THE LIGHTHOUSE - May 27, 2010 Special Edition

2009-2010 Theme Verse

"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."
John 13:34-35

Dr. Theodore Chamberlain

In February, 2007 I had the distinct privilege to announce that Dr. Ted Chamberlain would join the South Shore Christian Academy as its next Head of School. In the weeks leading up to that announcement, it became clear that the Lord had been leading Ted to SSCA and SSCA to Ted.

Ted brought many God given gifts to SSCA. These included his extensive experience in Christian education including Gordon College and Eastern University, his teaching skill as a long-time professor of psychology and his missionary experience in South America and Asia. But what I will remember Ted most for are three personal qualities. Working with him was a true pleasure because he was a very calm, kind and caring individual.

After a period of change and no small amount of anxiety, Ted brought a sense of peace and quiet confidence. We came to call this Ted's irenic character -- which means "conducive to peace." SSCA needed peace and Ted was just the right person to give that to the SSCA community.

Ted was also one of the kindest individuals I have ever met. Ted and I would meet for coffee at Starbucks about every two weeks. In all our meetings, I cannot remember one time when he spoke in an unkind manner about another. It was just not part of his constitution. Leading an elementary and secondary school such as SSCA is a very challenging job. Ted would sometimes compare the life of a professor with that of a head of school. But despite the challenges and pressures he confronted -- which were many -- I always saw Ted approach every issue in a kind and thoughtful manner.

Finally, Ted was a very caring man. He came to love all the students at SSCA. He would marvel at their accomplishments and share with pride their achievements. In this last year, he took on the added task of teaching a course in psychology. Ted really enjoyed the students he had in this class and his students were fortunate to see up close Ted's caring manner. In his office he proudly displayed pictures of his family and grandchildren. In many ways, Ted adopted the SSCA students as his grandchildren, as well.

In accepting the position as Head of School, Ted remarked that he was "...excited to play a part in making South Shore an even stronger institution...in time, a far better version of itself." Through his leadership, his experience and his calm, kind and caring character, we have in fact become a stronger institution and an even better version of something already very special.

So, just as the Lord led Ted to SSCA, He has now led him home. We were blessed by his time with us and are comforted to know that he now dwells eternally with the saints in heaven. Thank you, Ted, for a job well done. We will miss you.

Brad Warner

Dr. Chamberlain with his 12th grade psychology class

Reading to Pre-K during the 2010 Reading Incentive Initiative

A view into a meeting with the animals from Noah's Ark

Hey sports fans...

Our beloved Headmaster

Memorial Service - Saturday, May 29, 2010 - 10:45am

The Memorial Service for Ted Chamberlain will be held at Christ Church, 149 Asbury Street, South Hamilton, MA at 11:00am with a musical prelude beginning at 10:45am, including a solo by 7th grader Catrina Boncaldo.

Immediately following the service, a light lunch will be served at Christ Church.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to South Shore Christian Academy for the "The Dr. Theodore J. Chamberlain Headmaster Scholarship Fund". Checks should be made payable to SSCA with Chamberlain Headmaster Scholarship in the memo line.

Love,
The Extended Chamberlain Family

Memory Book for Chamberlain Family

The staff of SSCA invites our families and students to join with us in creating a memory book for the Chamberlain family. A memory book is similar to an old-fashioned scrapbook except it contains written memories, letters, poetry, pictures, etc. We would like to create one for his family with our thoughts, memories, and pictures of Dr. Chamberlain. In fact, several students have already begun posting memories on a Facebook site! How wonderful if his family could have these memories forever.

Blank pages for the memory book are available beginning Friday, May 28th, in the office for $1. If you wish to participate, see Mrs. Callahan or Mrs. Whalen for your page. We ask that completed pages be returned to the office by the close of school on Wednesday, June 9. This is a great opportunity to share heartfelt feelings and memories with the Chamberlain family.