The Concordia Academy

Welcome!

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We look forward to getting to know you and to serving you and your children with the best education possible in a loving, caring environment.

Please bear with us as more and more of our website becomes active. For the moment, most but not all links are available. Here are some good places to start looking around:

More information coming soon!

Updated Sept 18, 2010

Welcome!

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About the Home-School-Church relationship

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The members of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church have established Concordia Academy as a part of the long and noblest tradition of Lutheran Christian schools out of a desire to faithfully share the Good News (Gospel) of Jesus Christ with the young people of our community and their families, to present in an appropriate and skilful way in the course of teaching other school subjects, and to give young people of our community the opportunity to experience the richness the basic elements of Christian worship in a consistent way. The members of Good Shepherd congregation have become persuaded from their hearing and study of the Bible that the sharing and hearing of the Biblical Gospel of Jesus’ rescuing work for all people is the instrument by which God is pleased to bless children, their families and communities immeasurably. Consequently, we believe the Word of God to be a most precious gift to be given and shared, and we invite families and individuals to join us in hearing and receiving God’s saving gifts at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. However, we do not believe that we should pressure people concerning the Christian faith (or that any good could come from such pressure), nor encourage them to leave Christian churches they are already active in. God knows how to cause His Word to bear its fruits!

While the church has established our school, we believe that the authority of a Lutheran school teacher to teach both academic subjects and religion to the children of his/her class comes not from the Office of the Ministry of the Gospel, but from the Office of Parent. God gives children to fathers and mothers – and when need be, to guardians – and not to churches, governments, or other entities. God entrusts to these the care, nurture, development, and education of these little ones whom He Himself loves so deeply. As such, parents (even non-Christian parents) act as God’s representatives in the world – God’s “secular kingdom” of external order among people and of providing “daily bread” for us – to do their children much good for this life. But parents are also intended by God to be His agents in His “spiritual kingdom” – of caring and providing for the “inner man” and his heart in matters of forgiveness and faith, salvation and spiritual life, and most of all of Christ our Saviour – as they give to their children God’s Word. The Lutheran school and it’s teachers are intended not to overrule or to replace parents, but to assist them in providing nothing but the best for their child/children intellectually, bodily – and spiritually.

There are really two things that go on in a Lutheran Christian school: one has to do with God’s secular kingdom, and the other has to do with God’s spiritual kingdom. To the extent that a Lutheran Christian school teaches reading, writing, and arithmetic, it has nothing to do with the ministry of the Church. On the other hand, to the extent that religion is taught in special classes and as it comes up throughout the day, chapel services are conducted, and music is learned in the context and for the benefit of Christian worship, it is directly related to the Ministry of the Church. The spiritual and the secular “sides” of the Lutheran school’s program support one another and build on each other’s gifts and benefits for the secular and the spiritual good of the whole person. Understanding the two kingdoms – and balancing them appropriately in the life of the School and congregation – is very important.

(from the Parent Handbook)

Volunteer Opportunities

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We value our volunteers! Please contact our office about volunteer opportunities.

Partners

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At Concordia's Opening Service, Sept 12, 2010:
Back row (l-r): Pastor Milette, LCC Pres Robert Bugbee (special guest).
Front row (l-r): Richard Betsch, Debra Betsch (Kingswood), Miss Clasper,
and Michael Choi (Concordia Languages Institute).

Volunteer Opportunities at Concordia Academy
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church
Kingswood Academy Daycare and Montessori [email link]
Concordia Languages Institute

Board of Directors

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Good Shepherd Evangelical Lutheran Church has established and oversees operations of Concordia Academy to assist parents in raising their children ‘in the nurture and admonition of the Lord’.

The Voters’ Assembly of Good Shepherd, which determines the main policies of the church, elects members to the School Board, which in turn determines the operating policies of the School. All voting members in good standing of Good Shepherd or of member congregations of Lutheran Church-Canada are eligible to be elected by Good Shepherd’s Voters’ Assembly to the School Board.

The School Principal is responsible for the daily operation of the School and the administration of school policies.

The cost of operating the School is supported by the church offerings of all members of Good Shepherd Congregation and by school tuition.

(from the Parent Handbook)

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Mrs Sandy Hill (Kitchener, Ont) - Chair
Mr John Nieminen (St Catharines, Ont) - Vice chair
Mr Robert Klages, CA (Clarksburg, Ont) - Treasurer
Mr Phil Prozenko (Dartmouth, NS) - Secretary

Mrs Lois Munz (Burlington, Ont)
Mrs Sara Winger (St Catharines, Ont)
Mr Helmut Fittler (Richibucto, NB)
Rev. David Smilek (Sudbury, Ont)
Rev. Paul Williams (Moncton, NB)

Advisory: Mr Ted Claxton (Kitchener, Ont) - Legal

Ex Officio: Rev. David Milette, GSLC Pastor (Moncton, NB)

Mr Betsch

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Mr Richard Betsch is our executive director and business manager since winter 2008. A husband and father of three university students, Mr Betsch is originally from Mississauga, Ontario, and has a previous background in business, management and sales.

He is looking forward to answering all your questions together with Miss Clasper and scheduling visits and tours.

(More info coming!)

Pastor Milette

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The Rev. David Milette, Good Shepherd and Concordia's pastor

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH

Pastor Milette is originally from Montreal, Qc, and grew up in both English and French in an Italian neighbourhood (with some Slovak and Ukranian thrown in there too!).

Following studies in the Sciences as well as a B.A. Spec. in Linguistics (Université de Montréal) and work in Information Technology sector, he received a Masters of Divinity from Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary (Brock University), St Catharines Ont, having served a year long pastoral internship (called a "vicarage") in Yorkton, Saskatchewan, as well as several summer pastoral internships in Quebec.

Pastor Milette was called, ordained and installed as the pastor of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Moncton NB, in Summer 1999. Currently he also serves as Supervising Pastor for Faith Lutheran Mission in Dartmouth NS since 2008 and the Charlottetown Lutheran Preaching Station in PEI since 2009.

Married with three children, he loves being a husband and father as well as a pastor and a Christian. Enjoys singing, badminton, intercultural experiences, learning languages, being of service to the community, travel, and the outdoors, and has a life-long love of learning.

Updated Sept 18, 2010

Faculty

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Miss Shelaine Clasper - Principal / K-2 Teacher
Mr Richard Betsch - Executive Director
Rev. David Milette - Pastor
Board of Directors

Coming Events

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Sept 17-18, 2010
Concordia Academy at Dundee SportsDome community events registration.

Sept 12, 2010
12:30-3pm - Concordia Academy Community Open House and free BBQ
3pm - Opening Service for the First Academic Year of Concordia Academy,
Special guest preacher, Rev. Robert Bugbee, president of Lutheran Church-Canada

Sept 7, 2010
First day of classes at Concordia Academy.

Aug 15, 2010
11am, Installation of Teacher Shelaine Clasper as Teacher and Principal of Concordia Academy
(during the Divine Service at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church).

Calendar

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Summer Programs

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Summer programs (including ESL Summer Camps through Concordia Language Institute) are being planned right now. Please contact the office to ask about what's coming up.

After School Programs

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After school care is available as well as various special after school programs. There are still spaces available. Please contact the office for more information.

Foreign and ESL Students

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For Foreign Student and ESL programs, please inquire through the office.

Programs

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Tuition Rates

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The Board of Directors has set the tuition for the 2010-2011 school year to include a discount to assist families with more than one child attending.

First child: $550/month or $5,500/year
Second child: $495/month or $4,950/year
Third and additional child: $445.50/month or $4,455/year

Some financial assistance may be available based on need.

For rates for foreign students and after school programs, please contact the office.

Enrolment Procedures

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ENROLMENT

Requirements for admission:

Children who enter Kindergarten must be five years of age by December 31st of the year of entry to enrol into Concordia Academy.
Parents or guardians must provide a copy of:

1. Birth Certificate OR other proof of birth origin
2. If applicable, proof of Indian status
3. Parental proof of citizenship/landed immigrant status
4. Health Records
5. Provincial Healthcare Card

The student(s) and parents or guardians accept the purpose and policies of the School.
The student’s needs can be met by educational program of the School. Students with physiological, emotional, or psychological needs that cannot be served by the School’s regular program should be referred to other schools that are designed to meet such needs.

The School Board has the authority to make decisions on student admission in accordance with the admission requirements. The Principal and/or teacher will meet the parent or guardian of all students when they apply for enrolment, to explain the purpose of the School and describe the program and procedures.

Pre-registration for following school year

March: Pre-registration packets sent home
April: Pre-registration due including $150 non-refundable registration fee, $150 supply fee, and 1st month tuition (cash or cheque dated for July 1st)

The expectation that pre-registration is completed at this time is consistent with other independent schools both locally and beyond Moncton. This allows for schools to plan for the staffing and resource needs of the School.

REGISTRATION & SUPPLY FEES

Both the registration fee and supply fee for kindergarten and elementary grades are proposed each year by the School Board. These fees cover books, supplies, equipment, postage and testing. The fees are shown on the Registration form.

SUPPLIES

Most supplies are included in the supply fee paid at the time of registration. Students are responsible for bringing a pencil box and indoor shoes with non-marking soles. Intermediate grades will be responsible for bringing gym strip and a bag to carry in it.

Policies

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Please see our Parent Handbook for current policies of Concordia Academy, available upon request from the office.

Admission

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What does "Concordia" Mean?

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CONCORDIA -- "With One Heart!"

The word "Concordia" is a word that has been used and appreciated by Lutherans for almost 500 years, coming from the Book of Concord (Libris Concordia in Latin) in which is found the common teachings of the Lutheran Church. The word is a beautiful one, made from two smaller words, "con-" (with/together) and "cordia" (heart), and it means "with one heart" or "together in heart". The image is that, though many and different, our spiritual heartbeat beats in such harmony with one another that it is as though we had only one heart: this is what we are talking about when we talk about having a common confession, a common Christian Faith.

Many in today's relativistic world -- you know, where "everyone has their own version" but there is no "truth," much less "The Truth" -- deny that such unity could even exist; but truth and falsehood are real, as common experience shows, and it is plain that it is best for our children when we teach them to know the differences. In absolute or spiritual matters too, there is truth and there are lies. As for absolute truth, our Father in heaven reveals it in His Word, and gives it as a gift through the Gospel and Sacraments which bind us to Jesus Christ, our Life.

The CONCORDIA ACADEMY of GOOD SHEPHERD LUTHERAN CHURCH

As the name of our school, it expresses the common confession of the Christian Faith of those who stand behind the school as members of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, of Lutheran Church-Canada and of Lutherans throughout the world; but it also expresses our hope and desire to establish in our school a unity and family-like environment that goes down to the heart, in order to encourage and strengthen our students in their own families and as they grow into good neighbours at every level in our society.

These things can never be forced, of course -- but neither do we need to leave them to chance. We intend to encourage such a community, by God's grace, by providing a safe and caring environment and staff, a high quality of education, and the simple but powerful Gospel of Jesus Christ, who has paid for all our sins on the cross and who gives us forgiveness, life, and joy. It was the members of our Good Shepherd congregation who chose the name "Concordia Academy" for our school.

MORE

What do Lutherans believe and teach - "the short version"
A simple summary of the basics of the Christian faith: The Small Catechism
About the Luther Rose: a beautiful witness!

Updated Sept 18, 2010

Mission and Vision

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MISSION:

"Academic excellence in an atmosphere of Christian love --
    in a partnership with Home, School, and Church."

BIBLE THEME VERSE

"We will not hide them from their children,
    but tell to the coming generation
the glorious deeds of the LORD, and His might,
    and the wonders that +He has done.”
        (Psalm 78:4 ESV, as found on our cornerstone)

PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION

Our philosophy of Christian education intentionally considers the individual child:

As a whole person: The philosophy views each child as God’s most complex creation. As the child grows, his/her mental, physical, and spiritual qualities develop. It is the task of the Christian educator to guide this development by an application of God’s Law and Gospel.
In a changing world: The philosophy realizes that man is in search of truth in this day of changing values, and that this absolute truth is found only in God’s Word, the Holy Bible. The philosophy recognizes that urgency of placing Christ and His teaching squarely in the centre of all learning.
As a responsible child: The philosophy views that child as having a God-given responsibility to serve God and his fellow man. The program of Christian education at Concordia Academy seeks aid him/her in growing in Christian maturity.

The School is vitally concerned with developing the whole child and shaping his/her response and sensitivity to God and the world.

(from the Parent Handbook)

A PARTNERSHIP WITH FAMILIES AND WITH CHURCH

At Concordia Academy, we value parents as partners in the education of our students. Why? Because, parents are the first and most important teachers children will ever have. Your children are precious to you. That’s why you spend time with them, reading, teaching, encouraging, and passing on the values important to your family.

Concordia Academy doesn’t want to take away your job as teacher. Instead, we want to work with you. We see children as precious and take the time to get to know each one. We look for our students’ strengths and needs, and do everything we can to help them grow and learn.

Educating is a partnership, and is most effective when the home and the School work together and share the same values.

We also value the partnership we have with the church – the community of faith. Concordia Academy values children and their families, and it values its school ministry. This partnership is demonstrated by the many volunteers who give their time and resources to support the School, as well as the commitment of the congregation to providing an excellent facility for the ongoing school ministry. The church also sees all school families as part of its community and is ready and willing to provide them with support and resources. We do not, however, seek to pull people who are active in other Christian congregations away from their church homes.

(from the Parent Handbook)

LATIN MOTTO

"Veritas, Sapientia, Forma -- Christus!"

("Truth, Wisdom, Beauty -- Christ!")

About Us

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Mission and Vision
What does Concordia mean?
Brief History of Lutheran Schools
10 Myths about Private Schools [from Grace Lutheran School]

Graphics

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Miss Shelaine Clasper

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Miss Clasper at the Opening Service, Sept 12, 2010!

Miss Shelaine Clasper, our new principal and K-2 teacher.

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH

Miss Clasper is originally from the Okanogan Valley in British Columbia.
Following studies in education, sociology, religion, and physical education, receive a B.A. from Concordia University College of Alberta and then chose to pursue additional studies in practical theology, obtaining a Masters of Theological Studies from Concordia Lutheran Seminary, Edmonton AB. She then completed her Bachelors of Education (B.Ed.) in 2000, again from Concordia University College of Alberta.
In 2000, she received placement as a deacon of Lutheran Church-Canada to serve as teacher at Zion Lutheran Church and Christian School, Prince George B.C., and since 2002, she has also served as principal there. Miss Clasper is currently certified to teach in British Columbia by the B.C. College of Teachers and by the Independent Schools Office of B.C., and has 10 years experience teaching in all grades from K to Grade 7.
Involved with Toastmasters International since 2005, she competed in public speaking competitions twice at the provincial level. She enjoys playing piano and singing in choir.
Following her drive and move across Canada in late July 2010, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and Concordia Academy installed her with the Word of God and prayers as principal and teacher for Concordia Academy on August 15, 2010.

Updated Sept 18, 2010

Board of Directors

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Under Construction!

Our BOARD of DIRECTORS

Mrs Sandy Hill -- Chair

Mr John Niemenen, Businessman -- Vice-chair

Mr Philip Prozenko, Businessman -- Secretary

Mr Helmut Fittler, Entrepreneur

Mrs Sara Winger, Teacher

I went to a Lutheran elementary school, Lutheran High School West in Detroit, and then on to Concordia, Ann Arbor, Michigan, a Lutheran Teacher’s college (B.A. Education). I received a call to teach at St. Peter, Ransomville, NY, where I taught for one year. Having married Tom Winger, I moved to Beatrice, NE, for his vicarage, where I did supply teaching in public schools and St. Paul’s Lutheran school. After a year in St. Catharines (working for Kelly Services) we moved to St. Louis for my husband’s graduate studies. I taught at St. Matthew Lutheran, an inner-city school for 1 year, then 2 years as the acquisitions secretary at the seminary. We returned to Canada, where I taught Sunday School and VBS, had 2 children, then moved to England, where I spent 6 of the 7 years supply teaching in public schools and teaching piano lessons, and Sunday School. While there I became the Sunday School superintendent and was on the board of education. I am currently back in St. Catharines teaching Music for Young Children (group piano lessons for beginners), private piano lessons, Sunday School, and am the Sunday school superintendent at Resurrection Lutheran Church.

Mrs Lois Munz, Teacher

The majority of years I spent in education were with the elementary grades in Ontario schools. I have experience with Special Education, music and being a teacher librarian, as well as teaching in the Junior Kindergarten, Senior Kindergarten and grades one through six classrooms. I also have training as an early childhood educator.

After my retirement from the public education system, I worked in the role of principal/developer at Christ Our King Lutheran School in Mississauga, Ontario for three years. I saw the expansion of the nursery school/kindergarten programs when I was there.

I have been a life-long Lutheran, being baptized, confirmed and married in Ottawa Ontario area churches. My husband, Greg and I became members of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Burlington, Ontario when we moved to Oakville approximately forty years ago, and still worship with that congregation to the present.

We have been blessed with two sons. Our older son has lived and worked in international business in Dubai UAE for four years. Our younger son and his wife live and work in Ottawa, Ontario; he with Nav Canada and she with an environmental technology company.

I have been active in the teaching of Sunday School and Youth Bible Study in the past and my husband and I have been Youth Group leaders over the years.

I have also been a long-time member of the LWMLC, holding society executive positions and I was the Niagara Zone Treasurer for two terms. I currently am the zone president.

My husband and I are members of the Nicaragua Mission Committee. We traveled to the country last January. It was my first trip there, and Greg's second trip. We took materials to share: I worked with the children and Greg helped with church construction. We plan to go back again in March 2010. We also sell Nicaraguan coffee to support a lunch program in Jinotega, Nicaragua.
I enjoy reading, when I can find the time. Greg and I enjoy Scottish Country Dancing and travel, as a couple. We have just returned from Greece, Italy, Egypt and the Holy Land. To be immersed in ancient and Biblical history was indeed an experience to be treasured.

Rev. David Smilek, Pastor

Rev. Paul Williams, Pastor

Legal Counsel
Mr Ted Claxton, Lawyer

Ex Officio
Miss Shelaine Clasper, Principal and Teacher

Mr Richard Betsch, Executive Director

Rev. David Milette, Pastor, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church

Correspondence to the Board of Directors may be sent via any of these means.

More information coming soon!

Updated June 10, 2010