Cedars Christian School

Cedars Christian School started with humble beginning and big dream. After years of struggle and prayer by several godly and persistent families, Cedars opened its doors to 75 students in 1977. The school was purchased from the school district, which had closed the doors of North Nechako School some years earlier.

The structure contained only a few classrooms and no gymnasium, but it wasn’t to stay that way for long. With considerable hard work and sacrifice, 3 major building projects have been completed over the last 25 years. First, a gym was added, then several more classrooms, and in 1996, a third addition was built to contain a new high school facility. The dream became reality as the school was complete from Preschool to Grade 12.

Cedars has changed its physical site considerably over the years, but the vision for Christian education hasn’t changed. Cedars staff and parents work together to integrate their faith in Christ into all aspects of daily life. Our goal, as it has always been, is to present education to our children so that they see that God is Lord of all aspects of our lives. From science lessons to puppet shows, our vision is to develop responsive disciples of Jesus Christ. We do this with a goal for excellence and quality, each child encouraged to achieve to their potential – to become all that God wants them to be.

Over the years, many exciting and new programs have been established at Cedars such as Learning Assistance, Music Programs, and French in both elementary and secondary classes, a Christ-centred family life program, plus much more. Our Mission Statement is educating and equipping discerning disciples of Jesus Christ for restorative work in His kingdom. All instruction, recognized by the BC Ministry of Education, is taught by BC Certified teachers and supported by an active parent society, to incorporate a Christian perspective in every aspect of daily education. Both staff and parents unite to help the child to Develop their unique potential, Internalize spiritual values, Live a life of service, fellowship, stewardship, discipleship and obedience to God.

The basis for the instruction offered at Cedars Christian School is the Word of God. We believe that the Bible, the written Word of God, is the power that directs our lives and is the infallible authority that is to govern all our activities including the education of our children.

Through the Scriptures, we know that God created all things by His Word and that He continues faithfully to uphold and sustain all of created reality. We believe that man, through sin and disobedience, became estranged from God and his neighbour and thus became blind to the true meaning of life and reality. Jesus Christ, the Word of God Incarnate, reconciles the world to God and redeems our lives in their entirety.

The purpose of Christian education is to guide and direct the children in such a way that they commit their hearts and lives to Christ, come to an integral and meaningful knowledge of the wonderful creation God has given us, and are prepared in all life’s aspects to serve God and their neighbours. At Cedars Preschool, our learning is play-based. This includes activities that introduce the children to their ABC’s, 123’s and the colours on the colour wheel. Hearing about Baby Jesus being born in Bethlehem is wonderful, but it takes on new meaning when you can dress up like Mary, work with wood like Joseph, carry ‘Baby Jesus’ in a sling (Mary didn’t have a stroller), or wrap Him in swaddling cloth (Mary didn’t have baby clothes).

The Cedars Kindergarten program provides a unique opportunity for both your child and your family to become involved in the Cedars community. It is a wonderful environment in which to connect with other parents, preschoolers, and Kindergarten students as you begin your exciting elementary school journey. The program is organized around Thematic Units. These units all reflect the BC Education Ministry’s Prescribed Learning Outcomes. Subjects are not taught as isolated skills; rather, they are integrated into the total learning experience of the child.

A strong emphasis on Mathematics and Literacy is maintained throughout the course of the year. In addition, the students take part in Library, Physical Education, Music, Chapel, Computer Education and a ‘Big Buddies’ program. Our desire is to expand your child’s horizons academically as well as socially, emotionally, and spiritually.

The primary years are important in forming basic attitudes about school and developing basic skills in the areas of reading, writing and mathematics. The primary program at Cedars seeks to develop the whole child: spiritually, academically, physically, aesthetically, and socially in keeping with the school’s vision statement and the Ministry of Education guidelines.

As is our privilege as an independent school, Cedars’ teachers develop units that address provincially-required learning outcomes in rich learning experiences couched in the Biblical story, a Christian perspective/worldview, and responsive discipleship. A Christian education at Cedars is not BC curriculum “plus” a Christian perspective; it is the educating and equipping of discerning disciples for restorative work in BC and beyond.

The Learning Assistance Program at Cedars is designed to work together with teachers, coming alongside students who need additional support, with the aim of helping them find success in school. In Elementary school, students are regularly assessed by classroom teachers to monitor their academic progress. When it is apparent that a student is experiencing difficulties, and regular supports and differentiated instruction from a classroom teacher have not been enough to address the needs of the student, a student will be referred for Learning Assistance. Parents will be notified when it is apparent that a student is struggling academically, and will be involved and aware of the referral process.

This assistance may be provided in-class or in the Learning Assistance Centre. We also meet as a School Based Resource Team (SBRT) to provide support and recommendations for the classroom teachers. The SBRT may include: Learning Assistance teacher, Speech and Language Pathologist, School Psychologist, Classroom Teacher, Learning Support Coordinator, Principal and Vice-Principal. Students receiving Learning Support will have a Learning Support Plan to help the teachers with implementing ways to assist that child in the classroom.