Principal’s Corner | November 9, 2018

November 9, 2018 by

Dear BCA Families,

This week in Chapel I introduced Jesus’ statement, “I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved” John 10:9. This statement was written at a time when sheep and shepherds were familiar to everyone. The shepherd had an important role of keeping the sheep safe in their pens.

The sheep pens were caves, sheds, or open areas surrounded by walls made of stones or branches. The shepherd often slept in the pen to protect the sheep. Just as a shepherd cares for his sheep, Jesus, the Good Shepherd, cares for his flock (those who follow him).

In the sheep pen, the shepherd functioned as a gate, letting the sheep in and protecting them. This reminds us that Jesus is the gate to God’s salvation for us.

John 14:6, I am the way and the truth and the life, no one comes to the father except through me”
When we invite Jesus in to our lives, to be our savior He lives in us and as we get to know Him by reading His word, the Bible, we understand His love for us and how he wants to protect us from harm and guide us in living a life that is pleasing to Him.

It has been an exciting week around the school with final Tinsel Town preparations and as classes awaited the results of the jar contest. The winning classroom’s are the Grade 3 and Grade 8 classes. They will have a special pizza day in the next few weeks and that date will be announced shortly.

I look forward to seeing all of you at Tinsel Town tomorrow.

Tinsel Town Market - Nov 10 2018 from 9am til 2pm
Picture re-take day – Wednesday November 14th

Twin/Triplet Day: The Student Council invites students to grab a friend or group of friends and dress the same on Tuesday, November 20th. Be as creative as you can!

Remembrance Day Chapel on Monday November 12 – Please join us for a special chapel as Grade 7 students will be focusing on Remembrance Day in their presentation.

GIFTS Volunteer Program – We have had a number of parents asking about how to record their GIFTS hours. When recording volunteer hours the link is below.

https://www.cognitoforms.com/BurlingtonChristianAcademy2/BCAGIFTSENTRYFORM201820 19

*Please note the following about the form:

The form will only allow you to enter hours for the previous and current months – if parents fail to enter time beyond that they will need to speak with the office directly and request the change. This is in place as many people were rushing to enter time in the last 4 weeks of the year and it put a heavy burden on the office staff and parent coordinator Robert Grigsby.

Student Work

This week many classes focused on Remembrance Day during their art periods. See below artwork from: Isabelle and Lauren in Grade 7, and Juliana in Grade 4. 

Grade 6 students have been learning about Noah’s Ark during Bible classes. Katryna and Hannah’s ark is pictured below.

Grade 3 students took part in a pioneer picnic this week. They picked the menu themselves, gathered ingredients, and made everything from scratch. They enjoyed homemade butter, bread, caramels, biscuits, apple butter, potato cakes, and dried fruit.

Attention All Grade 8 Students:

Grade 8 Students you’re invited to Exceler8 (Grade 8 Day) at Hamilton District Christian High. Join us for an exciting high school experience. Snacks and hot lunch are on us! See you Thursday, November 22, 2018, from 9:30 am – 2:30 pm. Note that bussing is available for Trinity Christian School, Burlington Christian Academy, Calvin Christian School, Providence Christian School, Brantford Christian School, and Jarvis Christian School. Please let your teacher know you’re interested.

Parents of Grade 7 & 8 students please join us at Hamilton District Christian High Thursday, November 22 from 7:30-9:00 pm. Take a tour of the school, meet current students, ask questions, connect with staff and enjoy some light refreshments. 92 Glancaster Road, Ancaster, ON. No RSVP required.

Student Focus

Congratulations to Nicholas in Grade 5 who is taking part in the Nutcracker musical at First Ontario Concert Hall on December 8th. Below is the link to an article where Nicholas is featured. We wish you all the best in your upcoming performance!

https://www.hamiltonnews.com/community-story/8975438-dundas-resident-nicholas-mcclungpreparing-for-nutcracker-performance/

Filed Under: Brag Board, Community Outreach, Events, News, Principal's Corner, School Life, Tinsel Town

Principal’s Corner | November 2, 2018

November 2, 2018 by

Dear BCA Families,

It has been a great week of learning at BCA! We enjoyed meeting all of you at last night’s Parent Teacher Interview evening. We hope the night was a great opportunity for you to connect with your child’s teacher(s) and learn more about your child’s progress.

I have heard from a few parents about our after school pick up routine. I have addressed these concerns with our “on duty” staff and would like families to be aware of the expectations for pick up, effective immediately. I have heard and observed that many vehicles approach the roped off area travelling far too fast and once children are loaded in the vehicle, drive away fast as well.

After School Pick up Expectations:

When picking students up in the drive through lane:

  • Cars should be driving at a slow/safe speed of approx. 10 km/hr. and be aware of students at all times.
  • When loading children in to the vehicle, do so quickly so the line can keep moving.
  • Cars should not pull over in the JK/SK end of the school and expect their children to walk down the sidewalk to their car. There is no way for our staff to ensure the child gets in to the car safely.
  • Parents waiting on the sidewalk to receive children should be on the “children side” of the roped off area, not on the “parking lot side” as students may run down the sidewalk and fall in to traffic.
  • If parking the car, parents should get out of the car and come to get their children. Children are not to walk across the parking lot to get to their car.

Please note that the drive through lane is not a place to talk to teachers who are on duty. If you have to speak with a teacher, please park your vehicle and then speak with the teacher. Keep in mind that if wishing to speak to a teacher on duty, parents will have to wait until duty ends at 3:45 p.m.

It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas – In anticipation of our Tinsel Town Bazaar on November 10th our wonderful parent volunteers have been busy decorating the school! As you can imagine there is much excitement for students. You can see from the sign-up sheet, below that there is plenty of room for you if you are considering volunteering at this event. It is going to be a fantastic event next Saturday and we hope you can join us!

Tinsel Town Market - Nov 10 2018 from 9am til 2pm

PARENT WORKSHOP – CAREER EXPLORATION

Last night at Parent Teacher interviews Matthew Bean and Martene Puskarova were promoting programs that may be of interest to our families. Here is more information:

On Thursday, November 22nd at 7pm, BCA will be host to a free parent workshop entitled “Supporting Your Teen’s Career Exploration.” This will be relevant to parents with children in grade 4 and older. Mr. Bean from Foundations Career Coaching, who was at the parent-teacher interview night last night, will be here to give a FREE 45 minute workshop that will include a discussion, presentation and Q&A. If you are interested, please register at:

 http://www.foundationscareercoaching.ca/parent-workshop

AFTER SCHOOL FRENCH CLUB

Thank you Dear Parents of BCA! It was a pleasure meeting everyone at the After School French Club Open House during the BCA Interviews held on November 1/18. It was exciting to see some of the BCA students engaged in French Arts&Crafts and Mini French Robot Tech activities!

In the next two weeks we will be launching our After School French Club on campus @BCA! Our mission within our French Club is to empower our students’ French language skills and learner confidence through innovation, creativity and exploration! As day-time Ontario Certified French Teachers the team was inspired to go beyond the classroom and into the community to encourage the passion and enrichment of the French language in authentic & creative 21st Century learning contexts!

This French Programme is suitable for Grades JK- Grade 8. For more information please feel free to visit our Programme Details via following link:

https://www.unesmartacademie.com/burlington-christian-school.html

We plan to launch the French Programme the week of November 12,2018.

Registrations are currently open via following link:

https://www.unesmartacademie.com/enrollment-form.html

Filed Under: Community Outreach, Events, French Club, News, Principal's Corner, School Life, Tinsel Town

Principal’s Corner | October 26, 2018

October 26, 2018 by

Next Door Social Space

Dear BCA Families,

Our week started with a visit from Angie Chrichton, site director of Next Door Social Space  who shared during our chapel time about the different outreach programs Next Door offers to the local Warwick community in Aldershot. Breakfast and lunch programs, sewing classes, coffee mornings, community garden, bolus ball hockey league, community bike shop are just a few of the programs Next Door offers to families in need. It is good to know that we can support the ministries of this organization knowing the good work they do in the community.

Fall Festival

We are very excited about next Wednesday’s fall festival event for all students. Students will be placed in mixed grade groups and participate in many outdoor events including scavenger hunts and races. This will take place in the afternoon. Parents are invited to come out and cheer on students! It will be a casual day, with students dressing in fall colours.

Report Cards and Parent Teacher Interviews

Next Wednesday progress reports will go home with students. Please be sure to sign up for parent teacher interviews with your children’s teacher(s).

To schedule your appointments, please CLICK HERE . Interviews will be held on Thursday November 1st, 2018.

Please note, for Grade 6-8 students, session 1 reports for senior programs were sent home with students this week.

Tinsel Town | November 10, 2018

Only 15 more sleeps to go!!

Tinsel Town is rapidly approaching

and we need your help to make this event a success!

Jars, jars and more jars… keep those jars coming…every day!

Upcoming Crazy Sock Day and Casual Day for Tinsel Town

We would love more jars, to fill the kids most favourite room! Please send in: items for jars, filled jars or money so we can purchase jar items. If students bring in jar items on Thursday Nov 1st they can wear crazy socks to school that day.

If students bring in jar items on Monday Nov 5th they can dress in casual clothes.

So far Grade 3 has the lead in the jar competition for a class pizza party! This could be the jar that puts your class in the lead! Nov 7th is last day to help your class win a pizza party. Good luck everyone!

Silent Auction

If anyone has a business or knows a business that might be willing to donate, please ask them, or let us know and we can contact them. This is one of our major fundraising elements of the event, but without donations, we have nothing to bid on! For every large donation you can rustle up, you will be entered into a draw to win a $50 Cineplex Gift Card and a $50 Bon Appetit Restaurant Gift Card. A thank you for all your help! Just drop them off at the office and register your ballot. Some of our donations so far include: 4 Aladdin pantomime tickets, $80 gift certificate to Confundrum Escape Room, Art Classes at Creative Hub, a month of swimming lessons at Goldfish Oakville, exquisite jewelry and hand-finished furniture.

Donations due by Nov 5th!

Silent Auction Themed Baskets

We are also asking each family to donate something small to one or more of our themed baskets. Save money & shop at home… have an unused gift card, duplicate birthday present? Crafts supplies you haven’t opened? Food treats waiting for a special occasion? Maybe something you won but don’t want or need? Gifted Christmas decorations or goodies the elves brought last year? If its BNIB (brand new and in the box)? Bring it in!

Our themes include: Furry Friends (Pets Basket), Arts & Crafts & more, Sweet & Savoury Gourmet Food, Christmas Wonderland, Toys & Games and Gift Card Frenzy. With everyone donating a small item, we can generate some amazing baskets that everyone will want to bid on! Donations due by Nov 5th!

Used Books for the Book Sale

De-clutter and make room for Christmas – bring in your gently used kids’ books, teen choices, novels, and non-fiction items to the front office!

Volunteers Needed!

Watch your email Monday Oct. 29th for instructions in how to scoop up some GIFTS Volunteer hours and enjoy a great event with our school community! It’s all about the kids and we couldn’t do it without you! We need you! Start your ovens for our bake sale! Cookies, squares, loaves, muffins, pies, cakes and more! Baking donations for bake sale can be brought in Friday Nov. 9th at drop off. Send it in a container from home and we’ll package it for you!

Looking forward to seeing you on the big day!

Your Tinsel Town Team

SOTA Staff News

The following is a message from SOTA teacher Sarah Shelley:

Hello SOTA families,

Music lessons are going really well so far this year and I’m enjoying teaching all of your children. If you’ve seen me recently around the halls of BCA, you may have noticed that I have a rounder belly compared to last year :). I will be having a baby in January and taking some time for maternity leave. All SOTA lessons will still continue as scheduled. Another teacher, Celine Cascanette, will be taking over for me until I return again in September. Celine is an accomplished musician and teacher in the Hamilton area. She teaches voice and piano at the Hamilton Conservatory of Music along with the Hamilton Conservatory for the Arts. Her bio is attached below. I’m happy to answer any questions you may have. You can email me at Sarah.Shelley@onlyatbccs.com.

 

Thanks

Sarah Shelley

Celine Cascanette:

Originally from Parry Sound, Ontario, Celine graduated with honours from the McGill Schulich School of Music in Montréal with a vocal performance degree in which she studied with Dr. Tracy Smith-Bessette. She has been performing in voice since she was five years old in classical, pop/contemporary, and musical theatre. While at McGill, she had the opportunity to be a chorus member in three Opera McGill productions, play the role of Dorcas in Opera McGill Horizon Project’s production of Thomas and Sally, hold two public recitals, and be a member of the Schulich Singers choir. She has also performed at Whispering River Orchestra’s productions of Handel’s Messiah and past Riversongs concerts. Celine has taught all ages and levels in voice,while also teaching beginner piano. She is currently an active performer in both classical, contemporary, and musical theatre.

Celine teaches voice to all ages and abilities and is especially passionate about vocal technique and helping students find their own unique voice. She teaches with a balance of music theory, ear training, rhythmic understanding, vocal technique, and repertoire. She believes all of these components are integral to a fine music education. Each lesson is tailored to each individual student as no one musician is exactly alike. Her goal for each student is help them become competent and well-rounded musicians, as well as fine singers. She also believes it is important that students also have opportunities to perform as musicians. It builds character and lays the foundation for confidence and self-discovery throughout a student’s lives. Celine desires to help each student reach their goals, whether it be an upcoming performance, RCM exam, or learning to sing/play in a way that brings the student joy.

Hot Lunches

To order a hot lunch for your child through Access Catering, Monday to Thursdays only, follow these registration steps:

  • Visit: https://bca.hotlunches.net
  • Select “click here” to register
  • Use the access code BCHL to begin creating your account
  • Complete the registration form and select “register now”
  • You will be able to add your child’s name and homeroom under the “students” button, as well as order meals for your choice of days
Filed Under: Events, Fall Festival, Hot Lunches, News, Principal's Corner, SOTA, Tinsel Town

Principal’s Corner | October 19, 2018

October 19, 2018 by

Dear BCA Families,

Report Cards

Another short week as today was a PD Day today for teachers to prepare their student reports Report Cards will be sent home on Wednesday October 31st with parent teacher interviews scheduled for Thursday November 1st from 3:45-8:45 p.m.

More information about signing up for interviews will be sent home in next week’s Principal’s Corner.

Collecting Food Items for Next Door Social Space

Please note that the “We Scare Hunger” initiative mentioned in last week’s Principal’s Corner will be taking place only until November 2nd so pleases send any food donations to the school before then. All food items will be donated to Next Door Social Space. Students can ask for food items when trick-or-treating or just ask family members to donate. Please help the student council SCARE Hunger!

BCA Picture Day

Wednesday October 24 is BCA Picture Day. The photographer will be at the school in the morning.

Student Work

Grade 8 student E. produced a great painting of an eye (below).

Student Work - October 19 2018

JK students E. and J. have been applying their learning about numbers from the Dr Seuss book Ten Apples Up On Top with their apple stacking (below).

Mad Science

Please check the Mad Science attachment with this newsletter and sign up for the Mad Science session starting Wednesday November 7th. This is always a popular after school program with our students.

BCA Fall Festival Event

Wednesday October 31st in the afternoon. Please see attached information letter with Principal’s Corner. Food donations requested.

Car Pooling Needed

If you live in the Brant Hills Area, Guelph Line and Hwy 5 there is a family in need of carpooling. Please email the office if you are able to help out.

Homestay Family (Still) Needed

We are looking for a family who is interested in hosting a student from China in their home from November to June. He is in Grade 8. Please speak with me if you are considering this and I will give you more information. You can contact me at heather.crossing@onlyatbccs.com

GIFTS Volunteer Program

We have had a number of parents asking about how to record their GIFTS hours. The link is now on our website under “PARENTS | Log your GIFT Hours.”

*Please note the following about the form:

The form will only allow you to enter hours for the previous and current months – if parents fail to enter time beyond that they will need to speak with the office directly and request the change. This is in place as many people were rushing to enter time in the last 4 weeks of the year and it put a heavy burden on the office staff and parent coordinator, Robert Grigsby.

Hot Lunches

To order a hot lunch for your child through Access Catering, Monday to Thursdays only, follow these registration steps:

  • Visit: https://bca.hotlunches.net
  • Select “click here” to register
  • Use the access code BCHL to begin creating your account
  • Complete the registration form and select “register now”
  • You will be able to add your child’s name and homeroom under the “students” button, as well as order meals for your choice of days

After School Sewing Club

Registrations due Monday October 22nd. Last call for an after school sewing club for 5 weeks with Colleen Difrancesco. The program runs Tuesdays October 23 through November 20th from 3:30-4:30 p.m. (not until 5:30 p.m. as mentioned previously).

  • Come learn a great life skill while creating a fantastic project.
  • All items needed to complete your sewing project are provided so just show up!
  • Project will be – An 18”Stuffed Animal! (This has been the most popular project with students over the years)
  • Students can choose a dog, rabbit or bear
  • Cost is $150 including all materials. Please pay by cash or cheque at the office. Make cheques payable to Colleen Difrancesco

Request to Support a BCA Family

My name is Julie W. and I’m the proud mother of MH and LH. On November 10th I will be heading to Ensenada, Mexico, to build a home for the disadvantaged people in this rural community. I’m making this journey with my father and 10 others to build a home for a deserving family. The house is being built for a single mother of 3 children that lives off $72 a week! They currently live in a small shed they built themselves out of scrap wood and cardboard for the walls, plastic tarps for the roof and the foundation is dirt. I’m reaching out to request donations of any size as every little bit helps! We pay our own flight and living expenses for the Mission Trip so all funds raised go back to the family!

https://www.gofundme.com/hearts2homes-mexico-mission-2018

Click on the link to check out past missions or to make a donation. Thank you!

Women’s Conference

Refresh, Restore January 19, 2019

When life disappoints, frustrates, hurts or just gets crazy it’s easy to isolate. But we aren’t meant to walk alone—in our joy or pain. Come and learn to delve into deeper community with God and each other, and take a day to be refreshed and restored. Compass Point Bible Church invites you to refresh.restore, a women’s conference on January 19, 2019.

Our guest speaker is Esther Fleece, author of No More Faking Fine: Ending the Pretending. Canadian songwriter and worship leader Brooke Nicholls will also be joining us. Women of all ages including junior high and high school students are welcome.

Learn more at www.refreshrestore.ca and don’t miss taking advantage of the earlybird price through October 31.
*See attachment with Principal’s Corner for more information.

Filed Under: After School Sewing Club, Community Outreach, Events, Fall Festival, GIFTS Volunteer Program, Hot Lunches, Mad Science, News, Principal's Corner

Principal’s Corner | October 12, 2018

October 12, 2018 by

Dear BCA Families,

I hope you enjoyed a lovely Thanksgiving weekend with family and friends. The weather has been great this week and today our cross country team is off to the CAASO (Christian Athletic Association of Southwestern Ontario) meet in Fergus and the JK and SK students are visiting Springridge Farms in Milton. It is great to have opportunities for learning outside the classroom.

Please take the time to read through Principal’s Corner this week as there is important information about upcoming events and school needs.

Homestay Family Needed

We are looking for a family who is interested in hosting a student from China in their home from November to June. He is in Grade 8. Please speak with me if you are considering this and I will give you more information. You can contact me at heather.crossing@onlyatbccs.com

Car Pool Request

There is a Waterdown family in need of transportation for their Grade 8 son. They live across from Sobey’s plaza. Please let me know if you are able to help out. They are looking for drop off at the end of the day only.

Collecting Food Items for Next Door Social Space

Some members of the student council recently attended WE Day in Toronto. They learned to think of others and not just themselves. One of the campaign initiatives suggested was to collect non-perishable food items over the month of October. For this initiative, called “WE Scare Hunger” the student council invites all students to collect non-perishable food items from Oct. 12th to November 7th and bring them to the school to be donated to Next Door Social Space. Students can ask for food items when trick-or-treating or just ask family members to donate. Please help the student council SCARE Hunger!!!

GIFTS Volunteer Program

We have had a number of parents asking about how to record their GIFTS hours. The link is now on our website under “PARENTS | Log your GIFT Hours.”

*Please note the following about the form:

The form will only allow you to enter hours for the previous and current months – if parents fail to enter time beyond that they will need to speak with the office directly and request the change. This is in place as many people were rushing to enter time in the last 4 weeks of the year and it put a heavy burden on the office staff and parent coordinator, Robert Grigsby.

Hot Lunches

To order a hot lunch for your child through Access Catering, Monday to Thursdays only, follow these registration steps:

  • Visit: https://bca.hotlunches.net
  • Select “click here” to register
  • Use the access code BCHL to begin creating your account
  • Complete the registration form and select “register now”
  • You will be able to add your child’s name and homeroom under the “students” button, as well as order meals for your choice of days

After School Sewing Club

Once again we are offering an after school sewing club for 5 weeks with Colleen Difrancesco. The program runs Tuesdays October 23 through November 20th from 3:30-5:30 p.m.

Come learn a great life skill while creating a fantastic project.

  • All items needed to complete your sewing project are provided so just show up!
  • Project will be – An 18”Stuffed Animal! (This has been the most popular project with students over the years)
  • Students can choose a dog, rabbit or bear
  • Cost is $150 including all materials. Please pay by cash or cheque at the office. Make cheques payable to Colleen Difrancesco

School Life

The SK Class enjoyed a hike with their teacher Mrs. Shantz where they learned a math lesson. SK students pictured look on with interest at something exciting! Below the SKs show everyone who lives in their house using people tracers. The trees were created by tracing their hand and wrist. See the town created below. What great work SK students!

Grade 4 students were playing a familiar song using their boomwhackers (musical instruments in the percussion family) during a music class this week led by Mrs. Bruinsma.

Grade 5 students led by Miss Bowler were working hard during a PE class working their muscles

Filed Under: After School Sewing Club, Community Outreach, Events, GIFTS Volunteer Program, Hot Lunches, Mad Science, News, Principal's Corner, School Life

Principal’s Corner | September 28, 2018

September 28, 2018 by

Dear BCA Families,

As we welcome fall I am thankful to God for all the beauty around us! Soon the trees will be in their magnificent fall colours!

Grade 4 students took advantage of the beautiful weather this week by working on their novel studies
outdoors. Our boy’s and girls’ soccer teams were in Brantford today participating in a tournament. As I write this the girls are playing in the consolation round. They certainly got the best day of the week
for their tournament.

We welcomed a wonderful guest speaker to Chapel this week, Pastor Chris Heise (father of four BCA students!) from Compass Point Bible Church speak on our theme, Jesus is the light of the world.

School Trips

There were several school trips this week.

On Monday students in grade 1-3 visited Westfield Heritage Village and learned about the past in an immersive, multi-sensory environment that made history come alive through hands-on activities and memorable experiences. It was a wonderful day and we thank the extra volunteers who helped to make our day enjoyable.

The SK class visited Brant Hills Public Library this week.

Today the Grade 4 class visited the Royal Botanical Gardens, Nature Interpretative Centre to learn about
rocks and minerals as part of their science studies. What a great opportunity students have to learn outside the classroom.

Upcoming Events

Bring a Friend Day

On Wednesday October 17th we will be hosting our first Bring a Friend Day event for the year. This first Bring a Friend Day will be open only to friends of students in SK-Grade 4. If you know of someone who is considering a switch from their current school please invite them to join us for the day. We offer a pizza lunch to visiting students and the BCA student who invited them. Please email Mrs. Hayward at the office if you are planning on participating in this event.

Open House

On the evening of Wednesday October 17th from 6:30pm – 8:30pm we have our first Open House event of the year. Please help us to spread the word to anyone you know who would be interested in learning more about our school. Attached is our advertising poster; please do print and distribute or ask the office for copies. We certainly appreciate you telling others you know about this event – feel free to post the flyer at your places of work and share them at your children’s extracurricular activities.

New Family Breakfast

If you are new or nearly new to BCA you are warmly invited to our New Family Breakfast Wednesday October 17th from 8:30-9:30 a.m. in the gym. We know your children are settling in and thought it would be a good opportunity for you to meet other families and feel more at home at BCA. We will
be serving a continental breakfast, coffee and tea. Your children are welcome to attend as well.

Tinsel Town Market

Save the Date! First School Fundraiser of the Year: Tinsel Town Christmas Bazaar at BCA – Saturday November 10.

Uniform Truck

DGN Kilters, our uniform provider will be bringing their truck filled with BCA uniform pieces to the school on Monday October 22nd from 3-6 p.m. so families can purchase items if needed.

Pizza Lunches

Thanks to Tracey Gee (B & J’s mom) for organizing the online pizza lunch program. Our pizza lunches will start on Friday October 5th.

Track and Field Day – Tuesday October 2nd

We are looking forward to a great day of participation at our annual Track and Field Day on Tuesday at MM Robinson High School track. The bus will be leaving BCA at 9:10 a.m. and returning by 2:30 p.m. We have a great number of parent volunteers and if you signed up to volunteer, you will be receiving an email with your volunteer assignment for the day.

Hot Lunches

To order a hot lunch for your child through Access Catering, Monday to Thursdays only, follow
these registration steps:

  • Visit: https://bca.hotlunches.net
  • Select “click here” to register
  • Use the access code BCHL to begin creating your account
  • Complete the registration form and select “register now”
  • You will be able to add your child’s name and homeroom under the “students” button, as well as order meals for your choice of days

Lost Uniform Items

Please be sure to label your child’s uniform pieces and check at home for uniform items that may not be your child’s. Some items have gone missing.

GREAT LAKES CHRISTIAN HIGH SCHOOL

Great Lakes Christian High School is a Christian day and boarding high school providing academic excellence since 1952. Our mission is to foster excellence in education while equipping students to SEEK, SERVE, and BECOME LIKE CHRIST. Being located in Beamsville, a small but vibrant Niagara town, 100 km from downtown Toronto, students are provided many of the necessary amenities but fewer distractions. Our students have an exceptional acceptance rate to the post-secondary school of their choice – not surprising given our small class sizes and that most teachers have their Masters degree.

Come, see for yourself, how your child could benefit from the Great Lakes Christian experience. Join us for our Information Evening on November 15th at 7:00pm, a Student Visitor Day on November 16th or December 10th. We’d love to introduce you to our community!

Call to make your reservation or better yet, make an appointment today!

Contact Ingrid Kielstra at 905-563-5374 x 212 or study@glchs.on.ca.

Filed Under: Community Outreach, Events, Hot Lunches, News, Principal's Corner, School Life, Tinsel Town

Principal’s Corner | September 21, 2018

September 21, 2018 by

Dear BCA Families,

Our week started with Chapel led by Mr. Cope who spoke to us about Jesus’ statement “I am the light of the world” ( John 8:12). He challenged us to be light bearers by showing God’s love to others.

It is wonderful to start our week together as a whole school. We usually start with school announcements before Mr. Cope and Miss Jaclyn lead us in a few worship songs followed by a speaker who speaks on our
school theme. This year our theme is the “I am” statements of Jesus”. At our next Monday chapel we
welcome Pastor Chris Heise (father of Ethan, Madison, Braden and Charlotte) as he comes to speak to us.

Parents are invited to join our chapels each Monday.

Track and Field Day

Students in Grades 3-8 will be participating in our annual BCA track and field day. This year the event will take place on Tuesday October 2nd at MM Robinson High School Track. We will be leaving by bus at 9:15 a.m. and should return to the school by 2:30 p.m. A permission form is included with this email and hard copies are available at the front office.

Please mark the date as we need lots of parent volunteers to cheer on students and help at the various events. Permission forms are due by Monday September 24th.

Friday Pizza Lunches – Information

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! The time when parents can relax knowing that up to 28 lunches of the school year are delivered to your child’s classroom. Our pizza lunches begin on Friday October 6th.

Our Friday pizza days are a fundraiser for the school. Profit from pizza sales go towards Grade 8 Graduation expenses.

This year, we’re trying out a different approach to the ordering process to make your lives simpler. We’re using online shopping cart software hosted by Ecwid.com. We are not set up for payment online so will be collecting the funds at the front office. Payment can be made by credit/debit card, cash or cheque.

**All orders must be completed and paid for by Wednesday September 26, 2018. Orders will not be
submitted until payment is received. There are no refunds issued, and orders cannot be changed after
this date. We order in bulk for the entire year in order to minimize cost.

The link to the order form is:

https://bca-fridaypizzalunch.ecwid.com/

IMPORTANT: Please place one order per child. ORDER for one child, then CONTINUE SHOPPING to add the second (third, or fourth) child’s selections THEN CHECKOUT your order. The orders will be grouped by classrooms. There are three main options:

• Hungry Options (for those wanting more than one slice with a drink and/or a snack)

• Simple Combos (one of each, or just 1 slice and a drink)

• À la Carte (one item)

Start Shopping

SELECT the option that best suits your child’s lunchtime needs. We’ve done our best to include as many
variations as possible. Two slices, one snack and a drink; four slices, two snacks… and so on.
After you’ve selected the Combo (or à la carte item) you wish, CLICK to SELECT each option (Pizza Type, Drink Choice, Snack Choice, and DATES).

The price calculates after the date is selected.

ENTER your child’s name and SELECT your child’s grade. The order will not be added to the Lunch Box
unless all the options, including your child’s name and grade, are entered.

À la Carte Pizza: More than One Slice

If you’re ordering pizza à la carte and want more than one slice, your option to indicate number of slices
is at the Your BCA Pizza Lunch Box checkout screen. You’ll see a “Qty:” dropdown option listed
immediately below the order.

Checking Out or Continuing to Shop for another Child

Once your first order is loaded into the shopping cart (or Lunch Box ?), you’ll see a prompt at the bottom of your order saying “Not quite done? Add another Child’s Order.” CLICK to select that option and shop for your next child, until you have completed all your orders.

All we need for your checkout is your email address. CLICK “And you’re done!” and, voila, your order is on its way to us.

You will be automatically sent an email copy of your order, as well as notification of your payment, once
received.

Accessing Your Order

If you need to access your order, you can sign in to the order desk by clicking “Track Order” which is
usually (depending on device) located below the combos. Enter the email you used to process your
order and the order desk will send you a login password.

Popcorn and Milk Sales

Students can buy popcorn or milk at the school. The popcorn is Kernels brand and sells for $2.00/bag
during recess times. Milk is $1.00 a small carton and students can purchase 10 for $10 or 20 for $20.
Milk is delivered to classrooms each day at noon.

Toonie Casual Day Friday September 28

Our first Toonie casual day is next Friday. Students who choose to dress in casual
clothes are asked to bring in a Toonie (or more). The money collected will be given
to “Next Door Social Space” which is located in Burlington on Plains Road, across
from Ikea. Here is some information about this organization.

At Next Door we seek to be good neighbours, particularly to those living in tough socioeconomic circumstances. We offer warm hospitality and supportive relationships, developed as we eat, play, work and learn together. The community we imagine is built upon the premise of trust and respect, and is welcoming to all.

As a ministry of ForestView Church we first opened our doors in 2012; an outgrowth of our work
with Compassion Society and Motel Ministry. Located alongside Compassion Society, in 2015
we relocated to our current site where we are excited to be a ‘next door’ neighbour to the
Warwick Surrey community. Since moving into Warwick Surrey, we not only operate out of our
storefront, but occupy community spaces offering, among other things, a ball hockey league at
the local pad and a gardening at the local community garden.

In Fall 2017 we expanded into the adjoining unit opening Next Door Kitchen – a space for
learning healthy cooking and sharing healthy food with one another. We hope that you’ll drop in
to join us!

Through our senior program service week in November our older students will be serving at this
location. Throughout the year we will also ask for donations for the various drives that they run
including: coat drive, protein drive and donations of bicycles. More information will be provided.

New Family Breakfast

If you are new or nearly new to BCA you are warmly invited to our New Family Breakfast Wednesday
October 17th from 8:30-9:30 a.m. in the gym. We know your children are settling in and thought it
would be a good opportunity for you to meet other families and feel more at home at BCA. We will be
serving a continental breakfast, coffee and tea. Your children are welcome to attend as well.

See you at the Flagpole

On Wednesday September 26th we will gather around the flagpole for the annual See You at The Pole
gathering. See You at the Pole (SYATP) is an annual gathering of Christian students of all ages at a
flagpole in front of their local school for prayer, scripture-reading and hymn-singing.

Parents are welcome to join us.

BCA Soccer Teams

On Wednesday September 19th, our boys’ and girls’ soccer teams participated in an exhibition game at
King’s Christian Collegiate in Oakville. Our teams played well and never gave up. We are SO proud of
their effort and especially their great attitudes and encouragement to each other! Way to GO BCA
Soccer players, keep up the great work! Thanks to coaches Miss Bowler and Mr. McDonald (Cooper’s
Dad).

WE Day 2018

On Thursday September 20, members of our school’s student council traveled to Scotiabank Arena in
Toronto to participate in WE Day. WE Day is an annual event that brings together world-renowned
speakers, A-list performers, and tens of thousands of youth to celebrate a year of action that transforms
communities and changes lives. Tickets to the event cannot be purchased; each year our students earn
their seats by taking one local and one global action. The theme for this year is “Get Doing” and our
student council is excited to take the initiatives that they learned about at WE Day and make them a
reality at BCA.

Monday to Thursday Hot Lunch Option

To order a hot lunch for your child through Access Catering, Monday to Thursdays only, follow these
registration steps:

  • Visit: https://bca.hotlunches.net
  • Select “click here” to register
  • Use the access code BCHL to begin creating your account
  • Complete the registration form and select “register now”
  • You will be able to add your child’s name and homeroom under the “students” button, as well
    as order meals for your choice of days

Community Events

If you would like to post information about an upcoming event, promote your business, have something to sell or any item that you think our parent community would be interested in knowing about please consider posting on our “Community Events” section of our Principal’s Corner.

If you have something to post, please send it to Teri Hayward at the front office office@onlyatbccs.com

Filed Under: Community Outreach, Events, Hot Lunches, News, Principal's Corner, School Life

Principal’s Corner | September 7 & 14, 2018

September 10, 2018 by

Dear BCA Families,

Welcome back BCA families! It has been a great first week of school and students are feeling more at home in their new surroundings. On the right, Julia from JK is showing off her lovely art creation.
It was wonderful to see so many families out at our Meet the Teacher Night and BBQ on Wednesday. Thanks to Christy H (Andrew and Sam’s mom) and Leslie and Alec M, (Kyle’s parents), for greatly assisting with this event.

Pizza Days

We will be starting our Friday pizza days Friday October 5th. Information will be sent out shortly. Lindsay M (Josie, Georgia and Trevor’s mom), is coordinating the volunteers and parents who signed up to help out with Friday lunches can expect an email from Lindsay. She is hoping to meet with all the lunch volunteers on Friday September 21 at 3 p.m. to determine availability of everyone and to provide instructions about the pizza distribution routines. There is still time to sign up. Please speak with Teri Hayward at the front office and she will direct you to the sign-up sheet.

Popcorn Sales

Starting on Monday September 10th students can purchase Kernel’s popcorn during recess times at the front office for $2.00/bag. The following flavours will usually be sold: butter salt, creamy caramel, ketchup, dill pickle, salt and vinegar, say cheese, white cheddar, jalepeno jack.

Milk Sales

Starting on Tuesday September 11th students can purchase small cartons of chocolate or white milk. Students can purchase 10 for $10, 20 for $20 etc.). Milk will be delivered to students at lunch time each day. We sell both chocolate and white milk. We keep track of when students receive milk each day, and will let them know when they need to order more.

Serving Initiatives at BCA this year

We are excited to be part of a Christian community with opportunities to respond to the needs of others through giving. This year, we will be partnering with two organizations: Mission Services of Hamilton and Next Door Social Space to educate students about the various needs of individuals. Here is a brief description of each organization

Next-door Social Space – is located just down the road from BCA ‘next door’ to the Warwick Surrey community in Aldershot. They operate out of a storefront, and occupy community spaces offering, among other things, a ball hockey league at the local pad and gardening at the local community garden. BCA students have had a chance to help out in the past with the community garden and with various giving projects including a coat drive, and protein drive. Please support the upcoming coat drive (see attached flyer). You can drop off winter coats, boots, hats and mitts to the school from Sept 28-Oct 13.

Mission Services of Hamilton – are a social services agency who believes every person deserves safe housing, healthy food, and opportunities for tomorrow. We have partnered with Mission Services for many years through food drives and student baking projects for the men’s crisis shelter. We will have a Thanksgiving Food Drive and will provide more information shortly.

Toonie Casual Days

Each month on the last Friday BCA students may choose to wear casual clothes to school instead of their uniform and if they choose to wear casual clothes they are asked to bring a Toonie (or more) to school that day. The Toonie will go to Next-Door Social Space from September to January and to Mission Services of Hamilton from February to June.

We encourage your child to be part of the Toonie giving, knowing what a difference that will make in helping those less fortunate. Our first casual day of the year will be Friday September 28th.

Uniform Reminder

Overall, students have been wearing their proper uniform. We will start to reinforce the shoe and sock policy next week. A reminder that students should be in BCA crested tops, not white or navy tee shirts. 

Uniform Policy – Footwear and Socks

  • Navy, white or black ankle socks when wearing running shoes
  • Navy or black socks or leotards (single colour) can be worn with skorts or tunics
  • Girls may wear footed navy or black tights with a skort or tunic. If the tights are not footed then they must wear matching socks to cover the bottom of the tights, to look like footed tights.
    Shoes should be solid black, navy or dark coloured, with no colourful symbols/stripes or other markings. No boots or high top shoes should be worn indoors.
  • Shoelaces should be dark coloured as well
  • For gym classes, any proper non-marking soled running shoe can be worn, in any colour. It is important that students have proper running shoes that can be tied (laced/velcroed) securely to avoid injury 

Staff Update

We are happy to welcome Michelle Wegman to our BCA staff. Michelle will run our Curtain Call program for senior students.

Here is an introduction to Miss Michelle:

Miss Michelle has been training in music and acting for as long as she can remember. She is a graduate of the prestigious Music Theatre Performance Program at Sheridan Institute – Canada’s leading music theatre program. She has had the privilege of training with some of the best instructors in the country, and continues to take workshops and classes to increase her knowledge. Miss Michelle has performed all over Canada, and has had the pleasure of being cast in some of her favourite shows. (She Loves Me, West Side Story, Les Miserables, Beauty and the Beast, Music Man – to name a few.) She has also spent the last decade portraying some of her favourite Disney Princesses! Being able to create a magical experience for all of the children she has met, has truly been a privilege. But her favourite role she has ever been given, is the role of being a Mommy to her little princess! The Wagman house is always filled with music and laughter, and since her husband is also a professional singer, lots of harmony too! Miss Michelle looks forward to being able to share her love of music theatre with everyone, and hopes to inspire all of the students she meets. Her positive energy and attitude allows the ability to build confidence and have fun!

SOTA Lessons

Registration is still open for our SOTA (School of the Arts) private music lessons. Lessons begin the week of September 24th. Please see the registration package attached with this email.

GIFTS Volunteer Opportunities

We have had a number of parents volunteering already and want you to know how to record your volunteer hours. The new link is:

https://www.cognitoforms.com/BurlingtonChristianAcademy2/BCAGIFTSENTRYFORM20182019

*Please note the following about the form:

The form will only allow you to enter hours for the previous and current months – if parents fail to enter time beyond that they will need to speak with the office directly and request the change. This is in place as many people were rushing to enter time in the last 4 weeks of the year and it put a heavy burden on the office staff and parent coordinator Robert Grigsby.

Hot Lunch

To order a hot lunch for your child through Access Catering, Monday to Thursdays only, follow these registration steps:

  • Visit: https://bca.hotlunches.net
  • Select “click here” to register
  • Use the access code BCHL to begin creating your account
  • Complete the registration form and select “register now”
  • You will be able to add your child’s name and homeroom under the “students” button, as well as order meals for your choice of days

Chapel Next Week

Chapel Speaker on Monday at 9:10 a.m. is Mrs. Crossing. She will be speaking to students about our theme this year, the “I Am” statements of Jesus. She will talk about “I am the light of the world” based on John 8:12.

Filed Under: Community Outreach, Events, GIFTS Volunteer Program, Hot Lunches, News, Principal's Corner, School Life, SOTA, Staff News

Golf Tournament and Fundraiser | May 2018

June 1, 2018 by

Filed Under: Community Outreach, Events, Golf Tournament, School Life