We're baacck! The 2009-10 School Year begins

Great excitement and anticipation filled the RJC hallways as SRC and DC leadership students returned to campus to prepare for the new school year. Much needed to be done before the rest of the student body arrived for registration weekend! After the squealing and hugging subsided the real work began. The group attended sessions to learn about leadership using the servanthood model. They then met in smaller groups to do the actual physical preparation for the weekend.

Allison Schmidt and Katie McLellan prepare posters for the weekend.

Jordan Wiens and Kim Koop work on the welcoming message on the white board.

Jon Willie and Monica Siemens prepare the schedule for the first week of school.

Hannah Jones decorates the welcome bags that were provided by the RJC auxillary for both new and returning students.

Before the larger student body arrived we paused during our busy preparations to take time to affirm the students in their roles as leaders. A commissioning service was held in the chapel on Friday.

Allan Friesen, pastor at Eigenheim Mennonite Church brought encouragement to the students.

Joanne Epp, parent to Heidi Epp, this year SRC co-president , challenged the leaders to remember that every student is someone's son or daughter, that they are someone else's most precious belonging. She reminded them that parents are entrusting them to care for their loved one.

Ryan Wood, staff member at RJC brought a request, a challenge and an encouragement to the students. He requested that the students 'don't settle', challenged them to 'bring it' by rising to the position that they have been called to fill. He then encouraged them by reminding them that they were chosen by their fellow students and teachers to fulfill this role, that their many gifts were recognized by those around them.

The commissioning service ended with the staff surrounding the students with their support and prayers.

Graduation 2009

Graduation Day began with the Baccalaureate Service at Rosthern Mennonite Church.  Gabe and Caron Tate-Penna parents of Julian Tate-Penna delivered the message to the graduates.

Three students were invited to share their faith story with the congregation.

Angela Nickel

Sarah Martens

Tim Dueck

The formal Graduation Ceremony was held later that afternoon at RJC.

Eric Lo is greeted by his father during the graduation processional. Eric has spent three years here at RJC.  His father travelled from Hong Kong to share this moment with his son.

Aleta is warmly met by her parents, Sylvan and Karen Martens 

The ceremony began with the presentation of several awards.  Brendan Bayda received the Mennonite Foundation of Canada Spirit of Generosity Award, Jennifer Regier received the Kloppenberg Friesen Scholarship for academic excellence, Krista Dueck received the Affinity Credit Union Bursary for leadership , Carissa Brockman and Tim Dueck both received the Mennonite Trust Scholarship  also for leadership and  Ian Epp received the Robert Pauls Memorial Award for agriculture.  The Governor General's Bronze Medal for Academic Achievement will be awarded in the fall of 2009 at next year's school opening.

Brendan Bayda receiving the Spirit of Generosity award.

Krista Dueck being presented with the Affinity Credit Union Bursary.

Lindsay Jensen was chosen to be valedictorian by her fellow classmates.

Matt Love, dean of men, delivered the afternoon message, "Amen and this is it"  Matt will be leaving us after serving as dean of men for the past five years.  He will be pursuing his Education degree at the Uof S next year.

RJC proudly presents the graduating class with their diplomas.

Jezreel Chang is congratulated by Jim Epp

Carissa Brockman proudly displays her diploma

The class of 2009 sing  ''Bridge over troubled waters" to end the graduation ceremony.

Celebrations were continued with a banquet at the Western Development Museum.  After the banquet, the grade 12 class was joined by their classmates in grade 11 and 10's to continue with an evening of activities.  The evening included a media presentation, coffee house and dancing. The celebrations concluded with a fireside and breakfast early the next morning, hosted by Krisha Bueckert parents, Anna and Ed, on their acreage in Langham.  

RJC Awards Day

An Awards day Chapel was held during the last week of school. A's are given as a way to recognize excellence, skill and leadership, consistent with the mission of the school, in four areas: Academics, Fine Arts, Athletics and Community Building. A Plaque is awarded to the student who exemplifies the qualities listed for each of the four areas.

ACADEMICS "A"
The purpose of the academic "A" is to publicly recognize and acknowledge excellence and achievement in academics. These students demonstrate ability, skill, work ethic and a consistent active learning mindset in the classroom. Many of those who meet the objective criteria also make learning more fun, easier or accessible to others in class, act as tutors, resource to others and study partners.

Those honored with an Academic A were:
Gr. 10
Evan Brockman

Hannah Jones

Judith Schulz

Gr. ll

Callahan Collier

Erik Epp

Allison Goerzen

Kim Koop
Allison Schmidt
Steven Tetreault

Gr. 12

Carissa Brockman

Jim Cheng

Krista Dueck

Lindsay Jensen

Aleta Martens

Angela Nickel
Jenn Regier
Cara Warkentin

Plaque Awarded to Jennifer Regier

Special Award to Jim Cheng

COMMUNITY BUILDING "A"

This award is intended to acknowledge those students who have contributed to the RJC community by giving of themselves in a positive manner with the intent of fostering and creating a healthy, positive, and Christian community. These students have demonstrated a commitment to the RJC community, both informally as well as formally through involvement in activities, and through involvement in SRC and DC.

Those honored with a Community Building A were:

Gr. 10

Erin Boldt

Hannah Jones

Gr. 11

Erik Epp

Heidi Epp

Shauna Regier

Taylor Roy

Gr. 12

Brendan Bayda

Carissa Brockman

Krista Dueck

Coby Friesen

Eric Lo

Cecil Peters

Jenn Regier

Cara Warkentin

Plaque awarded to Brendan Bayda

PERFORMING ARTS "A"

The purpose of this award is to recognize those students who have displayed artistic accomplishment and made a significant contribution to the arts at RJC.

Those honored with a Performing Arts A were:

Gr. 10

Erin Boldt

Judith Schulz

Gr. 11

Danika Epp

Heidi Epp

Lori Pauls

Bronwyn Warkentin

Gr. 12

Heidi Dick

Krista Dueck

Coby Friesen

Sarah Martens

Aleta Martens

Jill Olfert

Jenn Regier

Rachel Stock

Cara Warkentin

Contributions to fine Arts/Graphic Arts and Design

Robert Regan

Miranda Young

Hugo Malan

Plaque awarded to Jill Olfert and Coby Friesen

ATHLETIC "A"

The purpose of the award is to identify and recognize those students whose leadership, excellence and participation in sport, made significant contributions to the success of our athletics programs and school community.

Those honored with an Athletic A were:

Gr. 10

Erin Boldt

Evan Brockman

Diego Reyes

Gr. 11

Erik Epp

Heidi Epp

Luke Derksen

Steven Tetreault

Gr. 12

Carissa Brockman

Heidi Dick

Tim Dueck

Ian Epp

Jacoba Fast

Aleta Martens

Angela Nickel

Cecil Peters

Plaque was awarded to Carissa Brockman and Tim Dueck

A special plaque was also presented to our SRC Co-presidents, Cecil Peters and Krista Dueck, in recognition of their contribution to making the 2009 school year a successful one.

Special recognition was given to Carissa Brockman for her efforts in developing the Pennies for Poverty campaign. It started with a strong desire to do her part to alleviate poverty. Over the three years that Carissa attended RJC she saw her dream grow to raise several thousands of dollars that was donated to projects in Guatemala.

There were very many more deserving individuals in our student body, but unfortunately we were not able to give all of our students awards. The decisions were very difficult to make. The RJC staff feel very privileged to have worked with such a talented group of students.

Plaque recipients for the RJC 2009 school year

Water Fun Day!

Learning and teaching was suspended for an afternoon as students and staff took a mid week break from classes last week.  The SRC planned an afternoon of water activities for the entire student body.  It was great way to celebrate the last week of classes and a chance to have fun and alleviate some stress as we enter into exam week and the final week of musical practices. 

Mega  Maeng  races to fill a bucket with water transferred using only an ordinary kitchen sponge

Dylan Markwart and his teammates try a different approach, the firemen's brigade, to fill their bucket.

Mathew Heppner and Julie Epp team up in water balloon beach volleyball.

Jocelyn Wiebe and  Luke Derksen race to save the water balloon.

Kim Koop and Monica Siemens battle it out with  wet noodles on the balance beam.

The girls race to be first down the waterslide!

Not to be outdone the boys quickly followed suit!

Even the staff had to get in on the action!  Here Vice Principal Jim Epp along with son, Erik and niece, Danika hit the slide together.

Allison Goerzen and Carissa Brockman give surfing a try!

A massive water balloon fight is a fitting way to end a perfect Water Fun Day.

BOMBS AWAY!

RJC Welcomes the Rain

The valley area has been waiting for a rain like the one we had today! The dry thirsty conditions of the fields were briefly quenched this afternoon. We hope the local farmers benefitted from the sudden rain.

A sudden, but welcomed, downpour had students 'dancing in the rain'!

Students burn off a little energy and stress in an all out water/mud fight!

Students proudly display their battle wounds!

Summer Has Finally Arrived!

We think summer has finally arrived! The students have been taking advantage in the change of weather and are thoroughly enjoying the sunshine and hot temperatures. (Although the classrooms really are heating up during the day and making class just a little less enjoyable than they usually are!)

Jennifer Regier and Ian Epp lead their last Faith and Life chapel outside on the front lawn.

Ultimate Frisbee is a PE class favorite. Here Curtis Wiens defends against Coby Friesen.

Mark Buckingham, Evan Brockman and Jordan Wiens enjoy a refreshing dip at the local swimming pool.

Everybody's favorite....chicken fights!

Eric Lo chases down Jezreel Chang during a game of 'Tupperware'.

Jacoba Fast and Russell Martens try to advance the tire but is stopped short by Julian Tate- Penna.

Coby Friesen and Jacoba Fast show down in rock, paper, scissors to see who gets to douse the other with water!

Grade 10's host the Valley Action Industries Track and Field Day

When Valley Action Industries contacted us about helping with their annual track and field meet, our Grade 10 class happily accepted the invitation! Valley Action is our local agency that works with handicapped adults. Thankfully the weather cooperated by providing a bright sunny day for the competition. Together we enjoyed a fun day of activities and warm sunshine.

Erin Boldt and her special athlete for the day.

Kate McArthur and Hannah Jones helping to move athletes from one event to another.

Judith Schulz was in charge of the horseshoe pit.

Joe Lee helps out at the bowling event.

Diego Reyes shares a moment of victory with one of the valley action participants

Hannah Jones helping out in the water balloon toss!

Board games fill the time before the burgers are ready for lunch!

John Baker help prepare burgers for lunch.

We would like to thank Valley Action for allowing us to participate in this event. Our students not only had a great day but also learned a lot from the clients and the staff from Valley action!