Student Leadership - Part 2

Last week, I wrote about student leadership at Community Christian School and I want to continue with that theme this week because a parent shared an important photo and explanation with me that I thought everyone should know about.

In the photo below, we see one of our Grade 8 students, Matthew, taking on a leadership role in our community.  He is a member of the 895 Mount Forest Air Cadet Squadron.  As a member of this squadron, Matthew volunteered to be part of the Vigil Party at two cenotaph services on Remembrance Day.  We are proud of Matthew for taking on this role.  It brings us joy to see his leadership skills in action.

Matthew's mother, Teresa sent the following note along with the photo to explain it even further.  Here are her words.  "I thought about Matthew last week when you wrote about Leadership, and how he would be taking part in two Remembrance Day celebrations yesterday.  He took on a leadership role at Cadets, by volunteering to be part of the Vigil Party.  This involved learning new commands and dedicating a lot of extra time to practicing.  While at Air Cadets, he represents Community Christian School, in that, other kids know where he goes to school and watch to see if his behaviour reflects what they would expect of a Christian kid.  We are very proud of Matthew for representing Community Christian School well, and for the leadership he shows through his participation at Air Cadets.  Thanks for all the school does to help him develop into the person God is creating him to be!"

As the school leader, I appreciate the words that Teresa has spoken and they indicate we are accomplishing our vision and mission.  However, I also want to highlight that Matthew's leadership skills are being developed by a larger community, as well as Matthew's own commitment.  His parents, his church, his squadron leaders and peers and the school are important partners in this leadership development.

This is the reason that Christian schools exist.  We recognize that we are not the only players in a student's development, nor do we recognize that parents alone, churches alone or community organizations alone play a role in a students development.  We are partners.  We are a community.  As a Christian community, we believe that this development must include the development of a Christian worldview and faith formation and acknowledging that our world, our lives belong to God.  As a school, we develop these beliefs through out all of the curriculum taught.  We do this so our students will be able to serve our God, our community and be exemplary citizens of both heaven and earth.  Matthew demonstrates that we are accomplishing our communal goals.  Thanks Matthew for letting your light shine.