Principal’s Post for October

At Hope Lutheran Christian School we are intentionally learning to be a community of grace. It is our deep hope that others see God at work in the way that relationships are conducted within our school. Recently, during morning devotions, our staff read about the challenges of living in community when we often lack loving others as ourselves . This can clearly be seen in children as they learn to navigate relationships and work in community.  But the truth is, at times, we all suffer the same failure.

You are precious!  You are loved! You belong! Powerful words like these are what we all yearn to hear; to know that we are worthy of our personhood. Through faith, we can be confident of the worth that God places on His creation. After all, it was His Son, Jesus, who sacrificed His life and invites us into God’s family. This invitation is extended to all people so that all may inherit the gift of eternal life. This is grace- the free gift of forgiveness given to the undeserving despite our failings and unworthiness.

The Bible is full of examples of God extending his grace to people who repeatedly reject him. His great love and the abundant life that He promises all believers is unmatched.

Gratitude is a key characteristic of a grace filled community that we are learning to put into practice every day at Hope. In Canada, October is a month where we pause to give thanks- thanks for the bountiful harvest, for family, and friends. Thanksgiving  is a great place to start but this ‘attitude of gratitude’ is that we want to instill in our community beyond the month of October. We are challenged to approach learning, failing, serving, experiencing, loving the unlovable as opportunities.  It is in response to the grace that God gives in faith that we “get to serve our neighbour.” Even in the face of challenging circumstances we can be a grateful people who sing to the Lord a new song, for it is He who has done marvelous things!

With a heart of thanks,

Susan Eisner

Parent Teacher League (PTL)

The PTL is now calling for nominations for the position of President of the PTL.  Please email hopelutheranptl@hopelcs.ca if you are interested.

PTL – Hot Lunch Orders

Hot Lunch menus are now unlocked for those who would like to order for the remainder of the school year. If placing an order, please bring payment to the office.  Contact the PTL at hopelutheranptl@hopelcs.ca if you have any questions.

K-12 Terry Fox Run

Pledge money was due today. Thanks for all of the participation of our parents during our school run last Wednesday!

“The Thinking Series” for Parents

The Thinking Series is a video resource that tackles the top five questions our culture is asking today. These questions are: 

• What is the Meaning of Life? 
• Does God Exist? 
• Do All Religions Lead to God? 
• Why is There Evil? 
• Is There Life after Death?

If you have ever asked yourself these questions, or if your children have ever asked these questions of you, help is on the way! Please join Pastor Laverne Hautz (of Hope Lutheran Church) for a series of discussions intended specifically for school parents. 

The first session will be held in the chapel on Monday, October 3rd, 7:30 – 8:30pm, and the topic will be “What is the Meaning of Life?” A brief story video (4 minutes) will be followed by a brief discussion. Then a longer teaching video (10 minutes) will be followed by a little bit longer discussion of the topic question.  

All school parents are invited to attend, and you are welcome to bring along other friends or family members who may be interested in the topic. The other topics will follow on about a once-a-month basis. 

Grandparents/Special Person Day

Extra handicapped parking for guests with mobility difficulties will be provided in the back of the school.

If you are able to contribute baking for Special Person/Grandparent’s Day please contact Laura Briscoe at lbriscoe@hopelcs.ca. Donations should be dropped off in the afternoon in the kitchen at the Port Coquitlam campus on Tuesday, October 4, or Wednesday, October 5 morning by 8:30 am. One pan or one dozen items can be counted as one parent volunteer hour.

Professional Development Days & Thanksgiving Long Weekend

Thursday and Friday, October 6 & 7, both school campuses will be closed as the teachers attend a Christian Teachers Conference in Lynden, WA.  As well, the school will be closed for Thanksgiving Day, October 10.

Entertainment Books

The next turn in day is Wednesday morning, October 5.

We have already sold 100 entertainment books to support the purchase of technology at both campuses. Thank you for your support! Students need to return the book or the money that is collected from the purchase of the book, by Wednesday, October 12.

Volunteer Opportunity – Gr. 8-12 Cross Country Meet

Date: October 11, 2016

Time: 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Place: Cliff Falls in Kanaka Creek Regional Park, Maple Ridge

Areas for volunteer: 

• Set-up: 12:00 – 2:00 pm
• Marshalls: 3:30 – 4:30 pm
• First Aid Attendant: 3:00 – 5:00 pm
• Clean-up: 4:00 -5:00 pm

You can sign up for any or all of these opportunities. If you can help out, please contact Miss Friesen, nfriesen@hopelcs.ca, or Ms. Klassen, mklassen@hopelcs.ca.