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Oakville Christian School's new gym more than just a gym by Julia Le Oakville Beaver Staff 17 | Thursday, April 7, 2016 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com The new gym at the Oakville Christian School (OCS) is so much more than a gym. It is the realization of a space that was envisioned so the community could gather. Students, teachers, staff and parents filed into the OCS' new 8,000 sq. ft. gymnasium Friday (April 1) to celebrate its completion, which is part of a total 15,000 sq. ft. addition to the school on Third Line just north of Lakeshore Road West. For many, who admired the shiny hardwood floors and large stage the gymnasium boasts, it was their first time seeing the space after almost a year of construction. During a chapel ceremony, the school community reflected on what it took to get the estimated $3-million project from vision to completion. For nearly 14 years, the school's board of directors dreamed of having more space to effectively develop the academic, physical, artistic, and social growth of our students. About nine years ago, the school began to plan financially for the project, Oakville Christian School Principal Jeff Kennedy told the Oakville Beaver. Last June, after a year of planning and conceptualizing, ground was broken on the addition. Oakville Christian School celebrated its recent renovations last Friday (April 1) with students, teachers, staff and parents. They gathered in the new 8,000 sq. ft. gymnasium, which is part of a 15,000 sq. ft. addition to the school on Third Line, just north of Lakeshore Road. Pictured, teacher Jessica Weykamp and Pastor Chris McLean sang with the students before they all crowded around the balloon drop following the celebrations. | photo by Julia Le ­ Oakville Beaver Kindergarten through Grade 8 were given $10 in an envelope and asked to go into the community and "bring back the blessing," which would then be spent on the building and some outreach programs and Christian services. "Some of them bought a rake and raked leaves, some of them bought some nail polish and put on a spa for people and some people took the money, baked things and then sold baked goods," Kennedy said. "They invested their $10 in something and then they went and put it to work and then gave the blessing of that back to the school and it was great, great engagement for the kids." A total of $12,000 was raised through the campaign, he said, from an investment of approximately $2,500. Kennedy said he's looking forward to seeing the space put to use, especially by the students and teachers. see School on p.25 At the same time, a $750,000 fundraising project, dubbed Building Great Kids Initiative, was launched to get the community behind the project. Kennedy said many played a part in bringing the school extension to life, including students who took part in the Put it to Work campaign. Approximately 250 students from Announcing Our Newest Team Member "As fiduciaries we provide objective, transparent and goals-based wealth management, resulting in solutions for affluent families and business owners. I am very proud to be a part of a truly holistic financial planning and portfolio manager. - Andrew Brydon, CPA, CA abrydon@wealthstewards.ca T: (905) 891-6052 wealthstewards.ca Need help with your old kitchen? Let us do CABINET REFACING for you We will transform your existing kitchen to your dream kitchen! 146 Lakeshore Rd.W. · 905.338.6333 Monday to Sunday : From 7:00 am to 3:00 pm Contact us today for a FREE CONSULTATION Hair Studio 1 Must bring this voucher with you at time of redemption. Not valid with any other offer. One time use only. Offer Expires 30 % BRING IN THIS AD TO RECEIVE off ANY REGULARLY PRICED SERVICE April 16, 2016. Spring deal! 2368 Lakeshore Rd. W, Oakville (back entrance) To book an appointment please call 905-469-0344 www.hairstudio1.ca Oakville Hair Studio 1 Hairstudio1mn