August 22, 2022
Dear VCS Community,
Welcome to the 2023-24 school year! As I look out my office window right now, I can barely see across the school parking lot due to the thick smoke. With wildfires burning just to our north and our south, I know there are VCS families who have been evacuated, and our hearts go out to our Kelowna and Shuswap neighbours who are grieving the loss of their homes. We continue to pray for God’s protection and provision. We also hold deep gratitude for the dedicated emergency responders who are right now serving so tirelessly and selflessly, putting themselves in harm’s way to keep us and our properties safe.
“A Time to Cultivate”
(2023-24 School Theme)
The theme of cultivation (preparing for and nurturing growth) runs throughout the Bible – from Old Testament wisdom such as, “There is a time for everything…a time to plant and a time to uproot,” to Jesus’ many parables about sowing, harvesting, and mustard seeds, etc. In the opening passages of the Bible, God creates everything by simply speaking it into existence; and yet, in Genesis 2:8 we read that “the Lord planted a garden”. “Planting” suggests a process. Right from the beginning it seems that God delights in carrying out His plan over time, through care, design, and work. And, because we are made in His image, we want to follow his example.
We’ve chosen the theme of cultivation because it invites us to roll up our sleeves and “work the soil” in so many relevant areas of school life. For example, students will be challenged to cultivate Christ-like character and to produce the fruits of the Spirit. Staff will be nurturing professional growth and community. We will also continue to cultivate our vision for campus expansion by nourishing community support and growing our capital campaign.
As a family, please join us in asking God to point out areas where you can also cultivate a fresh work of the Holy Spirit in your home and in our community.
The VCS administration, teachers and support staff are in full swing, preparing for the return of students. We trust that you are excited to embark on this school year journey with us, as we partner together to equip students for a life of discipleship, through excellent education in a Christ-centered community.
Please be sure to review the back-to-school tab on our website for complete updates.
Sincerely,
Matt Driediger
Principal