Just before Christmas, I wandered around the middle school campus, observing students and teachers. It’s one of my favourite things to do during the day--so cool to be a witness to learning! I was struck by how incredibly busy our halls are, reinforcing for me the fact that our hallways really are extensions of our [...]
At the Christian Teachers Association of British Columbia (CTABC) convention in October, (the one where students get two days off before Thanksgiving and the teachers all go to school), CTABC made an exciting announcement. They were changing their name to Christian Educators of British Columbia (CEBC), which better represented the many people who work to educate each [...]
On the first day of vacation, my children brought to me; a tree that is slowly leaning On the second day of vacation, my children brought to me; two found report cards On the third day of vacation, my children brought to me; three half-full lunch kits On the fourth day of vacation, my children [...]
Not long ago, I heard secondary teacher Trent De Jong describe athletics by saying, “At ACS we don’t just compete, we represent.” I heard a great story the other day from one of our coaches in the staff room that exemplified this idea. Here is Joanne Friesen, the Junior Boys’ Volleyball Head Coach, in her [...]
It’s five minutes before presentation time and my PowerPoint notes are spread out in front of me. I try to hide them from people because they are already filled with font size 10 text and some will even need to be turned over in order to read the full story of what I really planned [...]
I can’t remember exactly when I first met Mike Ouwerkerk. I know it was early on in my time here at ACS, 22 years ago. Mike initiated our Grandparent Crossing Patrol. Back then, there were no houses around our school property and looking out the front of the school you mostly saw a large, sandy [...]
I love Starbucks. Yes, the coffee is great and yes, I love the brand that they work hard at portraying. Here’s the real reason: they don’t advertise on TV. I love the fact that Starbucks is considered one of the current, most recognized brands in the world (along with Coke, McDonald’s and Apple) and they [...]
The other day Levi and I stood on the street in the middle of Abbotsford, killing time until the department store we needed to shop at opened its doors for business. We did some people watching as one by one they passed us by. Some hurrying, some looking at their phone, some meandering/window shopping but [...]
“Bon joor les eleves!” “Comment aller voos?” My typical morning greeting in my best Franglais. I usually conclude my welcome address with, “That’s French for those of you that aren’t bilingual.” This is always met with a hail of criticism, correction and, sometimes, laughter…that’s the point. I have fun with my poorly developed linguist skills [...]
I was taking a first year Canadian history course and my professor asked the question,“Why do you think there was a law in Lower Canada that prohibited the cutting down of oak trees?” I thought to myself, “Oh, I know this one!” A little background is needed here. I was almost finished my degree, but [...]
