September 2011

I am once again very excited about our new school year and what the Lord has in store for us. I hope that each of you had an enjoyable summer and are looking forward to another rewarding time in our new 2011/12 school year.

We are pleased to be in our new offices. The multi-purpose classroom is also ready for our teachers and students. The landscaping around the new building is complete and will be enjoyed for many years. The new Learning Assistance Room is ready to be used and will be a good addition for the new school year. New computers have been purchased and installed in various areas of the school. The entire school has received a thorough summer cleaning and various parts of the school have received new paint.

We have been truly blessed with an outstanding group of teachers at MBCI. Our new staff members will definitely complement this group and add to their enthusiasm and positive energy. We will be welcoming several new teachers and staff to MBCI this fall. Lori Battershill will be the new Teacher Librarian. Neil Downie will be teaching Grade 9, 10, 12 Drama, Grade 7 Practical Arts and Woodworking Grade 8 & 9. Stuart Koslowsky will be teaching Applied Math for Grade 11 & 12 as well as Pre-Calculus Grade 11. Grade 7 Math and Science will be taught by Paul Doerksen. The IT department welcomes Brian Goings. Nutrition for Grade 8 & 9 will be taught by Tanna Melendez. Anita Penner will be teaching Grade 9 Bible and Retailing. Ramon Rempel is teaching Grade 11 & 12 Bible as well as Grade 12 English Language (AP). Grade 7 Bible and Grade 8 Social Studies will be taught by Wendi Toews. Angela Wiebe takes over the Girl’s Phys Ed Department teaching Grade 7, 8, 9 &10. Krista Ginter will work together with Cheryl Klassen in the Fitness Centre. I am looking forward to working with these new staff members and introducing them to you at our Opening Program on October 4.

I sense that we will have another excellent year and look forward to working together with our students, parents and churches. This year our theme verse is found in 1 Corinthians 16:13-14. It reads:

“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love.” (NIV)

My hope is that this year we will “stand firm in the faith.” God asks us to be Christ-like and put others before ourselves. As teachers, staff and administrators, we are committed to following Jesus’ example in every aspect of school life. As models of Christian living our goal is to continue to offer the best so that each student will receive the Christian education that MBCI offers.

As we begin a new school year, let us set high standards and let us challenge each other to maintain them. We have a wonderful opportunity over the next ten months to work in a partnership of home - school - church to “Do everything in love.” Our hope is that each student will advance in their spiritual, emotional, physical and intellectual development as we move through the school year.

I look forward to meeting many of you as the year progresses. Together, let’s commit MBCI to the Lord and trust Him in all aspects of our school.