Articles

Build Your Houses

If you’re like me, you’ve spent a lot of time over the last three months reading articles online, searching for some message that will put into words the anxiety and unsettledness you may have been feeling—something to help make sense of the swirling uncertainty that has overtaken our world during this pandemic

Lamenting vs Complaining

Christian psychiatrist Curt Thompson recently spoke to Edvance school leaders and educators in a special virtual session. As a follow up, we asked Curt if he would expand on the difference between lamenting and complaining.

Ending Well

Let’s turn our attention to ending (and leading) well this spring, for both our students and our staffs, in spite of an unpredictable future.

What To Do About Tuition?

Hands of Authority and Grace

A New Perspective: How To Refocus

Do Not Fear, God is With You

It was just over a week ago when the news broke that Ontario’s publicly-funded schools would be closed, and Edvance recommended the same for our affiliate schools. That began a flurry—or more accurately, a blizzard—of activity.

Called, Connected, Committed: On the Road with the Church of England’s New Initiative for Leadership in Christian Education

Imagine spending a week visiting Christian schools across the UK countryside. Imagine hearing lead Anglican theologians discuss fresh articulations of the scriptural foundations for leadership in education.

Responsive Classroom Making an Impact

Elora Road Christian School began implementing Responsive Classroom practices into our this past September. Already, we have been amazed by the changes that we are seeing in our staff and students.

Edvance Announces Leader in Residence and next Director of School Services

We are excited to announce the appointment of a Leader in Residence and our next Director of School Services to join our growing organization effective August 1, 2020.

Strength in Weakness

This verse in 2nd Corinthians is the basis for the theme “Strength in Christ”, which our student leaders here at Woodland Christian High School chose for the 2019-2020 school year.

High School Cohort Spiritual Retreat

Several members of the High School Cohort gathered at the Queen of Apostles Renewal Centre in January for a two-day spiritual retreat.

Asking Questions

Leadership is a shifting thing. Just when you think you have something figured out and you are on top of your game, another curve ball comes your way and you have to navigate through new experiences.

Toronto Cohort Meeting Report - January 2020

At our January meeting, Kayla Goodhoofd, school Social Worker at King’s Christian Collegiate in Oakville, joined us to speak about promoting mental health and well-being in Christian schools.

Embracing "Let's Try That!"

Schools tend to run in cyclical cycles, perhaps more than other businesses or organizations.

Be Strong and Courageous in God’s Love, Mercy and Faithfulness

Reflections on Advent

This year at our house, we decided to do something different for Advent.

Some Give and Take

In my digital immigrant reality when it comes to podcasts, I’m like the apostle Paul—there are some good podcasts that I want to listen to, but I simply don’t. A few days ago, however, I was lucky enough to have the vehicle to myself for a few hours and remembered to cue up a podcast from EntreLeadership. Perhaps by divine intervention, I noted the title, “The Humility to Serve”.

Using Data to Measure School Effectiveness

As an administrator, you’re committed to providing an exceptional learning environment, where students can thrive socially, emotionally, spiritually, and academically. But how do you know if students are learning?

Kindergarten food drive blesses local food pantry

The kindergarten students at Timothy Christian School completed a month-long food drive, combining math skills with discussions about Jesus and His example of loving and caring for others.

High School Cohort Meeting Report - October 2019

Members of the High School Cohort met for a pre-Edvance Educators Annual Gathering meeting on October 23, 2019

Communities Are Built

Do you have the impression that years ago, when our parents were raising us or our grandparents were raising them, it was easier to build community?

Finding Joy in Your Vocation

This is a tale of two waiters. I visited two restaurants on a recent golf trip; one somewhat up-scale, the second a hamburger joint. Both were busy as we entered with our group of 20.

The Importance of a Cohesive Team

Here are the four principles (among others) I believe are essential for a strong team.

Edvance Educators Annual Gathering 2019 - John's thoughts

The opportunity to worship and learn together with this many people involved in common vocation is invaluable.

Edvance Educators Annual Gathering 2019 - Carolyn's thoughts

This conference provided an opportunity for us to connect with our Lord. It enabled us to network with fellow teachers and foster a sense of belonging. And it served as a reminder of the imperative of fostering community within our classrooms.

What Does Love Require?

“Why did those gunmen want to shoot those people in New Zealand? I bet if they only knew some Muslim people, they wouldn’t want to hurt them. They could be friends instead.”

Sticking Up for Christian Schooling

Convivium’s Peter Stockland checks out the innovative independent school in rural Eastern Ontario that was denied a chance to pay top dollar for an empty public school building.

Event Recap: 2019 Autumn Christian School Leadership Retreat

Fear Not

At a recent Edvance event, I had the opportunity to sit down with one of our Members of Provincial Parliament (MPP) and hear about his life journey and his calling to become an MPP.

Who Is On Your Team?

Do you empower the others in your building? Do you allow others to make decisions? Do you ever feel there may be others on staff who are better than you are? Are you drawing up leadership in your school? Do you hire life-long learners? Do you hire for leadership?

Be Strong and Courageous

In the first chapter of Joshua, God gives Joshua his leadership mandate: “No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them.” Joshua 1:5-6 (NIV)

The Importance of Connection

One of the great traditional practices in our Christian schools is the regular gathering of principals and leadership team members with others in their region through cohort meetings.

Courage - An Encouragement

Sometimes the greatest act of courage of a school leader is just to show up and just showing up may feel like all you can do some days.

There is a Theme That Makes Your Heart Sing

There is a theme in your life that when you think about it you get lighthearted and you will have to be distracted to be brought back to reality.

To Live is to Lead

How does a leader work with reality so that it brings meaning? In three ways: as prophet, as priest and as king.

The Soul of Your Leadership

How many balls do you juggle?

Prophets, Priests, and Kings

We expect our school leaders to occupy the offices of prophet, of priest, and of king. Each office comes with both promise and a dark side.

A New Perspective: Controlling Your Emotions

Here are the 3 basic levers you can use to control your emotions and attitude at home and at work.

How Welcoming Is Your School?

As our schools head deep into recruitment season, we may be well served to stand back and do a hospitality audit.

New Trademark Law Coming into Effect in Canada

On June 17, 2019, new rules for registering trademarks will come into effect that make it more difficult – and more expensive – for schools to protect their brand.

Progress for Independent Schools in Ontario Budget