The Other Mr. G - Mr. Graffunder!
Hi, My name is George Graffunder, and I am the Vice-Principal here at Menno Simons Christian School. My role is to support the school administration and help make decisions that will guide the direction of the school. I am the Grade 9 homeroom teacher, and I also teach Grade 7, 8, & 9 Science, Christian Studies 9, and Grade 8/9 Options.
I came to Menno because the chance to be involved in administration is a challenge that I want to be involved with, and the opportunity to fulfill this role came up here at Menno. I have had numerous connections with the school over the years, so I was confident that I would fit in well with Menno culture! I have had a niece and two nephews attend Menno, two sisters work here at the school, and I know several of the staff, so I know what a wonderful place Menno is!
My wife, Charlene, and I have six children: Mariah (27), Timothy (19), Theo (17), Alex (16), William (14) and Lena (11). Needless to say, we have a very busy household. Not content with the craziness of a large household, we also have two dogs (Dixie and Chloe). Daily dog walks are great for mental health:) A little more about me - I love God, love pizza, playing guitar, and almost all sports. I grew up in central BC, so I am a huge Vancouver Canucks fan - maybe this is the year they (finally) win the Stanley Cup!! My family and I have a family season pass to Nakiska ski hill, so we spend lots of weekends together on the slopes! Unfortunately, it is getting harder and harder for me to keep up with the boys!
I am looking forward to getting to know the community here at Menno better. My prayer for the students that I teach is that they will become a strong Christian community that cares for each other, prays for each other, and learns to trust in God. My favourite Bible verse is Psalm 121
Psalm 121
I lift up my eyes to the mountains - where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.
He will not let your foot slip - he who watches over you will not slumber;
indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.
The Lord watches over you - the Lord is your shade at your right hand;
the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.
The Lord will keep you from all harm - he will watch over your life;
the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.
When I had the opportunity to teach at Rain Forest International School in Yaounde, Cameroon this verse became very real. So far away from family and friends, I needed more than ever to realize that my help comes from the Lord - He is the one who watches over me!
George Graffunder, Vice Principal MSCS