Kindergarten Chapel


One of my joys in working as principal designate is being able to pop into classrooms and be a fly on the wall. I get to see learning in action, relationships being built, and God’s kingdom everywhere.

Let me share with you a bit of what I experienced today.

My first stop was Grade 1 and 2

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/tcs-williamsburg/image/upload/q_auto,f_auto/website/100_5464_dv2n5s)
![](https://res.cloudinary.com/tcs-williamsburg/image/upload/q_auto,f_auto/website/100_5465_f6xipl)
![](https://res.cloudinary.com/tcs-williamsburg/image/upload/q_auto,f_auto/website/100_5467_lrn7sy)

They were having morning devotions. Miss DeKleine read a devotional and together they discussed what they learned from it and how they could build God’s Kingdom here. After, students shared things they wanted prayers for. Many asked for prayers for their grandparents and family members. Together they prayed for their concerns and for their day. What a blessing to see this group start their day with Jesus. They also added a number to Pete the Cat … the number 76. That is how many days they have been at school. You could hear the buzz as they got excited about how close they are to the 100th day of school!

I then headed to Grade 6-8 where Mrs. Geertsema was teaching math.

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/tcs-williamsburg/image/upload/q_auto,f_auto/website/100_5476_felvl7)
![](https://res.cloudinary.com/tcs-williamsburg/image/upload/q_auto,f_auto/website/100_5473_psedrr)
![](https://res.cloudinary.com/tcs-williamsburg/image/upload/q_auto,f_auto/website/100_5471_kncrql)

You could see engagement and students excited to be learning new things. The Grade 7 and 8 students were struggling with some thought provoking tasks, trying to do Japanese geometry puzzles called Zukei. They were struggling and some were getting stumped, but they didn’t give up!

The Grade 6 students were working on their Math Almanac. It is a resource that they create together and refer to often in their learning. When I asked a student if it was useful he said, “Oh yeah!” I experienced a wonderful culture of learning.

Finally I visited Grade 3 and 4.

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/tcs-williamsburg/image/upload/q_auto,f_auto/website/100_5481_k4gn9s)
![](https://res.cloudinary.com/tcs-williamsburg/image/upload/q_auto,f_auto/website/100_5480_w3oany)
![](https://res.cloudinary.com/tcs-williamsburg/image/upload/q_auto,f_auto/website/100_5479_tvj707)

You could hear a pin drop when I entered the room. All students were laser focused on their phonics. Mr. Johnson moved around the room to answer a few questions. They were working very hard and their determination was evident. It was also evident that Mr. Johnson and his students have worked hard to create an community of learners, filled with respect and joy.

What a joy to be a part of this school, God’s school.

Do you want to be a fly on the wall? Come to our Celebration of Learning, Wednesday, January 25 from 1:30-3:30 in the afternoon. Come and see learning in action and God’s Kingdom being built.


Fly on the Wall by Heidi Blokland


As we celebrate Christmas this season, our students performed “Voices of Christmas” which highlighted the reason for the season.

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/tcs-williamsburg/image/upload/q_auto,f_auto/website/kinder-nativity_jeuxap)
![](https://res.cloudinary.com/tcs-williamsburg/image/upload/q_auto,f_auto/website/happy-birthday_xew0yk)

Students from grades 6,7 & 8 wrote and performed monologues for the Biblical characters who were part of the Christmas story. We heard the students’ interpretation of Mary, Joseph, Angel Gabriel, the wise men, Elizabeth, King Herod, and more. (Photos courtesy of Nation Valley News.)

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/tcs-williamsburg/image/upload/q_auto,f_auto/website/voices1_sj75fd)
![](https://res.cloudinary.com/tcs-williamsburg/image/upload/q_auto,f_auto/website/voices2_all0qz)

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/tcs-williamsburg/image/upload/q_auto,f_auto/website/voices3_ad0yqo)
![](https://res.cloudinary.com/tcs-williamsburg/image/upload/q_auto,f_auto/website/voices4_x4j7nu)

Each class also performed along to Christmas songs, with choir singing, instruments, actions, sign language and finger lights.

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/tcs-williamsburg/image/upload/q_auto,f_auto/website/finger-lights_hei7l1)
photo courtesy of the Morrisburg leader

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/tcs-williamsburg/image/upload/q_auto,f_auto/website/song1_doheyd)
photo courtesy of Nation Valley News

A highlight for all family & friends in attendance was the entire student body arranged on the stage as they played a variety of instruments to a compilation of songs. Students played ukuleles, box drums, hand bells, boomwhackers, recorders in soprano, alto & bass, guitars, and rhythm sticks. It was a fantastic performance!

The video below is courtesy of Nation Valley News:

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/tcs-williamsburg/image/upload/q_auto,f_auto/website/https://www.facebook.com/nationvalleynews/videos/1222398351181295)

Various local news offices were invited to attend the dress rehearsal the day before, and there were great reviews written about the TCS Christmas Program. To see more pictures and read the reviews, please visit:

[Nation Valley News](http://www.nationvalleynews.com/2016/12/23/voices-christmas-heard-timothy-christian-school/) – “What does Christmas celebrate? They know at Timothy Christian School”

[South Dundas Inbox](http://www.southdundasinbox.com) – “That little school that could!”


Voices of Christmas


**Serious play** is happening in our classrooms. It may seem like an oxymoron, but …

Thanks to a generous donor and our Designated Giving Program we were able to purchase a class set of Lego kits. They weren’t just any kits …. they were **Serious Play** Lego kits.

![15109567_554943014696717_6297638384538179160_n](https://res.cloudinary.com/tcs-williamsburg/image/upload/q_auto,f_auto/website/15109567_554943014696717_6297638384538179160_n_al7orv)

Lego provides a hands-on way for students to show what they are learning and thinking. It gives them an opportunity to express themselves and think in a different way. Here’s how it works.

Step 1 – the Question

A questions is posed for the students to create their build about.

- What is your favourite thing to do in the snow?
- What is something you learned about Joseph?
- What do you think will come next in the story?
- What is is like in the rainforest?

Step 2 – Look and plan – but don’t touch 🙂

![100_4994](https://res.cloudinary.com/tcs-williamsburg/image/upload/q_auto,f_auto/website/100_4994_t2dyjk)
![100_4995](https://res.cloudinary.com/tcs-williamsburg/image/upload/q_auto,f_auto/website/100_4995_raevd1)

The students are given time to look at the pieces and think about what they are going to build. They are not allowed to touch the pieces.

Step 3 – Build

![100_5009](https://res.cloudinary.com/tcs-williamsburg/image/upload/q_auto,f_auto/website/100_5009_ju5hjq)
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![20161205_134430](https://res.cloudinary.com/tcs-williamsburg/image/upload/q_auto,f_auto/website/20161205_134430_irnjoc)

Without any talking, students are given time to work on their build.

Step 4 – Sharing

![100_5012](https://res.cloudinary.com/tcs-williamsburg/image/upload/q_auto,f_auto/website/100_5012_y6huhi)
![100_5003](https://res.cloudinary.com/tcs-williamsburg/image/upload/q_auto,f_auto/website/100_5003_ts8lxu)
![100_5002](https://res.cloudinary.com/tcs-williamsburg/image/upload/q_auto,f_auto/website/100_5002_tjtnbn)

One at a time, the students share what they built. They explain their build and why they chose the pieces they did to represent their thinking.

![100_5020](https://res.cloudinary.com/tcs-williamsburg/image/upload/q_auto,f_auto/website/100_5020_s1idnc)
![100_5015](https://res.cloudinary.com/tcs-williamsburg/image/upload/q_auto,f_auto/website/100_5015_kpxfmy)

Hands-on. Minds-on. **Serious Play**!


Learning with Lego?


On Thursday, December 8th students at Timothy Christian School spent time with volunteers from Timmy’s Place packing purses for Naomi House. For the past two weeks large pink boxes have been in churches and businesses around the community collecting items to help those fleeing domestic violence. This is the second time students and volunteers from Timmy’s Place have collaborated on this project.

![empty boxes](https://res.cloudinary.com/tcs-williamsburg/image/upload/q_auto,f_auto/website/IMG_1022-e1481510134234_kgbyhh)

Over ten boxes were distributed to Valu-mart in Morrisburg, Sherry’s Place in Williamsburg, and Mike Dean’s in Chesterville, a number of area churches, Timothy Christian School and at Timmy’s Place in Morrisburg. Items were collected on Wednesday, December 7th and packed the following afternoon. Purses include personal care items, notebooks, pens, etc. Sleepwear for women and children, winter wear, undergarments and other items were also collected and donated.

![img_1069](https://res.cloudinary.com/tcs-williamsburg/image/upload/q_auto,f_auto/website/IMG_1069_k6eh3l)

When students and volunteers finished they had packed 73 purses with more items still to come in. Last year a total of 30 purses were donated to Naomi House. It was an exciting afternoon seeing the purses fill and students passionate about making a difference in their community.![img_0006](IMG_0006_hklsab)


Purse Project


Mastery of Knowledge and Skills

High Quality Student Work

Character and Engagement

![img_20161201_113314704-1](https://res.cloudinary.com/tcs-williamsburg/image/upload/q_auto,f_auto/website/IMG_20161201_113314704-1_do2nz9)

These values are lived out daily in the Genesee Community Charter School in Rochester, New York, which is an Expeditionary Learning School. EL Education is a whole school structure that boosts student engagement, character and achievement. The model enhances instructional practices and instills a positive school culture by emphasizing a rigorous and engaging curriculum; an active, inquiry-based methods of instruction; and a school culture that fosters compassion and collaboration.

Alyssa and Heidi had the privilege of spending two amazing days observing classes, and attending workshops led by the staff of Genesee. We witnessed:

- intentional teaching
- engaged students
- beautiful student work
- gentle and caring teachers
- non-verbal behaviour cues
- respect for learning and others
- integration of dance/music/visual arts
- place based curriculum (everything they learned had to do with Rochester)
- evidence of field studies (not field trips)
- rigor and joy!

![img_20161202_113158205](https://res.cloudinary.com/tcs-williamsburg/image/upload/q_auto,f_auto/website/IMG_20161202_113158205_kxqzym)
![img_20161202_113028388](https://res.cloudinary.com/tcs-williamsburg/image/upload/q_auto,f_auto/website/IMG_20161202_113028388_prpji2)

![img_20161201_113543798_hdr](https://res.cloudinary.com/tcs-williamsburg/image/upload/q_auto,f_auto/website/IMG_20161201_113543798_HDR_rzthu8)

Our time of learning with other members of OACS schools concluded with a chance to connect what we learned at Genessee, with our desire to put Christ at the centre of everything we do.

![img_20161202_151426839](https://res.cloudinary.com/tcs-williamsburg/image/upload/q_auto,f_auto/website/IMG_20161202_151426839_hd41t5)

And now we grapple. Our minds full of new ideas and excitement for making Timothy Christian School a place where authentic learning happens and God’s kingdom is built.

![img_9538](https://res.cloudinary.com/tcs-williamsburg/image/upload/q_auto,f_auto/website/IMG_9538_fqkfv4)


Professional Development


By Monique Wissink, Manager of [Timmy’s Place](http://www.timmysplace2.com/)

My visit to TCS was a fun and informative one with the help of my tour guide, Kaylin. As I entered each classroom I was greeted by smiling faces. One little redheaded girl giggled as she waved to me.

![Owl Cards designed by Kindergarten students at TCS.](https://res.cloudinary.com/tcs-williamsburg/image/upload/q_auto,f_auto/website/owl-cards_udf54a)Owl Cards designed by Kindergarten students.

I sat down to have a chat with a group of children from the Kindergarten class. They were excited to tell me all about Snowy Owls that have big yellow eyes and claws that are used when catching mice. They also explained that owls have to be very patient and that they see very well at night. I noticed on the wall a flyer advertising their owl pictures that were made into greeting cards for sale (4 for a $1.00) with the proceeds going to the World Wildlife Federation.

Each classroom was bright and cheery and the atmosphere was so peaceful I didn’t want to leave. Kaylin took me through each room and showed me what the classes were working on. That was also my first experience learning how to play three chords on the ukulele and I found out what a boomwhacker is.

![Boomwhackers were one of the many new items purchased for students from a generous donor.](https://res.cloudinary.com/tcs-williamsburg/image/upload/q_auto,f_auto/website/Ruth-with-boomwhacker_dkfar4)Gr. 1/2 love the boomwhackers!

When I asked Kaylin what she liked about Timothy Christian School she immediately answered that it was like a family here and that they care for each other. Often the friendships that are made here, are for life. There is a sense of watching out for each other and then she talked about having two little buddies that she helps out.

![chesss-at-lunch](https://res.cloudinary.com/tcs-williamsburg/image/upload/q_auto,f_auto/website/chesss-at-lunch_wzsmz0)

At one point, I saw students getting up from their seats and turning on the vacuum and grabbing a broom to clean up after lunch. Even the little ones have responsibilities to keep things sparkling.

I was introduced to the concept of **_Kingdom Building Groups_** and how they develop their skills when working and problem solving together. They are encouraged to use their creative mind by doing hands-on activities.

**Timothy Christian School challenges their students**

**through a variety of programs and**

**gives these young people a solid foundation.**

![hannah-and-emily-recorder](https://res.cloudinary.com/tcs-williamsburg/image/upload/q_auto,f_auto/website/Hannah-and-Emily-recorder-e1480607075436_ug5qnx)

![k-playing-sticks](https://res.cloudinary.com/tcs-williamsburg/image/upload/q_auto,f_auto/website/K-playing-sticks-e1480607358702_ftt59s)

![lego-builds](https://res.cloudinary.com/tcs-williamsburg/image/upload/q_auto,f_auto/website/lego-builds_wprebw)

> **What a pleasure it was to walk the halls of Timothy Christian School and to meet the superheroes that teach our children.**


My Visit to TCS


Did you know that an owl does not have teeth, but it has 2 stomachs?

Students in Kindergarten and Grade 3-4 have been learning many interesting things about owls – the Kindergarteners in their Snowy Owl Unit and the Grade 3-4 students by reading _Owls in the Family_. Today the students paired up to explore owl pellets.

![100_4942](https://res.cloudinary.com/tcs-williamsburg/image/upload/q_auto,f_auto/website/100_4942_jbttqy)

Because owls have no teeth they have to swallow their food whole. It enters their first stomach where it separates the prey into what it can use and what it can’t. The nutritious stuff passes into the second stomach. The stuff it can’t digest gets packed into a tight little ball of fur and bones and then gets regurgitated by the owl.

That is what an owl pellet is!

Was it gross? Well…. read what some of the students said.

“_I expected it would be way more yuckier. We used white gloves as a protection of your hands. We used a probe to hold things down while using tweezers to pick stuff out. I learned that owl pellets are small and have lots of bones. It was also smaller than I thought and again, yucky._” Brandon

![100_4944](https://res.cloudinary.com/tcs-williamsburg/image/upload/q_auto,f_auto/website/100_4944_kb1ecf)
![100_4945](https://res.cloudinary.com/tcs-williamsburg/image/upload/q_auto,f_auto/website/100_4945_ykxs5u)
![100_4947](https://res.cloudinary.com/tcs-williamsburg/image/upload/q_auto,f_auto/website/100_4947_hon6gr)

“_Me and Bennett found a vole. we saw a skull of a vole and a backbone of a vole and a rat. The rat’s teeth were quite small but the front teeth were yellow._” Micah VG  
![100_4955](https://res.cloudinary.com/tcs-williamsburg/image/upload/q_auto,f_auto/website/100_4955_xiwu27)
![100_4958](https://res.cloudinary.com/tcs-williamsburg/image/upload/q_auto,f_auto/website/100_4958_cikubc)
![100_4948](https://res.cloudinary.com/tcs-williamsburg/image/upload/q_auto,f_auto/website/100_4948_dd2xby)

“_I found lots and lots of hair. The hair was covering everything but we still found bones. My partner was Nikkolas. Nikkolas said, when we got to the classroom, “I’m scared.” But when we got the owl pellet he said, “Woooo!_” Miriam

![100_4940](https://res.cloudinary.com/tcs-williamsburg/image/upload/q_auto,f_auto/website/100_4940_yfhc5u)

What an amazing creator God we have … one who creates amazing creatures like owls and gives them an amazing way to eat and digest their food.

We are thankful for the opportunity to explore and learn and wonder, all while being a little grossed out 🙂


Owl Pellets - gross, but cool!


- Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.\*

_Worship the Lord with gladness; _

_come before him with joyful songs._

**Psalm 100:1-2**

![img_9768-2](https://res.cloudinary.com/tcs-williamsburg/image/upload/q_auto,f_auto/website/IMG_9768-2_hcvl5c)

There are many reasons why students are taught how to play instruments at school: Playing an instrument helps students develop careful listening skills, teaches them discipline as they set aside time to practice, works on improving students’ memory and helps develop fine motor skills. Many more benefits are listed in this article by the National Association for Musical Education: <http://www.nafme.org/20-important-benefits-of-music-in-our-schools/>

And while science and research acknowledge the benefits of music in education, the Bible also has much to say about singing and music. In Psalm 150, we read:

1 Praise the Lord.

Praise God in his sanctuary;

praise him in his mighty heavens.

![img_9779](https://res.cloudinary.com/tcs-williamsburg/image/upload/q_auto,f_auto/website/IMG_9779-e1479693751518_elkcmv)
2 Praise him for his acts of power;![](IMG_9775-e1479694061500_ckpwjk)

praise him for his surpassing greatness.

3 Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet,

praise him with the harp and lyre,

4 praise him with timbrel and dancing,

praise him with the strings and pipe,

5 praise him with the clash of cymbals,

praise him with resounding cymbals.

6 Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.  
Praise the Lord.

In a recent morning devotional time, students in Grade 6/7/8 were asked to take out their Bibles and find a passage about singing or music. Students began flipping through their Bibles, some using the concordance at the back, some searching through the book of Psalms. We went around the room, each reading verses that instructed us to “Sing praise to the Lord,” or “Make music to his name.” Students were amazed at how many different passages we found. When we looked it up on BibleGateway.com, we discovered that there were more than 100 passages in the Bible that instructed people to sing and make music to God. Wow!

In the classroom at TCS, where our mission is to build knowledge and faith, we use music to do both of these things. In music class, we develop our skills as we learn new chords and strumming patterns, we reach for the goal of beautiful work as we practice over and over, and we learn about teamwork as we listen to each other, and as we recently had opportunity to play with the Redeemer Christian High School worship team.

![img_9754](https://res.cloudinary.com/tcs-williamsburg/image/upload/q_auto,f_auto/website/IMG_9754_qwtecs)
Running through the songs with RCHS. Lots of instruments involved!

![img_9774](https://res.cloudinary.com/tcs-williamsburg/image/upload/q_auto,f_auto/website/IMG_9774_ssig7p)
Our guitar section.

Right along side building our knowledge, we build our faith, as students chooseworship songs that are meaningful to them. In the morning, we often gather in a circle around the piano. We all sing, some pick up their ukuleles, we take turns on the shakers and the cajone. We raise our voices together, praising the God who created us, who is our Prince of Peace, who is our Lighthouse, who wants our soul to be on fire for him. These songs become rooted in us, filling us with words of hope and encouragement throughout our day.

![img_9538](https://res.cloudinary.com/tcs-williamsburg/image/upload/q_auto,f_auto/website/IMG_9538_fqkfv4)
Singing “Build God’s Kingdom Here” together as a class.

As I read through Psalm 150 again, I think of how the instruments listed are different than what we are using now, but the reason we are playing them is the same: Praise the Lord.

“Praise him with the ukulele and guitar,

Praise him with the tambourine and shakers,

Praise him with the cajon and piano,

Praise him with our voices.

Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.”

![img_9776](https://res.cloudinary.com/tcs-williamsburg/image/upload/q_auto,f_auto/website/IMG_9776-e1479693870182_rolch7)
Playing the cajon, or box drum.


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