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Stories of Learning

As I watch the Olympics and (soon to be) Paralympics, I cannot help but think of the learning and dedication that went into the practice, self-reflection, and development of each athlete. Whether it’s speed skating, ice dancing, snowboard big air, or para ice hockey, learning for these athletes involved a lot of commitment, perseverance, and teamwork.

As I watch the Olympics and (soon to be) Paralympics, I cannot help but think of the learning and dedication that went into the practice, self-reflection, and development of each athlete. Whether it’s speed skating, ice dancing, snowboard big air, or para ice hockey, learning for these athletes involved a lot of commitment, perseverance, and teamwork. Each athlete needed to be willing to try, overcome obstacles along the way, and use creativity and imagination in their learning journey.

While we might not be learning so we can hopefully perform at the Olympics someday, learning at Surrey Christian School does take on many unique and beautiful characteristics. Step into the Cloverdale Campus with me to “see” some of the ways learning is taking place…

It is amazing to see, hear, and reflect on the many different ways in which learning takes place at all three of our campuses. Each child learns at different rates and in different ways, and we are blessed by the intentional work the staff members at Surrey Christian School do in designing meaningful learning experiences for students.

Walking into the Grade 2 classroom as they knit toques for refugees, students are asked, “What does learning involve?” To this, students respond, “Learning involves patience and time!”1 Learning also involves real work!

Going next door, students in the other Grade 2 class are sewing Canadian symbols on tea towels. As their teachers guide each student in the process, learning involves nurture and encouragement.

Heading down the hallway, one of our education assistants is sitting on the floor, side by side with a student reading a book. Learning involves trust and relationship building.

Venturing into the Learning Commons, the tables are surrounded by students in the knitting club. The students are reminded that as they learn a new skill, learning involves patience and perseverance!

The Grade 7 students are reflecting on their learning and making connections between the Biblical narrative and the Greek monologues they are writing. Learning is embedded in memory, history, and story.2

Down the hall, a guest speaker is visiting the Grade 5 class to help deepen their journey of learning about and being servant workers around food waste. Learning involves real needs and taking our place in God’s Story.

Walking out the door, the Grade 1 students are enroute to the bottle depot to deepen their understanding about recycling, and to bring bottles and cans in to help purchase library books for their Kenyan pen pals. Learning involves community building and a real audience.

Over in the gym, the Grade 6 and 7 students are gathered after school to develop their basketball skills. Learning involves teamwork and skill development.

The learning stories could go on and on. It is amazing to see, hear, and reflect on the many different ways in which learning takes place at all three of our campuses. Each child learns at different rates and in different ways, and we are blessed by the intentional work the staff members at Surrey Christian School do in designing meaningful learning experiences for students. This includes weaving in our Biblical worldview, addressing the BC core and curricular competencies, and integrating the First Peoples’ Principles of Learning into each students’ learning journey. It is an absolute joy to witness the students’ delight in learning as they are empowered to engage God’s world in the servant way of Jesus.

By Pamela Zuidhof, Cloverdale Campus Assistant Principal