Coralwood COURAGE

Before we began this bizarre school year, we knew we needed something extra, so we chose "COURAGE!" as our theme. We have humbly witnessed this courage manifest itself in parents, staff, and students alike. We’ve had to pivot to ensure the quality of care and exemplary instruction we would have provided in a typical school year was up to par in this new, distanced, super-sterilized environment. Parents have had to adjust where they pick up and drop off their children. The staff has had to modify scheduling to accommodate cohorts. Students have expertly adapted to the latest protocols and procedures.

However, the real testimony lies not in the way we are surviving but how we are thriving. We have altered how we do fundraisers, provide community programming, and even foster connections. This school year, we’ve been able to raise over $3,000 through three successful fundraisers. Our students, staff, and school community played a large part in the success of these endeavors.

Although the ways we minister to the community have been radically altered, we have still been able to find ways to contribute to our neighborhood through service. Our elementary students were very active before the Christmas break, making the holiday a little brighter for several individuals.

Kindergarteners and the upper elementary grades created cards for care homes and incarcerated mothers, while the second-and-third-grade class participated in a reverse Christmas calendar, which brought in over 300 food items for the local food bank. All Alberta junior high and high school students were sent home for five weeks of online learning, so we had to say goodbye to them earlier than expected. However, our staff still found ways to connect with each student, including dropping off a little Christmas cheer to let them know we missed them and were thinking of them.

We have all since returned to our beloved school building and seeing each other face to face. We continue to look forward to God’s blessings and growth as He gives us the courage to face each new day.

To register for the 2021-2022 school year, visit our website: coralwood.org

—Leidamae Muse, Principal (Coralwood Adventist Academy)