Canadian Adventist Messenger for 1998 - Vol. 67 - No. 03

28 Pages·2013·3.25 MB·English

Marta' 098
Finding
the Money
for
Christian
Education
HEART TO HEART
The .11_171:A1u Power
the morning, turn on the lights. Go to wake-up calls. It is during a crisis that
the washroom and take a hot shower, we begin to value what we have. Some-
use electric shaver, hair dryer, and curl- times we need to be shaken up in order
ing iron. In the kitchen, use the stove, to become conscious of how powerless
toaster, can opener, microwave, blender, we are and how powerful God is.
and refrigerator. It the home office, use Fourth, I saw how a crisis binds peo-
the telephone, fax machine, answering ple together. We realize that we are not
machine, computer, and photocopier. In islands, that we need each other. Our
the living room, use the TV, radio, individualistic society has created a self-
stereo, and clock. Before leaving for centered artificial life that crumbles
work, turn on the alarm system, press when crisis comes. We realize that in
the remote control of the garage door God's world we are all brothers and sis-
opener and leave. In the evening, use ters. People need people.
your vacuum cleaner, washer, and dryer. Fifth, I could not help but think
We are used to all of these manmade about another invisible power present in
devices, and we enjoy them. When elec- our lives that we very often forget: God's
tric power is no longer available, all of power manifested through the Holy
these modern gadgets(cid:9) Spirit and through the
Are we susceptible
are useless. We soon(cid:9) angels. It is supposed
It happened on January 5, discover that we can(cid:9) to a spiritual blackout? to control all of our
1998. The forecast was known, but get by without (cid:9) activities if we just
nobody was really prepared. Suddenly, most of them. We Are there spiritual ice storms let it work. Like
the blackout came. In that first day, shift from the(cid:9) that could force us(cid:9) electric power, it is
many were convinced that this would be comfort mode to the(cid:9) always there, and we
just one of those days when you would survival mode(cid:9) out of our comfort zone(cid:9) tend to ignore it.
have to get by without your hair dryer and soon realize(cid:9) The question is:
intothe freezing temperature
or microwave. "Hydro Quebec will fix it that to survive we(cid:9) Is it possible to
during the day, and everything will be need basically shelter, water,(cid:9) of alienation?(cid:9) lose it? Are we susceptible
fine in the evening," many thought. I and food. But in Canada dur- to a spiritual blackout? Are
was one of those, and I was wrong. ing the winter, a shelter without heat is there spiritual ice storms that could
As you read this article today, the ice also useless. So, your whole life is turned force us out of our comfort zone into
storm that hit Quebec and adjacent upside down just because of one thing the freezing temperature of alienation?
provinces in early January is fading into that failed: the electric power. That No doubt about it.
memory. I am persuaded, however, that invisible force that makes so many David almost experienced this when
for those who lived through those long, things work and affects so many aspects he committed a hideous sin. His life was
cold days without power, the memory is of your life. We don't see it, we just turned upside down. His "sin was always
still vivid in their minds. know that it is there. We only remem- in front of him," he lost the "joy of sal-
It is 6:30 a.m., and I am at my office ber that it exists when the bill comes at vation" and dreaded the blackout when
writing this article. Don't get the wrong the end of the month. he prayed, "Lord, do not take your Holy
impression that I come to work that What did I learn from this experi- Spirit from me." (Psalm 51:11)
early. Presently, I am sleeping in the con- ence? Many things. We should give thanks for the power
ference office. After four nights clinging First, I became aware of how much of the Holy Spirit in our lives. While He
obstinately to my freezing house, I was we depend on electric power. is still present with us, shouldn't we let it
forced to move. Today is the twelfth day Second, I also realized God's power transform us progressively in the image
of the blackout, and power has not been in nature. The giant Hydro-Quebec, of our Creator? God forbid that we take
restored to my sector. that boasted of its strength and might, it for granted. •
Often, we do not realize how much was brought to its knees with just a
by Nilton Amorim,
we depend on electricity. Here is part of stroke of that power. President of the
most people's daily routine: Get up in Third, I found out that crises are Quebec Conference
2(cid:9) March 1998 Messenger
EDUCATION FEATURE
Choices Parents Make
by Shelley Nolan,
Messenger editor
Do you ever wonder
what your parents' lives ning what we now refer to as our "pioneer era." To save on
would have been like if they hadn't had children? What career construction costs, Dad began building our house himself,
paths would they have pursued? Would they have had the with the assistance of my brother, an uncle, and a cousin. We
energy and opportunity to advance further? What talents stored our household possessions in the newly-built garage, and
would they have had the time to develop, what special interests lived in makeshift garage quarters and a camping trailer.
and hobbies would they have explored? Quite likely, their stan- We visited relatives in town once a week, where using their
dard of living would have been significantly higher and their shower was a royal treat. In October, it was a joy to move from
accumulated stress level significantly lower. the frosty garage into our house, and when we finally got
Often, we are years removed from childhood before we plumbing installed in December, it was the most treasured
realize how much time, energy, and resources our parents Christmas "gift" we ever experienced. Further details, such as
devoted to our growth and well-being. And we marvel at their carpeting to cover the plywood floors, came slowly over the
dedication, perseverance, and love. next few years. Many of our neighbors were living in similar
While working on this issue of the Messenger, our staff circumstances, for similar reasons, so we were a hardy, dose-
found that we were a bit short of material to fill the allotted knit community, sharing building tools and transportation to
space for our feature on finding money for Christian educa- and from CUC.
tion. So I jokingly said that perhaps Despite such frugality, two
I would end up having to write an incomes were still necessary, so
article myself. That passing thought Mom worked in the printing com-
started me reminiscing about my pany on campus as often as shifts
own family's history, and I soon were available and later joined the
accumulated an eye-opening list of furniture factory. She started in the
the many lifestyle adjustments and spraying department, but eventually
sacrifices my parents made over the the fumes caused such lung problems
years. that she transferred to the sewing
Their desire to provide their department, where she stayed for
children with a Christian education years. I worked in that department
began when we neared high school myself for one summer, spending
age. At that time, my father had nine long, tedious hours a day
advanced to the rank of school prin- sewing cushion covers, but I was
cipal in the public school system, and my mother was a full- fortunate enough to secure office positions in various school
time homemaker, after leaving a teaching career of her own in departments during the rest of my years at CUC.
order to raise children. The possibility of obtaining a Christian Dad, meanwhile, had more than just his teaching schedule to
education locally was zero, since the church congregation was manage. He spent many long evenings studying for correspon-
very small and had no children apart from our family. So the dence courses that were required to maintain his denominational
search for a new job and home began. teaching certification, and he spent other evenings working as a
Eventually, we moved from Manitoba to Calgary, Alberta, tutor for students on the nearby Indian reserve. In the summers
where the housing costs were double, Mom and Dad shouldered he worked painting houses, where frequently his customers
a large mortgage, Dad began bringing home a church school turned out to be fussy, suspicious — but nice — old ladies.
teacher's salary instead of a public school one, and Mom bravely When I transferred from CUC to an Adventist college in
re-entered the work force. After she obtained a position that the U.S., I entered the tuition big leagues. The Canadian dollar
would give her on-the-job training as a dental assistant, I vividly was at an all-time low, and it took the combined forces of sum-
recall her poring over pages of handwritten notes and diagrams, mer and school-year employment, government and school
anxiously memorizing tooth positions and instrument names. scholarships, parental assistance, and sizable provincial loans to
At the time, I wasn't deeply attuned to our family's financial come up with the necessary total.
necessities, as I had just turned 16, acquired my driver's license, When I asked Dad recently about all of the effort he and
and discovered the big-city joys of shopping malls. I remember Mom expended to keep us afloat, he answered in his usual
chiding my mother one day, with the carelessness of youth, for understated way, "We did what it took, and it wasn't that
wearing the same polyester dresses year after year. She gave me unusual."
a rather oblique look and said, "I wouldn't if I had the choice, Maybe so, but that simple statement is balanced by another
you know." from one of my siblings, who said, "It's almost too difficult to
The next summer, Dad transferred schools and we moved think about all that our parents have done for us, because we
to a house-less acreage near Canadian Union College, begin- know that we can never repay them." n
March 1998 Messenger(cid:9) 3
EDUCATION FEATURE
Finding the for Christiar
Students say: helped me out: the Polishuk, Trenchuk, at the college press. To me the work
Alex Tim, Kossovan, and Shipowick fam- experience was more valuable than the
ilies. I also got help from CUC staff and book learning because I came home
How do I pay for my education? I have many others. I'm thankful to God that I with many ideas, innovations, and short-
often asked myself the same question. I have found CUC, and for the people cuts. As a Christian, my years at an
truly believe that God cares for us when who helped me. Now I have an opportu- Adventist college made me proud to be
we cannot take care of ourselves. nity to study in CUC, and I will do my an Adventist. Later, as our children
Upon inspection of my school bill, I best in my studies and God's work. became of college age, they saved from
found that my average cost to attend their summer work. For a while it took
Oleg Lutso, theology student
university for one year is $11,000. I pay most of their mother's salary to pay for
this in a number of ways: $5,610 from their tuition since the three of them
I don't think of providing Christian
the Ontario Student Assistance Program, were going to college at the same time.
education for my children in terms of it
$1,800 from church matching ($600
being a sacrifice. Rather, it is a necessity George Morgan, Newfoundland
from my home church, $600 from the
or basic need, the same as having food (late 1940s, early 1950s)
Ontario Conference, $600 from CUC),
to eat and a roof over our heads. It is
600 from the CUC guaranteed-work
worth it because as parents we want to I worked as a janitor at Oshawa Mission-
ram, $550 distance scholarship pro-
give our children a greater opportunity ary College Elementary School. Later I
from the university, and the
to get to know the God we love. worked at the woodworking factory.
ainder of the funds come from sum-
Because I had to work so much of the
mer employment. Janet Brock, Alberta
time, I could pick up what I learned
There is no place that I would rather mother of four children
only during class time. This experience
be than right here at CUC.
proved to be invaluable, as it helped me
I and my husband, along with our two
David Nelson, religious studies major to develop good work skills.
children, moved to Canadian University
College from the small town of Port Helen Spracldin, Newfoundland
I'm paying the tuition for my children's Hardy, B.C. Gwa'Sla-'Nakwaxda'xw (late 1940s, early 1950s)
education from the installment pay-
(G-N), the band that I am a member of,
ments being made from the sale of my
has sponsored me to return to CUC to I did colporteur work for 10 weeks each
summer cabin.
obtain my elementary education degree. summer for several summers. With that,
Florence Ryan
A monthly living allowance, a portion along with work at CUC, I was able to
St. John's Adventist Academy (1997/98)
of my tuition, and books are paid by the completely pay my way through college.
G-N Band. There are three other Native I never had to borrow. This experience
I came to Canada in order to receive a students who are also being sponsored helped me personally, as it related to my
high quality Christian education. In my by their bands. If you are Native and career as a pastor. I also developed a
first college in Canada (Lavoy Mission- have a desire to go back to school, I closer relationship with God, since I had
ary College), I was studying for one encourage you to go to your band or pressing needs. While at college, I found
semester. That college was great in a sense reserve council and request financial the environment tremendously much
of getting knowledge about Christ and help. There are educational funds avail- better than earlier in public school.
the Bible, but there I did not see my able through the government. I am very Teachers, though not flawless, exempli-
future. I was looking for a college that thankful for all the help the Gwa'Sla- fied Christian standards. My only regret
has an accreditation, which would allow 'Nakwaxda'xw band has given me to go was that I studied and # ed too hard.
me to work in the different parts of the back to school. I should have t —Or(cid:9) re time
world as a pastor. When I was in Lavoy, Millie Mosher fora social life.
I heard from my friends about CUC,
Hodder, Neulbundland
and I started dreaming about it. Good My father promised me that he'd match 'Ps, early I 980s)
education is expensive, and I started dollar for dollar whatever I'd save for
thinking that this dream is only a dream. education. When I finished saving, he
I decided to leave everything up to God, had no money to give me. I got my
and answers came through the people training in bits and pieces. While I was
who were so kind and generous and at both EMC and later AUC, I worked
4(cid:9) March 1998 Messenger
Education: How do people do it?
Schools say: not the most important things — Christ- the school site. This facility would
ian education is. This past year has been include a large auditorium for physical
very hard for us because basically our education activities and school programs,
How would you like to make $900 in a whole church has been without work, a kitchen, a library, a computer room,
couple of hours and your kids do the but through it all we have felt God's and two additional classrooms for inst-
work? Does this sound like one of those hand. We are thankful for our school and ruction. In addition, this facility would
ads followed by the warning, "If it sounds the blessings God has given us. meet the many needs of an expanding
too good to be true, it probably is"? church. At the time of writing this
Shellie Shipowick
Guess what, it can be done! article, the school has been operating
Principal, North Coast Christian School
If you've ever been to a Stewart pot- efficiently for several months.
Stewart, B.C.
luck, you know how much we love food. Proceeds coming from a musical con-
Well, we used that to our advantage. We cert by local artists, selling of almonds, a
Some of our fundraising activities dur-
asked our nine school kids, our pastor's flea market sale, several social functions,
ing the past year have included the fol-
three girls from Terrace, and two friends and the operation of the citrus fruit pro-
lowing: a walk-a-thon to raise money
from town to bake one item each for gram help to finance a portion of the
for playground equipment, a sale of
our Kids Bake Sale. We got together one school program. One parent is paying for
dried fruit and nuts to support our
Saturday night for a silent auction of the her children's tuition from the install-
computer lab, a book fair to raise funds
goods. We made sure to tell everyone to ment payments on the sale of her sum-
for library books,(cid:9) a bake sale.
bring full wallets. Bids started at $10 to mer cabin. In addition, using donations
College H (cid:9) A ventist Jr. Academy,
$15 for a plate of squares, but as the from businesses, she has been raising
Alberta
evening progressed the prices got much money for the school program by pro-
higher. A plate of squares later sold for viding hot dinners to the student body
Our school has been(cid:9) d in a variety
more than $50, and a cake was sold for twice a month. Several individuals who
of fundraisers4elling(cid:9) ainment
$100! It was an evening of fun and are interested in the school give financial
books, selling lid 50-pound
laughter. It became a game to win the help to support students who are unable
bags of potatoes, MI organizing a cherry-
plate of goodies, regardless of how outra- to pay their full tuition. Another person
dale fundraiser for playground equip-
geous the price was. By the end of the has purchased additional car insurance
ment. As well, numerous people have
sale, we had raised more than $900, in order to provide needed transporta-
donated volunteer labor to work on ren-
with only 20 adults bidding (husbands tion to and from school.
ovation and building projects.
and wives bid separately). Parents are sacrificing to provide their
We also do the more traditional fund Coralwood Adventist Academy children with a Christian education and
raisers. We do citrus sales twice a year Edmonton, Alberta an atmosphere which is conducive to
and have done well on them. The ladies positive character training. It is hoped
divide up the phone book listings and As reported in the January issue of the that the education which the students
contact every person in Stewart and Messenger, Newfoundland recently cre- receive will instill in them a desire to
Hyder. As well, we brought in a Disney ated its first official island-wide public serve their fellow men and encourage
film to break up the long winter months; school system. That meant the abolish- them, regardless of what profession they
we advertised it as a community family ment of all church-run school boards, eventually pursue, to confront men and
afternoon. and — more to the point — the closure women with the love of Christ. Is oper-
This year we rented two tables at the of Adventist-operated schools. ating an Adventist church school worth
Stewart Merchant Raffle and Craft The constituencies of the Concep- it? We think ' is!
Show. We had four different fund rais- tion Bay South and St. John's churches
Edward Reimche
ing ideas videos, window stickers, com- organized a temporary school board and
ation Superintendent
mercial baking, and cloth gift bags. The obtained government permission to
fir Newfoundland
ladies spent a lot of time making eye- operate, but without government finan-
catching displays. cial assistance. The board chose the for-
Although we do a lot of fund raising, mer elementary school building to be
by far the majority of the money comes the site of the new academy. To enhance
from the parents. Sacrifice is the key the program offerings, plans are under
word. Vehicles, houses, and clothes are way to construct a gymnasium next to
March 1998 Messenger(cid:9) 5
A Day in the Life
(aka Goal Setting)
T here's never a dull moment at
Christmas was over, and January had arrived. On the first Fraser Valley Adventist Academy
in Aldergrove, B.C. Shortly after
day back to school, the students and I talked in Religious
starting work, I realized that no two
Studies class about vacation, rest, and, of course, New
days were alike or were ever going to be
Year's resolutions. After a discussion on New Year's reso- alike! Several attempts at planning the
lutions, I asked the question, "Are they practical for perfect, organized day have gone awry,
and a year later I have learned that it is
Christians?" and let the students write their responses.
impossible to plan the perfect day, espe-
Here is a sample of what they shared.
cially when working at a school.
Scott MacDonald It is precisely this unpredictable
Principal of Chinook Winds Adventist Academy aspect of my job that I like the most.
Calgary, Alberta
I look forward to work every single day
(except, perhaps, during the summer
months!) because I know that there is
There are many ways to help New Year's resolutions are practical
going to be something new and unex-
yourself keep New Year's resolu- if they are well thought out. I feel
tions. The first of these is to set that a New Year's resolution is use- pected in store for me. Of course, I have
reasonable goals before you less if you honestly do not believe my share of routine jobs, and that is to
attempt to achieve them. Saying you can accomplish it. Sometimes be expected in any kind of work situa-
you will never eat chocolate again people make drastic resolutions, tion. The challenge lies in juggling the
is unreasonable. Secondly, be per- which makes it nearly impossible routine jobs with the minute-by-minute
sistent in following your goals, for them to achieve their goals. distractions and surprises that come up
because staying with them is the This defeats the whole purpose of at any given moment.
only means to complete them. a New Year's resolution. I think A typical day begins with me trying to
Finally, ask for God's help in these that people should resolve to do get started on the jobs at hand — issuing
matters because He can help you something which is achievable. late slips to tardy students, answering the
break your habit or whatever your Resolutions are a good idea, giving phone which rings incessantly, directing
resolution might be. Also, asking us the chance to improve from the students to the lost and found section
God helps give you the assurance mistakes of the past and have a and helping parents and visitors with
you need to complete your goals. more enjoyable new year. their queries — All At the Same Time!
The day has only just begun!
— Christopher Ivany, Grade 10 — Tanya Dossa, Grade 12
The volatile nature of this position
keeps me on my toes and looking for-
ward to the next challenge. There's never
New Year's resolutions are practical New Year's resolutions are practical
a dull moment at .... •
because they often tend to for Christians because we're not
improve people's characters and perfect, and we need to change for
by Cheri Schwuchow
lives. It is sort of like a brand new the better. As Christians, we have
Administrative Secretary,
slate, a clean page. It is one thing an advantage over others: we have
Fraser Valley Adventist
to write down resolutions versus Christ in our lives, who can help
Academy
putting them into action. One has us. With Christ, we can do any-
to be sincere. If one is truly dedi- thing.
cated and focused on his or her
— Nick McKay, Grade 10
resolutions, with God's help
Christians will be able to make
them work.
— Michelle Hobbs, Grade 10
6(cid:9) March 1998 Messenger
EDUCATION FEATURE
of Two Church School Secretaries
Ring! Ring! "Good morning, Chinook Winds Adventist dents' appreciation for my work. Although these memories are
Academy, Diana speaking." With that, another school all special to me, my greatest fulfilment is derived from seeing
day starts. yet another student commit his life to Christ through baptism.
Throughout my life, I have always had an interest in It has been special to observe graduates as they continue
Christian education. As a child, going to church school was a their post-secondary education and/or start working in their
dream that miraculously came true. It took a lot of effort. Dad chosen professions. I appreciate the friendship of pastors, dental
worked two jobs, and we skipped on luxuries to ensure that my hygienists, psychologists, lab techs, and even roofers who
brother, two sisters, and I were attending a church school. attended and graduated from CWAA.
This love of Christian education continued into my adult Two years ago CWAA celebrated its 50th anniversary. As a
life. I met and married a man who is very supportive and former student and current staff member, I was quite involved
shares my love for Christian education. Together we deter- in planning and ensuring this weekend was a success. It was a
mined that Christian education would be a fundamental part pleasure to see many former students and teachers, as well as to
of our children's lives. We have three sons: Ken and Kevin have see how Christian education has influenced their lives.
already graduated from CWAA, while our youngest, Keith, is As the secretary/office manager of CWAA, I pray that the
currently in his junior year of high school. I have been secretary influence I have on students is
of Chinook Winds since Keith started junior grade one. positive and that another seed
The past 11 years at CWAA have gone by quickly. While is sown. My prayer is that each
there have been many obstacles to overcome and challenges to one will make positive choices
be met, a blend of supportive parents, staff, and several differ- and commit himself or
ent principals have made these easier to handle. In any given herself to God and His
day, I fill the roles of business manager, receptionist, registrar, work, and that Christian
bookkeeper, nurse, and yes, even mom. There are always com- education will be as
puter glitches to solve, money to be counted and deposited, important to them as
and numerous student requests to fulfil. it has been to me. •
I believe that what I am doing is very important to the
future of the students with whom I interact. That special hug an
elementary student gives me after I bandage his wound or
remove a sliver is priceless. The gifts and hugs I receive when I
enter a classroom are unforgettable. The high school student,
not my own, who calls me Mom after I have given him some
by Diana Straub-Clarke
help will always be special to me. Having the yearbook dedicated Chinook Winds Adventist Academy
to me and receiving gifts from graduates demonstrate the stu- Calgary, Alberta
March 1998 Messenger(cid:9) 7
EDUCATION FEATURE
Adventist Educators
in Public School Boards
CONTEXTS being human. They may be very differ-
ent from one's own choice of lifestyle,
The issue of differences and similarities
but at the same time they are dearly and
over what I experienced in Chinook
sincerely owned, with a set of their own
Winds Adventist school in Calgary and
traditions and conventions. This is not
what I experienced in Chief Jimmy
relativism, where one might say that all
Bruneau School in Edzo, NWT, was at
lifestyles are different and equally signifi-
the forefront of my mind when I read
cant and valuable. As Christians, we
what the French philosopher Gilles
must recognize that some ways of living
Deleuze said about cultural differences.
are better than others. The question is,
Blake Wile, a teacher Deleuze distinguishes between differ-
are we able to respect cultural differences
at Mildred Hall school ences in degree and differences in kind.*
in Yellowknife, Indeed, anything that I write below is as without making moral judgments about
Northwest Territories them? Can we give fair hearings to ways
much a reflection of culture observa-
which are unlike our ways?
tions (differences in kind), as it is
What is it like Christian thought. When one "goes into
the world," one is going into a world of
to be a Seventh-day "otherness"— other ways of being
which may be entirely different from
Adventist educator,
one's own upbringing. To go into the
world is not to go in an imperialist fash-
teaching in
ion but as one who seeks to learn.
Initially, I did not realize how strong
a public school board?
my own cultural orientations to educa-
My task in writing is not unlike tion were with respect to matters of
student progress, teacher authority, and
Griffin Wile (center) with Edzo friends
one of the larger questions the use of time, to name a few I soon
understood what Deleuze was talking
in Canadian multicultural about. The tendency is to view others as LESSONS
merely different in degree to oneself, as Over the last eight years of my service in
discussions:
opposed to existing as a different kind two public systems, I have come to
of being than oneself. My students' pro- understand several personal lessons.
Which is more helpful,
ductivity, their views of teachers, and
Lesson 1 — Coming from a very posi-
their sense of time were unlike what I
to speak about tive teaching experience at Chinook
was used to. Eventually, I realized that
Winds Adventist Academy in Calgary,
what makes us different these differences stemmed not from
I felt that in my new public board, I
either a lack of respect or desire to
might have "an edge" on caring and
or highlight that which achieve, but from a different view of
concern for the whole students' welfare.
"the good life" and at what pace it can
I discovered I had no monopoly on
we share in common? be experienced.
caring for student welfare. Caring for
I believe the Christian's influence is
students tends to be a teacher quality
limited when "the world" is viewed sim-
which is found in good teaching. I
ply as a place that is more or less like
have worked with teachers in public
oneself; where things that are less like
institutions who sacrificed for student
me and my ways are viewed as deficient,
welfare in amazing ways.
and things that are more like me and
my way of doing things are viewed as Lesson 2 — My minority status as a
acceptable. In many cases, these differ- Seventh-day Adventist did not set me
ent kinds of being are alternative systems apart from the rest of the community as
of culture and society — other ways of much as I thought it might. The same
8(cid:9) March 1998 Messenger
by Blake Wile,
Yellowknife, NWT
respect I have given to my speak freely about their moral views of
students and their families' unhealthy student lifestyles. I will not
orientations to life, I have soon forget playing music in the
received in turn. I have Catholic church in Rae-Edzo, NWT,
been respected for my rev- with my Protestant neighbors. After we
erence of the Sabbath and rehearsed, we retreated to the noisy
need to refrain from work. furnace room during the rosary to pray
My "dry" stance on alco- for our students who would be attending
hol consumption has been and the many who would not be. These
respected. Interestingly, were the times I felt on a mission —
the pluralistic circle which even called. By seeking to be an impor-
the community draws tant player in the school and community's
around various lifestyle overall mission, my opinions count
choices also includes con- Hilda Drybones, (right) a graduate of Chief Jimmy Bruneau along with the others who work for
servative ways of life. Regional High School, with her mother, daughter, and sister common good.
Inclusion and respect have I think of Jesus' parting words, "Go
been shown to me. inservice. Done. ye therefore into all the world, and teach
Two months later, I instigated round all nations ...." How shall we go? What
Lesson 3 — The Northern aboriginal two on the issue of Sabbath observance kind of Jesus will we express? How much
community my wife and I worked for
and its impact on my Friday afternoon of what we do is of moral consequence
appreciated my involvement in their
classes. Since the sun sets at 2:50 p.m. and how much is tradition and conven-
church music programs. To this Dene
at the earliest on Friday afternoon, I tion? 'What kind of involvement will we
community, it was more important that I
wanted to leave at least 15 to 30 min- have in this world? How shall we improve
was caring and involved than why I was
utes before the sun set. Often this means the society which serves our needs? This
so; to them, initially, my participation
my asking for half to a full class absence. going is a very personal matter and takes
was more crucial then sharing personal
Again, I was met with understanding as many forms as readers who read and
convictions on religious matters.
and matter-of-fact acceptance. people who think sincerely about a
However, our involvement in local affairs
The responses from the various heavenly experience on earth as well as a
led to curiosities, questions, and oppor- administrators and colleagues I have heavenly home. n
tunities to share our convictions. Again,
worked with over the years have been
it was action and not rhetoric that mat-
tered most to them. I was either one of very interesting. Sometimes they have * Deleuze, Gilles, (1988). Bergsonism,
volunteered to fill in during my absence; New York: Zone Books.
those teachers who "showed their face in
at other times, the principal allowed me
the community" or one who didn't. We
to leave when I did not have a late
have learned much about the value of
Friday afternoon class. The
involvement and respect for others' ways.
public system of education
may seem like a huge organi-
EXPERIENCES zation which steamrolls on in
paths of conformity. My expe-
The Sabbath — This year, I am a
rience as an employee with
Grade 4 math/ English teacher and
two public systems is that
"challenge teacher" of the gifted learner
they reflect the Canadian
program in Mildred Hall School in
personality — a mosaic of
Yellowknife. Early in September, all of
accommodation and individu-
the new teachers were required to in-
alism valued alongside the
service a particular school program on a
collective good.
Saturday afternoon. I made my first visit
to the principal about my Sabbath con- Christian Camaraderie —
viction. Within a few minutes, we There are Christian teachers
Singing with grades 1 to 4 students at Chief Jimmy Bruneau
arranged for an alternative time for my in the public system who Elementary School in Edzo, Northwest Territories
March 1998 Messenger(cid:9) 9
EDUCATION FEATURE
My Public School Experience
I n the fall of 1996, my sister could easily see the difference. Your homework is done
for you, and for the teacher, because teachers did not
and I found out that care whether or not you had done it. They could assist
I(cid:9)
you in class and sometimes even after school if you
despite our efforts in made it a priority, but Kingsway teachers are willing to
be there for us at any time up until 10 p.m. (The
working the entire summer majority of faculty will allow phone calls until that
time.) There is no way the staff at public school would
at Kingsway College, we ever dream of giving out their home phone numbers!
The biggest difference between public school and
would be unable to return private school is the people and atmosphere. At home,
you could never be sure where you stood with the peo-
for the following school year. ple you called your friends. Backstabbing, lies, and
rumors would fly more than all the planes in the
The disappointment was Toronto airport! That is not to say that none of those
things happen at Kingsway, because you would have to
worse than the actual be completely naive to believe such a thing. The major
variation is that it can be resolved under better condi-
decree, yet we were
tions, or it won't happen at all. That is obviously the
ideal, but you must remember reality. Even though not
extremely bitter.
all of those who attend Kingsway are of like faith, the
unity comes from the agreement we have made to
After having attended public school for nearly seven uphold those standards. We may not always agree, and
years before going to Kingsway in my Grade 9 year, we probably don't all believe in all of Kingsway's regu-
some would have questioned my disappointment. But lations, but we choose to live by them so that we can
if they knew the kind of atmosphere that you grow be here.
accustomed to in the Adventist program, they would That is what Kingsway is all about: friendships,
better understand my disposition. Even though I was education, and Christ. I believe that a school is what
able to do a lot of good courses in that semester at you make it, and you will always find whatever it is
public school, it was not worth the heartache. that you are looking for. The significance of private
Every morning I would be up to catch my 8:25 school is that nearly everyone is looking for these same
a.m. bus into school, and classes would begin at 9 components in their life. You are
o'clock. When my day would finally come to a close at going to be able to relate better to
3:25 p.m., the bus would take me home. Basically, you someone who has similar values
went to school to do your classes (if you even wanted and outlooks on life, and public
to show up), and that was it. There is little, if any, school cannot compete. The
interaction outside of the classroom. And that was experience of both places has
extremely hard for me to get used to after having lived given me a much clearer
with all the people who I got to see in class every day understanding of why my
at Kingsway. Public school is much more reserved in its parents and I work so hard
emotions. At Kingsway, you are encouraged to express to obtain a private educa-
your feelings and not feel out of place if you just have tion. I appreciate it much
to cry or hug a friend in need. I missed that dearly more than I ever could
while at home. have if I had not been
Teachers in the public school system are there for given the opportunity to
their job — that's it! I am not saying all of my teachers experience the
were this way, because they weren't. But if you were to difference. n
compare the quality of learning that they were interest-
Michelle Onjukka
ed in and put it next to the focus at Kingsway, you Grade 12 student
10(cid:9) March 1998 Messenger