At the time of this writing, ACS is in the midst of a major government evaluation. An incredible amount of time and energy goes into preparing for these, with the process beginning nearly a year ago. Fortunately, these evaluations occur only once every six years. The primary purpose is to determine whether we should remain eligible for Category 1 funding, so meeting the criteria of the evaluation is extremely important.
At worst, this process seems like a bureaucratic exercise that simply must be endured. When we see it in that light, it is easy to become resentful of the apparent waste of time and energy. There is another way, a better way, to look at this process. I am somewhat ashamed to admit that I was too caught up in the anxiety of preparing for the evaluation, and it took the members of the evaluation team to open my eyes to this better way. They have been extremely impressed by what they have seen. We meet the criteria of the evaluation, but so much more. One evaluator talked of the positive spirit that was prevalent throughout the school, something many other visitors to Abbotsford Christian School have commented on over the years. Another commented on the confident and polite attitude of the Secondary students. Those comments affirm what I/we already know – God is in this place!
Is the evaluation worth it? Yes! We must be held to the highest standard of education as measured by the society we are part of. But we need to do so much more. So we are challenged, but also have much reason to celebrate and give thanks! Having visitors to the school for whatever reason – government evaluations, prospective parents, outside professionals, even couriers is always exciting for us. It gives us a chance to share what God is doing this place as we seek to provide quality education the opens up God’s world to our students. Our desire is that all will be enriched in spending time here.
