We are incredibly blessed to be able to operate Vita Nova in a country where our staff will not risk their lives just to teach. The following is a news bulletin from Voice of the Martyrs (http://www.persecution.com/)
SOMALIA Four Christian Teachers Murdered - VOM Sources
On April 13, four Christian teachers, two of them converts from Islam, were murdered by Islamic militants in Beledweyne in south-central Somalia. The four teachers, two British citizens of Somali origin-Mr. Daud Hassan Ali (64) and Ms. Rehana Ahmed (32)-and two unidentified Kenyans, were shot and killed by Islamist insurgents during a midnight raid on the Hakab Private English School. The Islamic extremist group responsible for the violence, alleged that they fired indiscriminately and that the teachers were killed in crossfire. Local people, however, believe the teachers were singled out for their suspected evangelistic work. The wife of Daud Hassan Ali alleged that her husband was targeted because he was a Muslim-born convert to Christianity. Pray the families of those killed will rest in the knowledge that those who die in the Lord will be raised with Him. Pray the perpetrators of this attack will come to repentance and salvation. Pray for wisdom and protection for those serving Christ in Somalia. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Monday, April 14, 2008
Spaghetti Success!
Few words could describe our Spaghetti Dinner on Sunday better than...WOW! We estimate around 70 guests visited Vita Nova and enjoyed a wonderful spaghetti meal, complete with desserts, including a cake with our name on it from one of our families.
And speaking of our families...what a tremendous amount of giving they all demonstrated. Parents and children alike gave of their time, talents, and resources to make this spaghetti dinner and raffle a tremendous success. Not only did we raise nearly $2000.00, but we got to meet some wonderful people, who in turn got to share in the spirit of Vita Nova.
We offer a huge THANK YOU to all who made this possible, whether through their donations or their hard work. We could not have done this without you.
Please click on the picture below, which will take you to the picture page on our website. You may also click here to visit the links to our growing number of community and corporate supporters.
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
A Roman Emperor on Education
We have a page on our website that is a growing collection of quotations that enrich and advance the vision of our school. The following is from the Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius, who reigned from 138-161 A.D. He is famous for being something of a philosopher, and his book, Meditations, has been in constant print for nearly 2000 years. Writing in Greek he acknowledged various influences on his life, including that of his father, mother, and great grandfather. What is fascinating is that one of the truths he came to see is one that a rapidly growing number of families are embracing today.
Meditations 4
Meditations 4From my great-grandfather I learned not to go to the public schools and to have good teachers at home and to understand that for such things it is necessary to spend eagerly and lavishly.
We all spend our money on the things we choose. The wise know that there are few better investments than in the education and future of our children. Yes, it is unfair that those who choose Christian education for their children must pay twice, once in the form of tuition and again in the form of taxes that support schools they will not attend. Yet Christians throughout the ages have been willing to suffer, many to the point of death, for what they believed to be right, and we can be confident that if we prayerfully follow God's leading, He will bless our faithfulness more than we can imagine. Remember, it is Jesus Himself Who says, "Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." (Luke 6:38, NIV)
Friday, March 28, 2008
Latvian Friends
Our students recently had a great opportunity to learn from some of the women in the Latvian community about traditional Latvian arts and crafts. These women are often at the Latvian Community Center, where our students hold class, and have shared some of their wonderful foods with us. It is a blessing for us to be in a relationship with such a wonderful community of people!
Easter Pictures
I just viewed the Easter pictures of the kids at school. They are great. How wonderful are Ms Sandra and Ms Melissa for teaching the kids about Jesus and the Last Supper. If you haven't seen them check them out on the up close page on the VNCA website.
Thank you also Steve for playing the part of the Roman Soldier.
Thank you also Steve for playing the part of the Roman Soldier.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Spaghetti and Rummage
Vita Nova will be hosting a spaghetti dinner fundraiser, with raffle, on Sunday, April 13. The spaghetti meal, including dessert, is $10.00 at the door for each person over age 8 and will run from 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Come on out and enjoy some great spaghetti, even better fun and friendship, and a great opportunity to see what Vita Nova is all about! Vita Nova is located in the Latvian Community Center at 1008 W. 64th Street.
Also, many of you look forward to our biannual rummage sale. Our spring sale will be on Saturday, April 26, from 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. in the parking lot of Harris Bank on the corner of 86th and Payne Road. If you have anything you would like to donate, please contact the head of our Parents Round Table, Sandra Rich, at srich@vitanovaindy.org. Once again we invite you to come out and enjoy some great bargains that will benefit the students of Vita Nova.
Come on out and enjoy some great spaghetti, even better fun and friendship, and a great opportunity to see what Vita Nova is all about! Vita Nova is located in the Latvian Community Center at 1008 W. 64th Street.
Also, many of you look forward to our biannual rummage sale. Our spring sale will be on Saturday, April 26, from 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. in the parking lot of Harris Bank on the corner of 86th and Payne Road. If you have anything you would like to donate, please contact the head of our Parents Round Table, Sandra Rich, at srich@vitanovaindy.org. Once again we invite you to come out and enjoy some great bargains that will benefit the students of Vita Nova.
Easter at Vita Nova
For much of the world, Easter is the less important of two Christian holidays. Christmas in the secular world is about gifts and parties, bright lights and decorations, but the world does not quite know what to do with Easter. The best the world can offer is bunny rabbits and candy.
Christians, however, know that Easter is the very center of life, for at Easter Jesus rose from the grave and transformed even death into life. It seems only natural that the students of Vita Nova Christian Academy should have made a big deal of this most important holiday.
In the days leading up to Easter, our students experienced a footwashing in imitation of how Jesus washed the feet of His disciples before the Last Supper. According to the teachers, even our youngest children took seriously this solemn activity and learned something of what it means to serve others in the name of Jesus.
The Monday after Easter the students experienced a first-person account of the events leading upt to the crucifixion of Jesus, the crucifixion itself, and His glorious resurrection. The fictional character Publius Sempronius Tuditanus, in full Roman military dress, shared with them the perspective of one of the soldiers who guarded the tomb of Christ.
To see some pictures from these events, please visit our website at www.vitanovaindy.org/easter.html.
Christians, however, know that Easter is the very center of life, for at Easter Jesus rose from the grave and transformed even death into life. It seems only natural that the students of Vita Nova Christian Academy should have made a big deal of this most important holiday.
In the days leading up to Easter, our students experienced a footwashing in imitation of how Jesus washed the feet of His disciples before the Last Supper. According to the teachers, even our youngest children took seriously this solemn activity and learned something of what it means to serve others in the name of Jesus.
The Monday after Easter the students experienced a first-person account of the events leading upt to the crucifixion of Jesus, the crucifixion itself, and His glorious resurrection. The fictional character Publius Sempronius Tuditanus, in full Roman military dress, shared with them the perspective of one of the soldiers who guarded the tomb of Christ.
To see some pictures from these events, please visit our website at www.vitanovaindy.org/easter.html.
Monday, March 03, 2008
Prayer for Kenya
Our mission is to guide families in the development of their children as lifelong students and servants of God's diverse world. In keeping with this, we are joining in prayer and fasting for the current crisis in Kenya.
Our Head of School, Melissa Perkins, and her husband, Steve, attend Grace Community Church, which partners with Nairobi Chapel and Mavuno Church in Kenya. During the week of March 2-9, Grace Church and the families of Vita Nova will be praying for Kenya and specifically for the pastors that will begin to caravan to five cities in Kenya on March 7. Over 1,000 people have died in the recent political and tribal violence, and over 600,000 have lost their homes.
Even though Kenya is far away, our students and families can reach out to this country by praying for the peace of Christ that passes all understanding to come upon the people, by praying for reconciliation among those at war, and by praying that the light and truth of Jesus will shine through the pastors as they journey to these ravaged cities.
For more information, please visit the Grace Church website at http://gracecc.org/kenya.html.
Our Head of School, Melissa Perkins, and her husband, Steve, attend Grace Community Church, which partners with Nairobi Chapel and Mavuno Church in Kenya. During the week of March 2-9, Grace Church and the families of Vita Nova will be praying for Kenya and specifically for the pastors that will begin to caravan to five cities in Kenya on March 7. Over 1,000 people have died in the recent political and tribal violence, and over 600,000 have lost their homes.
Even though Kenya is far away, our students and families can reach out to this country by praying for the peace of Christ that passes all understanding to come upon the people, by praying for reconciliation among those at war, and by praying that the light and truth of Jesus will shine through the pastors as they journey to these ravaged cities.
For more information, please visit the Grace Church website at http://gracecc.org/kenya.html.
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Now Enrolling!
We are now enrolling grades pre-K through 4th for the 2008-2009 school year.
To find out how to guarantee a spot for your child, please join us for our Open House on Sunday, March 2, from 2:00-4:00 p.m. It will be a great time to meet with board members, staff, and other Vita Nova families. We look forward to seeing you!
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Illuminated Manuscripts
Yesterday board member and dad Steve Perkins visited Vita Nova to talk with our first and third grade students about illuminated manuscripts. After looking at pictures of some of these Medieval masterpieces, the students got a chance to try their hand at some calligraphy. Steve modeled for the students a type of writing called Carolingian Minuscule, which was popular from the 8th to the 12th centuries and is connected with the reign of Charlemagne. Interestingly, the pre-K students were were learning to read a book titled Pepin The N0t-Big, which is about King Pepin the Short, who was Charlemagne's father.
Carolingian Minuscule is a simple style of writing that looks like this:
The students did an amazing job copying simple biblical texts using dip pens and ink, then "illuminating" their pages with pictures that acccompanied the texts. While they worked, these would-be scribes listened to the soft sounds of Gregorian chant in the background.
Carolingian Minuscule is a simple style of writing that looks like this:
The students did an amazing job copying simple biblical texts using dip pens and ink, then "illuminating" their pages with pictures that acccompanied the texts. While they worked, these would-be scribes listened to the soft sounds of Gregorian chant in the background.
Monday, January 28, 2008
Prayer Partners on Website
We now have a list of our prayer partners on the website, including a map to show where they are from. Check it out at http://www.vitanovaindy.org/support.html.
We are incredibly grateful for our prayer partners, wherever they may be, and we ask for God's continued blessing on them. Thanks, everyone!
We are incredibly grateful for our prayer partners, wherever they may be, and we ask for God's continued blessing on them. Thanks, everyone!
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Prayer Dinner
On Friday evening, January 25, we held a dinner for our prayer partners at Vita Nova. There are people throughout Indiana and across the United States praying for Vita Nova on every day of the month. We are so grateful for these prayer partners, many of whom have never seen our school, but who know the importance of prayer and what Vita Nova is working to accomplish.
After dinner, board members, staff, and prayer partners walked through the school and spent time in prayer, often stopping to pray over the chairs where the children sit, the entrance to the school, and in other key areas. We prayed for protection of all who enter our school. We prayed for the families we do not yet know, but who will enroll for the 2008-2009 school year.
When it all was over, we felt so excited and recharged! This is no surprise, however, for as Jesus promised in Matthew 18:20, since we had gathered in His name, He was there with us.
After dinner, board members, staff, and prayer partners walked through the school and spent time in prayer, often stopping to pray over the chairs where the children sit, the entrance to the school, and in other key areas. We prayed for protection of all who enter our school. We prayed for the families we do not yet know, but who will enroll for the 2008-2009 school year.
When it all was over, we felt so excited and recharged! This is no surprise, however, for as Jesus promised in Matthew 18:20, since we had gathered in His name, He was there with us.
Wednesday, January 09, 2008
Roman Art from the Louvre
From September, 2007, through the first week of January, 2008, the Indianapolis Museum of Art hosted an extraordinary exhibit, Roman Art from the Louvre. Nearly one hundred fifty pieces of ancient Roman sculpture, pottery, mosaics, metalwork, and jewelry dating over two thousand years into the past were on loan from the French museum.
During their first week back at school, our students had the opportunity to see these precious antiquities. The previous day Miss Sandra and helped them make mosaics, and the day of the trip Steve Perkins, one of our fathers and board members, talked with them about what they would see. Miss Melissa had also read with them again the story from Luke 2 about the Emperor Augustus and the census that caused Mary and Joseph to go to Bethlehem.
When our students arrived, the first thing they saw was a bust of Augustus dating to 27 B.C., some two thousand thirty-four years old. To put it in another perspective, this is more than 400 times as old as some of our pre-K students!
What was most impressive were the questions our students asked. One girl wondered why most of the busts were white, but another looked blue (answer: it was made of basanite, the others of marble). Another asked why part of a statue's head was missing (answer: it had been damaged over time). All in all it was an exciting and once-in-a-lifetime educational experience. To see some pictures from our trip, visit http://www.vitanovaindy.org/up_close.html.
During their first week back at school, our students had the opportunity to see these precious antiquities. The previous day Miss Sandra and helped them make mosaics, and the day of the trip Steve Perkins, one of our fathers and board members, talked with them about what they would see. Miss Melissa had also read with them again the story from Luke 2 about the Emperor Augustus and the census that caused Mary and Joseph to go to Bethlehem.
When our students arrived, the first thing they saw was a bust of Augustus dating to 27 B.C., some two thousand thirty-four years old. To put it in another perspective, this is more than 400 times as old as some of our pre-K students!
What was most impressive were the questions our students asked. One girl wondered why most of the busts were white, but another looked blue (answer: it was made of basanite, the others of marble). Another asked why part of a statue's head was missing (answer: it had been damaged over time). All in all it was an exciting and once-in-a-lifetime educational experience. To see some pictures from our trip, visit http://www.vitanovaindy.org/up_close.html.
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
Welcome 2008!
We welcome the new year and those who read our blog to see what is going on at Vita Nova. Class resumed today amidst frigid wind-chill temperatures and flurries adding to the cotton blanket already on the ground. This short, first week of school will end with a trip to the Indianapolis Museum of Art on Friday where the Knights of Vita Nova will see some the ancient Roman art from the Louvre.
We kick off the year with some publicity on the State of Indiana website. We are now listed with other private schools at http://www.doe.in.gov/htmls/privsch.html.
There are many things on the horizon for Vita Nova in 2008. We look forward to completing our 501c3 tax-exempt application, acquiring more resources, registering more students for the 2008-2009 school year, hiring additional staff...the list goes on. Our most exciting milestone, however, will be the completion of our first year in operation. We pray for God's guidance as we run toward our goal.
Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. (Philippians 3:12, NIV)
We kick off the year with some publicity on the State of Indiana website. We are now listed with other private schools at http://www.doe.in.gov/htmls/privsch.html.
There are many things on the horizon for Vita Nova in 2008. We look forward to completing our 501c3 tax-exempt application, acquiring more resources, registering more students for the 2008-2009 school year, hiring additional staff...the list goes on. Our most exciting milestone, however, will be the completion of our first year in operation. We pray for God's guidance as we run toward our goal.
Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. (Philippians 3:12, NIV)
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Happy Birthday, Jesus!
Today the students of Vita Nova are celebrating a birthday party for Jesus. Yes, they are having cake, but you may well wonder what sort of gifts there will be at party for the King of Kings. After all, as any child can tell you, it is not a birthday party without gifts.
This year our students are honoring God by giving to the least among us. In Matthew 25:40 (NIV), Jesus told a parable that taught us something about God. "'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me." For their birthday presents to Jesus, our students are bringing in grocery bags of food for Shepherd Community Center, an outreach ministry in Indianapolis. These bags will reach the hungry in Indianpolis through the Bag Hunger ministry of Grace Community Church.
We talk a lot about our mission, and our particular vision at VNCA is providing a challenging educational environment where children learn to apply to the present and the future the wisdom of the past in the light of the One Who is truth, Jesus Christ. Giving birthday presents to Jesus by helping the hungry in Indianapolis is a great example of how we are living this out.
This year our students are honoring God by giving to the least among us. In Matthew 25:40 (NIV), Jesus told a parable that taught us something about God. "'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me." For their birthday presents to Jesus, our students are bringing in grocery bags of food for Shepherd Community Center, an outreach ministry in Indianapolis. These bags will reach the hungry in Indianpolis through the Bag Hunger ministry of Grace Community Church.
We talk a lot about our mission, and our particular vision at VNCA is providing a challenging educational environment where children learn to apply to the present and the future the wisdom of the past in the light of the One Who is truth, Jesus Christ. Giving birthday presents to Jesus by helping the hungry in Indianapolis is a great example of how we are living this out.
Friday, December 07, 2007
Prayers from Italy
One praise song has the lyrics, "I'm humbled by Your mercy and I'm broken inside." That is how I feel after learning that brothers and sisters in Christ are praying for us today in Italy. Here is how it happened.
I recently discovered a website (http://www.documentacatholicaomnia.eu/) that has existed for about a year and that contains all the Latin writings from the time of the Apostles until the present age. This is truly a magnificent academic site, unparalleled in its scope. I emailed the people involved, whom I do not know, to thank them. One of them, an Italian named Giuseppe, emailed me back yesterday, and after further email with him, he said the following:
Tomorrow we will all pray and will fast for you, your family, your school, and your country, the US.
I was so stunned when I read this last night that I could hardly speak. I am humbled by the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that he would adopt us into a family with brothers and sisters around the world and that He would inspire some of them to be praying for us today. I never cease to be astounded by His grace.
I recently discovered a website (http://www.documentacatholicaomnia.eu/) that has existed for about a year and that contains all the Latin writings from the time of the Apostles until the present age. This is truly a magnificent academic site, unparalleled in its scope. I emailed the people involved, whom I do not know, to thank them. One of them, an Italian named Giuseppe, emailed me back yesterday, and after further email with him, he said the following:
Tomorrow we will all pray and will fast for you, your family, your school, and your country, the US.
I was so stunned when I read this last night that I could hardly speak. I am humbled by the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that he would adopt us into a family with brothers and sisters around the world and that He would inspire some of them to be praying for us today. I never cease to be astounded by His grace.
Tuesday, December 04, 2007
The Value of Latin
A frequently asked question in today's fast-paced, high-tech world is, "Why study Latin?" One of the best answers to this question appeared in a recent op-ed piece in the New York Times. http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/03/opinion/03mount.html?_r=1&ref=opinion&pagewanted=print&oref=slogin
As a Classical and Christian school, we strive to offer families the best education. To accomplish this, we believe that a solid grounding in the languages and cultures, the literature and the arts, of the ancient world is essential. As you will see in the above article, this has long been the view. That it is no longer the vision in many schools simply points to the need for schools like Vita Nova to offer what they cannot...a challenging educational environment where children learn to apply to the present and the future the wisdom of the past in the light of the One Who is truth, Jesus Christ.
As a Classical and Christian school, we strive to offer families the best education. To accomplish this, we believe that a solid grounding in the languages and cultures, the literature and the arts, of the ancient world is essential. As you will see in the above article, this has long been the view. That it is no longer the vision in many schools simply points to the need for schools like Vita Nova to offer what they cannot...a challenging educational environment where children learn to apply to the present and the future the wisdom of the past in the light of the One Who is truth, Jesus Christ.
Monday, December 03, 2007
The Round Table
The Parent Round Table met tonight for the first time. This is the group of parents that actively supports the Knights of Vita Nova (Knights? Round table? Get it?). It is no surprise why God is able to use these families in the development of this school. Talented? You bet. Skilled? Without question. But what really makes them stand out is their passion. These parents have a passionate desire not only for what is best for their own children, but for what is best for all children. We look forward to seeing what great ideas they will be inspired to lead into reality in the months ahead.
If you would like to be part of the Round Table, please contact Nancy Wright at nwright@vitanovaindy.org. This is a great group of parents and is just the place for a new family to begin connecting with the family that is VNCA.
If you would like to be part of the Round Table, please contact Nancy Wright at nwright@vitanovaindy.org. This is a great group of parents and is just the place for a new family to begin connecting with the family that is VNCA.
Christmas Card
Vita Nova received its first Christmas card! One of our supporters sent us a beautiful Christmas card along with a gift. Thank you so much, and thanks to all of you who have supported Vita Nova. May the peace and joy that surround the celebration of Christ's birth fill the hearts and homes of you all.
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Television Advertisement
We are excited to have our first television advertisement appearing on Channel 20 WFYI, the Indianapolis area PBS station! The spot will advertise our
Monday through Friday, December 3-7
7:00 a.m. between Reading Rainbow and Maya & Miguel
Monday through Friday, December 3-7
5:30 p.m. between Fetch and Between The Lions
Friday, December 7
7:30 a.m. between Word Girl and Arthur
Friday, December 7
3:30 p.m. between Jakers and Cyberchase
Friday, December 7
4:00 p.m. between Cyberchase and Friday Zone
Open House
Sunday, December 9
2:00-4:00 p.m.
1008 W. 64th Street
Indianapolis, IN 46260
The schedule for the advertising spots is:
Monday through Friday, December 3-7
7:00 a.m. between Reading Rainbow and Maya & Miguel
Monday through Friday, December 3-7
5:30 p.m. between Fetch and Between The Lions
Friday, December 7
7:30 a.m. between Word Girl and Arthur
Friday, December 7
3:30 p.m. between Jakers and Cyberchase
Friday, December 7
4:00 p.m. between Cyberchase and Friday Zone
We are asking all our prayer partners and friends to pray around these times that God will open hearts and minds and direct the attention of families to VNCA.
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