Calvary students took part in a variety of new experiences during Winterim
Lessons Learned Beyond The Classroom
By Ben Sytsma
Principal
Calvary Schools of Holland
At Calvary Schools of Holland, we often use the phrase, Education is the science of relationships. Charlotte Mason talks often about the importance of putting a wide variety of knowledge before children. Our hope at Calvary is that students are exposed to a diverse experience of interests and knowledge, for ultimately, all knowledge is coming to know something more about God and his created world. What a beautiful idea to consider and ponder!
This is the reason why we have such a varied curriculum and so many subjects that students participate in each week. It’s why we engage with poetry, music, art, nature study, picture study, composer study, and so many more varied subjects. Each of these studies creates new relationships with knowledge and allows us to experience a more rich and fulfilling life.
Our unique Winterim program for middle and high school students is another great example of this value at work. Students have opportunities to learn more about woodworking, classic film, animal care, farm work, sewing, cooking, and music in the form of guitar or ukulele, among many other topics.
Winterim, much like handwork, also instructs students in doing hard things well. When engaging with any new activity or subject, there is often struggle and much practice needed before the new learning brings about satisfaction and joy. I have seen this at work in my own life.
One of my favorite things to do in the evening is to play guitar. But in the first weeks and months when I was learning how to play, it actually was not always enjoyable. In fact, most of those first weeks felt like hard work. I remember spending hours trying to get my fingers in the correct placement, practicing strumming patterns, without even being able to play a single song. Through much practice, I improved and was able to play a simple song, then more songs, then more complex songs. Persevering and working hard through struggle led to a lifelong hobby that is a fulfilling and a rich part of my life.
It is important for our students to learn this value as well: many of life’s greatest joys and experiences are only possible after persevering through struggle and hardship. We hope that these opportunities during Winterim help students to have a richer life, full of relationships with many of life’s great joys.
In the midst of all of the hard work in Winterim, it is noteworthy how often students use the word “fun” to describe it (in our video below). In completing good, hard work, there often comes great joy and satisfaction. It’s wonderful to see and hear of the joy students experienced during Winterim!
Ben Sytsma is Principal of Calvary Schools of Holland. He formerly taught 5th grade at Calvary and also held the role of Assistant Principal of the elementary campus. Mr. Sytsma completed his Bachelors in Education and is currently pursuing his Masters in Education at Dordt University. He is a graduate of the Ambleside Master Teacher Training Program and has been on staff at Calvary Schools of Holland since 2014.