Eastern Mennonite School joins home and church in calling students to faith in Jesus Christ, academic excellence, personal integrity, and compassionate service in the world. – EMS Mission Statement
The word integrity is defined as adherence to moral and ethical principles, soundness of character, honesty, and the state of being whole, entire or undiminished. Personal integrity means to be ethical and honorable in the face of strong inducements to be otherwise, to act upon one’s convictions. In other words, integrity means one should talk the talk and walk the walk. That is a lofty goal for an individual, and an even loftier goal for an institution to have as its mission.
As administration, faculty and staff, student body, supporting community, and the Board of Directors, we are called to communal integrity as well as personal integrity. At EMS board meetings, we begin with prayer for our work and with a “moment in mission” to help us properly focus our discussion and actions on the missional work of our school.
Often, we then recite the school’s mission statement in unison. We do this so that we begin our board meetings in communion and centered on the reason behind our ministry and charge as leaders of our school.
As we hear the reports from the various school divisions and the committees that carry out the daily work of education at EMS, I am repeatedly struck by the depth of the integrity that is shown. This integrity is based in the common commitment to be faithful followers of Jesus Christ in the classroom, in committee meetings, at the board table, in the cafeteria, on the sports fields, the concert and drama stages, in our homes and churches, and in the one-on-one interactions that happen daily. What a blessing and privilege to be able to support these expressions of faithful living that are carried out with personal and communal integrity.
As a board representing the communal interest of the school, we welcome your feedback, questions and ideas. As you read this issue of Today focusing on integrity, I ask that you remember the EMS Board of Directors in your prayers as we strive to make decisions that will provide the leadership and direction the school needs as it continues to call for personal and communal integrity.
