Steinbach Christian School (SCS) is preparing for another application and hiring season.
“We will begin interviewing prospective teachers in the next few weeks,” notes Principal Thor Barkman. “Applications for student enrolment will determine the total number of teachers we hire, but we are seeing strong interest in the school tours we offer to families, so we anticipate another busy year.”
Last year SCS processed over 150 student applications and hired 6 new teachers. "We never know how many applications we will receive, but the trend has been higher year over year” stated Barkman.
Acceptance to SCS is a competitive process. Factors like prior academic performance, evidence of strong character, personal faith, and an interest in contributing positively to SCS the culture, are used to determine acceptance. Registrar Lonita Thiessen, who helps parents prepare applications, indicates that applications start coming in October, but the rush is between January and March.
Enrollment decisions are a balance of accessibility and competitive entry for a limited number of spots. “Students have a responsibility to make their school better” says Barkman. “We promote individual merit, but we also teach students to celebrate the success of others.”
New parents expressed their appreciation of the school noting, "We're so grateful our kids attend SCS. The change in them has been significant, they come home happy, full of stories, energy and ideas. They are thriving. Our kids are learning so much and it's consistent with the values we teach at home."
Although SCS is growing, it will choose to remain small enough to maintain strong community and ensure many opportunities for involvement in school activities.
“We have made a multi-million-dollar purchase from Steinbach Bible College (SBC) and are now able make space for two cohorts at each grade level. The purchase agreement of the SBC dorms and land to the west of the school stretches our financial means but provides long term possibilities for expansion,” says Barkman.
The school’s first order of business is to build 5 additional classrooms this March. Shortly after, SCS plans to engage the local communities to help build a second gymnasium as soon as possible to accommodate growth.
Another avenue of development for SCS is the exploration of a location in the Niverville community. “We are doing our due diligence with local churches and parents in Niverville” says Board Member Randy Funk. Initial interest from parents and students is strong. It presents SCS with an opportunity to develop a model of small-scale Christian Education that families may be drawn to.
While SCS prepares for the future, Barkman notes “we continue to trust in God’s provision as we grow in faith.” Strong support from dedicated staff, engaged parents, and enthusiastic students, positions them to keep shaping future leaders to serve their communities.
Visit steinbachchristian.ca to learn more about the school, how to apply, and for current job openings.
