Retiring teacher recognized, new board members elected at spring membership meeting
Alice Velthuizen (centre) was honoured at the spring membership meeting by board chair Ryan Guetter and Principal Jocelyn Paas.
Retiring resource teacher Alice Velthuizen was recognized, three new board members were elected, and the 2022/2023 budget was approved at the Spring Membership, Supporters and Family Meeting of the TCS Association, held at the school on May 16.
Velthuizen, who serves as Student Support Services Director at TCS, was presented a bouquet by Principal Jocelyn Paas, who thanked her for her efforts over the years.
At the end of this academic year, Velthuizen will retire from her “dream job” and move to Hamilton with her husband, Bart, in hopes of spending more time with children and grandchildren who live abroad. She has spent the past 17 years working with and leading the school’s resource program.
“My happiest memories are of the wonderful students I have been blessed to learn alongside, both Resource students and ESL students,” said Velthuizen.
“These students have taught me rich lessons as they progressed in their reading, math, and English skills. All the while I was challenged to find additional tools to support learning.”
Another highlight of her TCS career were the all-school assemblies held Wednesday mornings, she said.
“The creative storytelling and presentations of teachers and their classrooms brought the Bible themes to life. I’ve learned songs that strengthen and encourage.”
“Another wonderful blessing is the amazing staff at TCS. Their love for the Lord and for their students, their hard work and passion for teaching is inspiring and has challenged me to keep up. More than team members, staff members are loving friends.”
As she bids goodbye to TCS, Velthuizen shared the following parting words:
“As you continue to shine a light for Jesus in West Toronto, serve the kingdom of God by acknowledging that God created all students as image bearers, each unique in ways we don’t always understand. Find ways to dignify and value the talents of those students whose God-given strengths are not often recognized and honoured in a typical classroom,” she said. “Especially during this time of returning to school after months of at-home learning, be prepared to support students who have gaps in their learning.”
Membership meeting highlights
The spring membership meeting marked the first in-person community gathering since prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Board chair Ryan Guetter led the meeting, which included a time of worship, discussion of board and committee actions, and a reflection on 2021/2022 board goals, as listed below:
Maintain a safe learning environment and seek academic excellence in learning through the pandemic
Establish a family recruitment and retention strategy to sustain future growth and engage the current community in school activities
Develop a Financial Sustainability Strategy to maintain long-term fiscal stewardship
Meet budgeted fundraising targets by developing and implementing a Fundraising Strategy
Promote and enhance the mental health and well-being of staff by ensuring they have adequate resources and support
Develop a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Plan which addresses anti-racism from a Biblical perspective.
Johnny Estrada, Karen Bruno and Tara Joy Knibbe (L-R) were elected as new TCS board members.
Four Grade 8 students also shared portions of recent speeches with the membership.
Two shared portions of their speeches from the Speech Fest on topics of racial profiling and racism. We were encouraged to love our neighbours as Jesus taught us. Two of the Grade 8 students spoke on their experience of being a TCS student, which included being welcomed, valued and part of a family atmosphere.
Karen Bruno, Johnny Estrada and Tara Joy Knibbe were elected as TCS board members for a three-year term. Outgoing board members Jacqueline Solomon, Jacob Speelman and Marcel Vander Wier were thanked for their service to the North Etobicoke elementary school.
A financial update was also presented, including the creation of a new staff position to assist in maximizing school growth (Development Co-ordinator) and an increase to tuition rates. Please visit www.timothycs.com/tuition for our current rates.
Located at 28 Elmhurst Drive, Timothy Christian School strives to educate and engage students for a life of service in Christ’s kingdom.
If you are interested in enrolling your child at Timothy Christian School, please visit our Admissions page.
For more information, contact:
office@timothycs.com | 416-741-5770