I’m looking forward to working with you for a great year of learning in the service of God’s kingdom.

This year there will be a strong effort to help our students improve their study skills in preparation for high school. Agendas will be going home daily with lists of homework as well as other messages. You as a parent are requested to read and sign the agenda every night. This is also an excellent place to send notes to school. I will periodically have students record grades in their agendas for you to see. If you wish to see the actual test or assignment, simply ask your child to bring it home. (Students store them in a file here at school.)

Please note that at this level students are expected to do an average of one hour of homework each night. (See parent handbook) This may fluctuate somewhat from day to day. On occasion it could be more. In the event that your child is regularly doing more than an hour of homework, please contact me.

There will be some rotation of teachers this year. Mr. Katerberg will be teaching Band, Mrs. Kroezen will be teaching French, and Mrs. Hendricks will be teaching some of the English subjects.

Attached to this letter is a list of items which are needed for this school year. Please ensure that the Indoor shoes are acceptable for use during PE.

We are looking forward to two major class trips this year. The first is to Fair Glen in the month of September. The second will be to Medieval Times later in the year. Both of these trips are expensive and the student fund cannot cover the entire cost. You will be asked to contribute $100 towards these two trips.

Please remember that we are a nut free school and pack lunches and snacks accordingly. Each student is able to use the microwave once a week. A schedule will be posted at school.

I’d like to get to know your child. Please share anything that would help me teach him/her and either send in a note on the first day of school or mail it to the school where I’ll receive it before the school year starts.

I can be contacted by leaving a message for me at school or via e-mail at a.vandonkersgoed@gdcs.org

I look forward to working with you to ensure your child’s success in the upcoming school year, as well as helping him/her to grow as a Christian ready to serve. Don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns.

Yours in Christ,

Mr. van Donkersgoed

What to bring the first day