting with program planning, raising funds, collecting and shipping supplies, and making trips to Belize as time permits.

*Orville Ferris has continued his involvement with church activities, gardening, yard work, family, and grand-children. In retirement he has increased time for travel, a mission project in Belize (different from Marion’s), golf in the summer and hockey in the winter.

*Judy Gorbenko adopted a mission project in her own back yard—offering professional assistance at Sylvan Meadows Adventist School. To the mix, add travel to a warmer climate for a few weeks of the winter, time for the grandchildren, and time for quilting. “Some days, I just relax, read, cook, or sew.” In Sep- tember, Judy plans to involve herself in a technology class to keep her mind working and a-pace with the rapidly changing world of technology.

*Ellen Bell finds herself increasingly involved in planning and conducting travel tours. She loves to garden, cook from scratch, walk, spend time with family, provide care to aging parents, and dedicate extra slower-paced time to Bible study and devotional reading. Purging after 34 years of collecting is also a work in progress! There is no end to the ‘to-do’ list!

*Lorraine Popik spends a lot of time in her “office”—sewing and completing a myriad of crafts. When weather permits, she enjoys caring for their trees and shrubs. When weather is unfavorable, she makes time for a warm winter get-away. “How did I ever find time to work?” she wonders.

Muriel Huguenin abandon Alberta for British Columbia. She packs her days with hiking, biking, picking/eating/preserving fresh fruit in season, church involvement, and cooking new and healthy recipes. She and her husband take multiple mini breaks to enjoy their favorite spots in US and Canada. Recently she began playing the piano/organ for churches of other faiths and is help- ing to feed homeless youth in the city of Kelowna.

*Edith Fitch has been volunteering with the CUC archives for almost 18 years. One of her comments made me smile because it seemed in opposition toour usual picture of retirement—“My computer is synchronized with the one at CUC so I can work over- time and on weekends at home.” She also enjoys travel, needlework, and writing. Her “to-do” list is never short, but it is satisfy- ing! “Life begins at retirement!” My final question inquired about advice to those embarking on retirement. The answers were filled with sensitivity and over- lapped. Here’s the consensus: *Fill the chapters of your life with memorable experiences and keep Jesus at your side. *Continue to busy yourself with life and don’t forget ‘service’…it’s enjoyable when it’s slower paced and less stressful. Volunteering is the retirement career. *Finish all those projects you left undone…and go south for the winter. *The retirement years are wonderful opportunities to go much deeper with God. Get involved with a prayer/Bible study group. We have a little more time to uphold our families and those in leadership, the sick and the needs everywhere! *Continue to be the life-long learner of your working years. *Thank God for every day of life!

Thank you retirees for sharing and God’s continued blessings!