Steinbach Christian School is celebrating 75 years of providing Christ-centred education, a milestone that has brought generations of alumni, staff, students and community members together to reflect on the school's growth and enduring values.
What began in 1949 as a small educational institution tied closely to Steinbach Bible College has since expanded to nearly 500 students and 48 staff members, with grades now ranging from kindergarten to Grade 12.
A full day of celebrations on Friday included a school carnival, fundraising activities, a dunk tank, and a special evening program featuring worship music and stories from former principals and alumni.
A Full Family Event
Principal Thor Barkman said the school wanted to honour its history and community connections with an event that was fun and inclusive.
“We’ve got 75 years of schooling, Christian education at Steinbach Christian School, and so we’re just trying to make sure that we recognize the people who have gone through and the legacy that the school has in the community,” said Barkman.
Alongside games and carnival food for students, a new fundraising concept was launched—an 18-hole “non-golf” event with over $30,000 in prizes. “Not everybody golfs,” Barkman said. “Everybody can participate in what we're doing here.”
Barkman also noted a long lineup for the dunk tank, especially when he stepped in. “The lineup for my dunk tank session was long and involved chanting and encouraging from a lot of other grades to make sure they got me good,” he laughed.
The evening program featured music by the school’s current and alumni praise bands, as well as reflections from past principals Emery Plett and Randy Dueck.
'This is the only place I’ve ever taught'
For longtime teacher Dwayne Martens, the 75th anniversary is especially meaningful. Martens began teaching at the school in 1989, but his connection goes back even further—he was a student there starting in Grade 10 in 1979.
“This is the only place I’ve ever taught,” Martens said. “When I started, it was a (grade) 10 to 12 school. Mid-90s we added Grade 9 and from there it’s just grown.”
He said he’s amazed by the school’s growth over the years, noting that enrollment was around 80 students when he started teaching, compared to the nearly 500 expected this fall.
Martens also helped organize a project where former students could pick up their long-stored academic files before they’re securely shredded. “Anybody that's been a student here can do so,” he said. “I found my file. I had actually looked at it previously already.”
A Family Legacy
For administrative assistant Sharon Fast, Steinbach Christian School has been part of her family for generations.
“This is a very special place for me,” Fast said. “My father helped lay the bricks in this building that we're in right now. He has now gone to be with Jesus. My mom and dad both went to school here. My husband and I both graduated from high school here. Our son graduated from high school. My husband and I both work here now and our grandson is in Grade 1.”
Fast has worked at the school for 19 years and has seen student enrollment and staff numbers climb significantly. “In 2006, we had 174 students. We’re expecting, we hope, around 490 this coming fall,” she said. “We were only 12 or 13 staff when I started. Now we’re at 48.”
She said the heart of the school has remained consistent. “There’s a theme that’s carried through... a passion for excellence and a passion for Christian education. That hasn’t changed.”
Looking Ahead: Expansion and Separation from SBC
As enrollment continues to grow, the school is preparing for a major transition. It currently shares its building with Steinbach Bible College, but that will change in the next year.
“In September of 2026, we would anticipate having just Steinbach Christian School here,” said Barkman, noting that the gradual separation of the two organizations has been positive. “It has allowed us to do our renovations, get the classrooms, and accept more applications.”
The school has already been adding four to five classrooms per year to accommodate the influx of students.
Honouring the Past, Preparing for the Future
As files were picked up and memories were shared, the school’s leadership, staff and alumni all echoed a common sentiment: while much has changed, the mission has not.
“I hope that our future is going to be wonderful,” said Fast. “And that the things that are most important to us now and have been important to us for all of these years—I hope that they will remain. That we will care about excellence, and that we will care always about Christian education.”
-With files from Corny Rempel.