16.11.2020 Views

Knightline: 2019-2020 - Vol.2 & Annual Reports

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.

A LETTER FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT

Another school year is behind us, and by the time you receive this

magazine, another has begun. The 2019-2020 school year was

certainly one for the record books and a very memorable 75th

anniversary. The year began with firmly planting our feet firmly on

God’s Word as the entire high school student body and staff, along

with many hearty volunteers, spent a few days on a mountain retreat.

By the end of the year, that same staff, along with the senior class,

celebrated graduation by attending a socially distant, drive-through

ceremony. God’s faithfulness at Ontario Christian at both of those

defining events and every other event in between has never been

more obvious. COVID-19 brought us into a season of emergency,

which for OC included remote learning, virtual celebrations, and

growth in grace for each other.

As I reflect on this past year and its joys and challenges, I am reminded

of the Israelites exodus out of Egypt. At a time when God provided a

release for His people with the promise of new land, the change of

routine was not easy for everyone. People got distracted from what

God was doing and how He was leading, and they had doubts. Some

of the questions and comments that God’s people had at that time

were: When are we going to get there? Can’t we go back to the way

it was in Egypt? I don’t really like this food. When will it be normal

again? The people were tired, frustrated, and angry—even Moses,

God’s chosen leader for His people. Emotions were high.

Superintendent Jenn Thompson

Jump to the 2020 pandemic. Although the Israelites journey lasted many years, Ontario Christian had quite a journey

this year, too. In mid-March, with the health and safety of our students, teachers, and families at risk, OC shifted to

remote learning. After just a few weeks, some of the questions and comments the OC administration heard sounded

familiar. When are we going to get back to normal? I don’t like this home learning experience? Can’t we get back on

campus? The people were tired, frustrated, and angry. Emotions were high. Even now, with so many questions still

unanswered, we all just want to get back to normal. The normal that we miss most at OC is being in community and

being in relationships: teachers with students, families with each other, and students with students.

Yet God, who is rich in mercy, has not forgotten OC, and He continues to reign. God’s provision allowed Ontario

Chrisitan to support some families who experienced serious financial hardship. We prayed together, prayed for each

other, and grew as a community of God’s people. I am grateful it is God who leads us, for we serve a God who is

trustworthy and loving, full of grace and compassion. Commit with me to pray for Ontario Christian to be a brilliant

beacon of God’s goodness as we let our light shine in our community and around the world. We are committed to

boldly living out God’s Word as we Grow Christian Leaders.

We have a busy year coming up that includes the completion of a new building, a number of facilities improvements,

and further instructional technology improvements as well. Join with me in prayer for Ontario Christian as we set

ourselves firmly on Jesus Christ, as we prepare students to be strong disciples, equipped with vision, understanding,

and discernment of who God is and how they can serve Him in our world. To God be the glory.

Joyfully,

Jenn Thompson

Superintendent

3

Hooray! Your file is uploaded and ready to be published.

Saved successfully!

Ooh no, something went wrong!