the Sword and Shield
GCA Crusader News • Friday, October 9, 2020
GCA Foundations | Responsibility
I'm using this space in the first few newsletters to highlight GCA's Foundations so that you will better understand why we teach them and how they fit into a Biblical worldview.
The Crusaders volleyball and soccer teams had their first games this past week. I would usually include that statement in a newsletter as a matter of simple information, but this year I don't think I have to elaborate to anyone how significant it is that we were able to have athletic competition again. Both of our teams played well at times and made some mistakes at other times. They made some highly unlikely good plays and also made some bad plays that seemed equally unlikely. When the games ended, GCA had lost both matches.
I'm ok with that.
Most of you are aware that I am a competitive person. If there is something to win, I want to win it and will work very hard to ensure that I do, so it may seem odd that I say I'm ok with our teams losing. Simply put, winning is not the reason we have an athletic program. At the most basic level, we play sports because it's fun. As a school we offer athletic competition options because we want our students to have the opportunity to compete, have fun, learn to work within a team, develop physical skills, and be influenced by godly coaches.
One of the great advantages to team sports is that an athlete can witness responsibility played out each practice and game. Responsibility is not just about positioning and team strategy, it's recognizing that your actions affect the whole and knowing that you are accountable to your entire team for your self. Make a great play? Your whole squad benefits. Miss an assignment? The whole team suffers.
Responsibility affects us similarly in the classroom, lunchroom, hallways, parking lot, office, and playground. We must be conscious of our obligations and ensure that we are being accountable to ourselves and others for what we can control.
But let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor. For each will have to bear his own load. -Galatians 6:4-5
S. Jeff Postlewaite
Head of School
PSAT Testing
Wednesday, October 14
GCA Athletics
4:30 GCA Soccer vs. Stonebridge
5:00 GCA Volleyball @ Stonebridge
Tuesday, October 13
4:30 GCA Soccer @ Hampton
4:30 GCA Volleyball vs. Hampton
Thursday, October 15
4:30 GCA Soccer vs. Portsmouth
4:30 GCA Volleyball @ Portsmouth
Picture Day
Wednesday, October 28
Students will have their individual pictures taken for the GCA yearbook and their student identification cards. Please wear normal classroom attire (uniform for K3-8th grade). You will be given an opportunity to order these pictures from LifeTouch within a few weeks.Metro Athletic Conference Spectator Guidelines
Spectators will not be allowed at volleyball games this season. Our home volleyball games will be live streamed on GCA's Facebook page and we will post a link to the stream of our away games as well.
Soccer spectators should remain at least 6 feet from anyone who does not live in their household and wear appropriate face coverings when interacting closely with anyone else.
Dress Up Day
Friday, October 30
GCA students and staff are invited to dress up in costume for school. In order to ensure a smooth school day, please avoid scary costumes and make sure you abide by GCA's extracurricular activities dress guidelines (make sure you are covered from shoulders to knees).
Health Guidelines
Please help us maintain a healthy and safe environment for all of our GCA family by not coming in if you are feeling ill. Remember the following guidelines:
- No one with a temperature greater than 99.5 will be allowed in the building
- Students with a fever will be sent home
- Students may return to school with a doctor's note or when they are fever-free without medication for 72 hours
Gateway Church
If you don't have a home church or are considering returning to worship in person, we would love for you to check out Gateway. You can register for our 9:00 or 10:30 services by texting "REGISTER" to (757) 530-5069 or visiting gatewaychurchvb.org
Upcoming Events
Grades will be finalized and you will receive your first report card the following week.
Parents Nights | Thursday, November 5 and Friday, November 6
In the next few weeks you will be receiving information from your teachers about how to schedule a time to discuss the academic and social progress of your student.
Veterans Day | Wednesday, November 11
School will be closed as we honor those who have served.
Gateway Christian Academy
Email: pwerner@gatewaycrusaders.com
Website: gatewaycrusaders.com
Location: 5473 Virginia Beach Boulevard, Virginia Beach, VA, USA
Phone: (757) 499-6551
Facebook: facebook.com/gatewaycrusaders