So What?

As a classroom teacher, I would challenge my students to ask “So what?” about the lessons they were learning. Questions of relevance to themselves, their loved ones, their community and their world drove the discussion. Ultimately, we concluded that if we couldn’t answer the “So what?” question, then it was fair to think about getting rid of that piece of education. Education for its own sake was not a satisfactory answer.

Today’s schooling at Hamilton District Christian High is more relevant than it has ever been. You may think that’s a bold claim in the face of a rapidly changing society and workplace where students will be working on jobs that haven’t even been invented yet. However, I maintain that the core life competencies of critical thinking, problem-solving, relationship-building, creativity, thoughtfulness and trust are the key to engaging a changing world.

There are so many ways that Hamilton District Christian High works hard to make education relevant. You’ll see the separate story in this issue of the UKnight about how the Venture program’s frisbee golf enterprise blesses the community. Science projects on Tiffany Creek and our wins at the Mohawk College Bridge-Building competition are great examples of students being challenged to think and plan. We’ve transformed the Grade 9 Computers course into a multi-layered Exploring Technologies course, and a senior class works with robotics.

Our Bridge Days allow students to experience learning off-campus on a regular basis. Professional and occupational experts are regular classroom guests, giving feedback to students about their projects. Discussions on the integration of faith and work get more real when students interact with Christian professionals. Our students will carry those values with them beyond high school.

These few examples illustrate how different schooling is today from previous decades. When I take new prospective parents on tours through HDCH, they’ll often comment “Wow, I wish I was a student again!” and I agree with them.

We have a wonderful story to share at Hamilton District Christian High. It’s an exciting story of growing relevance and importance for our kids. The good news is that we have a large group of new families entering Grade 9 in September and they’re signaling their agreement with our direction. This is God’s story at work in the school, and it’s a privilege to be part of it.

Harry Meester
Director of Recruitment and Advancement
Hamilton District Christian High