Grade 11 Spiritual Retreat

On September 13, the grade 11 students travelled to Camp Kinasao for their class spiritual retreat.  Throughout the day, the students were challenged to think about the theme of "Learning to Lead" by Ron Shellenberg from Mount Royal Mennonite Church in Saskatoon and Emily Toews of Northstar Mennonite Church in Drake.  The class explored the many ways in which people lead and how there is a leader in each of us through stories and interactive sessions.  In addition to times of contemplation, students also took part in a wide array of activities such as swimming, canoeing, kayaking, hiking, photo scavenger hunts, and sitting in the camp's wood-fired sauna.  For supper, we partook in a good old fashioned wiener roast, complete with s'mores!  To cap off the night, students showed off their talents in a coffee house.  Some of the more memorable acts included a free-style poetry slam and a fully choreographed version of Michael Jackson's thriller.  All in all, the grade 11 spiritual retreat was a fantastic day full of fun, reflection, and most importantly bonding between this amazing group of students who have become a real community.   

Mike, Sarah R. and Sarah O. acting out their leaders

An active game of cards

Eric, Matt and Landon lead us all in YMCA

Nic and Liam recite poetry with Mike accompanying

Relaxing at lunch

Liam, Eric, Paradise, Kyla and Matt portraying their leader

out on the water

Landon, Say EhToo and Matt about to paddle away

Laura and Phoenix

Danika, Sarah and Crystal on the water

Jonathan, Holly and Jessica decided to swim instead of paddle

RJC grade 11 class of 2011

Grade 10 Spiritual Retreat

The grade 10 class left on their class retreat after the opening program on Sunday Sept 11.  The retreat was held at the Quest Bible Camp at Christopher Lake. The theme of the 3 day retreat was "Risking New Beginnings".  The four sessions,  lead by Jim Epp and Dave Attema, focused on this theme by exploring the story of Moses.   To building on this theme the students also participated in many trust building and cooperative activities during their time at the lake.  We also spent considerable time on the water and in the water.  The weather was very cooperative and although the temperature was not in the 30's as we had hoped, it was a pleasant more moderate temperature in the low 20's.  This did not deter the students from fully committing to tubing all Monday afternoon!  Ron and Edith Regehr graciously provided the boat and the expertise in driving for the afternoon.  (Ron and Edith have been volunteering to help with Grade 10 retreat for many years!) Ewald and Louise Epp also have been coming to help for many years.  Ewald and Louise take care of feeding us for the weekend.

A great time was had by all.  There was plenty of time for relaxing, playing games and having fun! By the time we returned to campus on Tuesday the objectives of the spiritual retreat not only met but exceeded our expectations.

Jim welcomes the group and introduces the theme on "Risking New Beginnings".

Tandy must run the gantlet trusting that his classmates will clear the way!

Working together as a team, Robert, Tandy, Morgan and Josh.

The girls team tries to outdo the boys ... Laura, Hope, Kennedy and Phoebe.

NIck puts his trust in Tandy

Alyssa prepares mentally for the trust fall.

Morgan has no problem trusting that his friends will catch him!

Water fun

Lots of time for board game, card playing, ping pong and fooseball. Lyndsey and Katie are a lethal pair!

Laura and Katie on the high ropes course.

Kennedy escapes the toxic river.

Shane working the tires to gain ground.

A race to fill a tube punctured with holes with water!

A not so simple task of lowering the rod to the ground as a group

The grade 10 class

Grade 12 Spiritual Retreat

The theme for the grade 12 retreat was 'Who will you be next year?' and was held at Prince Albert National Park.  Students were challenged to think about who they are, rather than what they will be doing in the years to come.  Rosthern Mennonite Church youth pastor Craig Neufeld led the class in a series of 5 sessions where students explored different ways to connect with God.  The spiritual practices that the students learned can be used as they continue their path of spiritual growth this year, and beyond graduation.  The retreat was also a an excellent bonding time for the grade 12 class. 

Trust building exercise

The worship team led the music

Students participate in a session

Students share their thoughts after their meditation time on the shores of Waskesui Lake

Students were given time to be alone and engage in some intentional thinking and reflection

Foot washing challenges social norms, and brings the class together in new ways!

Awwww!  Are they cute when they are sleeping!  The Grade 12 retreat was a great time to enjoy the natural surrounds, bond as a class, and learn new ways to connect with God. 

RJC Opening Program 2011-2012

RJC celebrated the beginning of a new school year at it's official opening program on Sunday, September 11th.  Parents and friends of RJC gathered to show support for the mission of the school. 

Matt and Sara, co-presidents of the SRC welcomed everyone to the program.

Jim Epp, vice-principal awarded  last years General Proficiency Awards to  2011 graduates Hannah Jones and Tracy Fehr for academic excellence.  Tracy Fehr was also award the Governor General's Bronze Medal for her academic performance.

RJC is pleased to be hosting U of S education student Kelsea McLean as a teacher intern for the first semester.  Kelsea is working with the music program and conducted the RJC Concert Choir's opening number.

Brett is focused on the beat as he accompanies Concert Choir on the drums.

 

Kayla, a returning grade 11 student, shared her hopes and expectations for the upcoming school year as part of the Opening Program.

Gwen also spoke of her experiences at RJC last year and her excitement about the year to come.

Luke was the third student to share their reflections and thoughts surrounding the 2011-2012 school year.

Parents are an important partner in the RJC school community.  Rod and Laurie Wiens spoke of their daughter's excitement to finally come to RJC.

Leo and Donna Schulz reflected on the chapter that ended for their family in  spring when their daughter Judith graduated while another began this fall as their son Benjamin began his education at RJC.

The gym was full of students, family and school friends who all came to celebrate the beginning of another great year at RJC!

Valley Regional Park Day!

As temperatures neared record highs last week, it was the perfect time to take the afternoon off from school.  The SRC planned a fun afternoon of activity at the Valley Regional Park.  The student body arrived at the park in time for a wiener roast lunch.    

Emily, Nick, Kennedy and Alyssa roast their hotdogs over the open fire.

Shane, Ceaser Karalee, Teresa and Ryan choose to stay out of the sun.

After lunch the students cycled through a variety of activity stations.

Kickball

Eric up to bat.

Nathan with a play on first.

Beach Volleyball

Luke sets up his team mates.

Nicole takes the first hit.

Seeking refuge from the sun, students play horseshoes, ladder ball and bocce ball in the shade of the trees.

Mike taking on Shane and Paradise.

Meghan takes her turn.

 Mini golf

Hope attempts to make a hole in one with Cody, Benjamin and Jaye looking on.

Cole has an unorthodox mini golf style!

You are never too old for Playground play!

Is that a look of joy or terror on Katie and Holly's faces?

Emily and Phoebe on the zipline

Mario scores style points!

Danika on the tires.

Who can resist the teeter totter?

Say eh Htoo runs the rails.

Even in the extreme heat, ultimate frisbee was a popular game

Jake with sure hands.

Laura with the catch.

Josh takes on Josh!

Time was spent relaxing, visiting and spending time in the sun.  The afternoon was a huge success.

Cooling off in the shade.

Sarah and Rachel with a little one on one time.

Water Fight! Always a great way to end the day!

Luke is the first victim of Jared and Paul.  

Robert is a helpless victim in the next attack by Paul and Matt.

Brendan's surprise attack on two sunbathers.

Oh Oh Karalee...watch out!

Luke and Michael take their lives in their own hands.