We’re extending a big welcome to our new Class 2 teacher, Nikki Hassevoort.
Dear Calvary Families,
We are three weeks into our new school year and students are settling into their new routines. Elementary students “weathered” the heat with fans and popsicles, while also starting new relationships with books, subjects, classmates, and teachers.
Middle and high school students are doing the same, while also experiencing the delight and struggle found in their day retreats at Grace Adventures, with rainy days, the Flying Squirrel challenge, team building exercises, laser tag, and riflery.
At Calvary Schools, we strive to always be growing in knowledge and expertise in our model of education. Toward that end, here are some new things happening at Calvary Schools this year…
High school students play team building games at Grace Adventures this week.
The Gouin Method and Gouin Exercises
(Gouin is pronounced like, Earl, bring the cow in!) From Ambleside’s curriculum, we are welcoming a new language learning program which is based on the Gouin method, developed by Francois Gouin. Charlotte Mason used the Gouin method at her training institute in Ambleside, England (Ambleside is the origin for Ambleside Schools International’s namesake).
A Gouin specialist takes students through a series of language exercises that support active learning. In addition, students read and listen to scripture and classic children’s books in English and Spanish.
Class 8 reads together. Mr. Byrd is also leading our new Gouin Method Spanish Lab this year.
Science: Inspirational or Disciplinary?
In a CM model of education, ALL instruction is based on living ideas. However, Charlotte Mason also divided subjects into two broad categories: inspirational and disciplinary. Inspirational subjects are ones that engage with deep thought-provoking ideas. Disciplinary subjects are those which are largely process-driven (or algorithm-driven).
Thus, Bible, Literature, and History are viewed broadly as inspirational subjects (although they can also include processes). Mathematics is viewed primarily as a disciplinary subject (although mathematical processes are also inspiring). Either way, if one isn’t spending time in the algorithms and also the why, it isn’t a CM education.
So what do we do with science? It depends. How much time is spent on algorithms, and are students engaging with the why? Some science studies, such as nature studies, would be primarily inspirational. Biology? Inspirational with scientific processes woven throughout. Chemistry? Largely disciplinary. We want students who learn to see the thought-provoking wonder found in science while also understanding the underlying principles behind the science.
A great way of viewing our approach to education would be to look at Leonardo DaVinci’s life and work. Was he a creative artist, inventor, or scientist? Or was he a bit of everything? DaVinci was able to create incredible things because he understood a broad range of underlying principles from a wide range of subjects.
Mr. Laninga shows off his bump skills during the volleyball game at last year’s Community Night. This year’s event is coming up on September 29.
Upcoming Events
- Charlotte Mason Parent Training: Do you know that Mr. Sytsma offers a three-day training course that covers Calvary Schools’ Charlotte Mason approach to education? Watch videos from Ambleside Schools International, observe classes, and discuss the living ideas that provide the basis for this model of education. The first session is Monday, September 18. Contact Mr. Sytsma at ben.sytsma@cshk12.org for more information.
- Community Volleyball and Cookout Night: Enjoy volleyball games and hot dogs on the lawn with your family at Plasman campus. This is a favorite casual fundraising night coming up on Friday, September 29. Look for details in the Community Corner newsletter.
Warmly,
Cheryl Ward
Head of School
Calvary Schools of Holland