“Excellence through opportunity.”
There is excitement in the halls at Steinbach Christian School these days, created by the growing K-12 institution’s focus on providing new opportunities and living with purpose.
“More than 90% of our high school students are involved in a co-curricular activity,” says Thor Barkman, SCS principal. “By giving students opportunities to be involved, they can start to understand who they are and what they’re good at.”
SCS students have an abundance of choice when it comes to trying new things; athletics and music programs are supplemented by numerous events like swimming lessons, skating outings and ski trips. And, as Barkman points out, the school’s breadth of programming begins with rigorous academics.
“We want kids to be ambitious,” he says. “We want them to set goals for themselves, to understand what their strengths are. And then, we want to encourage and grow those strengths. The more competent they become, the better able they are to help themselves, their families and their communities.”
One of the ways in which Steinbach Christian School nurtures this growth is through their various career-oriented pathway programs.
“Our demographics show that many of our students come from families involved in business or agri-business,” Barkman explains. “So opening a Business Pathway where we teach leadership, organization, communication and integrity will set our students up to make the transition from school to career.”
Students preparing for university can pursue courses in the Medical and Engineering Pathway. These programs are designed to give students direction in their study while still allowing broad exploration.
“The more on-ramps and off-ramps we can build for students to explore interests, the better,” notes Barkman.
If it sounds like an inviting proposition for the parents of prospective students, it’s because it is.
As Steinbach Christian School approaches its 75th anniversary, it expects an 18% increase in enrollment from this year to next. The continued growth ensures even more doors are open to even more students in southeast Manitoba, but it also creates certain challenges.
“The challenge right now is making sure that we have physical space,” says Barkman, who adds that some internal renovation projects have been planned for the summer. “We’re actively engaged with contractors and donors to look at how we can build classrooms quickly. Right now, classroom space is probably our biggest restriction.”
The students who eventually fill those classrooms will receive core Manitoba K-12 curriculum taught by faithful Christian teachers.
“Our faith,” Barkman underlines, “is at the heart of SCS. We believe that God is the God of reason, so learning is a logical pursuit.”
He adds: “We have an interest in families who want to see their kids growing in faith. We run chapels and provide Bible courses to all ages. By teaching specific Bible courses, our theology can be systematic rather than piecemeal, and a worldview with a coherent understanding of truth can be established.”
Students participate in chapels and have the opportunity to use music and theatre skills in the worship services.
“We have students from more than 40 churches in the region,” says Barkman. “Pastors and youth pastors come by to do 15-minute devotionals during our chapel time. The unifying principle of Christ brings us together to learn and worship.”
Steinbach Christian School is a regional institution, serving the entire southeast. For more information, parents are invited to call (204) 326-3537 or email info@steinbachchristian.ca. Learn more regarding academics, athletics, music and Christian education can be accessed by visiting their website.
