CSW families and friends,
The staff and faculty had the wonderful opportunity to travel to Dallas, Texas last week and attend the Association of Christian and Classical School’s annual conference, “Repairing the Ruins”. The conference served several purposes: introduce new CSW teachers to the Association of Christian and Classical Schools, provide opportunities for faculty and staff to meet and engage with other like-minded educational leaders, foster a deeper understanding of classical education and pedagogy, and develop our grasp of CSW’s role in assisting parents in the Scriptural mandate to educate their children in light of the gospel.
I trust we accomplished those goals and much more. It was exciting to see our CSW teachers engaging individuals from some of the top classical schools in the nation and helping move the conversation about and the implementation of classical Christian education forward. So often in our classrooms and our homes we fail to recognize Christ has called us to partner with others to accomplish His goals for our children. Too often we become focused on ourselves in the moment and not on the work He has for us and the benefit we can be to those within our spheres of influence. At CSW,
We aim to graduate young men and women who think clearly and listen carefully with discernment and understanding, who reason persuasively and articulate precisely, who are capable of evaluating their entire range of experience in the light of the Scriptures, and who do so with eagerness in joyful submission to God. We desire them to recognize cultural influences as distinct from biblical, and to be un-swayed towards evil by the former. We aim to find them well-prepared in all situations, possessing both information and the knowledge of how to use it. We desire that they be socially graceful and spiritually gracious, equipped with an understanding of the tools of learning, and desiring to grow in wisdom–yet fully realizing the limitations and foolishness of the wisdom of this world. We desire that they have a heart for the lost and the courage to seek to dissuade those who are stumbling towards destruction, that they distinguish real religion from religion in form only, and that they possess the former, knowing and loving the Lord Jesus Christ. All these we desire them to possess with humility and gratitude to God.
That is our mission at CSW and I believe it helps when we keep it in front of us. It allows us to see the education of our students as a life long endeavor for the sake of the Kingdom, not a momentary exchange of information. The mission of CSW is a big goal, a great goal for any student, and in light of what we are called to as parents through Scripture, I think it must be our goal. In order for CSW teachers to contribute to that goal by forming loves, creating wonder, and growing saints, it is imperative that we provide them opportunities to grow in their craft and calling. The growth and development opportunities provided throughout the school year and this summer were created by generous gifts and donations throughout the association, many coming from the All School Banquet. These opportunities are priceless and I would like to thank you for investing in the CSW faculty as they strive to meet that goal for every CSW student.
Soli Deo gloria,
Wade Ortego