Every Square Centimetre: Recent Episodes
Christian Schools Canada
Every Square Centimetre is a podcast celebrating and finding inspiration in the amazing people, places, and practices in and around Christian education across Canada.
In episode 38, Darren hosts another Every Square Centimetre “campfire” conversation. As we imagined sitting on the lush shores of Centennial Beach in Tsawassen our conversations were inspired by Darren’s article in The Link, “The Most Dangerous Game,” in which he reflects on how our schools need to choose cultural dialogue and engagement over culture wars. With this in mind, we pondered questions like:- Why do Christian schools exist?- What role do they play in society?- How do we stay true to our mission statements at such a time as this?- What does it mean to be courageous in our faith?- How can a couple Aussie writers speak into our current context?And to close out this season, we end this episode with a “cross-fire” segment that involves playing a game to see how well we remember the animals that have been showcased over the past 4 years of podcasts.
In episode 37, Tyler Capton invites us into the high school wing of Gateway Christian School in Red Deer, Alberta. Join the ESC “Prickle” as we learn:- That confessing can be good for the soul… and, sometimes, a good laugh,- How “cringe rap” is a special genre of music within school staff rooms- That teachers need to model a growth mindset for their students- How a heavy metal band can be inspiration for a classroom Storyline- That creativity and adaptability is key when working with students with diverse learning needs- That the “Lord of all” approach to Christian education can bring about some challenging, but often rewarding, conversations into the classroom.Connect with Tyler at tyler.capton@rdpsd.ab.ca, check out the "Harmonious Gentlemen" podcast or check out "Mr. Capton's Youtube Channel" for more fun content. This episode is sponsored by:EduDeo: Visit https://edudeo.com, their school’s page (https://edudeo.com/schools), or email EduDeo at schools@edudeo.com.
In episode 36, Bill Beeke invites us into the hallways of Timothy Christian School in Chilliwack, British Columbia. Join the ESC “Walk” as we learn:- That nobody avoids aging- How Adam Wasik’s bike repair story (see episode 34 of the ESC podcast) inspired Bill to create a mechanic’s shop at Timothy Christian school that serves the Chilliwack community in beautiful ways- That teacher’s weren’t prophets when they used to say, “when you’re an adult you won’t always have a calculator in your pocket”- How passion projects give different students the opportunity to showcase their unique God-given gifts- The ironic name for a group of snailsConnect with Bill at bbeeke@timothychristian.ca This episode is sponsored by:EduDeo: Visit https://edudeo.com, their school’s page (https://edudeo.com/schools), or email EduDeo at schools@edudeo.com.
In our third “Big Boss” episode, Deani Van Pelt, President of the Edvance Christian Schools Association, joins the ESC “Bivouac” as we learn:- About the “intense, practical utility of a water lily”- Why “interleaving” may be the next buzzword in education- That there is a growing appetite for independent schooling across Canada and it’s a huge privilege to be involved in Christian education at this time- How watching our own kids go through school can motivate us to do Christian education better- That leaders have a duty to respond to the life giving movement of the Holy Spirit that’s often evident in our burning question and in our tears- That a group of Monarch butterfly’s is a bivouacConnect with Deani at deani.vanpelt@edvance.ca This episode is sponsored by:EduDeo: Visit https://edudeo.com, their school’s page (https://edudeo.com/schools), or email EduDeo at schools@edudeo.com.
In episode 34, Adam Wasik invites us into the principal’s office of John Knox Christian School’s Secondary Campus in New Westminster, British Columbia. Join the ESC “Dynasty” as we learn:- The longest a free diver can hold their breath- How somebody that flooded a classroom was still able to receive an outstanding practicum award as a UBC teacher candidate- That New Westminster is home to the most famous lacrosse team in the world: the salmon bellies!- How a bike repair room can be a principal’s favorite space in the school.- That meritocracy and competition are still a huge distraction in Christian schools- That discussing our journeys with learning and social challenges can not only help make space for vulnerable kids in our schools/classrooms but also help the “neurotypical kids” to feel that they don’t have to perform to be valuedConnect with Adam at awasik@johnknoxbc.org This episode is sponsored by:EduDeo: Visit https://edudeo.com, their school’s page (https://edudeo.com/schools), or email EduDeo at schools@edudeo.com.
In episode 33, Sara Douma invites us to Rocky Christian School, an alternative Christian school program in the Wild Rose School Division. Join the ESC “Madness” as we learn:- That whether or not you teach Phys Ed, you should have some go-to games to play with your students- That Rocky Mountain Mudd can refer to a filthy hike or some filthy coffee- How lego can help connect students to God’s story- Why apologizing to students teaches that every single person in our classrooms needs to be treated like an image bearer of God- What an honor and a gift it is to be invited into your student’s lives and to walk alongside them as they figure out how to understand and accept God’s love for them- That “fly’s” and “oranges” could use a rebrandingConnect with Sara at sara.douma@wrsd.ca This episode is sponsored by:EduDeo: Visit https://edudeo.com, their school’s page (https://edudeo.com/schools), or email EduDeo at schools@edudeo.com.
We go international in episode 32, as Ruth Rodriguez invites us to AMG (Advancing the Ministries of the Gospel) in Guatemala City, Guatemala. Ruth is the executive director of AMG Guatemala and helps bring Christian education to some of the poorest and most dangerous communities in Guatemala. Join the ESC “shadow” as we learn:- who was “privileged” to have comic strips available on the back of the toilet when they were growing up.- what the idiom, “It’s a long way from saying to doing,” means.- the importance of students experiencing the joy of being someone that matters, being listened to, and invited to play a role in God’s story.- that brokenness means “the failure to recognize that we are sinners”- how Christian schools can be places for community healing and open spaces to be heard.- how raccoons could be more of a pest in Canada if they adopted the strategy of breaking windows and hiding in schools, like some of their Central American relatives.Connect with Ruth at rrodriguez@amg.org.gt This episode is sponsored by:EduDeo: Visit https://edudeo.com, their school’s page (https://edudeo.com/schools), or email EduDeo at schools@edudeo.com.
In episode 31, Eli Banta invites us to Great Lakes Christian High School, in Beamsville, Ontario. Join the ESC “Run” as we learn:- about “hookin’ humpies” and hitting “seagulls with suckers,”- that residents of Beamsville are either Sunbeams or Beamsvillians,- that half of the student population of Great Lakes Christian High School are international students that live on campus,- that Physics allows us to see some amazing aspects of the Creator that we can’t see anywhere else,- what quantum entanglement is not,- how inquiry-based learning and Cooperative Group Problem Solving (CGPS) can better engage learners, and- that we’re all turtles on a fencepost.Connect with Eli at eli.banta@gmail.com. This episode is sponsored by:EduDeo: Visit https://edudeo.com, their school’s page (https://edudeo.com/schools), or email EduDeo at schools@edudeo.com.
In episode 30, Darren hosts another Every Square Centimetre “campfire” conversation. Recognizing that there are a number of exhausted educators across our country, we invite Tricia Schinkel, school counsellor at Calvin Christian School in Hamilton, to help us process some of our questions: How do we stay well as we engage life in the present season? What role does the school play in promoting the individual well-being of staff? and “How do you recover after a season of not being well?”As always, we end our campfire conversation with the “Cross Fire” segment, where we banter over listener inspired prompts: - What’s something the people in your family don’t appreciate enough about you?- What’s something you’ve messed up recently? - What was Justin’s bluegrass band experience and was Tricia part of a punk rock band? You can connect with Tricia at tricia.schinkel@gmail.com
We go international in episode 29, as Paul Matthews invites us to Calvin Christian School in Hobart, Tasmania, Australia. Paul believes AI tools, like chatGPT, can be a real beneficial tool to help keep Christian educators in Christian schools. Join the ESC “Mob” as we learn:- sometimes it's necessary to kill a bass to catch a muskie- which Canadian or Australian beast would win a “battle of the beasts” in a school gymnasium- how AI will be able to help teachers design individualized, differentiated lessons- that Christians need to be involved in AI spaces as a place of creativity- that burrowing your head in the sand, like an echidna, will be ineffective as AI technology continues to make ecological changes to society- that students will take a “huge haircut” if we don’t prepare students to use AI well and,- how you can be involved in Paul’s AI pilot program, myteacheraide.comConnect with Paul at paul@myteacheraide.com This episode is sponsored by:EduDeo: Visit https://edudeo.com, their school’s page (https://edudeo.com/schools), or email EduDeo at schools@edudeo.com.
In episode 28, Stephanie Montojo invites us to Academia Stella Maris, an independent bi-lingual Catholic school in Limoges, ON. Stella Maris means Star of the Sea in Latin. Catholics see Mary as the Star of the Sea who points the way to her Son; just like sailors would use the stars for direction, so ASM looks to Mary for direction to Jesus. Join the ESC “Scurry” as we learn: - warm June evenings are all about the smell of hay, Dairy Queen after soccer games, and the sound of neighbourhood kids screaming “bloody murder!” - celebrations of learning in June can help emphasize students’ (and teachers’!) own experience in learning and de-emphasize the story of grades and report cards at the end of year - Canada didn’t become bi-lingual until 1969 (Ontario didn’t officially recognize the use of French until 1984!) - Stephanie’s own background as a Franco-Ontarian also included discrimination because French was her first language. - ASM is a bi-lingual hybrid school program, teaching students in both French and English as a first language, as well as to students who come to school both full and part time. - ASM students also take a customized curriculum which is co-designed by the school and parents, catering to their ability level for each subject.
Connect with Stephanie at smontojo@academiastellamaris.ca.
This episode is sponsored by: - EduDeo: Visit https://edudeo.com, their school’s page (https://edudeo.com/schools), or email EduDeo at schools@edudeo.com.
In episode 27, ESC goes to Leduc, AB, to visit Colin Ward, who is committed to helping students when school gets hard. Join the ESC “Passel” as we learn: - School musical programs have long lasting memories - Sometimes bribing kids with candy for the sake of adult-student relationships can be a great thing - The CANAMEX corridor goes straight through Leduc and stretches all the way from edmonton to Mexico - Collegial relationships have a profound impact on our job satisfaction - God cares about our wellness and wholeness while we’re here on earth - You can take the pastor out of the church, but you can’t take the sermon out of the pastor
Connect with Colin at colin.ward@gshare.blackgold.ca
This episode is sponsored by: - EduDeo: Visit https://edudeo.com, their school’s page (https://edudeo.com/schools), or email EduDeo at schools@edudeo.com.
In episode 26, our second “Big Boss” episode, Ed Noot, the retiring Executive Director of the Society of Christian Schools in British Columbia, offers us his reflection on the state of Christian education through the Wayfinder prompts “praise, lament, and hope.” Join the ESC “Band” as we learn:- A donation of bone marrow might result in a lifelong friendship. - When Ed grows up he hopes to be like his mom- In 1920, Zorro was better known for his “mark” rather than his “mask.”B.C. - Is home to some of the world’s largest things, such as a fly fishing rod (Houston), totem pole (Alert Bay), garden gnome (Nanoose Bay), wooden paddle (Golden), cuckoo clock (Kimberley), hockey stick (Duncan), and tin soldier (New Westminster).- How Ed celebrates the joyful increase of diversity in Christian education.- That Ed has asked a past grade 7 class “What kind of car would Jesus drive?” and laments that a few parents were unhappy about that question. - Ed has a lot of hope for Christian education to move away from fear and toward courage and boldness because of the people he knows working in Christian education, and - Ed shared these celebrations, laments, and hopes and more for christian education in his latest SCSBC “The Link” article. Connect with Ed at edwardnoot@gmail.com.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------This episode is sponsored by:EduDeo: Visit https://edudeo.com, their school’s page (https://edudeo.com/schools), or email EduDeo at schools@edudeo.com.
In episode 25, Darren hosts another Every Square Centimetre “campfire” conversation. Building on the conversation with Joonyong, the three of us discuss how competition seems to be such a lingering ethos for education and how Joonyong urges us to replace competition with systems of compassion in our schools. How do we intersect some of the natural aspects of competition in nature, sports, etc. with a Saviour who continuously created space for the marginalized and rejected. We pondered questions like the following:- Does university entrance acceptance automatically require competition?- Is nature inherently competitive? Interdependent? Or both?- How might a biology 12 exam be a collaborative experience?- What impact does the bell curve still have on our attitudes toward student achievement? Are we still trying to “sort” kids? - Is Dweck’s focus on mindsets set the stage for compassion over competition? For a priority on highlighting passion and effort, even in university?
In episode 24, ESC goes to St. Catharines to visit Lisa Vanderkuip who is committed to helping students when school gets hard. Join the ESC “Passel” as we learn: - Lisa’s sister befriended Sting and ended up with back-stage passes to Amnesty International!- through our new game, “AI or A+,” sometimes you can tell the difference between ChatGPT and an actual poet!- St. Catharines is a canal town and won the canal battle between the Welland and the Erie canals.- you can worship in Harriet Tubman’s church in St. Catharines: British Methodist Episcopal Church Salem Chapel on Geneva Street.- the Canada Fitness Award program’s “Flexed Arm Hang” has scarred many Canadian children, including Lisa, Darren, and Gord Downie from The Tragically Hip!- God has a calling for all of us, and Lisa is committed to finding that with students for whom school is really hard. - Lisa has a vision for schools to group students in many ways beyond just by age. - how educational best practices like the "Science of Reading" movement can enliven our own teaching and empower students to succeed, but it requires leadership to create change.Connect with Lisa at lvanderkuip@beaconchristian.org.
In episode 23, ESC once again goes global to Paju, Korea! Joonyong provides a fantastic look into both Korean and Canadian Christian education, highlighting the need for educators to actively combat the way schooling can default to an ethos of competition. Join the ESC “Clutter” as we learn: - Korean males have mandatory military service due to Korea’s ongoing conflict with North Korea.- “Stew Spyksma” gives “Maverick” a run for its money as the best air force pilot handle.- Joonyong lives in the shadow of the “DMZ”--the demilitarized zone between North and South Korea.- Noodles mean it's marriage time!- We have to replace competition with compassion and companionship as the driving ethos of education (Joonyong’s graduate work in this was inspired by the fact that none of his grade 10 classmates would share their notes with him after a two week absence) - Elaine Brouwer’s work with the SCSBC–“Assessment as a Gift”--has made an international impact on Christian education. Connect with Joonyong at jywind7@gmail.com.
In episode 22, John van der Leek and PADS dog Summer welcome us to Abbotsford Christian School, where they work together to help all students give and receive love and acceptance. Join the ESC “Family” as we learn: - that when it comes to anniversary arguments, Darren says Jeremy’s wife is always right,- that the place you’d park your car at a dog school is the “barking lot,”- that according to Statistics Canada, Abbotsford has been the most generous city in terms of donations for 9 straight years,- that a dog’s unconditional love and obedience can make it an incredible servant worker in a school, and- more practically, having a PADS dog in a school can be an amazing mental health resource.Connect with John (and Summer) at johnvanderleek@abbotsfordchristian.com.
In episode 21, Alex Farquhar welcomes us to Drayton Christian School in Drayton Valley, Alberta, where Alex wants all grade six students to know they are capable in their learning. Join the ESC “Clowder” as we learn: - Darren has an uncanny ability to identify the cost of esoteric items in the Hammacher Schlemmer catalogue,- international teaching experiences can be an education in itself,- having both spouses apply for a single teaching job, doubles your chances of someone in your family getting it… it’s just math,- Drayton Valley is an oil town with quick access to the Rocky Mountains and a notable incentive for post-secondary education,- embracing a growth mindset as a teacher is foundational for encouraging it in our students, and- being willing to put all of our teaching practices under review for continued growth not only can have a significant impact on student learning, but also can remind us to approach our students as image-bearers of Christ. Connect with Alex at alex.farquhar@wrsd.ca.
In this episode we connect with some of our favorite Christian school podcast friends and have some fun drafting our ideal schools using peculiar pools to choose from. - In round 1 we draft our school's name and motto using 80’s bands and their songs. - In round 2 we draft our school's sports teams, colors and mascot using a current pro sports team. - In round 3 we draft our school’s framework using some of the options from the Christian Deeper Learning network. - In round 4 we draft our school's building type. - In round 5 we draft our school’s mode of transportation. - In round 6 we draft our school's principal using characters from the Bible. - In round 7 we draft our school's lead teacher using characters from a TV show.
In episode 20, Darren hosts another Every Square Centimetre “campfire” conversation. Reflecting on the last couple of years, Darren wonders what skills graduates need to walk well in a world full of contradictory and combative voices. Once again, we included a fun “crossfire” segment, responding to listener messages/questions like: - Who is somebody you should celebrate? - What are some summer listening recommendations? - What is the most extreme thing you’ve done? - How do you spell the word for the knitted thing Canadians put on their head in winter?
In episode 19, Matt Rock welcomes us to his maker studio and high school Construction Technologies courses, where he and his students love engaging in “high impact projects.” Join the ESC “Herd” as we learn: - that cedar strip canoes can be a labour of love - that Darren knows every square centimetre of Canadian farm to table restaurants - that every Friday deserves a good classroom cheer of “What day is it??!!?” - that designing high impact projects is a ton of work, but once you get a taste you can never go back. - that feature walls can tell the beautiful story of an organization’s identity. - London, ON, existed for over 10,000 years on the Antlered River, long before it was ever colonized into London. - London Christian High summarizes its mission as “People and Purpose” - Matt highlights creative thinking and the design process in his “maker studio” classroom. - that sometimes when our leaders challenge us to see our courses as the reason students want to get up in the morning, a fire gets lit. - that sometimes our classrooms can foster partnerships around the world!
Connect with Matt at mrock@lchonline.ca.
In episode 18, Laura Rand welcomes us into her grade 1 classroom where students are excited to play their important part as “Rangers,” caring for the earth and doing important tasks in God’s world. Join the ESC “Raft” as we learn: - that Darren bought a lot of Smartie McFlurries for love in high school - that Pacific Christian School takes territory acknowledgment seriously by including it directly on their home page - how Victoria’s Empress Hotel brings the British into the name British Columbia - where the band 54-40 got the inspiration for their name - how being a ranger is exactly the Christian role that Laura wants to embody with her grade 1 students, especially after she was labelled as being in a “bad class” growing up - that tree planting just might be the ideal job training for designing a natural primary classroom. - that dyslexia and reading requires personalized care and support, and - why Laura describes her first ever class – a split grade – as “we were wild, we were nuts, we were happy, and I loved it.”
Connect with Laura at laura.rand@pacificchristian.ca.
In episode 17, Darren hosts another Every Square Centimetre “campfire” conversation. Inspired by our participation in Converge and the Christian Deeper Learning Conference in San Diego, Darren asks why Christian Deeper Learning is important and wonders about the value of being part of a professional learning network. Once again, we included a fun “crossfire” segment, responding to listener messages/questions like: - How did you make your classmate’s eyes roll? - What needs decluttering in your life? - What makes a good mentor? - What is Darren putting in a conference gift bag?
In episode 16, Sherry TenHove welcomes us into her kindergarten classroom where the students ask “How can we live God’s dream?” Join the ESC “Coterie” as we learn: - that Justin and Darren have farm memories that they can’t unsee or unsmell - the rare occurrence of harvesting in the snow is a small price to pay for living under the big beautiful prairie skies - some educational recommendations for teaching new readers - how Sherry’s Deep Hope involves introducing students to God’s big story - how a Wolterstorff quote inspired Sherry to invite her kindergarten students to seek out ways to actively “live God’s dream.” - that engaging in real work that meets real needs for real people is not a substitution for academic rigour.
Connect with Sherry at stenhove@lacs.ca.
In episode 15, ESC goes global with its first international square centimetre! Fiona Partridge from Adelaide, Australia, introduces us to a CSC sister organization–Christian Education National (CEN)–and shares a kingdom vision of all life and all things participating in worship. Join the ESC “Wisdom” as we learn:
- Some pretty impressive Aussie idioms
- That “emu bobbing” could replace the Throughline Earth Keeping
- That getting Darren, Jeremy, and Justin to run a marathon would be like having “A few roos loose in the top paddock”
- The Kuyperian roots that connect CEN and CSC share;
- How Fiona’s perspective that “all of life is worship” impacts her teaching, leading and living;
- What it might mean to be marigolds in our relationships;
- That the digestive system of a wombat would put a sparkle in the eye of any geometry teacher and
- That Christian education shouldn’t attempt to be “private” education.
Connect with Fiona at fiona.partridge@cen.edu.au.
In episode 14, Janice MacDonald at Surrey Christian School in Surrey, BC, invites us into her Vocation 12 classroom where students discover their vocational identity in God’s kingdom. Join the ESC “Run” as we learn: - Sometimes the pain of our own schooling experience becomes the catalyst for God’s redemptive work in our own lives. - The word “wholeness” is missional at Surrey Christian School in a desire to become “more fully alive in God’s story.” - That Surrey is soon expected to be the largest city in BC–surpassing Vancouver. - Why Janice may soon be playing the breath-holding (!) game Kabaddi in her phys ed class. - That TfT storyboards visually share the learning journey of the class, - How Thomas Merton and the enneagram help Janice invite her Vocation 12 students to see themselves as image reflectors and, - That Christian vocation is about much much more than just getting a job. But don’t take our word for it. Janice’s students Deborah and Paige will show you what “fully alive” looks like in their capstone projects!
Connect with Janice at Jmacdonald@surreychristian.com.
In episode 13, Loretta Anderson at Immanuel Christian School in Charlottetown, PEI, invites us into her grade 1 classroom where students are invited to create beautiful work in learning about their neighbours, the farm, and more. Join the ESC “Troop” as we learn: - biking can be good for relationships… whether that be completing an over 300km trek with your husband (as in Loretta’s case) or just going out on your own to blow off some steam after being cooped up too long during Covid (as Jeremy’s case); - that according to our extensive research and backed by our experience with Loretta, the most patient teachers are Grade 1 teachers… second is grade 12; - to be called a true “Islander” you need to not only live on PEI, but you had to be born there as well; how grade 1 students can be empowered to create beautiful work and nurtured to provide feedback for each other; - that students do their best work when their work matters and has a purpose beyond the classroom walls like at Island Hill Farm; - and there‘s nothing like the gifts grade 1 students give - Loretta received a gift that was 13 feet tall! Read the CBC article about it here - shorturl.at/iHZ47
Connect with Loretta at landerson@immanuelchristianschool.ca
In episode 12, Darren hosts the second Every Square Centimetre “campfire” conversation. Inspired by our chat with Matt Klassen from Calvin Christian Collegiate (episode 10), Darren asks how we can double down on prioritizing experience in educational design, and the conversation quickly led to evaluating the impact of grading and post-secondary school admissions on learning. Once again, we included quite a feisty “crossfire” segment, responding to listener messages/questions like: Who has inspired us in our current roles? What is a favourite Christmas gift from a student? What’s a song you listened to on repeat in middle school? What is a story of regret from your past?
In episode 11, our first “Big Boss” episode, the Executive Director of the Prairie Centre for Christian Education, Gayle Monsma, leads us through the Canadian Prairies and schools us in some women’s leadership truths. Join the ESC “Glittering” as we learn: we need a geography teacher to teach us a few things about continents; how staff can have some good, clean fun when administration is out of the building (or not so clean when it involves laying sod); how the Alberta alternative program is peculiar in the Canadian Christian school landscape; about the humble beginnings of a little thing we like to call “Teaching for Transformation;” some of the specific barriers that women face in leadership; about Gayle’s involvement in some exciting initiatives that are happening to support women leaders.
Connect with Gayle at gmonsma@pcce.ca or check out one of Gayle’s posts on the Women Leaders for Christian Education blog (wlce.org)
In episode 10, Matt Klassen at Calvin Christian Collegiate in Winnipeg, Manitoba, takes us out of the classroom to find God in outdoor education.
Join the ESC “Drove” as we learn: road rage Darren may be scarier than lawn removal Darren; Neil Young may be cool enough to be called a Pegger, while most people from the city at the centre of North America are called Winnipeggers; the Forks in downtown Winnipeg is the bullseye of North America; that Winnipeg as a city has committed to Truth and Reconciliation through Winnipeg’s Indigenous Accord; the only thing better than a home cooked meal, is a home harvested meal; the importance of getting out of the classroom and connecting with the land around us; that university requirements should not always dictate the learning experiences we invite students into in high school; and ice-fishing holes and bee hives are part of God’s every square centimetre too.
Connect with Matt at klassenm@calvinchristian.mb.ca
In episode 9 our virtual tour of Canada takes the ferry to the “Warm Land” of Duncan Christian School in Duncan, British Columbia with grade six teacher Sandy Veenstra. Join our ESC “gang” hosted by Sandy and her 40 year teaching journey into deeper truth and reconciliation with the Cowichan Tribes as we learn: how thankful Darren, Justin and I are for our elementary school teachers - one of them even gave one of us a friend...; why Darren is so smart… (hint: it was Sandy.); conventions provide wonderful stories, of which some are embarrassing; that Duncan is called the City of Totems; how Duncan Christian has walked faithfully through some major demographic shifts… namely embracing their indigenous neighbours of the Cowichan Tribes; how a Christian school teacher’s journey can transform their life outside of school; and how navigating difference with love and humility can lead to holiness and wisdom.
Connect with Sandy at sveenstra@duncanchristian.com.
In episode 8, Perpetual Boafo at King’s Christian Collegiate in Oakville, Ontario, invites us into her grade 10 Career’s classroom which embodies “diversity + inclusion = belonging.” Join the ESC “Corps” as we learn: some interesting tidbits about our names (spoiler alert: Darren could have been Darlene), even grade 8’s can start a day off sharing their gratitude, Oakville is as pleasant as it’s name sounds - right down to having Canada’s best weather, King’s Christian Collegiate’s community is as wonderful as Oakville is pleasant, a supply or sub teacher can have a lasting impact on their students, a recommended resource on diversity - Simon Sinek’s podcast episode “Enchantment with Chloe Valdary," and that Christian schools need to be leading the diversity conversation in a peculiar way.
Connect with Perpetual at pboafo@kingschristian.ca.
In episode 7, Darren hosts the first ever Every Square Centimetre “campfire” conversation. Inspired by our chat with Shannon Gillespie from Nanaimo Christian School (episode 3), Darren asks if grade levels are really just arbitrary groups based on birthdate, or are they something else.
The campfire also proves to be an ideal atmosphere to engage in a “crossfire” segment, responding to listener messages/questions like: Why put your kids in Christian education? What's the best solution to dress codes in Christian schools? What hashtag would you like to get trending?
In episode 6, Liz Rachul at Edmonton Christian School--Northeast Campus in Edmonton, Alberta, invites us into her grade 4/5 classroom which uses Teaching for Transformation to invite kids to meet real needs for real people in their learning. Join the ESC “Surfeit” as we learn: some cats don’t have owners, they have staff; that cups and goblets are not the same; that there’s 17 hours of daylight in Edmonton for summer solstice (and only 7.5 hours during winter solstice); the Edmonton Mall has a lake in it; the profound impact that prayer has had on Liz’s career path; how Liz got to re-write the story of her relationship to her own teachers; how to use a math lesson as an opportunity to serve sandwiches at the Mustard Seed Church; that buses are for doing field work not field trips; and that community partners provide amazing expertise and authenticity for student learning.
Connect with Liz at Liz.Rachul@epsb.ca.
In episode 5, Jacquie De Raaf at Trinity Christian School in Burlington, Ontario, invites us into her grade 2 classroom with sound walls and timelines where students meet Jesus. Join the ESC “Cast” as we learn: chair take-down can be seriously risky business; that colour matters in a teacher’s wardrobe; what a Bruce Trail “end to ender” is; that 26 letters equals 42 phonemes, especially on Jacquie’s Sound Wall; the significance of the Hebrew phrase Tohu vavohu; that it’s time to start planning class trips to Israel; that twins actually share the same birthday; and what it might look like to embody a school’s mission statement.
Connect with Jacquie at jacquie.deraaf@tcsonline.ca.
In episode 4, Bonnie Burton at Richmond Christian School invites us into RCS’s unique story of the purpose for learning. Join the ESC “Convocation” as we learn: the connection between Odie and having a growth mindset; sometimes punishment requires a good ice cream sandwich; faking a fight is one way to see who your real friends are; when it comes to city-building you’d rather not have to worry about liquefaction; how a city’s unique demographics shapes the story and culture of a school; that a Learning Commons vision can ignite student passion and creativity; that rhythms of quiet and prayer prepare us for the work we do; that Bonnie’s meeting with Haida artist Jordan Seward (and the drum skin she received from him) continue to impact her and others; that crafting a good staff memo matters.
You can reach Bonnie at bburton@myrcs.ca.
In episode 3, Shannon Gillespie at Nanaimo Christian School shares a passion for middle school-aged students specifically, and Nanaimo’s unique theme-based structure for their learning. Join the ESC “Gam” as we learn: that some of us really don’t know much about musicals; that in Nanaimo, bathtubs are for racing in the Salish Sea; the payoff when you take the time to onboard new students; why middle schoolers are not just shorter high school students; how Shannon’s grade 8 math class delved into the world of real estate; that flexible student grouping can encourage engagement and passion in learning; how a commitment to professional co-planning and collaboration is worth the effort; why fitting in is the opposite of belonging; that BC ferries can double as a pretty good whale tour.
You can reach Shannon at Shannon.gillespie@ncsnanaimo.com. She also has her own podcast for her students called "In the Middle Of..."
In episode 2, Zaak Robichaud from Calgary Christian School shares a vision for mathematics that supports the whole student—academically but also social/emotionally—in the ESC “Route.” Join us as we discover: the superfruit you’ve probably never heard of; the real purpose behind land acknowledgement; how many mini donuts are consumed annually at the Calgary Stampede; the four best breweries in Calgary; the unique experience of being a teacher at a public Christian school; Zaak’s (successful!) experiment in not giving students grades; the unexpected story of an inspiring math student; the depth and doctrine of incarnation; what to throw and not to throw at a coyote.
Connect with Zaak at Zaak.Robichaud@pallisersd.ab.ca.
For our maiden episode, Harry Blyleven from Hamilton District Christian High talks tech and Project Based Learning in the Every Square Centimetre "Nursery.” Join us as we learn: where the "poo" emoji lands in the list of all time used emojis; that they don't serve "phlegm brûlée" in Ontario... or anywhere else for that matter; the sad context of the name "mush hole;" about Hamilton District Christian High School's focus on PBL and technology; Harry's attempt to redeem the cell phone in education; how Harry's class developed an app to create a walking tour for a historical spot in southern Ontario; that raccoons rank 4th in animals that bite Hamiltonians.
You can connect with Harry at hblyleven@hdch.org.