Rhema anniversary
celebration a rousing success
May 17,
2004 - LeeAnne Lavender
Rhema Christian School's 25th anniversary
celebration, held on Saturday, May 15,
was emotional and joyful. The day's
events resulted in over 250 people gathering
together to celebrate the school, and
the ways God has worked in, and through,
this school community for over two decades.
The theme of the day was "Celebrating
God's Faithfulness", and many alumni
attested to how their experiences at
Rhema have shaped their lives and provided
a firm foundation for a life of faith.
Two graduates in particular, Betty Anne
Rozema and Dave Breukelaar, spoke poignantly
about Rhema's impact on their lives
at the gala dinner on the evening of
May 15.
"My time at Rhema helped prepare
me for what I would experience later
(at university and in the workplace),"
said Mr. Breukelaar.
Over 100 graduates attended the afternoon
program and reunion at the school, held
from 2 - 4 p.m. This featured performances
by the Rhema choir and a video presentation
of Rhema students and staff throughout
the years. MP Peter Adams congratulated
the school and commented on its positive
impact on the Peterborough community.
In the evening, Jules deJager was the
keynote speaker. The principal of Rhema
from 1980 - 1985, and the current director
of elementary education for the Ontario
Alliance of Christian Schools, Mr. deJager
reflected on his own experiences at
Rhema. He spoke fondly of students he
taught, and also of how the school has
grown so dramatically.
"This is truly an example of God's
faithfulness," he said with conviction.
Rhema began in the basement of Cephas
Christian Reformed Church in 1979 with
only a handful of students in attendance.
A few years later a school building
was purchased on Parkhill Road (just
east of Television Road), and two additions
have been built to accommodate steady
growth throughout the ensuing years.
Rhema currently has over 240 students.
"This school has seen many changes
and it is truly a place where God is
upheld and loved," commented current
principal Ray Hendriks. He has served
as principal since 1985. |
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