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“It was the best of times .....
“It was the best of times, It was the worst of times; it was the age of wisdom it was the age of foolishness.” (“A Tale of Two Cities” by Charles Dickens) Listening to the Media and Community banter one would think we are in the “worst” of times. BC Christian schools are not experiencing the “worst of times.”
However, some of our school communities are facing huge challenges. I worry about our Northern schools. Many have been adversely affected by the downturn in Forestry and Mining industries. Some of our Island schools face similar challenges. I am sure all of our school communities will feel some of the effects of the current recession.
When economic times look threatening, or turn into deep recession, Christian School communities can show society how to deal with economic situations by mitigating some of the despair through affirmative compassion. School Boards and Administration, during tough economic times are often forced to address the challenges of families who struggle to meet their tuition obligations and thus consider withdrawing children from school. This issue is important to the whole community because less children means less teachers means less government grant and tuition income. What is even worse, loss of students and families breaks down community.
How a school community treats its families, staff and students during an economic recession will say a lot about its collective character. Obviously budgets matter and incomes and expenses require careful scrutiny; but people matter too!
I have experienced a number of significant economic downturns during my time as Principal. The early 1980 recession was particularly brutal; but in my community in eastern Ontario we took on the challenge of starting a new High School. Why? Who knows for sure; but what I do know is that we had a trust that God would provide and we believed His provision is always found in the resources of the Christian community.
Teachers and support staff are part of this community as well. When times are tough Boards may consider holding back on salary increases. This frustrates staff when it comes from “the Board.” There may be a better way. I have also seen teachers take the initiative to contribute generously to an annual tuition relief drive. This type of action speaks volumes.
It may be the “best of times” for you in your school or it may be “the worst.” Whatever it is consider these thoughts:
The school you teach in is God’s school. God makes it possible to exist.
God resources the school through the Christian community in which you live and work.
You are part of the community, and if you have the resources, share in the challenges of supporting families who want and need a Christian Education for their children. PVH
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