One bus, three small groups of students in combined classes, and less than a handful of teachers marked the beginning of Mount Cheam Christian School in September 1980. Classes were held in the RCNA church and Mr. Adrian Stoutjesdyk, the first principal, took the lead during these early and hectic days. A delayed bus delivery, a failing donated photocopier, and the lack of text books were just some of the hurdles that had to be overcome. Fortunately, the second newsletter that was distributed stated that the students were “responsive” and “seemed to enjoy being here”.
As of October 1980, a facility of the Fairfield Island School could be rented which was a major improvement. Meanwhile, plans were made to build our own facility. In March 1982 a new building at Yale Road was opened by Elder Van Den Brink. During the opening ceremony, he spoke about Ecclesiastes 12:1: “Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them.”
The years that followed were characterized by a continued growth and in the first yearbook (1988), Rev. Roos wrote that the school was becoming too small. The school board had decided to add Grades 9 to 12 to the existing classes, a shortage of staff made this impossible. Fortunately, this serious problem was solved in 1990 when four Dutch teachers decided to apply for a position at MCCS. Looking at Him, Who inclines the hearts, Rev. Roos concluded his mediation in the second year book with the words from Psalm 115:1: “Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory, for thy mercy, and for thy truth's sake.” In the same mediation he expressed his desire to see spiritual growth among the students.
On December 6, 1996, the woodwork shop burnt down, but with the hard work and generous support of the community, a new construction was erected. Unlike the old facility, the new one offered the opportunity to teach woodwork, mechanics, and welding. Grade 7 occupied the extra classroom upstairs. Near the end of the millennium, the first former students returned as teachers, which was an encouraging development.
At the beginning of the 2004 – 2005 year, school uniforms were implemented. Three years later, Mr. Stoutjesdyk handed over his principalship to a younger generation. Mr. Dan Oostenbrink and Mr. Jan Neels worked together in a dual principalship role for three years and since July 2012, Mr. Jan Neels has taken over as principal of Kindergarten to Grade 12. He works together with an admin team of Mrs. Marianne Luteyn (elementary), Mr. Stephan Hoogendijk (middle), and Mr. Jaap ter Haar (secondary).
As the number of students continued to grow, the need for an expansion began to be felt more and more and the opening of a newly built and renovated building marked the beginning of the 2015 – 2016 year. This new addition of nine classrooms, offices, a biology lab, library, and change rooms was opened with the words from Genesis 26:22b: “Rehoboth; . . . for now the LORD has made room for us”.
Today, more than 50 staff members have the daily privilege of teaching over 360 students.
As of October 1980, a facility of the Fairfield Island School could be rented which was a major improvement. Meanwhile, plans were made to build our own facility. In March 1982 a new building at Yale Road was opened by Elder Van Den Brink. During the opening ceremony, he spoke about Ecclesiastes 12:1: “Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them.”
The years that followed were characterized by a continued growth and in the first yearbook (1988), Rev. Roos wrote that the school was becoming too small. The school board had decided to add Grades 9 to 12 to the existing classes, a shortage of staff made this impossible. Fortunately, this serious problem was solved in 1990 when four Dutch teachers decided to apply for a position at MCCS. Looking at Him, Who inclines the hearts, Rev. Roos concluded his mediation in the second year book with the words from Psalm 115:1: “Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory, for thy mercy, and for thy truth's sake.” In the same mediation he expressed his desire to see spiritual growth among the students.
On December 6, 1996, the woodwork shop burnt down, but with the hard work and generous support of the community, a new construction was erected. Unlike the old facility, the new one offered the opportunity to teach woodwork, mechanics, and welding. Grade 7 occupied the extra classroom upstairs. Near the end of the millennium, the first former students returned as teachers, which was an encouraging development.
At the beginning of the 2004 – 2005 year, school uniforms were implemented. Three years later, Mr. Stoutjesdyk handed over his principalship to a younger generation. Mr. Dan Oostenbrink and Mr. Jan Neels worked together in a dual principalship role for three years and since July 2012, Mr. Jan Neels has taken over as principal of Kindergarten to Grade 12. He works together with an admin team of Mrs. Marianne Luteyn (elementary), Mr. Stephan Hoogendijk (middle), and Mr. Jaap ter Haar (secondary).
As the number of students continued to grow, the need for an expansion began to be felt more and more and the opening of a newly built and renovated building marked the beginning of the 2015 – 2016 year. This new addition of nine classrooms, offices, a biology lab, library, and change rooms was opened with the words from Genesis 26:22b: “Rehoboth; . . . for now the LORD has made room for us”.
Today, more than 50 staff members have the daily privilege of teaching over 360 students.
