Equipping future generat ions with wisdom,knowledge and character to impact their world forChrist with servants’ hearts .

the oak leaf Winter 2012

Calendar

March 14Trinity Oaks Speech Meet

March 22Junior High Concert

March 26 – March 30Spring Break

April 16 – April 207th & 8th Washington D.C. Trip

A Quarterly Publication of Trinity Oaks Christian Academy

“Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on

it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in

it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded

you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified, for the LORD

your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Joshua 1:8-9 2011/2012 Year Verse

First and Goal!It was an action packed morning on December 15th as Staley da Bear from The Chicago Bears made a guest appearance at TrinityOaks delivering his “First and Goal” initiative for a healthy lifestyle program. Energy and excitement radiated throughout the schoolgym as students participated in a trivia game addressing the key factors in a healthy lifestyle: exercising, eating, drinking water andgetting the proper number of hours of sleep.

News from in & around our school and community

Trinity Oaks’ vision is to equip the next generation with wisdom, knowledge, and character inorder to impact the world with servants’ hearts. In this issue of the Oak Leaf we catch up withone of the previous generations, the class of 2007, as they have moved on from high school tocollege and continue to discover and develop their God-given gifts and abilities. It will beexciting to see how God uses each of these Trinity Oaks alumni in the years to come.

What a privilege it is for me to be able to spend my days working with children. I love theirinquisitive nature, energy, and enthusiasm, especially at Christmas time. As you look throughthe Oak Leaf you will gain a glimpse into the various activities that we shared togetherincluding some of the ways that we celebrated the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.The highlight of this time of year for me is the Christmas Gift Chapel when our students giveto others who are less fortunate rather than to each other. During this chapel each classpresents a gift that literally benefits others around the world. It was very exciting to see ourstudents demonstrate and experience the true meaning of Christmas by giving to others.

Through your prayers and financial support of Trinity Oaks Christian Academy we cancontinue our ministry. Thank you for believing in our vision of equipping future generationswith wisdom, knowledge and character. Please continue to pray for our students and faculty asthey pursue excellence this spring.

Sincerely,

Paul Wrobbel

Head of School

leading the way

school activities

Christmas GiftChapel

Christmas celebrations continuedwith a very special day onDecember 21st – our ChristmasGift Chapel - a time when each ofthe classes presented their gifts tovarious charities locally andaround the world such as PacificGarden Mission in Chicago, BrightHope International and WarmBlankets Orphan CareInternational. Pictured is Mrs.Hodill’s first grade class whochose Heifer International tosupport this year - they raisedenough money for 2 goats and 2flocks of chickens for a family in athird world country! God’s lovewas abundantly shared with othersas the students collected offeringstotaling over $2,300 for those inneed around the world!

Dude, You Hear What I Hear?

3rd through 5th grade studentspresented their lively Christmasmusical, “Dude, You Hear WhatI Hear?” Mannequins camealive and joyful songs rang outas one little girl shared the truemeaning of Christmas - the giftof God’s love for us by sendingHis one and only Son to redeemus! Pictured left to right are:Brooke Hedberg (4th) and 3rdgraders Alex Noe, KeiraMcCarthy, Jordyn St. John &Mary Hilbrink.

Chloe Burns - Since graduating from

Barrington High School, Chloe continues herstudies at Western Illinois University inMacomb, IL with hopes of becoming a SpecialEducation Teacher and working with childrenwho have Cerebral Palsy. As she shares,“going to TOCA really taught me to embracewho I was, because God makes each individualdifferently, for a different purpose - so whyshould everyone try and be the same, like in apublic school? I am going to school to become

a teacher, because the teachers I've had, specifically from TOCA, have madesuch an impact on my life and my heart. I want to touch the lives of mystudents the same way each one of my teachers did for me.”

Austen Duzey – A graduate of Cary-

Grove High School, Austen is currentlyattending Baylor University in Waco, TXwhere he is pursuing his Doctorate in PhysicalTherapy. Austen would like to start his ownphysical rehab clinic focusing on spinal andneck injuries. As for his spiritual journey whileat Trinity Oaks, Austen shared that “TOCAmeant a lot to me for a variety of reasons.One, it gave me a great education; I was taughtthe value of hard work and dedication.  I would

not be where I am without TOCA.  I met some of my best friends there.  Thefriends I made will be lifelong friendships.  Lastly, it was amazing havingteachers who cared so much and prayed for us on a daily basis."

nAthAn Dye – “If parents want their

children to attend a school where they will besurrounded by Godly men and women withgood Christian values, TOCA is the place!”Graduating from Cary-Grove High School,Nathan currently studies at The University ofIllinois – Urbana-Champaign majoring inAerospace Engineering. He is also involvedwith Cru (Campus Crusade), U of IAstronomical Society and the Illini SpaceSociety. His future plans – working for a

leading aerospace firm, a private space company or even NASA.

GArrett GAssensMith – Since

graduating from Crystal Lake South HighSchool, Garrett has been attending NorthwesternUniversity in Evanston, IL. Studying film,Garrett hopes to pursue a career in filmproduction either in writing, editing, directing orproducing. As for Trinity Oaks, Garrett shares,“It's a great place to start because elementaryschool is the perfect time to start settingstandards and building lifelong habits. I thinkpart of the reason I have good work ethics today

and a strong faith is because I was grounded from the beginning.”

JorDAn KoJiMA – Jordan graduated from

Madison Central High School in Jackson, MSand is currently a history major at QueensUniversity of Charlotte in Charlotte, MS. Heplans on attending graduate school and wishes toteach Asian studies and/or be a swim coach at thecollegiate level. He shares, “TOCA is anexcellent way to make sure your children are wellgrounded in the Bible and the Word, that strongfoundation before they head to high school.”

AnDrew MAnn – “There were definite ups

and downs in my spiritual life, but Trinity Oakswas the foundation that I grew up upon, and myteachers and friends were the ones who helpedform me into the man I am today.” Graduatingfrom Prairie Ridge High School, Andrew iscurrently attending Iowa State University in Ames,Iowa. Upon graduation, he plans on beingcommissioned as an officer in the United StatesNavy.

AlyssA MArChuK – A graduate of Prairie

Ridge High School, Alyssa is now attendingPalm Beach Atlantic University, West PalmBeach, FL. Majoring in forensic chemistrywith a minor in Spanish, Alyssa is planning onworking on a crime scene investigation team.“I loved TOCA because it prepared me with agreat start to a relationship with otherChristians. I made fantastic friends there that Istill keep in touch with. The teachers there are

like family and really strive to help you learn and grow in your relationshipwith God.”

alumni class of 2007JorDAn Miller – A Prairie Ridge High

School graduate, Jordan is now attendingTribeca Flashpoint Academy, Chicago, IL andplans on pursuing a career as a FilmDirector/Editor. For now, Jordan is enjoyinghis time with freelance video editing & visualeffects, film making and playing the guitar.His favorite memories while at Trinity Oaks –the field trips to Washington, D.C. andSpringfield.

Alton CeDriC (A.C.) Murphy –

“TOCA prepared me to embrace the things thatwere going to be thrown at me in the publicschool world.” A.C. graduated from CrystalLake Central High School and has continuedhis education at McHenry County College withhopes of transferring to Western IllinoisUniversity or Hampton University. His futuregoal is to study abroad in Spain or Columbiaand become a Spanish teacher. “I thank God

for TOCA – teachers who gave me an excellent education, helped me withmy spiritual walk with Christ, and taught me how to be a respectful youngman.” And his favorite TOCA memories - the 7th & 8th school trips toWashington, D.C. and Springfield.

Corey olson – Currently a senior at

McHenry West High School and a member ofthe National Honor Society, Corey’s futureplans include an Associate degree and to attendculinary school or pursue a career inAgriculture where he can work with horses,produce and farming.

JennA porter – Having graduated a year

early from Cary-Grove High School, Jennastudied abroad in Finland as an exchangestudent. She is currently attending Palm BeachAtlantic University in West Palm Beach, FLmajoring in elementary education with a minorin Spanish. Eventually, she would like to be aSpanish teacher and with a passion to bake,would also like to have her own bakingbusiness. “Trinity Oaks was a great place - Iwas constantly surrounded by good, Christianrole models and the teachers were amazing….it

was evident that they cared about my well-being. Having a solid, Christianfoundation for my education turned out to be the best thing for me. When Iwent abroad, I was stable with my relationship with God because I had builtthat relationship from the start - thanks to a loving family and a greatenvironment in the school.”

KArli sChuMAKer – Since graduating

from Crystal Lake South High School, Karli isnow a pre-med student at Union University inJackson, TN with hopes of becoming aPhysician’s Assistant and working in a foreigncountry. What has Trinity Oaks meant to her?As she shares, “Being able to go to TOCAsince kindergarten affected me in more waysthan I can say. It gave me a solid foundation ofChristian education that prepared me for highschool and even now being in college. I am

now going to a private Christian school because of my experiences I had atTOCA. I wanted that smaller, more 1 on 1 type setting. I made lifelongfriends there and I had so many memorable experiences with teachers. Idefinitely wouldn't be where I am or who I am without TOCA!”

Alex senyshyn – “Trinity Oaks prepared

me extremely well academically, spiritually,and socially. I felt they gave me a greatfoundation to grow in my faith as well as infriendship and through my academics.”  APrairie Ridge High School graduate, Alex isnow attending Taylor University in Upland, INand planning a future in the mathematic field,actuarial science or accounting. And hisfavorite memories – “the trips to Washington,D.C. and Springfield with my classmates.”

AlexAnDer tAulien – A graduate of

Traverse City Central High School in MI,Alexander is studying to become a counselorwhile pursuing his dream to play Division IHockey via a hockey scholarship. He shares,“TOCA taught me to always have faith andmost importantly, that God has a plan foreveryone - even when things get tough. It isall part of His plan and we just have to trustHim. And the friendships that I made at TrinityOaks will last a lifetime.”

rAChel white – “Trinity Oaks prepared

me in many ways, both academically andspiritually. Academically, I had a great basewith presenting in front of classes and writingpapers. Also, having Spanish spurred my lovefor the language. Spiritually, Trinity Oakstaught me how important it is to stay close toChrist and the importance of prayer and dailydevotions in my life.” Rachel graduated fromFaith Lutheran High School in Crystal Lakeand is now attending Truman State University

in Kirksville, MO. An undeclared major with a minor in Spanish, Rachel is“trying to discern what God has in store for her life where she can use herpassion to help serve others.”

honorable mention

Superior SpellingSpelling Bee winners from grades 1 through 7 went on tocompete at the ACSI Regional Spelling Bee. Congratulations toall of those who participated with special recognition to LeanderSullivan (5th) who took first place and then qualified toparticipate in the 5th-8th grade “spell-off” of unpublished words- supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!!!.

Back row:  Sarah Pushparaj, Peter Guadagno, JamesMikolajczewski, Julia Conti

Front row:  Leander Sullivan, Joelle Kantayya, Jack Freeman,Daniel Khoury

Where in the World is…..?Mary Morrissey (8th) can tell you where! She andclassroom finalists battled it out with Mary beingnamed Geography Bee Champion of Trinity Oaks.Not far behind were Liam Hoban (5th) andShannon Morrison (8th). Mary answered the mostquestions correctly and is looking to put TOCA onthe map by qualifying for a state level competition.Congratulations to all!

A Psalm – For Giving Thanks

Our 1/2 day and full day kindergarteners lifted uptheir voices and “Shouted for joy to the LORD….”(Psalm 100:1) during a Thanksgiving Feast enjoyedby parents, grandparents and many friends!

sports highlights

Running the RaceCongratulations to Coach Morrissey and the crosscountry team for finishing out the season strong!

Grace Filippi, Emily Lagerquist, Rebecca Alvarez,Kendall Claffey, Mackenzie O’Brien, DakotaBliler, Brian Dorn, Mary Morrissey

Volleyball V-I-C-T-O-R-Y

A victorious season as Coach Hodge and the LadyHuskies took 2nd place in the ACSI Division 2Tournament this year – way to go team!

Back row: Shannon Morrison, Haley Meyer, KiraBerndt, Madison Wolschlager, Rachel Simon,Samantha Rzany

Front row:  Kate Selsky, Rebecca Alvarez, JosieWynsma, Jory Wynsma, Meagan Cufr

Meet the HuskiesCheerleaders

Under the direction of Becky Wynsma and SherriMeyer, these cheerleaders bring much enthusiasmand spirit to the boys’ basketball games. Go H-U-S-K-I-E-S!!

Back row:  Josie Wynsma, Mackenzie O'Brien,Emily Lagerquist, Haley Meyer, MadisonWolschlager, Rachel Simon, Meagan Cufr

Front row:  Becca Beecroft, Jory Wynsma, KendallClaffey, Rebecca Alvarez, Eden Renko, AllisonArkell, Mary Morrissey

News from in & around the school

Trinity Oaks Christian Academy

409 North First Street

Cary, Illinois 60013

847-462-5971

www.trinity-oaks.org

Board of Trustees

Joy Conti

Scott CufrBoard President

Michael Danforth

Brian Dorn

Chris Kempa

Shelly McCarthy

Dorothy Murdock

Jen Poppe

Bill Walkiewicz

Greg Warren

Paul WrobbelHead of School

Nate Wynsma

Our Mission:A Community of

Believers

The mission of Trinity

Oaks Christian Academy

is to partner with the

Christian home and

church in the training

of children, maximizing

their potential to lead

Christian lives according

to biblical standards.

HO

ME

CH

UR

CH

SCHOOL

school activities

Time for Tea

Mrs. Glenn and herlittle helper, AddisonPrimmer (PS), serveup delicious cookiesand tea to their veryspecial guests.

RememberingRembrandt

Gwyn Conti (4th) displays her work of art –a self-portrait for her Art Appreciation class.

Deck the HallsA little Christmas joy as 1st graders (Grace Apgar,Morgan Provance, Antonia LoBue, MichaelSanford, Samuel Kwon, Benjamin Bieschke andAnnabelle Gorrell) “decorate” Dr. Wrobbel for thisvery special time of the year!