Staff

Biography

Hi everyone, my name is Mrs. Stigter. I have many relatives connected to the school who go by the same name, so to be completely accurate, my name is Mrs. Joyce Stigter. This is my fifth year at back MHCS, but again I need to clarify that statement; back in the early '80's, when MHCS was in its second year of operation, I taught Gr. 3 & 4 for three consecutive years. I studied Music Education at the University of Western Ontario in London, and came out West back in '83 for the great adventure of teaching in a Christian school. It has been a privilege and a blessing to be teaching here again, and to have had all four of my children graduate from MHCS.

Raising four children has certainly expanded my understanding of what it means to be a Christian teacher. Children learn differently, are motivated differently, respond differently, and grow differently; my job as a Christian teacher is to be sensitive to what the Holy Spirit is showing me in the lives of my students and to teach them accordingly. When Jesus really is the center of our living, He will also be the center of our learning. That makes the idea of 'a Christ-centered community of learners' as relevant for adults at MHCS as it does for students. That is one of the reasons why I enjoy and appreciate parental involvement in the classroom, as parents complete the circle of learning in the MHCS community. When Mom or Dad comes into the classroom, students respond with excitement and enthusiasm; it's truly a win-win learning experience!

This year at MHCS, I'm teaching Gr. 4/5 Music, Gr. 4/5 Language Arts, Bible and Music, Gr. 5 Math, Science and Social, Gr. 4 Social, Gr. 5/6 Music, Gr. 5/6 Health, Gr. 5/6 Phys. Ed., and Junior High Band. Students in core subjects such as Math, L.A., Science and Social can expect written assignments, group assignments and projects, written tests and assessments done on oral presentations. Students are responsible for recording their homework in their student agendas and handing in assignments on time. Close communication with parents is greatly appreciated in keeping students on track with their assignments, for maximum learning throughout the year. Junior High Band students are evaluated in several ways, the most important being regular class participation (40% of report card mark). Band students will be tested on specific playing skills throughout the year, and are encouraged to take their instrument home, once regular classroom protocol has been established and practiced. Parents are welcome to share their knowledge and expertise with our beginning Band students! We appreciate your enthusiastic support!

My favorite Bible verse is really two verses that go together. Some twenty years ago, God used these verses in a mighty way in my life to encourage me through a very difficult time. The words of these verses always bring me back to that moment, when God showed me how to surrender my difficulties over to him completely. I share them here with you on this page to pass on His encouragement to you, as you learn about His ways in your life:

Psalm 25: 4 and 5
"Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me Your paths, guide me in Your truth and teach me, for You are God my Saviour, and my hope is in You all day long."

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