A volunteer at Trinity Christian School, who has attended many graduation ceremonies as a photographer, says the annual June celebration is a culmination of everything that is good about the school.

“The most incredible thing about experiencing grad at Trinity is seeing the love and care these teachers pour into their students,” said parent Zofia Van Beek. Her oldest child is still only in Grade 5, but Van Beek says she is brought to tears each June by the demonstration of love and nurturing that Trinity teachers and parents provide. 

From the awards celebrating students for Christ-like character or a servant’s heart, to the song of blessing sung over the departing students by their teachers, the ceremony is a testimony to the love of God and the blessings of a Christian education. 

As each student crosses the stage to receive their diploma, they are welcomed with words that emphasize their character and their commitment to their classmates. Words like “kindness,” “compassion,” “joy,” “mercy” and “forgiveness” are used to describe what Trinity grads bring to school. Academic success is important, but Trinity grads are celebrated for “glorifying God,” “fairness,” and “growing in faith.” 

Vice-principal Sara Flokstra says the word choice is deliberate. “Each graduate is created in God’s image, is His most treasured possession and is inspired to reflect Jesus everywhere,” she said. “We celebrate the ways our students have developed the character of Christ during their time at Trinity.”  

Every day at Trinity, students learn the gifts they have in sports, music, drama or academics are meant to be used in their love for others.

And people notice.

“From our introductory tour 10 years ago, our whole family’s faith in God has been encouraged and all our lives have been enriched by this school community,” said parent Jeff Armitage, whose youngest child recently graduated.

In addition to the excellent education that prepared their children for high school and beyond, Jeannete Armitage said the impact will continue long after. That’s because of the instruction and example provided by Christian teachers, whose work is grounded in God’s love and is poured into the lives of students.

“Each year of this class’s journey has been met with teachers and staff who love the Lord and help you to discover more about His love for you and loving Him back,” she said. “They have displayed faith and life in God intentionally in their teaching, support and discipleship. 

“This was what attracted us to Trinity in the first place, the focus on God’s Word as a central part of the teaching and pointing our children to Him.”  

And it’s not just the parents who know that a Trinity experience is life changing.

From the first chapel they attended as kindergarten students, “we have learned so much about God from these Thursday morning chapels over the years,” said class historian Claire, “as well as every day in our classes and morning meetings.”

They tried new things, developed friendships, and learned about their roles as people who are called to serve God and serve each other. 

“We are grateful for every teacher and staff member that made our time here what it was,” said historian Taylor. 

Class speaker Charlotte agreed. “Being able to attend a Christian school has made me realize how lucky I am,” Charlotte said. “My teachers and peers have influenced and inspired me, whether it’s hearing testimonies, learning about the gospel, or God’s works and how He is shaping other people’s lives”.

“At Trinity, we’ve learned about God, and how to become better Christians, friends, and people,” Charlotte said. “God has guided us with wisdom and strength, using us as his hands and feet on Earth.” 

For principal J-D Lussier, that’s what makes the Trinity learning community unique. Students’ resilience comes from relying on God, he told the graduates, and they know their futures are to be used by God. From the way Grade 8 students care for their “buddies” in the kindergarten class, to the way the whole community comes together to cheer on sports teams, to mount a dramatic production, or to grieve together when a family is in mourning, Trinity is a community that gives glory to God.

“The strength of the Lord is your foundation,” he told students. “We give glory to God for the way he has used you to bless our school.”

And parents are grateful for the blessing too.

“Witnessing the graduation as a volunteer parent every year fills me with an overwhelming gratitude about the Christ-centered life they get to live when outside of our home,” Van Beek said.  “I am grateful that these are the people that I entrust my children to.”

To learn more about Trinity Christian, continue  learning at trinitycs.ca.