A Legacy of Learning: Mrs. Ann Van Harten

Imagine twenty-three uninterrupted years of attending Orangeville Christian School. This thought is bound to bring a variety of responses ranging from a nervous twitch, to a gleam in the eye, and for one special teacher, a song on the lips.

Mrs. Ann Van Harten

Mrs. Ann Van Harten has dedicated over two decades of her life to a legacy of learning that has equipped generations of students in Dufferin County with a balanced Christ-centred education and a solid foundation for service in God’s world.

While Ann was still in high school, God called her to become a teacher. She followed His leading and graduated from Dordt College in Sioux Centre, Iowa, ready to begin her teaching career. Ann’s first teaching positions were at Immanuel Christian School in Lethbridge, Alberta and Bulkley Valley Christian School in Smithers, British Columbia. After seven years out west, Ann moved to Orangeville, Ontario to raise three daughters and two sons with her husband, Carl. In 1997, she accepted a kindergarten position at OCS where she has served for the past 23 years.

All her students will remember her kind, passionate demeanor as well as her habit of singing in the classroom, hallway, and gymnasium. In addition to the 3 R’s, Ann’s students always looked forward to playing inside and outside, and especially, the Friday afternoon Veggie Tales movie. Students and staff, as well as volunteers, were the benefactors of her organizational skills for the annual OCS Field Day. The event was always enjoyed by everyone.

In addition to her teaching skills, Ann also has a gift for finding the perfect words. You could always find her taking minutes at our staff meetings on her Apple iPod. I am sure that she is very thankful that she had the opportunity to use her technology skills to provide online learning for her junior kindergarten students during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Her final 4 months at OCS will not soon be forgotten.

Ann’s steady, consistent presence in the kindergarten division will definitely be missed. We look forward to adding her name to our supply teacher list but we also want to wish her God’s richest blessings as she enters the next stage in her life. We are very proud that after 23 years at Orangeville Christian School, you will finally be graduating! Your legacy of learning will always be remembered and you will continue to be in our thoughts and prayers.

On behalf of your colleagues (past and present),

Sincerely,

Rick Schenk
Principal
Orangeville Christian School

Alyssa Edward

February 22, 2023

OCS has been fantastic for our family and our children. Our kids are learning so much, and they feel safe in an amazing school environment.

Beth Amy

February 13, 2023

Our kids love OCS and we really appreciate how personable and community oriented the school is. Our son struggled with being behind in some classes and within a week of starting they had identified and set him up with an in school tutor and it made a massive difference.

Christine Kennedy

February 12, 2023

We are thrilled with OCS. The environment, the classroom, the content, and the experiences they provide demonstrate a deep care and love for each and every student. Truly so thankful for how they are equipping and building up the next generation.

Becky Prins

February 10, 2023

We feel incredibly blessed to have an option like OCS for our children to attend! Teachers are amazing, and while always striving to provide excellent academic challenges and incorporate new experiences, they also actually care about my kids. They encourage, correct, and connect with love and intentionality. The facilities are awesome as well and we are especially excited about this year's school play! Thank you for all you do OCS!

Julia G

OCS is everything a school should be, and so much more. Their priority is the wellbeing of the students and this is evident in how the students are nurtured and cared for. OCS offers rich programming and curriculum to ensure that the needs of all students are met. The educators are extremely knowledgeable and work tirelessly for the benefit of all students. I am impressed daily by how happy my daughter is to attend school and the depth of knowledge and quality of work that she brings home. OCS is not only preparing students to be higher level thinkers and problem solvers, it is instilling core values of kindess and empathy within it's students. I cannot imagine a better place for my daughter to embark on her educational journey.

Cheryl Birch

February 9, 2023

We have had students enrolled at OCS from 2015 to 2023. Every single year we have been so thankful to have fabulous and approachable teachers. We're so appreciative of the affirmation of identity and God's love that our kids receive at OCS. We have found the math curriculum and individual monitoring of academic progress to be much improved at OCS from what we experienced in the public school system. The sports and music programs are excellent. We have greatly enjoyed the love of reading developed by the Battle of the Books club, and other initiatives at OCS, that we feel have given our kids an advantage in their preparation for high school.

Wayne Johnson

We, as a family, had no problem posting a review for OCS!!! Our journey there began in September/2014 when our grandson was enrolled in JK. His experience there was positive in every aspect…academically, socially and spiritually. Eventually, Wayne began working there in a maintenance position and Judy as both an EA and supply teacher. Although we have both retired, Wayne continues to volunteer on the maintenance committee and Judy as supply. We plan to continue supporting OCS to the best of our abilities in the future!!!

Greg Bennett

Suzy Koolen

My daughter loves OCS. The staff and fellow students have been very welcoming as she joined half way through the year. My daughter is finally receiving a quality education. Highly recommend!

Steve Koolen

Very friendly and welcoming staff and students. Small class sizes for better learning. My daughter was miserable at her old school, and is now back to her happy self at Orangeville Christian School.

Erika F

OCS has been incredible for our 3 children who started this year. I couldn’t be happier with our experience. The teachers are caring and attentive and take the time to get to know each student individually. The academic program has been challenging and rewarding and we have seen so much growth in all our children. The environment feels safe and is community based and the school offers a wide range of activities for the children and their families. Overall, I am extremely impressed by the commitment to excellence that is evident at this school and would highly recommend it to other parents.

Robyn Johnstone

October 7, 2020

OCS is more than just a school, it is a community and a family where parents truly are partners in the education of their children! We feel truly blessed to have our two children here! The teachers are amazing and the facility itself is top notch!