School News ~ December 2020 Edition

School Happenings and Adapting to the Covid 19 Pandemic

September 2020 saw students head back to school as usual, but it wasn’t all usual! We decided to keep fewer than 15 students in each room, so we have 28 students in three Learning Centers this year. These classes don’t mix and mingle and are only together for chapel assemblies and play outside. That’s quite a difference from previous years when we all ate in the same lunchroom and worked in the same Learning Center, but both staff and students are adapting well and even enjoying the divisions. Students saw a number of other minor changes as well on their first day back… no sharing of score keys or pens, distancing or plexiglass at score stations, masks in all hallways, washrooms, etc, and lots of hand sanitizer – everywhere!

Entering an orange phase in November meant even more masking, but everyone seems to be coping quite well. Of course our individual offices with dividers between each student) work perfectly to control the spread of germs during this pandemic. Thanks to some great seamstresses, we also have seat sacks on each chair where students keep masks, red pens, etc.

Many of our fall activities were cancelled or looked a bit different. We were still able to take students to pick crabapples for our jelly fundraiser. Those from Learning Center “A”, our youngest students, were the first to fill their buckets. Thanks to those who allowed us to pick from their trees, and to those who made jelly for us. We still have 1 cup bottles of apple jelly and crabapple jelly available for purchase at the school.

Our “Festival of Trees” was cancelled due to the pandemic and current recommendations in NB; however in early December, each Learning Center was excited to decorate a tree and their classroom.

Most of our staff attended Accelerated Christian Education’s Canadian Educator’s Convention virtually in October.  The one afternoon live video session was streamed by over 60 schools across Canada, and was an encouragement for everyone. 

Earlier this year, we heard the good news that one of our students, Anna Smith, placed first with her poem in the Royal Canadian Legion’s Literary Contest.  Our school was recognized for this achievement when a representative from the local Legion visited the school and presented us with a plaque.

A local community member, Danette Fillier-Aubin, organized a Tupperware community water bottle fundraiser to provide each of our students and staff members with a new water bottle. Although the masks may be hiding their smiles, the students were so pleased to receive their water bottle. HCS parent, Jacinda Brake-Heath added each student’s name in vinyl to label their bottles.

French Instruction

HCS students start receiving French instruction in elementary school, depending on student ability, availability of resources, and the number of students. They work individually, at their own level and pace, with the highly-rated online language training program Duolingo, and they participate in weekly one-on-one coaching and practice sessions. At the high school level, most students receive 180 hours of French language training thus meeting the requirements of the provincial Department of Education and Early Childhood Development.

Meet the Staff – Conrad Leclerc, BEd Second Language Instructor

HCS French language instructor since September, 2014, Mr. Leclerc, hails from Quebec, La Belle province. He and his wife attend Sovereign Grace Baptist Church, and have two adult children and three grandchildren. Two of their grandchildren have attended HCS in the past and continue with the ACE program in Alberta, their current province of residence.
When Mr. Leclerc was considering retirement from his job as Manager of Second Language Training and Evaluation for GNB, one of his daughters as quick to envision him as a valuable addition to the school where his skill set could be put to continuing good use. A small amount of convincing led him to take ACE’s Supervisor’s Training where he himself experienced the individualized system of learning. He knew that was what he wanted for the French program at HCS. He adjusted quickly from teaching adults to teaching children, and now oversees all French language learning at HCS. What a blessing he is!
Mr. Leclerc enjoys his work at the school, describing it as, “a good work environment, and a curriculum based on Biblical principles, where students read and learn about the Word, and pray.” In addition to overseeing the French, M. Leclerc often shows up before school to oversee some play time in the gym before the work day begins. The students love to see him arrive.
He describes himself as, “a part time fixer upper, not always successful”.
A favourite place: “wherever I happen to be (most of the time)”.
A favorite scripture: “This is difficult for at least two reasons: It’s like laying out an assortment of chocolates in front of me and saying “Which one would you like?”. I also find that most verses are better appreciated within a certain context: Who said it to whom? Believers? Unbelievers? Romans? Jews? Their life circumstances, etc. Our knowledge of the context may/will affect our understanding of it. This makes me think of the man who had decided to randomly pick one verse a day to think about through the day. He opened his (King James) Bible and his finger landed on the end of Matthew 27:5 “(he) departed, and went and hanged himself”. After he
started breathing again, he thought maybe he should try to find another
one. He found himself staring at the end of Deuteronomy 12:30 “So I will do
likewise”.
I would like to end by quoting Psalm 117: 1 “O praise the Lord, all ye nations: praise him, all ye people. 2 For his merciful kindness is great toward us: and the truth of the Lord endureth for ever. Praise ye the Lord.”

Photo Gallery

Heard in the Hallway

Before Christmas, many students were able to finish their work a couple of days early and earn time off. Upon hearing that Mrs. Arndt would be without any students for an entire half day, one sweet young miss expressed her deep concern about her teacher’s impending “loneliness.” Mrs. Arndt assured her that she would be fine having an unusually quiet morning doing paperwork and classroom cleaning.

School News ~ Spring 2020 Edition

Adapting – While classrooms have closed due to Covid-19, learning continues at home. The individualized program used at Heritage Christian School is easily used in a homeschool setting. Many HCS students are still setting goals and completing PACEs! Some students score over the phone with their supervisor while other parents oversee scoring at home.

Technology has allowed staff to video chat with students, score pictures of work, and easily keep in touch with parents and students. Although we miss seeing each other in person, we are glad to see students progressing in their work.

In the first 4 weeks of “homeschool”, students successfully completed 96 tests! Keep up the good work –students and parents!

Recent Student Awards – HCS students participated in the Royal Canadian Legion’s Poster and Literary Contests. Twelve of our students took away fifteen 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place awards at the local level. We also celebrate Anna Smith’s poem and essay which also placed 1st at the Provincial Level.

They have both moved on to National level competition which will happen later this spring. Congratulations to all students who took the time to remember the sacrifices that were paid so we could enjoy freedom.

Heard in the Hallway
One (very) young scholar, when questioned about wearing a rather “pirate-ish” eyepatch, quickly put a concerned staffer’s mind at ease. “Oh, don’t worry,” he said. “My eyeball is still there! I just have a lazy eye.”

Recognition: Every September A.C.E. hosts Christian Educators’ Conventions across the country. This year we celebrated the 40th anniversary for A.C.E. Canada. The final stop was right here in the Maritimes. The last session, titled “Canada’s Birthday Party” featured four special guests who were recognized for their contribution to ACE and Christian Education in the Maritimes. Mrs. Ruth Burtt from HCS was one of them. She was presented with a commemorative plaque inscribed, “Congratulations on thirty-seven years of ministry in Christian Education…Presented to Ruth Burtt…on behalf of Accelerated Christian Education in Canada”. We also learned that Mrs. Burtt and her daughters (who are supervisors at HCS) have a total of 131 years of ACE experience. The whole family (children, spouses, etc.) has well over 200 years of experience! This includes years as students, supervisors, monitors, and volunteers in ACE schools in New Brunswick, Alberta, Texas, Mexico, Honduras, South Korea, Thailand, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Russia. At the end of the session, ACE Canada presented each school in attendance with “A Three-Fold Cord”, a book recently published by Mrs. Ruth Burtt. ACE Canada had purchased copies to distribute to schools during their cross Canada tour. A Three-Fold Cord “True stories from our home, school, and church that make us a strong family.” This autobiographical book by Ruth Burtt will take you on one family’s journey of living out God’s Word from a rural NB community to around the world. Copies are still available by contacting Mrs. Ruth Burtt.

Many Science PACEs contain projects and labs that students do to enhance their learning. Some of our high school students enjoyed Biology dissections in the fall, and these intermediate students took the opportunity to view bread mold.

During the Christmas season, HCS celebrated with a Festival of Trees.
Students picked a theme and decorated their tree accordingly. Rave
reviews were heard from the guests who attended our Dessert Theatre
during the weekend it was held. People’s Choice went to the team of
boys who decorated the Cars tree. A great job was done by everyone.

Download our Spring 2020 Newsletter: http://hcsnb.ca/wp-content/uploads/Newsletter-Spring-2020-final.pdf

School News ~ September 2019 Edition

HCS began the 2019/20 school year with 32 students.

Regional Student Convention

Regional Student Convention was held April 8 & 9, 2019 at the Geary Baptist Church. Students from A.C.E. schools and homeschools in New Brunswick attended this event.

The guest speaker, Alfred MacLaren, Manager of A.C.E. Canada, spoke on “Lighting Your World.”

A visit by Canuck, the mascot for A.C.E. Canada, was enjoyed by students and adults alike.

International Student Convention (I.S.C.)

The competition was intense at the 2019 I.S.C. in Warrensburg, Missouri, in May, but HCS finished strong. With the support of the 10

staff/chaperones/guests in attendance, 8 students brought 8 awards back to their school.

Awards were won by both individuals and teams of students from HCS, ages 13 to 17. These included Flag Corps, Scrapbooking, Poetry Writing, Vocal Quartet, Expressive Reading, Photography, and Soccer Kick. Five medals were awarded within the top 15 placements. HCS students competed with other A.C.E. students who were regional winners from 24 countries around the world.

One HCS student won free registration to Service Adventure in Thailand or Mexico, Summer 2020. Service Adventure is a two week summer mission trip that challenges you to experience service and ministry in a foreign A.C.E. school.

HCS Flag Corps placed third at I.S.C.

A Visit to the Prayer Garden

Earlier this year, students and staff visited the Prayer Garden in Tracy.  As they stopped at each Station of the Cross, they were reminded of God’s great love for us.

Songs, Scriptures, and prayers from staff and students alike made the visit even more meaningful.

Flamingo Fundraiser

A fun new fundraiser enables someone to anonymously cover a recipient’s lawn with 25 pink flamingos and celebratory signage (Happy Birthday or Anniversary, Congratulations, or You’re the Best). 

For additional information, please contact Patti Nason (506) 440-5397.

Surprise! Happy “milestone” birthday, Mrs. Burtt!

Sandy Cove Bible Camp Year-end Trip

HCS students enjoyed a year-end overnight trip to Sandy Cove Bible Camp at Davidson Lake. 25 students and 8 staff/chaperones attended the camp. The following short interview provides feedback from a few very satisfied participants:

Mrs. Burtt (a.k.a. Grammie): “What is the first thing you think about when I mention your trip to Sandy Cove?”

Charlie (age 12): “Kayaking.”

Rosie (age 7): “Eating.”

Grammie: “What do you think of when I mention camp rules?”

Charlie: “Lights out at 10:00 p.m.”

Rosie: “That didn’t help me! I didn’t get much sleep because the older girls in the other end of my cabin were laughing their heads off all night long!”  (Note added later:  According to Miss Burtt, the older girls settled down before 11:00 p.m.)

Charlie: “The boys slept well, but some of us were up early. The camp leader, Gary Long, said he was surprised when he got up at 6:00 a.m. and saw us outside playing on the swings.”

Grammie: “Is there anything else you would like to say about Sandy Cove?”

Charlie: “It was so much fun! The mini golf was a real hit with Luke, Liam, and me! Everyone loved the Family Feud Game.”

Rosie: “The most fun for me was playing on the swings with Hadassah!”

HCS students, staff, and chaperones assembled for a brief photo shoot before getting back to all the fun!

Alumni Update

We know God is at work in the lives of many of our alumni.  We wanted to take a moment to mention one lady who has been a special blessing to HCS in recent years.  Candice Arndt (now Strang) graduated in 2013. After attending Majestany Institute she began her career as a hair stylist.  Currently she has her own mobile business with many happy clients.  She is also following her passions and runs Sondance Studios teaching dance to little girls and young ladies.  She is active in her church with both music and children’s programs.  She and her husband are parents to Bella and expecting a baby boy in November.  Candice has faithfully been teaching a weekly physical education class to HCS students for the last couple of years.  (She continued this through her pregnancy and immediately after!)  She directed last year’s Christmas program, helps judge at student conventions, and is working with students to prepare performances for this year’s Christmas program.  We are thankful and blessed to see Candice and other alumni serving the Lord and following His plan for their lives.  Our supporters can be encouraged to know they have made a difference by investing in the lives of our students.

The I.S.C. Opening Rally featured former HCS student, Victoria Johnson, being interviewed by Ray Marin, Director of Admissions for Accelerated College of the Bible International. Miss Johnson is now on staff at HCS.