Credo Christian Elementary School21919 52 Ave. Langley BC V2Y 2M7

Phone: 604-530-1131 Fax:604 530-4268e-mail cces@telus.net

web site:www.credoces.org

Board of DirectorsMr. Tim Bontkes (2019) ChairmanMr. Ron Scheper (2019) Vice Chair/Maint.Mr. Bob Huttema (2017) Ed. ComMr. Will VanOene (2016) Secretary/FinanceMr. Oliver Hansma (2018) TreasurerMr. Neil Dykstra (2017) DevelopmentMrs. Erica Feunekes (2019) CCHS/SpEdMr. Tim Rook (2017) CCSTA/IT

Education CommitteeMr. Bob Huttema Mr. Mindert DeboerMrs. Mandy Dewit Mr. Ivan ScheperMrs. Wenda Sikma Mrs. Melissa VanPoptaMr. Otto Bouwman Mrs. Jennifer Onderwater

Membership CommitteeMr. Neil Dykstra Mr. Bryce GrahamMrs. Karin Louwerse Mr. Ryan SikmaMrs. Shelley Sikma Special Education CommitteeMrs. Erica Feunkekes Mrs. Deborah Huttema

Mr. Otto BouwmanFinance CommitteeMr. Oliver Hansma Mr. Will VanOene

Mrs. Elma Kuntz

Maintenance CommitteeMr. Ron Scheper Mr. Rob BisschopMr. Darryl Hofsink Mr. Kevin LeyenhorstMr. Dave Vandeburgt Mr. James VandeburgtMr. Dan Warkentin

StaffMr. Otto Bouwman PrincipalMrs. Jennifer Onderwater VP, Kindergarten BMs. Leslie Scholtens Kindergarten AMrs. Mary MacDougal Grade 1AMrs. Alyson Winkelaar Grade 1BMr. Mark Hoogerdijk Grade 2Mr. Stephen Chase Grade 3Miss Amy Vanderhoek Grade 4Mrs. Linda VanSpronsen Grade 5Mrs. Natasja VanRhee Grade 5Mr. James Kanis Grade 6AMr. Jerry Scholtens Grade 6BMiss Diana Nobel Grade 7AMiss Jenn Harink Grade 7BMrs. Deborah Huttema SpEd, LAMrs. Yvonne Jacobi Music 4,5Mrs. Tamara Jansen Music 6,7Mrs. Sarah Beintema Educational Ass’tMrs. Wilma Deleeuw Educational Ass’tMiss Katelyn Mostert Educational Ass’tMrs. Jacqueline Spoor Educational Ass’tMiss Freda Struik Educational Ass’tMrs. Lisa Vanderven Educational Ass’tMrs. Elma Kuntz Office Administrator

Credo AidMrs. Jen Sikma Mrs. Leona HuttemaMrs. Renee Leffers Mrs. Audrey LeyenhorstMrs. Kait Scheper Mrs. Ang VanSpronsen

Fee Structure 2016-2017Membership 125.00 Kindergarten 305.00Elem. (1-3) 515.00 Elem (4-7) 535.00Junior High 680.00 Senior High 730.00

BRANCHES

In This Issue:

• From the Chairman• From the Principal• Short Reports of Board Meetings

• AGM Minutes• Secretary’s Annual Report• Credo Aid Update

Volume 29Issue 4Dec. 2, 2016

CCES Christmas Concert - Dec. 15 ... 7:00 p.m.The purpose of our parental Christian School is to educate our children to develop their individual potential and to

acquire the knowledge, skills and attitudes needed for a life of responsible stewardship in God's Kingdom.

Branches

From the Chairman.... Tim Bontkes

The October AGM provided us a wonderful time toreflect on the great blessings the Lord has affordedus in Credo Christian Elementary. The annual reportdelivered by Will VanOene at the meeting providedus all an opportunity to reflect on the many blessingbestowed on us over the past year. The meetingalso allowed us the chance to say thank you andgoodbye to a number of devoted Board members aswell as an opportunity to welcome theirreplacements.

Thank you again to Chris, Al and Fiona for their timeand dedication spent serving CCES as Boardmembers and for their selfless commitment ingoverning our school. I would like to especiallyrecognize Chris for 7 years of dedicated leadershipwhere he helped to navigate CCES through manyitems with exemplary professionalism, competencyand commitment; keeping Christ the center focusthroughout it all. Also many thanks to those whowere willing to let their names stand for new Boardpositions and a note of encouragement to Will, Ronand Erica as they embark on their new terms. In the Director's Letter of Commitment signed by all

new Board members we acknowledge that "TheCCES Board has been entrusted by the membershipof the Society to uphold the school's mission anddirection." This is a significant responsibility for usand we covet your prayers, support andencouragement as we go about our tasks.

As we look forward with our responsibilities as aBoard, we bring our Brother Neil Dykstra forward toyou in prayer as he recovers from his recent surgery. Pray that Neil will be provided the spiritual, emotionaland physical strength he may need as he continueshis recovery and the Lord willing that he may havethe ability to serve with us as Board as soon aspossible.

December brings many exciting year end activitiesas well as an abundance of tasks for the teachers,students and parents; whether report cards, tests, orthe Christmas program we would like to wish all ofthem all the best. This will be the last Branches for2016, as such, on behalf of the Board I'd like to wishyou all a joyous Christmas as you celebrate the birthof our Saviour. We are looking forward to what 2017brings!

Please join CCES Staff & Students as they present their

Christmas Programon Thursday, December 15at 7:00 pm in the Langley Canadian Reformed Church.

Following an intermission, the CCHS band will be performing at approximately 8:30 p.m.

-2-

December 2, 2016

From the Principal....Otto Bouwman

As we rush towards the end of another calendaryear, it is good to look back and reflect on God'sfaithfulness to us as a covenant school community.We are about to enter the part of our year where wefocus on the Christmas story. When we review themany Old Testament prophesies which pointed tothe coming Messiah, and then we see in what way allthose prophesies were fulfilled, we are reminded ofour Father's faithfulness. We too have been able toexperience God's faithful care in our school. It'salways good to sing:

Great is Thy faithfulness! Morning by morning new mercies I see. All I have needed Thy hand hath provided,Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!

School Board ChangesOur school has been blessed with a capable board.Our board members are keenly aware of theresponsibility they have as they "hold in trust" CredoChristian Elementary School. The concept "holdingin trust" is one which suggests something about theschool having a purpose which transcends just theimmediate present. The school is a gift, passed onfrom those who established it, to be used by theparents of today, for the generation of tomorrow.Also from this place, it is appropriate to expressgratitude for the capable and conscientiousleadership that the outgoing board membersdisplayed. Thank you, Chris, Fiona, and Al, for beingso deliberate about "holding in trust" thw schoolwhich you helped to govern. New board members:welcome Tim, Erica, and Ron. And Will: welcomeback! I look forward to working with you and pray thatthe Lord give you joy in your governance roles in theCredo board.

We also give thanks for the Lord's good care in thelife of our brother Neil Dykstra. Though Neil had toundergo very serious surgery, he and his family areable to thank God for the care which he hasexperienced. We thank God with you, brother, andpray for your continued recovery!

Our StudentsOften we (inappropriately) take for granted thephysical safety of the students in our care. Therecent tragic and sudden death of Letisha Reimer, a

student at Abbotsford Senior Secondary School,reminded us we should not make assumptions aboutlife and health. Her death encouraged us toacknowledge our dependence on our Father inheaven, trusting that he providentially cares for eachof us and our loved ones and gives us all that weneed to serve him in this life. May God supply inabundance to all those who call on him for everythingthey need!

We thank God for his ongoing care of our students.Though there are many who have to fight temporaryillnesses, and there are also numerous who have tocontend with difficult conditions, disabilities orsituations, all have been spared traumatic changesin their lives. That too is cause for thanksgiving. I amso thankful for the support that is so evidently inplace here at CCES - we have our committed EAs,our caring teachers, and a very competent SpecialEducation Coordinator. Continue to provide thehelpful care to each of our students, team!

End of First TermRecently the report cards went home. Admittedly,they were slightly different than last year's reports.It's becoming quite clear that further changes tothese report cards can be anticipated. Just lastFriday, we had a combined inservice with allCanadian Reformed valley colleagues, where AdamWoelders spoke. Our speaker is very aware of thelatest trends from the Ministry, and did his best tohelp us understand the changing requirements. Withthe increasing focus on curriculum and corecompetencies, it seems inevitable that the reportcards will more and more deliberately report of howeffectively the students are demonstrating mastery ofthose skills. I'm sure further report card changes willbe an on-going topic of discussion.

Accompanying these reports were the recentparent-teacher conferences. Thank you for yourattendance and the discussions which were possible.Parent-teacher conferences are a great opportunityfor the unity between home and school to becomeevident.

As the first term wound to a close, it became evidentthat slight adjustments were needed as a response

-3-

Branches

Credo Aid Update....

to the increased number of students in the thirdgrade classroom. Though the school community wasmore than happy to welcome additional newcomersto the school during recent months, having 29students in one classroom has proven to be a verylarge crowd! Though a few of the details still remainto be worked out at this time, I'm thankful to reportthat Mrs. Debora Minderhout has been hired to helpMr. Stephen Chase teach grade three students. Beginning in January, Mrs. Minderhout will work withhalf of the third graders in some subjects; this willallow the teachers to give more personalizedattention to the students. Mrs. Minderhout, along-time member of the URC in Abbotsford, hasextensive experience teaching in primary andintermediate grades in a variety of settings, and islooking forward to the opportunity to serve in this roleat CCES. Debora, we look forward to you joining ourranks!

MiscellaneousElsewhere in this issue you will find a notice aboutour Christmas concert. We hope to see many of youthere - as well as at other special school functions!

Thank you, parents and others, for the manyevidences of support for the ongoing work in theschool. Your support is evident in your fundraising, inyour prayers, in your encouragements to yourchildren to participate in special events going on inand around the school, etc. Please maintain yourcommitment to Christian education; our childrenlearn a great deal from your continued support forthis worthwhile cause.

May God bless each of you with a joyous Christmascelebration and with his indispensable blessings aswe transition from one year of our Lord to the next.

Croquetten Completion: We DID IT! the croquettenfundraiser is finished again, and very successful again.The amount of $7851 was raised! That works out toabout 581 dozen, or about 7000 croquetten sold, andseveral (numerous :) ) eaten by our hard workinghelpers. Also, several eaten by the CCES staff, sincethey had to live with the yummy smell wafting throughtheir hallways. This, by the way, is clear profit, sinceseveral generous donors covered all of the costs.Thank you so much for that!! From the croquetten team(Joanne DeWit, Debbie Lof, Tanya Pruim, RitaSchouten, Diane VanderHorst, Ginny VanderHorst andAng VanSpronsen). The REAL croquetten team is allthe willing workers (it takes a lot of workers) who comeout to help every year and you, the customers, who buyup all the product before the day is out!

Little Coupon Books: Give Kait Scheper a call to getyour copy today! This book will be available until theend of the end of the school year. $10 for theAbbotsford copy, $15 for the Langley/Cloverdale copy.

Co-Op Receipts: Remember to collect and save yourreceipts from the Co-op. The school receives gift cardsfor every receipt submitted, which we in turn use forthings like the hot lunches.

Campbell's: Keep collecting and handing in yourlabels! Every one counts towards 'purchasing' freethings for the school.

Eco Cloths: Available through Wenda Sikma for $5 apiece, this cloth won in a competition against theNorwex cloth. Call Wenda, and get yours today!

Shop Easy: Christmas is coming! Gift cards makegreat stocking stuffers, or a great gift for that someonewho you just don't know what to buy. They are sohandy when out shopping for that last minute gift andyou just need a coffee to get through the mobs.Shopping for a day? Head for lunch, and pick up a giftcard to support the school at the same time! Do youknow where you are going shopping? Pre-plan, andpurchase a gift card before you head out. They alsomake great gifts for teens, who love their coffee or wholove to shop, or even to give to each other among eachother. Give the gift of versatility and get your gift cardstoday.

From Credo Aid, we wish you all a very MerryChristmas, and the happiest of New Years! Jen Sikma (president), Renee Leffers (vice president)Kait Scheper (secretary), Leona Huttema, Audrey Leyenhorst, Ang VanSpronsen (treasurer)

-4-

December 2, 2016

Short Reports of Board Meetings

Short Report of the Meeting of the Board of Directors of Credo Christian ElementarySchoolSeptember 12, 2016

• Opening and Welcome: The Vice Chairman, BobHuttema, opened the meeting by reading from 1Corinthians 6 and led in prayer. He welcomed allthe Directors and Principal Otto Bouwman to themeeting. Chris Hoff was absent with notice.

• Agenda Approval: The agenda for the regularboard meeting was approved.

• Minutes and Short Report: The Minutes and ShortReport of the June 13, 2016 Board meeting wereadopted.

• Incoming/Outgoing Correspondence: Oneincoming letter was received from the Ministry ofHealth and the Ministry of Education providingnotification of upcoming changes to the TobaccoControl Act. One incoming letter was received fromWilliam of Orange requesting dissolution of thecurrent Special Education Agreement. A reply letterwill be sent, acceding to the request.

• Principal's Report: Otto Bouwman presented thePrincipal's Report for September 2016 and providedupdates on start of year activities, teacher and EAassignments, delivery of music program, and staffhandbook updates. Positive feedback has beenreceived from the staff for the improvements madeto the gym over the summer.

• Chairman's Report: The Chairman's report forSeptember 2016 was received for information.

• General Business: A number of matters werediscussed including review of the board staff social,the upcoming October membership meeting, andnominations for new board members. The Ad-Hoccommittee for Board nominations was struck. Proposed changes to the Constitution and Bylawspursuant to the new BC Societies Act werereviewed. A number of policies were also reviewed.

• Membership Committee: Neil Dykstra reported onthe activities of the membership committee andoutlined committee plans for the upcoming schoolyear. The committee plans to concentrate onpromoting the covenantal aspect of ReformedEducation.

• Education Committee: Bob Huttema reported onthe activities of the education committee andoutlined committee plans for the upcoming schoolyear. The committee plans to concentrate onin-depth review of the Math curriculum.

• Finance Committee: The draft financialstatements for the 2015/2016 school year werereviewed.

• Maintenance Committee: Al Leyenhorst reportedon the activities of the maintenance committee,and work done over the summer. Both thesummer work bee and the gym renovation weresuccessful, and many volunteers came out to help. Special mention was made of the janitorial staffwho helped to get the school in shape for the newschool year.

• CCSTA: O. Hansma reported on bus routeplanning issues that were experienced at the startof the school year.

• IT Committee: Tim Rook reported on the activitiesof the IT committee, and work done over thesummer, including repairs to netbooks and teachercomputers, installation of new printers andprojectors, and adding security filter to the school'srouter. The FM system installed in one classroomwill be assessed during this school year prior toproceeding with further implementation.

• Next Meetings / Events: The next regular Boardmeeting is planned for October 5, 2016.

• Closing: Al Leyenhorst offered a prayer ofthanksgiving. Bob Huttema closed the meetingand thanked all for coming.

………

-5-

Branches

Minutes of the AGM

Short Report of the Meeting of the Board of Directors ofCredo Christian Elementary School October 5th, 2016

• Opening and Welcome: The Chairman, ChrisHoff, opened the meeting by reading from Galatians5 and prayer. He welcomed all the Directors andPrincipal Otto Bouwman to the meeting.

• Agenda Approval: The agenda for the regularboard meeting was approved.

• Minutes and Short Report: The Minutes and ShortReport of the September 12, 2016 Board meetingwere adopted.

• Incoming/Outgoing Correspondence: Oneoutgoing letter was sent to a member. A letter toWilliam of Orange, acceding to their request todissolve the special education agreement effectivethe end of June 2019, was approved.

• Principal's Report: Otto Bouwman presented thePrincipal's Report for October 2016 and providedupdates on student enrollment, class sizeconsiderations, and staffing matters.

• Chairman's Report: The Chairman's report forOctober 2016 was received for information. ChrisHoff reported on his activities as chairman.

• General Business: A number of matters werediscussed including the upcoming SCSBCconference and Charities Seminar. A number of

policies were reviewed and amended. Presentations for the proposed revisions to theConstitution and Bylaws, and the 5-yearmaintenance plan were approved for presentationto the membership. Roger Aikema, Tim Bontkes,Erica Feunekes, Ron Scheper, Kevin Vandergaag,Aaron VanDyke and Will VanOene were nominatedfor Board positions. The agenda for the annualgeneral meeting was finalized.

• Membership Committee: Membership Committeeminutes were submitted and reviewed. NeilDykstra reported on the activities of theMembership Committee.

• Education Committee: Education Committeeminutes were submitted and reviewed. BobHuttema reported on the activities of theMembership Committee.

• Finance Committee: Finance Committee minuteswere submitted and reviewed. The financialstatements for 2015/16 were reviewed andapproved for presentation to the membership.

• Next Meetings / Events: The next regular Boardmeeting is planned for November 14, 2016. The fallmembership meeting is planned for October 26,2016.

• Closing: Bob Huttema offered a prayer ofthanksgiving. Chris Hoff closed the meeting andthanked all for coming.

Minutes of the Meeting of the Board of Directorsof Credo Christian Elementary Schoolwith the MembershipOctober 26th, 2016 CCES Gymnasium

Opening and Welcome: The Chairman, Chris Hoff,welcomed all those present and opened the meeting.He requested the membership to sing Psalm 128, andfollowed with prayer. A quorum of members waspresent. The Chairman thanked all members whohelped out with the recent gym renovation, and alsowelcomed new staff member, Jenn Harink.

Approval of Minutes: The minutes of the CCESmembership meeting held May 25th, 2016 weredistributed prior to the meeting and adopted aspresented.

Matters from the Minutes: There were no mattersfrom the minutes.

Board Elections: Four new directors were required(retiring were Chris Hoff, Fiona Jansen, Al Leyenhorstand Will VanOene). Nominees were: Roger Aikema,Tim Bontkes, Erica Feunekes, Ron Scheper, KevinVandergaag, Aren VanDyke and Will VanOene.

-6-

December 2, 2016

Elected were Tim Bontkes, Erica Feunekes, RonScheper and Will VanOene. A motion to destroy theballots was carried.

Annual Report: The Chairman gave the floor to boardSecretary Will VanOene who presented the secretary'sannual report for the 2015/16 school year. Proposed Changes to Constitution and Bylaws: The Chairman gave the floor to board members NeilDykstra and Will VanOene to present the proposedConstitution and Bylaw amendments. These proposedamendments were circulated to membership onSeptember 30, 2016. The proposed changes arelargely in response to changes to the BC Societies Act. An opportunity for questions from the floor was given. • Why do we not allow proxy voting? Our current

bylaws do not specify either way, so the addition ofthis prohibition simply clarifies and maintainscurrent practice.

The Proposal was read to the membership: "That theConstitution and Bylaws of the Canadian ReformedSchool Association of Langley B.C., pursuant to thenew BC Societies Act, be amended to reflect thechanges as proposed by the Board, effective November28, 2016." Since there was no further discussion, themembership proceeded to vote by ballot on theproposal. The Proposal carried with 100% of the votein favour. A motion to destroy the ballots was carriedby the membership.

Review of Financial Statements: The Chairman gavethe floor to board Treasurer Oliver Hansma whopresented the general and special education financialstatements for the 2015/16 school year along with thereview report completed by Angela deBoer, DeannaVanDyke. An opportunity for questions was given. • Why do we not budget for asset replacement?

Capital items are always dealt without outside ofthe regular budget. As well, our current bylaws andpolicies require the board to secure membershipapproval for all expenditures greater than $25,000for capital purchases.

• Is the Special Education surplus used for specialeducation or is it put into general reserve? Thesurplus remains in the special education fund andis passed on from year to year.

A motion to accept the general and special educationfinancial statements as presented was carried by ashow of hands. Five Year Plan: The Chairman gave the floor to boardmember Oliver Hansma who presented the proposedfive-year plan for building renewal. The five year planis based on enrolment data showing that portables willnot be required in the immediate future. The five yearplan includes gym, HVAC, parking lot and IT upgradeswith a budgeting cost of $375,000. Due to existingfunding sources, a total fundraising goal of $60,000 isproposed to deliver the plan. An opportunity forquestions from the floor was given.

• Why are we not using our internal reserves beforeapproaching membership for fundraising? We aretrying to be conservative by only using a portion ofour reserves.

The Proposal was read to the membership: "That theBoard be directed to deliver the building renewal planproposed in the CCES 5-Year Plan Report including theuse of $25,000 from the Restricted for capital repairsand replacements fund and $75,000 from theUnrestricted fund." Since there was no furtherdiscussion, the membership proceeded to vote by balloton the proposal. The Proposal carried with 99% of thevote in favour. A motion to destroy the ballots wascarried by the membership.

Presentation on Credo Aid Shop Easy Program: The chairman gave the floor to community memberShawn Meints who delivered a presentation on theCredo Aid Shop Easy program. The presentationincluded information on how the program works, thehistory of the program, the potential earnings of theprogram, common objections and philosophical, logicaland religious reasons for members to make use of theprogram. The membership was encouraged tocontinue to the support the school through the use ofthe program.

Question Period: An opportunity for general questionswas given. There were no further questions.

Thanksgiving Prayer: Community member NormVanderhorst led in thanksgiving prayer.

Closing: The Chairman, Chris Hoff closed the meetingand thanked all for coming.

-7-

Branches

Secretary’s Annual ReportWill VanOene

The theme for the 2015/16 school year was Psalm 46verse 10, "Be still and know that I am God." This textprovided a foundational statement for our society - forour students, our staff, and also for the board andmembership. It allowed us to carry out the task ofeducating our covenant children at Credo Elementarywith a great calm in our hearts, knowing that in allthings, our covenant God and Father was in control,and that the work of our hands was ultimately blessedby Him. And indeed, our God is a covenant God andour children are covenant children. When we speak ofcovenant, we speak of promises. Parents have madepromises at the baptism of their children, to instructthem in God's word to the utmost of their power. Butmore importantly, our Heavenly Father has madepromises to the parents and their children. God hasclaimed them as his own. They are HIS children, andtherefore it is the responsibility of parents to pass onthe Lord's great deeds to their children, so that theymay embrace these promises and make them theirown; to grow to be instruments is his hands to witnessto the world. The covenantal nature of Credo ChristianElementary defines who they are and who they belongto. In a world where the very foundations of society arebeing shaken, we rest secure in the promises of God. We go forward, knowing that all things are in HisFatherly hand.

As we reflect on the past school year, we again seeevidence of this truth in all aspects of school life atCredo, and we can say that we have been richly blest. We enjoy peace and security in Canada, and asupportive government and ministry in British ColumbiaWe do not however take for granted our continuedgrant support, and acknowledge that many work behindthe scenes to help maintain this reality. We have a fullcomplement of dedicated staff members, andadministration, dedicated board and committeevolunteers, and a supportive membership. We havebeen provided financial resources, human resources,talents and abilities that have all worked in harmonytoward the furtherance of our purpose. This year wehave again enjoyed growth in enrolment andmembership, which is reflected in a positive financialpicture for the society. In all these things, we give allthe praise to God, who is the source of Credo'sblessings.

We are most thankful for the students who attendCredo, for without them the school would not exist. Thechildren transform the school grounds into a hub ofbustling activity, laughter and energy. Walk the hallsof Credo on any given school day and you will witnessa genuine atmosphere of learning and respect forothers, which is clearly seen in the daily routines insideand beyond the classroom. Special events and schoolspirit days were promoted by a staff motivated by agenuine love for their students. Awareness days,assemblies and fieldtrips all helped to extend thelearning beyond the classroom. Some high-lights of theyear included the quad-school public speaking contest,the Peter and the Wolf play put on by Grade 6, thewonderful spring performance, and the Grade 7graduation program. In all, the students are truly thebest evidence of Credo's prosperity.

Last year we were again blessed with a full complementof dedicated teachers and educational assistants. Ourstaff members performed their duties with enthusiasm,and worked together in harmony. Extra-curricularactivities and professional development continued to beembraced by the staff members. Our Kindergartenclasses were again taught by Leslie and Jennifer, whoprovided these new students with an enthusiastic startto their education journey. At the primary level, ourteaching staff included Mary in Grade 1, Alyson inGrade 2 and Stephen in Grade 3. At the intermediatelevel, Amy taught Grade 4, the two Grade 5 classeswere taught by Mark, Linda and Natasja, and Jamesand Jerry managed the two Grade 6 classes. This yearwe welcomed Diana from Ontario who took her place infront of the Grade 7 class and helped prepare thesestudents for their graduation. Our team of educationalassistants also provided crucial support to our teachers- Ang, Jac, Katelyn, Lisa, Paige & Wilma as well asSarah who joined us at the start of the year, and Lisasome time later as the needs increased. We also saidfarewell to Ang and Paige near the end of the schoolyear and we welcomed Stephanie to fill in. Karin joinedthe staff at the beginning of the year to deliver themusic program and we also said farewell to her againat the end of the year. Finally, we could benefit fromthe volunteer services of Marcelle and Rose whohelped us out with our French program. As a Board weare extremely thankful that the needs of the schoolcould be met with competent and energetic teaching

-8-

December 2, 2016

staff, and we thank them for their efforts. We are awareof the many hours, rigorous days, and sometimes longnights, often going well beyond the call of duty. Wethank you for your dedication to the parents andchildren of the school.

Last year marked a change to Credo's administrativeteam as we welcomed Otto as Principal. Otto took hisplace at the helm with much enthusiasm, and broughtyears of educational and administrative experience tothis position. This resulted in a smooth transition in thefront office. Otto provided strong leadership to the staffand direction for the school, and advised the board onmatters relevant to the operation of the school. Jennifercontinued her role as Vice-Principal for the third year,and was responsible for a multitude of day-to-dayadministrative tasks and provided invaluable assistanceto the staff. Jennifer also took the lead on navigatingthe new BC curriculum. Deb, as head of the Special Education Department,ensured the learning needs of all students were beingmet, and provided advice and encouragement to theteachers. Elma maintained the front office and kept close tabs onthe flow of money, student records and correspondenceto membership and parents. We thank you all for yourcommitment to the school and we pray that God maycontinue to supply you with the wisdom and energy youneed for your work at CCES.

While the teaching and administrative staff are the faceof the school, there are also many moving parts thatoperate behind the scenes. We acknowledge thefaithful work of all of our support staff, volunteers andmany others that contribute to CCES, who help to makethe school so vibrant and functional. This includes ourlibrary staff, class-moms, bus drivers, janitors andmaintenance men. The efforts of our parent supportcommittee, Credo Aid, continued to supply studentsand teachers with special items for school, hot lunches,field trips and special event funds. Once again, theMother's Day Fair hosted by Credo Aid was aresounding success. To all those who contributed time,effort and finances - thank you!

The governing of the society by the Board of Directorscould continue unabated. Throughout the year we metas a Board ten times. At the AGM one year ago, themembership re-elected Chris Hoff and Oliver Hansma. The Board responsibilities continued unchanged, andeach board member was busy in their respective tasksand committees. While it may be said that the pastyear was relatively routine from a governancestandpoint, it was also a year that required much workin response to outside pressures from our government. Our staff spent much time navigating the requirements

of the new BC curriculum, a curriculum which seeks toshift education from the 'what' of teaching, to the 'how'of teaching, and emphasize the individualization andpersonalization of learning. As well, the board spentmuch time reviewing and updating our foundationaldocuments in response to the changes to BC legislationsurrounding societies. In addition, the board wasconfronted with the ever increasing public pressure toredefine human societal foundations as evidenced bygovernment mandated bullying policies that reflect theacceptance of gender identity expression. All of theserealities attest to the fact that we do not operate thisschool in seclusion.

Chris Hoff continued to lead the Board as Chairman,and also in this final year was fully committed to thetask. As chairman, he maintained ongoing contact withadministration, met with principals and board chairs ofother schools, prepared meeting agendas and provideddirection for the Board. His reports for Board meetingsand Branches were always well thought out andinformative. Chris has decided to step down afterseven years of service to CCES, and we thank him forhis insight, commitment and hard work. We wish youthe Lord's blessing as you find new ways to serve in HisKingdom.

Bob Huttema served as Vice Chairman to the Boardand also led the Education Committee, which was veryactive in matters such as class visits, staffingdiscussion, curriculum review, and program delivery. Being a former teacher, Bob continued to bring muchexperience to this committee, and provided soliddirection to the committee members.

The Finance Committee continued to be led by OliverHansma who also served as Board Treasurer. Oliverworked closely with the book keeper, and managedmany other important tasks, such as participating in theSalary Review Committee, and producing budgets andfinancial statements. Oliver's accounting experiencehelped to ensure the financial aspects of the societywere managed. We can see yet again that God hasgraciously provided for our school with the ability tomeet our financial obligations.

Neil Dykstra led the Membership Committee, wherethey continued the work of promoting the vision of theschool through visits with prospective members, andpresentations to membership. The committee alsoprovided oversight to the Golf Tournament committeewho delivered another successful fundraiser andprovided funds for the gym renovation.

Fiona Jansen worked diligently on the SpecialEducation Committee and also kept up in the loop at

-9-

Branches

the high school Board table. As well Fiona continued toserve as our public relations liaison helping to keep usin tune with the celebrations and milestonesexperienced in the lives of our staff members. Fiona'sterm on the board has come to an end and we thankher for her efforts and service over the last 3 years.

In additional to serving on the Finance Committee, TimRook also provided leadership for the IT committee. Tim's technical abilities along with the help of capablestaff members ensured that the IT needs of the schoolwere met throughout the year, and for the future.

Al Leyenhorst served on the Maintenance Committeewhich continued to maintain and support our buildinginfrastructure and property. Over the summer thecommittee managed and executed renovations to thegym. The committee organized the annual work bee inAugust where much work was completed with the helpof membership. Al also spent much time and energy asour representative to the CCSTA where he also servedas chair. Al's term on the board has come to an endand we thank him for his efforts and service over thelast 3 years.

As a Board, we extend a special thank you to allcommittee members who volunteered their time andeffort in preparing and executing the mandates of therespective Board committees. We are truly blessedwith capable members and functional facilities at Credo.

Alongside the regular Board meetings, our Board alsomet twice with the Boards of William of Orange, JohnCalvin, and the Credo Christian High School campuses. We also met twice as the Legal Authority for CredoChristian Schools. These meetings provided a forum toshare ideas and allowed opportunities to assist eachother. We continue to enjoy strong relationships with

the other schools, and collaborated often on mattersdealing with school governance.While we experienced many blessings, we mustacknowledge that there were difficult issues during thelast year as well. We could hear of members sufferingthe loss of loved ones, and many had to struggle withpain, illness and accidents. We live in a broken world,and sometimes illness and hardship affect members ofour community as well as our children. We wereespecially saddened to hear of the diagnosis of cancerfor our Board member Neil. We pray along with hisfamily for strength, and a full recovery, and wisdom andsuccess for the medical professionals involved. In allthese matters, we trust in God's promises and we alsoask membership to hold these matters up in prayer.

Having concluded the final year of my term as Boardmember and secretary, I have developed a deepappreciation for the work involved in operating thisschool, and I am encouraged by the unity of purposebetween parents, Board, staff, and administration. Ithas been a joy to serve in this capacity. For all of us onthe Board, we consider it a privilege to serve, and wethank you for the confidence you place in us. Wewelcome new Board members, to help carry out themandate of school governance. For those who do notget elected, we thank you for your willingness to letyour name stand, and we encourage you to seek otheropportunities to serve. This school truly is a gift fromthe Lord and we must not take it for granted. May wecontinue to reflect on the covenantal nature of ourReformed Christian School, as we equip our children tobe shining lights in this dark world. Let us continue, inthe words of Psalm 78, to "tell the coming generationthe glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might, and thewonders that he has done."

Calendar Update

December 5 Opening Assembly 8:45 am - gym

15 Christmas Program 7:00 pm - church

16 Skating K-3 9:30-10:30; 4-7 10:45-11:45 Twin Rinks

16 Last day before Christmas Break 19–Jan 2 Christmas Vacation

January 3 School reopens 3 Awareness Raiser: Hope for Women 8:45 am - gym

-10-

Name: Date:

Phone: email:

Name % $ # Total Name % $ # TotalIGA 5 50.00 HBC 3 25.00Safeway 8 50.00 100.00

100.00 Sears 2 25.00Save-on-Foods 8 50.00 100.00

(Pricesmart) 100.00 Walmart 2 25.00Superstore 5 50.00 100.00

100.00250.00

Name % $ # Total Name % $ # TotalEsquires 10 25.00 Home Depot 2 25.00Starbucks 5 10.00 100.00

25.00 Home Hardware 3 25.00Tim Hortons 5 10.00 100.00

25.00 Rona 5 25.00100.00

Name % $ # Total Name % $ # TotalBoathouse 5 25.00 American Eagle 5 25.00Boston Pizza 5 25.00 Best Buy 2 25.00Cactus Club 10 25.00 Canadian Tire 3 25.00Earl's 7 25.00 Chapters 5 25.00Keg 5 25.00 Chevron 2 25.00Kelsey, Milestones, 3 25.00 Children's Place 5 25.00

iTunes 4 25.00Moxie's 10 25.00 LaSenza 7 25.00Old Spaghetti Factory 5 25.00 M&M Meat Shops 3 25.00Olive Garden 5 25.00 Mark's Workwearhouse 5 25.00Red Robin 5 25.00 Old Navy 5 25.00Subway 5 10.00 Petro Canada 2 25.00White Spot 5 25.00 Shopper's Drug Mart 3 25.00

Spa Utopia 5 50.00Sport Chek 4 25.00Staples 3 25.00Winners 5 25.00

Grocery Stores (always available) Department Stores

Send your form to the school (marked Credo Aid)

Credo Aid

Coffee & Treats

Restaurants

Montana's, Second Cup

Specialty Stores

Home Improvement

Credo Christian Elementary School21919 52 Ave. Langley BC V2Y 2M7

Phone: 604-530-1131 Fax:604 530-4268e-mail cces@telus.net

web site:www.credoces.org

Board of DirectorsMr. Tim Bontkes (2019) ChairmanMr. Ron Scheper (2019) Vice Chair/Maint.Mr. Bob Huttema (2017) Ed. ComMr. Will VanOene (2016) Secretary/FinanceMr. Oliver Hansma (2018) TreasurerMr. Neil Dykstra (2017) DevelopmentMrs. Erica Feunekes (2019) CCHS/SpEdMr. Tim Rook (2017) CCSTA/IT

Education CommitteeMr. Bob Huttema Mr. Mindert DeboerMrs. Mandy Dewit Mr. Ivan ScheperMrs. Wenda Sikma Mrs. Melissa VanPoptaMr. Otto Bouwman Mrs. Jennifer Onderwater

Membership CommitteeMr. Neil Dykstra Mr. Bryce GrahamMrs. Karin Louwerse Mr. Ryan SikmaMrs. Shelley Sikma Special Education CommitteeMrs. Erica Feunkekes Mrs. Deborah Huttema

Mr. Otto BouwmanFinance CommitteeMr. Oliver Hansma Mr. Will VanOene

Mrs. Elma Kuntz

Maintenance CommitteeMr. Ron Scheper Mr. Rob BisschopMr. Darryl Hofsink Mr. Kevin LeyenhorstMr. Dave Vandeburgt Mr. James VandeburgtMr. Dan Warkentin

StaffMr. Otto Bouwman PrincipalMrs. Jennifer Onderwater VP, Kindergarten BMs. Leslie Scholtens Kindergarten AMrs. Mary MacDougal Grade 1AMrs. Alyson Winkelaar Grade 1BMr. Mark Hoogerdijk Grade 2Mr. Stephen Chase Grade 3Miss Amy Vanderhoek Grade 4Mrs. Linda VanSpronsen Grade 5Mrs. Natasja VanRhee Grade 5Mr. James Kanis Grade 6AMr. Jerry Scholtens Grade 6BMiss Diana Nobel Grade 7AMiss Jenn Harink Grade 7BMrs. Deborah Huttema SpEd, LAMrs. Yvonne Jacobi Music 4,5Mrs. Tamara Jansen Music 6,7Mrs. Sarah Beintema Educational Ass’tMrs. Wilma Deleeuw Educational Ass’tMiss Katelyn Mostert Educational Ass’tMrs. Jacqueline Spoor Educational Ass’tMiss Freda Struik Educational Ass’tMrs. Lisa Vanderven Educational Ass’tMrs. Elma Kuntz Office Administrator

Credo AidMrs. Jen Sikma Mrs. Leona HuttemaMrs. Renee Leffers Mrs. Audrey LeyenhorstMrs. Kait Scheper Mrs. Ang VanSpronsen

Fee Structure 2016-2017Membership 125.00 Kindergarten 305.00Elem. (1-3) 515.00 Elem (4-7) 535.00Junior High 680.00 Senior High 730.00

BRANCHES

In This Issue:

• From the Chairman• From the Principal• Short Reports of Board Meetings

• AGM Minutes• Secretary’s Annual Report• Credo Aid Update

Volume 29Issue 4Dec. 2, 2016

CCES Christmas Concert - Dec. 15 ... 7:00 p.m.The purpose of our parental Christian School is to educate our children to develop their individual potential and to

acquire the knowledge, skills and attitudes needed for a life of responsible stewardship in God's Kingdom.