Steinbach Christian School (SCS) is celebrating 75 years of providing faith-based education. This journey reflects the school’s commitment to faith, family, and community. The milestone is a celebration of the past and a promise of hope for the future. Board Chair Travis Neufeld notes “There is no doubt that the relative success of communities in southeast Manitoba is built on the Christian values shared by our parents and grandparents. Understanding what has made us successful is important for the next generation to also achieve success.”
A Legacy of Faith and Learning
Founded in 1949, SCS began as a modest institution with a vision to integrate Christian values into education. Over the decades, it has evolved into a vibrant K-12 school, known for academic rigor, personal care for students, and teaching from a Christian perspective. “Biblical literacy, the value of family, commitment to our children and responsibility to make our community better is central to building a healthy society” says Principal Thor Barkman, “as a school we affirm those messages and encourage parents to join us in this pursuit.”
As the school enters its 75th year of operation, the student body stands at 441 students. Barkman states “We are growing at 15% per year as we add classrooms to allow new families to join.” To accommodate the strong interest in Christian Education, SCS purchased the land and buildings previously owned by Steinbach Bible College. “We added 4 new classrooms this year and plan on adding 5 more in each of the following two years” states Facility Manager Wendell Heppner. Further building projects will ensure that SCS has gym and classroom space for students.
The staff and student body represent over 45 churches in the southeast. “Local pastors assist us by providing strong theological teaching at our weekly chapels. Connecting students back to their churches is important,” says Barkman, “we are not the Church and we are not the parent, our role as educators overlaps at some points, but we do not take the place of these pillars of society.”
Innovative Programs
Core values of academic excellence, spiritual formation through a wide variety of programs and initiatives at SCS. From robust athletics and music programs to unique career-oriented pathways, the school ensures that students have opportunities to discover their abilities. “We require more courses than students would take in public school” says Barkman, “the purpose of that is to ensure a broad foundation.” Recent additions of a business program, personal finance course and a career development course are designed to encourage students to set goals for themselves and become people of impact in their families.
Looking Ahead
As SCS celebrates 75 years of teaching and learning, it remains committed to education as fundamentally being the pursuit of truth. SCS stands ready to provide students with the opportunities and support they need to live a life of faith. A 75th Anniversary Celebration event is being planned for next spring.
