As a Special Education Resource Teacher (SERT), the thought of ‘school at home’ brought a lot of uncertainty and felt overwhelming when I first realized that this was our new reality. How do we meet the differing needs of so many students? How do we keep our students from falling behind after we have made such great progress this year? What about the students I work with on a daily basis?

It has been nine weeks since we started ‘school at home’, and I am amazed at how God has blessed our school community through this time. As a SERT, I am in contact with the teachers and a variety of students on a regular basis and am excited to share that the majority of our students are on track with where they would have been, in the areas of math and language arts, if we had been in school during this time. As I reflect on the past eight weeks, I believe there are three main reasons for this.

First, one of the core values of OCS is partnering with parents which laid the foundation for a smooth transition into ‘school at home’. Parents and teachers have developed relationships that enable effective communication, which is vital to this unique situation.

Second, the daily online math and language arts lessons provided by the teachers, as well as one-on-one zoom conferencing and weekly class meetings, have allowed the students to continue being taught by the teachers, rather than having the parents become the teachers. Approximately 10% of our student body is receiving regular one-on-one intervention during this time. I realize that ‘school at home’ is a huge responsibility for parents, but as a mother of three, I can truly say that I greatly appreciate the effort the teachers have put into teaching my children during this time.

Third, the fact that OCS was able to begin ‘school at home’ as soon as we realized we were not going to be back in the classroom provided our students with continuity in their education. The learning curve was huge for all of the teaching staff, as we navigated zoom and wrapped our heads around teaching over the internet, but we rallied together and learned as much as we could in a very short time!

Going forward, I realize that there are students who are having a difficult time with ‘school at home’ and parents who are concerned that their child may be behind when we go back in September. I would like to assure you that we will continue to do everything we can to meet the individual needs of every student at OCS. At the start of every year, OCS takes part in Measure of Academic Progress (MAP) testing to gauge student’s proficiency in math and language arts. This will be even more crucial in the coming year, as some of our students have progressed significantly during this time and others have found this time more difficult. We are committed to knowing where each student is academically and whether they may require intervention or enrichment in order to reach their God-given potential.

Finally, on behalf of the staff, I would like to thank the OCS community for all of your prayers and words of encouragement during this time. We are so thankful that God is in control! Please pray for the students, staff, and leadership as we continue to seek God’s will and bring Him glory.

Below is a 360 view of our Resource Classroom.

You can also experience OCS from the comfort of your own home. Virtually walk through the school and take a look inside each classroom by visiting our virtual open house.

In His Service,
Jenny Bakker

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Alyssa Edward
Alyssa Edward

Just left us a 5 star review

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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Julia G
February 10, 2023

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.

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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.

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Wayne Johnson
February 9, 2023

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!!!

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Greg Bennett
February 9, 2023
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Suzy Koolen
February 9, 2023

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!

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Steve Koolen
February 9, 2023

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.

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Erika F
February 9, 2023

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.

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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!

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Sunny G
February 7, 2020
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Skye W
April 11, 2019

Been here, great place. I recommend it.

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wP SK
December 1, 2017
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Jackie Tucker
September 13, 2017

Great school, teachers very intuitive of the students, great one on one time.

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Siobhan Bell
August 12, 2017

Excellent teachers, caring and supportive school family. Top notch academics!

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Reg Walker
April 19, 2017

Great facilities