Unique education
Truro’s CCA has been helping students succeed both academically and in life since 1979. Today, columnist Lyle Carter offers a closer look at the facility.
Colchester Christian Academy was founded as an independent school in 1979 by a group of parents who saw a need for a Christ-centred education option in the Truro area.
e rst graduating class at CCA was in 1982, and consisted of eight students. e Christian school has grown from 42 students enrolled in 1979 and as of March 2017, 84 students attend CCA, from age four to grade 12.
The Colchester Christian Academy Association operates the academy by way of a board of governors according to board member Cheryl McLeod.
“Colchester Christian Academy does not a liate with any church organization and considers itself an interdenominational ministry.”
McLeod explained students receive a quality education rooted in faith.
“The school partners with parents to help students succeed both academically and in life. e school is a safe and loving environment that helps build community and instills a desire to help others. Students are taught honesty, integrity, responsibility and compassion.
“rough teachings and daily interactions, they develop a great character that will help them succeed in their future years.”
McLeod, who with her husband James, owns Hub Tune Up & Repair Centre and Salmon River Collision, has a huge heart for the local school.
“We have two boys that attend,” McLeod said, “Owen and Sam; the boys love the school.
I’ve been impressed with the teachers and the curriculum. Owen has really excelled academically over the years and has made so many great friends. He prays with his classmates and teachers daily and has learned many Bible verses. is is Sam’s rst year and I have
already seen amazing results. CCA is one of the best decisions we have made for our family.”
Besides serving as one of the school’s board of governors, McLeod is a willing volunteer, reading to students, going on
eld trips, taking part in fundraisers and assisting during
game days.
Pauline MacKinnon, who has taught the kindergarten program at CCA for ve years, rejoices in her classes’ enjoyment for Reading Buddies with grades 5 and 6 and fun lessons on Community Helpers. Pauline is the wife of Rev. Eric MacKinnon, pastor of the Brook eld Baptist Church. “We moved to Brook eld in 2009 and one of the rst things we did was seek out a Christian school for our three daughters,” MacKinnon shared. “We were thankful to find a Christian school that went from kindergarten to grade 12. Lianne was enrolled in grade 10, Angela in grade 8 and Heather in grade 3. We were so pleased with the high quality of academic instruction with Christian beliefs and values taught in the school.”
High on the list of highlights for Lianne and Angela, in attending CCA, was participating in the grade 11-12 mission trips to Jamaica and the Dominican Republic. Lianne graduated from CCA with scholarships and after completing her sociology degree at Crandall University in Moncton, is now working towards her degree in social work at St. omas University in Fredericton. Angela, too, graduated from CCA with scholarships and is in her third year of a psychology degree at Crandall University. Heather is now in grade 10 at the Christian school.
“It has been one of my greatest joys being part of the CCA teaching staff,” said MacKinnon.
“We have so much enjoyment learning foundation academic skills in writing, reading, math and wonderful truths of God’s love. I truly love watching each child grow in personality and academic skills and seeing the joy in their eyes as they learn something new. All the students in the school are taught many things but one important thing CCA teachers strive to do is to teach students to love one another as Jesus Christ loves us.”
MacKinnon is noticeably proud that CCA goes out into the community.
“The school engages in a number of activities locally,” she said. “Our grade 7 and grade 8 classes, along with high school students and teachers, take the opportunity to visit the local food bank several times each month to help in any way they can. They also visit the Mira nursing home to o er encouragement. Our students and sta thoroughly enjoy helping in the community wherever there might be a need.”
Tours of Colchester Christian Academy can be arranged; for further information on the school, telephone 902-895-6520 or email: colchesterchristiansecretary@gmail.com.