Calvin Christian School

Phone (403) 381-3030

\/ Box 26
Coalhurst A13 TOL OVO
Fax
Email
(403) 381-4241
ottice@ccschool.ca

June 1, 2018
Re: Allison Van Herk

To Whom it May Concern:

Mrs. Allison Van Herk has been employed at Calvin Christian School, since August of 2016 as a full-time grade three teacher.
From the first day on, she has shown tremendous dedication and has taken her role seriously. She has been very meticulous
about her planning, often coming early and staying late, to ensure that she is well prepared for her teaching. Not only has this
allowed her to bring the content in a competent manner, but more importantly, it has given her the time throughout the day to
develop a strong relationship with her class. The great rapport that she has been able to build with her students as individuals is
definitely her greatest strength; it is where her passion lies.

Being a second year teacher, Allison has a steep learning curve behind her. In her first year, classroom management was a chal
lenge. Realizing this, she has taken steps to grow in this area by attending several workshops, and also writing reflective notes
which we discussed together. Through this self reflection and by incorporating suggested strategies, she has developed a nice
level of competence and confidence in this area. In fact, she has shown an openness to receive feedback across all areas of her
teaching. A great achievement and milestone for Allison this year was a very positive recommendation by the Designated Sign
ing Authority for permanent certification. In her second year, Allison also was able to gain experience working with a team of
(para) professionals with one of her students being special needs. This communication went well, and for me personally, it has
been very heart-warming to see Allison’s genuine care for this student. It is clearly something she enjoyed I

In her two years at Calvin Christian School, Mrs. Van Herk has certainly earned the full respect of her colleagues. She has done
this in a very unobtrusive manner, simply by working hard, radiating a positive attitude and by holding herself to high profes
sional standards. She works very closely as a team with her two other grade level colleagues, meeting weekly with them to dis
cuss and plan for the coming week. In this collaboration, her natural ability to organize has been an appreciated asset. In addi
tion to this she participates positively at our elementary meetings, as well as in our school PD sessions. In her first year, she vol
unteered to present a mini PD session to the staff about the importance of providing regular brain and body breaks for the stu
dents to achieve optimum learning. This presentation went very well and was well received. More recently, this past year she
volunteered her time to join a group of teachers who formed a committee to develop a number facts program to benefit all of
elementary.

With this, I recommend Mrs. Allison Van Herk to your serious consideration for the position of application, although it goes with
out saying that we would miss her as a dedicated team member.

Sincerely,

Gerard Groenendijk
Vice Principal, Elementary
Calvin Christian School
1 403 381 3030 (ext. 403)
gerard.groenendijk@ccschool.ca