By Anita Gombos-Hill
The Haldimand Press
DUNNVILLE—On March 26, 2022 the Dunnville Christian School celebrated its 50th anniversary. Past and present students, community members, teachers, and principals gathered to celebrate the special event and the completion of the new addition at the school.
The celebratory event was conducted by Chris Zantingh, a board representative on the Fundraising Committee and Contract Partnership Committee. He expressed his gratitude for the long-standing strong community support and the recently added space.
Education at the school began in 1971 with 47 students. Students began their Christian education in two classrooms (currently the library, Sunday school, and nursery rooms) that were built on the back of Bethel Christian Reformed Church.
DUNNVILLE—Current and former staff and students visited Dunnville Christian School on Saturday, March 26, 2022 to celebrate the school’s 50th anniversary since opening, and to celebrate the grand opening of its new expansion.
In 1984 the school’s name changed to Dunnville Christian School. Presently, DCS has 203 students. Students come all the way from Cayuga to Port Colborne. With the new addition the school is able to welcome more students and provide spaces for various educational purposes.
Marjorie Hoekstra, Administrative Assistant and Strategic Communications Manager at the school, says that the school enrolment has been gradually increasing.
“More and more Christian families of different denominations chose Christian education for their children. Furthermore, parents who enroll their child or children to the school tend to value the location of the school because it is central, close to home and work,” she explains. “Parents also praise the learning support programs at the school, the small class-sizes, the Biblical curriculum, Christian teachers, having full-time or part-time options for JK and SK, the transportation, and the school’s academic standards.”
Melissa Schilstra, whose four children attend the school, speaks highly of DCS. She says she chose the school for her children because of the support the school receives from parents. She added that attending DSC is a tradition in her family because her husband also attended the school.
Hoekstra further notes that the school receives its strength from the local community. Students’ parents can often be seen as coaches for basketball, hockey, baseball, or soccer, along with helping at other events such as the speech contests or the spelling bee event.
Dunnville Christian School offers various fun events throughout the year. However, there are three fun filled events that are considered highlights of the year for those involved.
In October, the school organizes a “Grandparents Day” for students’ grandparents to visit the classroom. The school offers hot soup and buns to welcome the grandparents. Hoekstra says that during this event the grandparents often give treats to their grandchildren to make their day special.
In November, the school plans a baazar. While it is a fundraiser, the event is fun filled and has a lot of bubbling energy that the children look forward to. There are special rooms and spaces inside and outside the school that are set up for food, vegetables, flowers, tea time, toys, crafts, and games.
Finally, but not last, the Christmas program is always well-anticipated. It involves a musical and a beautiful choir that welcomes local students, teachers, and community members.
