In mid-October, Banner Christian Lower School students spent an exciting morning exploring the beautiful country of New Zealand through a variety of interactive resource stations. The event gave students the chance to experience New Zealand’s culture through hands-on activities, creative projects, and meaningful learning opportunities.
At the computer station, students watched a video that showcased what student life is like in New Zealand. A special thank you goes to Mrs. Jean Murray, a wonderful friend of Mrs. Van Horn, for creating the video and helping students connect with daily life in another part of the world.
During drama, students created Māori masks as they learned more about an important part of New Zealand’s cultural heritage. This activity encouraged both creativity and cultural appreciation.
In art, students were introduced to New Zealand artist Colin McCahon. After learning about his work and artistic style, they created their own paintings inspired by his approach.
At the language station, students made Māori hand puppets and practiced using Māori words. This gave them a fun and memorable way to engage with the language while building a deeper understanding of New Zealand’s culture.
In music, students crafted a traditional Māori instrument called a Porotiti. This hands-on project helped them discover another unique aspect of New Zealand’s rich cultural traditions.
During PE, everyone joined in playing a traditional Māori game called “Tutukai and Kurawiniwini.” The activity brought movement, teamwork, and cultural learning together in an engaging way.
The morning concluded with students beautifully singing the National Anthem of New Zealand. Afterward, Pastor Rick Raines from Fairmount Christian Church shared about the incredible impact of his mission trips to New Zealand. He ended his time by answering a couple of questions and praying for the people of New Zealand.
It was a truly amazing event filled with hands-on learning, creativity, and cultural discovery. Experiences like this help students grow in their understanding of the world while building appreciation for different people and traditions.
Communications Coordinator
The Big Thank You
Philippians 1:3
September 1 - October 2, 2026
Paul wrote to his Philippian brothers and sisters in Christ to say,“I thank my God upon every remembrance of you” (NKJV). Think of the people who’ve sowed into your life--the ones who’ve prayed for, encouraged, comforted, counseled, taught, supported, helped, and loved you. They might be a parent, sibling, aunt/uncle, grandparent, neighbor, pastor, teacher, coach, or friend—but whoever they are, let’s celebrate their impact on your life. Maybe it is someone you met only once who made an impact on you or someone you have known your whole life. That someone would love to hear you say two simple words: Thank You.
Studies show a direct correlation between thankfulness and happiness, and Paul’s life is a testament to this. He learned through all of his trials and suffering to be content in whatever his circumstances might be (Philippians 4:11). Having an attitude of gratitude truly impacts your experience of every aspect of your life. So, thanking someone else can make you a happier person and bring a blessing to the other person’s day.
Banner’s Servant Leadership Teams encourage the Bearcat family to take some time to thank someone this fall. We want you to pick someone and to say a BIG thank you! You are creative…so be creative! This is bigger than a text or a simple tweet. You can do better than that! Whatever you’re thinking, go one step further. What would make that person stop and say “WOW!?” We want to see you create WOW! and capture the moment.
We also want your story to inspire others to do the same—here’s how:
1) CREATE – remember to be creative and go above and beyond what’s normal…for you.
2) CAPTURE – During or after you deliver your Big Thank You/Attitude of Gratitude project,
take a photo of what you’re doing or how you did it.
3) CELEBRATE – We will upload your Big Thank You/Attitude of Gratitude photo to our social
media accounts.
Make sure to add a caption describing who inspired you, why you decided
to thank that person and what you did to express your gratitude.
Please send pictures and descriptions to Mrs. de Haas at
The Big Thank You
Philippians 1:3
September 1 - October 2, 2026
Paul wrote to his Philippian brothers and sisters in Christ to say,“I thank my God upon every remembrance of you” (NKJV). Think of the people who’ve sowed into your life--the ones who’ve prayed for, encouraged, comforted, counseled, taught, supported, helped, and loved you. They might be a parent, sibling, aunt/uncle, grandparent, neighbor, pastor, teacher, coach, or friend—but whoever they are, let’s celebrate their impact on your life. Maybe it is someone you met only once who made an impact on you or someone you have known your whole life. That someone would love to hear you say two simple words: Thank You.
Studies show a direct correlation between thankfulness and happiness, and Paul’s life is a testament to this. He learned through all of his trials and suffering to be content in whatever his circumstances might be (Philippians 4:11). Having an attitude of gratitude truly impacts your experience of every aspect of your life. So, thanking someone else can make you a happier person and bring a blessing to the other person’s day.
Banner’s Servant Leadership Teams encourage the Bearcat family to take some time to thank someone this fall. We want you to pick someone and to say a BIG thank you! You are creative…so be creative! This is bigger than a text or a simple tweet. You can do better than that! Whatever you’re thinking, go one step further. What would make that person stop and say “WOW!?” We want to see you create WOW! and capture the moment.
We also want your story to inspire others to do the same—here’s how:
1) CREATE – remember to be creative and go above and beyond what’s normal…for you.
2) CAPTURE – During or after you deliver your Big Thank You/Attitude of Gratitude project,
take a photo of what you’re doing or how you did it.
3) CELEBRATE – We will upload your Big Thank You/Attitude of Gratitude photo to our social
media accounts.
Make sure to add a caption describing who inspired you, why you decided
to thank that person and what you did to express your gratitude.
Please send pictures and descriptions to Mrs. de Haas at
The Big Thank You
Philippians 1:3
September 1 - October 2, 2026
Paul wrote to his Philippian brothers and sisters in Christ to say,“I thank my God upon every remembrance of you” (NKJV). Think of the people who’ve sowed into your life--the ones who’ve prayed for, encouraged, comforted, counseled, taught, supported, helped, and loved you. They might be a parent, sibling, aunt/uncle, grandparent, neighbor, pastor, teacher, coach, or friend—but whoever they are, let’s celebrate their impact on your life. Maybe it is someone you met only once who made an impact on you or someone you have known your whole life. That someone would love to hear you say two simple words: Thank You.
Studies show a direct correlation between thankfulness and happiness, and Paul’s life is a testament to this. He learned through all of his trials and suffering to be content in whatever his circumstances might be (Philippians 4:11). Having an attitude of gratitude truly impacts your experience of every aspect of your life. So, thanking someone else can make you a happier person and bring a blessing to the other person’s day.
Banner’s Servant Leadership Teams encourage the Bearcat family to take some time to thank someone this fall. We want you to pick someone and to say a BIG thank you! You are creative…so be creative! This is bigger than a text or a simple tweet. You can do better than that! Whatever you’re thinking, go one step further. What would make that person stop and say “WOW!?” We want to see you create WOW! and capture the moment.
We also want your story to inspire others to do the same—here’s how:
1) CREATE – remember to be creative and go above and beyond what’s normal…for you.
2) CAPTURE – During or after you deliver your Big Thank You/Attitude of Gratitude project,
take a photo of what you’re doing or how you did it.
3) CELEBRATE – We will upload your Big Thank You/Attitude of Gratitude photo to our social
media accounts.
Make sure to add a caption describing who inspired you, why you decided
to thank that person and what you did to express your gratitude.
Please send pictures and descriptions to Mrs. de Haas at