OACS News Service

Beacon Christian Schools got in the Olympic spirit recently with a variety of activities.
St. Catharines school buys a goat for every Canadian gold medal
Beacon Christian Schools uses Olympics as learning tool, inspiration for global outreach
Monday March 1, 2010 -- Michelle Strutzenberger
Beacon Christian Schools (BCS) is purchasing a goat for every gold medal Canadians win in the 2010 winter Olympics, an activity first started by a couple of hockey fans in B.C.

For a $34.50 donation, the Christian Reformed World Relief Committee (CRWRC) is able to purchase one goat, which can help a family in a conflict-ravaged country of Africa begin to rebuild their lives.

BCS Grade 8 teacher Ron VandenBurg is spearheading the Goat for Gold campaign at the school. Goat symbols, along with profiles of the gold medal winners, have been posted around the building.

“It’s been kind of neat. It helps (the students) learn a little bit about the Olympics, and at the same time they are aware that the goat is going to help people in Africa,” says VandenBurg. 

The teacher and his class have also initiated several other activities related to the Olympics.

A map of Canada hangs on the wall with a mark on the hometown of each Canadian medal winner.

“We get to see where people are from, and it also gives us a sense that Canada is a big country,” says VandenBurg.

“(Students) get to see all the great and wonderful things that make up our country.”

Two Olympic torch bearers, who are also supporters of the school, including a former student, visited the school to share their stories.

The Grade 8 class also organized the BCS Winter Olympics, which were scheduled to run last Friday but will take place this week. The students have developed some unique games, including human curling and a snowball biathlon.

In addition, students were encouraged to create cheers and songs related to the Games and good sportsmanship, and many produced some amazing pieces, says advancement assistant Stephanie Vanderwal.

Both VandenBurg and principal Karen Gerritsma say the activities have generated a positive energy throughout the school and a deepened appreciation for the country of Canada.

“I’m excited by the energy and excitement that these events have inspired,” says Gerritsma.

“Through these activities our appreciation of and love for Canada has increased. God has certainly blessed our great country.”

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