Brantford Christian School 2010 case for support
Message from the Campaign Chairman Message from Walt Hartholt, Principal When the doors of Brantford Christian School first opened in 1963, 38 students were registered. After almost 50 years, the school has grown tremendously in numerous ways. Scores of students have graduated and made significant contributions as God s stewards in our world. As the decades have unfolded, generations of young people have been blessed through Christcentred education provided by an excellent staff. Some of those parents who brought their children to BCS in 1963, have also witnessed their grandchildren attend this wonderful place of learning, a gift of education that has been passed on from generation to generation. We are abundantly thankful to the Lord for His faithfulness, blessing and providence which has been evident for so many years. Since the last addition in 1991, BCS carries a financial debt. The Board of BCS is committed to erase this debt and also provide funding for significant projects so BCS is well-positioned as we move into the next 50 years, with God s blessings. Please join with us to fulfil these goals so that together, with the Lord s help, BCS will continue to provide a Christ-centred education for generations to come. Let s celebrate God s faithfulness and the faithfulness of those who have responded to His call to educate our children in the fear of the Lord. Brantford Christian School is a community of family members who all believe in having the best education possible for their children. Our family consists of dedicated parents and staff who together work tirelessly to help our students accomplish great things while they attend our school. We are proud of the students that God has entrusted to our care and we continue to be blessed and delighted by the enthusiastic testimonials we often hear from our alumni. We are excited about moving forward in this community and spreading the news about what we have to offer. This capital campaign will allow us more freedom to build for our future and will help us to move ahead with confidence. We have been richly blessed over the last several decades at BCS and now we look ahead with great anticipation to what God still has for us to do. We want to continue to provide quality education and to give our future students great opportunities to serve God and be the best for Him that they can be. We all believe that a Christian education is a key component to giving our children the best foundation they can have in this world and so each day we are challenged to help our children reach all of their potential. We thank you for helping us to do that. Walt Hartholt Principal 2 Jake Ellens Campaign Chairman
Vision Statement As God s People, we educate our children to glorify Him in every aspect of life. Mission Statement In obedience, our purpose is to glorify God by providing a learning environment for children of parents who believe the biblical directive that they are responsible for providing a Christ-centred education. The children are taught about His world, exercising stewardship in that world, and working to restore the kingdom of God. In all these things we are guided by the Word of God the Bible; the Word made flesh Jesus Christ; and God with us the Holy Spirit. Entrusted with the care of God s children, Brantford Christian School endeavours to guide these children to commit themselves academically, spiritually, emotionally, and physically, to responsible service to the Lord in every area of life. Preparing The overriding goal of our school community - education for our children that seeks to honour and serve our Creator - shows itself very tangibly in the classrooms at Brantford Christian School. Each day Christian educators, volunteers and staff play a key role in challenging our children to develop their gifts, explore their potential and serve their Lord. While our school shares that nurturing with home and church, it has a unique role in shaping young minds and hearts as teachers prepare them to be responsible, productive, loving and tolerant citizens. Brantford Christian School: Fast Facts Students: 179 Families: 98 Teachers: 13 Personal Support Worker: 1 Education Assistant: 1 Administrative Assistant: 1 Finance Assistant: 1 Administrators: 3 The curriculum at BCS conforms to the Ontario Ministry of Education guidelines and regulations. At BCS, fully accredited teachers are accountable to God, the school, parents and students. 3
Brantford Christian Sc Nurturing Teaching as Christians involves not only helping children to learn skills and grow in knowledge, but also modeling for our students what it means to live in the light of Christ. While we rightly think of this as occurring in the classroom, the staff at Brantford know that the playground, hallway and sports fields are also settings where they need to connect with their students. Their concern for the whole person results in a wonderfully effective educational environment that fosters creativity, confidence and success for our many students. 4 I believe that students become teachers because they were inspired by an educator from their past. I am very excited about the future teachers being inspired by the staff at Brantford Christian School. What a beautiful illustration of Luke 8:15 But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop. - Anthony da Costa
hool Growing Thirty eight children, all from the Christian Reformed Church, filled our fledgling Christian school in 1963. Since those early days and humble efforts, much has happened at BCS. We are currently blessed with 172 students in grades JK to 8 representing 30 different Christian denominations. That diversity has made our school a richer place and we praise God for the growth we have seen. We are thankful too, as a community, for the 647 graduates that have come from BCS and for the dedicated, sacrificial support of so many people over the years. In 2013, D.V., we hope to join with many of these friends and alumni in celebrating our 50th anniversary. Our growth has also been seen in bricks and mortar; a major expansion in 1991 and a permanent modular classroom in 2005 gave us the campus we see today. Moving schools was pretty traumatic for me, being shy and unconfident. My previous school was larger and a bit uptight. My first day here was frightening as I stood alone and nauseous but immediately I felt at home. The environment here is so welcoming. I am treated as a person and not persecuted for my ideas and struggles. The teachers are friendly and care for their students. Christian aspects are imbedded into all subjects but we are still allowed to explore other views. My thoughts are listened to and my questions are answered. The thing I ve noticed most is people are who they are here, they don t struggle to be someone they are not. People are confident and they voice their true opinions. Being here has really opened my eyes to new things and has made me a lot more sure of myself - Amanda 5
6 Investing in our Future The Board of Directors has been diligently assessing the future of Brantford Christian School. They believe that it is in the best interest of the school society to eliminate our debt at this time. Accumulated debt from our mortgage and operating deficits from the last couple of years is approximately $215,000. Raising additional funds for identified priorities is seen as a stewardly approach to continued financial health for BCS and, more immediately, to work toward a balanced budget for the next fiscal year. In light of these goals, we are launching the Celebrating Faithfulness Generation to Generation capital campaign. Our target for this campaign is $450,000. In addition to debt elimination, these funds would be used in the following areas: x Computers ($15,000) This would see upgrades to our computer lab by adding up to 25 new computers and up to 10 laptops. It also includes necessary software licensing requirements, laptops for staff use and a new Proxy server. x Curriculum Development ($10,000) This would include purchasing new manipulative items for math and science, new music items to enrich the program, chairs for some of the classrooms and other miscellaneous items that are program specific. x Community Relations ($15,000) This would provide upgrades to the school website and logo. It is also needed for new promotional materials and providing some advertising capital. x Infrastructure ($62,000) x Repair and paving of the parking lot x New roof for the primary end x 25 new folding tables x New countertops in the kitchen x Window upgrades for Grade 2 classroom x Re-work several rooms in order to move the library into its own space (current Grade 6 classroom) x Fencing across the front of the playground in order to prevent motorized vehicles from entering the property
x Membership Database ($8,000) New software designed specifically for school needs would be purchased to replace our current database which is now obsolete and unsupported. We would acquire this database to track members and donors as well as integrate school correspondence and grading systems into one comprehensive package. x Foundation/Endowment ($25,000) In order to promote sustainability for the financial future of BCS, the Board has decided to begin building the recently formed Foundation for Niagara & Hamilton area Christian Schools by designating money from the campaign for this purpose. x Operational Reserves ($50,000) We would establish an essential reserve fund that would be available when unexpected shortfalls in budget arise, thus avoiding the need to make use of the school s overdraft. x Campaign Costs ($50,000) This covers the running of the campaign including hiring professional consultants, printing, postage, office supplies and celebration event(s). 7
Campaign Cabinet Jake Ellens Chair Jerry Bekendam Claudia Carlton Walt Hartholt Kleis Hensen Gary Reitsma Hans Schuster Arnold Winter Ken Wissink Moving Forward Together BCS has experienced many financial blessings during its history. Our school has existed for 46 years without government funding a miracle in itself. Our parents have sacrificed in many ways because of their strong belief and commitment to Christ-centred education. Our membership and supporters have rallied through the years to ensure the school remained on good financial footing. Together as a community of parents, past parents, grandparents, students and friends, through serving one another, we can once again provide for the needs of Brantford Christian School. BCS has infrequently approached its supporters with a campaign of this magnitude. We are trusting that the Celebrating Faithfulness Generation to Generation capital campaign will be successful and no further campaigns of this magnitude will be necessary for many years to come. 8
Raising funds for Christian education is always a challenge and in times of economic downturn this challenge is amplified. We are praying that those who have experienced material blessings will step forward and help us ensure that this campaign is a success for the future of BCS. With God at our side, and by placing our trust in Him and responding to His call to steward all that He has created, all this is possible. But just as you excel in everything in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us-see that you also excel in this grace of giving. - 2 Corinthians 8:7 9
Contributing to our Campaign Revenue Canada provides tax credits for donations to charitable organizations. Your donation to the BCS campaign is eligible for a tax credit. In the majority of cases the donation tax credit is approximately 41% of the total donation. Your actual cost is only 59% of the donated amount. The following chart shows some examples: 3-Year Pledge Gift Amount Yearly Monthly Tax Credit (based on 41%) Actual Cost of Gift Yearly Actual Cost Monthly Actual Cost $75,000 $25,000 $2,083 $30,750 $44,250 $14,750 $1,229 $50,000 $16,667 $1,389 $20,500 $29,500 $9,833 $819 $25,000 $8,333 $694 $10,250 $14,750 $4,917 $410 $10,000 $3,333 $278 $4,100 $5,900 $1,967 $164 $7,500 $2,500 $208 $3,075 $4,425 $1,475 $123 $5,000 $1,667 $139 $2,050 $2,950 $983 $82 $2,500 $833 $69 $1,025 $1,475 $492 $41 $1,500 $500 $42 $615 $885 $295 $25 $1,000 $333 $28 $410 $590 $197 $16 $750 $250 $21 $308 $443 $148 $12 $500 $167 $14 $205 $295 $98 $8 $250 $83 $7 $103 $148 $49 $4 Brantford Christian School has been a blessing to our family for 28 years, first for our four children and currently for three of our grandchildren (so far). We are thankful to have a school that supports the values taught in our home, through the dedication, love and care of all the staff. It has been the best investment in the lives of our children. We must also give thanks to God for His faithfulness from generation to generation. - Mel and Betty Andree 10
When I first moved here from my previous school I was scared half to death, meeting new people was difficult for me, but the welcome I received was amazing. Random people from higher and lower grades came to welcome me, something that would have never happened at my old school. That first day I already had a group of friends to hang out with. In my old school I always struggled with my math and the teachers there didn t seem to understand my needs. BCS has a whole different feeling. When I came I felt as though I could ask the teachers the questions I had without feeling as though I were stupid. I felt totally comfortable with my classmates and I loved the way the teachers felt free to joke around with the students. - Mackenzie 11
Brantford Christian School 7 Calvin Street, Brantford, ON N3S 3E4 (519) 752-0433 www.bcsbrantford.ca