School life is always about much more than course content, so we work to shape our learning environment and student culture in deliberate ways. Guided by a focus on creating meaning, purpose, and belonging for our students, we work to nurture faith and build community.
Chapel happens every Friday and is an opportunity for us to gather as a community, to worship together, and to learn about God. With many opportunities for student leadership and participation through worship teams and planning chapel content - and with guest speakers experienced in sharing with young people - chapel is designed to be relatable and meaningful. Twice a year Spiritual Emphasis Week provides an opportunity for us to meet in chapel daily to dig deeper into a chosen theme.
Biblical Studies courses invite students to see, understand, and live in a new way. Students will graduate well-versed in biblical literacy and in the history and life of the church. Rooted in our Anabaptist, Mennonite Brethren theology, Bible classes place a special emphasis on service, discipleship, and community.
Within the Anabaptist tradition, service is at the heart of our faith in Jesus Christ. At MBCI, we seek to serve in a multitude of ways, both within our walls and beyond them. All students in Grades 5-12 complete service hours as part of their Biblical Studies courses, reflecting upon these experiences and how they can help shape us as caring citizens and as individuals who reflect the love of Jesus in the world.
Teachers weave faith into the daily learning environment in the classroom and through building meaningful relationships with students. We try to treat each student as a beloved child of God and ask students to treat each other that way as well.
Daily Devotionals and prayer help to model the practices of a Christ-centered life.
We focus on creating a sense of belonging for students within a community of care. We want our students to feel part of something bigger than themselves; to feel accepted and included in the midst of diversity and differences and to offer that sense of belonging to their peers as well.
Challenges are inevitable in any school environment, but when we focus on nurturing relationships and understanding we are better able to build the resilience to navigate whatever challenges come our way.
Crews are small groups of same-grade students that meet regularly to build community and form connections with teachers. At "Crossover Crew" events, one group hosts another from a different grade for games and snacks as a way of building understanding and relationships across the school.
Getting involved beyond the classroom is key to making new friends and learning new skills. Chess Club, Youth in Philanthropy, Intramurals, Study Tours and more all help students build relationships with others who share their interests.
Getting students off campus together can be a great opportunity to get to know each other in new ways and for students to build new relationships outside of their immediate friend groups. Grade 6 Outdoor Education, Grade 8 Fall Retreat, Grade 9 Retreat, Music Retreats and Grad Retreat are often looked back on my our graduates as some of their favourite MBCI memories.