Winterim at Calvary offers opportunities for students to learn new skills, like woodworking, aviation, rock climbing, outdoor survival, ice skating, architectural drawing, yearbook design, driver’s ed, and more.
By Cheryl Ward
Head of School
Calvary Schools of Holland
Recently, a Calvary parent was telling me about a TV commercial with a catch phrase that concerned her: “It’s only worth it if you enjoy it.” She was expressing her irritation about the subtext of that kind of an appeal to our current culture. Our culture appears to mostly accept that statement as true. But is it?
There are so so many things that are worth doing that are not immediately pleasurable. In fact, many things worth doing are downright unpleasant. Sometimes it takes years to see the fruits of difficult labor. To name just a few:
- Cleaning your house
- Learning to work with your hands skillfully
- Building a nutrient-rich garden soil
- Speaking graciously and kindly to others
- Learning to address problems well
- Investing in deep relationships
Calvary Schools offers a Winterim program each year for middle and high school students, and frequently, it ends up being a lot of fun for everyone. But that isn’t why we run Winterim.
Our Winterim program develops perseverance in the context of work and relationships. It challenges students to try new things they might not have tried before. It teaches useful life skills. It shapes worldviews. Even the courses that are selected are done with intentionality. Our goal at Calvary isn’t pleasure; it’s growth. And sometimes, we get to thoroughly enjoy our growth!
I hope you enjoy this Winterim video. It’s amazing all of the things that our students and staff get to experience!
Click to view our Winterim 2023 video
Cheryl Ward is the Head of School & Executive Director at Calvary Schools of Holland. She has served the Calvary community since 2015, stepping into her current role in 2021. Cheryl’s passion is transforming educational settings through the underlying philosophy, relationships, structures, and processes that support them. She has a bachelor’s degree in education and a second degree in Biblical studies, as well as a master’s of education degree. She has been an advocate for Charlotte Mason education, and an Ambleside affiliate, since 2009.