CCRTC Update # 9
GRADUATION WEEK . . .
In one of the previous weekly updates, mention was made of CCRTC’s schedule of dates that has almost run its course for the 2019-2020 academic year. Indeed, this week marks its official end. Together with the “Class of ’20” we had looked forward to the culminating event on May 22 – the graduation. However, this is not to be the case this year. Instead, the building at 410 Crerar Drive is very quiet. No planning for a festive conclusion to three years of Reformed Christian teacher training. No excitement around selecting the various activities that normally characterize a graduation. No extending of invitations to a public celebration with family and friends to mark a significant moment in the lives of seven students. At least: Not yet! Lord willing we hope to mark this special event later this year when a graduation will turn into a reunion. Please stay tuned for the date.
It feels strange to end a good year of teaching and learning in this way. After all, the interpersonal interactions among faculty and students form the core of what education is. It is the running of a race in the company of others through which each one of us is encouraged to keep on going until the finish line – telling the next generation (Ps 78). It is good therefore that at the invitation of the Executive Committee, faculty and students still hope to meet virtually on Friday to celebrate a good conclusion to the 2019-2020 academic year.
At the time of writing this, we commemorate the birthday of Queen Victoria (1819-1901). After Queen Elizabeth II, she is the second-longest reigning British monarch. A queen during whose reign scientific discoveries made great strides in halting the mystery diseases that swept through England and Western Europe: Cholera, typhoid, smallpox, scarlet fever, measles, mumps, and rubella. As post-Victorians we may be thankful for the discoveries and gifts of modern medicine. But is it enough? Today we live in a time where faith in science seems to guide all decision-making. If anything, the COVID-19 events of the past months serve as powerful and humbling reminders of our complete dependence on the Lord. Of his providential care by which all things come to us not by chance but by his fatherly hand. Of our ascended Saviour’s powerful reign over all things.
At the end of the academic year, our thoughts are especially with the graduating class as they now shift their focus on getting ready for their own classrooms: Natalie in Hope Reformed Christian School (Paris ON), Adrianna in Mt. Cheam Christian School (Chilliwack BC), Katharine in Maranatha Christian School (Fergus ON), Tyneesha in Dufferin Christian School (Carman MB), Alexandra in Maranatha Christian School (Fergus ON), Karen in Mt. Cheam Christian School (Chilliwack BC), and Desirae in Grace Christian School (Millgrove)
Dear graduands, it is our prayer that with a view to the future, you will have a firm confidence in your mighty and faithful God and Father so that nothing shall separate you from his love. Know for sure that he will turn whatever adversity he sends you, to your good. As you get ready to take up your task in your very own classroom, continue to work hard, to the praise of God’s glory: “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” (Colossians 3:17)
Christine van Halen-Faber, Principal
