From Cornerstone Christian High School
HAGERSVILLE — The community was invited to meet the inaugural class of Grade 9 students at Cornerstone Christian High School (CCHS), along with the staff and board, at the school’s grand opening celebration.
CCHS held its Grand Opening on Friday, September 6, 2024 at the school, which is being run out of the Hagersville Highway Church on Highway 6. The board and Principal Anna Laman organized a free barbecue of Townsend Butcher hotdogs, Snyder’s sweet corn, and salads. In a sit down after the event with Laman, she answered some questions about the preparations and how the first week went.
The mission of Cornerstone Christian High School is to “provide comprehensive education for the next generation of Kingdom Builders”. Practically, this means that they aim to work with the whole student – to impart knowledge, but also to foster the growth of wisdom within each student.
While the education is aligned with the Ontario High School Curriculum, it is taught and designed with a Christian perspective in mind. This does not mean that we simply include prayers, Biblical lessons, and religious posters.
HAGERSVILLE—Scarlett, Adelle, and Delia Nykamp of Hagersville were among the many families enjoying the grand opening of Cornerstone Christian High School. —Haldimand Press photos by Rachel Vaarkamp. 
Ben Hogeterp and Garrett Dykstra catch up during the grand opening. 
HAGERSVILLE—Many families attended the grand opening to learn more about the school and enjoy fellowship together. 
Two of Cornerstone’s inaugural students, Karsten VanBenthem and Jared Schuurman.
Instead, each lesson is specifically designed to point students toward the love and redemptive work of Christ, and to encourage students to see themselves as a part of His creation.
Because of the small size of CCHS, students will be given many opportunities to learn off-site.
While some of these opportunities are still being developed, CCHS looks forward to seeing where students can share their knowledge, and from who in our community students can learn practical and valuable lessons.
CCHS has relied on the support of the community in its foundation, as well as in its continuation. Regular fundraising events and social gatherings have provided them with necessary resources to start a school, while keeping the tuition costs reasonable.
The school looks forward to continuing its partnership with the community and finding ways for students to give back to their communities, as well as to recognize the support of so many people who have been generous with their resources, time, and prayers.
The feedback received throughout the planning and implementation process of CCHS has been overwhelmingly positive and it has made it clear that there is a need and a want for a local Christian high school.
Anna wrapped up the interview by sharing, “The first week of CCHS has been surreal. So much planning has already happened and seeing some of the work come together has been a gift. Getting to know students and parents, as well as hosting an opening event on Friday, has shown, once again, the support that CCHS has. This support, from students, staff, and the community, will be integral to its future. I look forward to being a part of this project, and to watching CCHS continue to grow and evolve, while keeping Christ at the centre of every plan.”
If you want more information about Cornerstone Christian High School you can email info@cornerstonechristianhs.ca, and visit the CCHS Facebook page or website at cornerstonechristianhs.ca.
