The Beamsville-based private school has recently phased in a new strategic vision and has renamed itself to Great Lakes Christian High School. The new name, along with a new slogan, logo and more, were announced at the school's annual partnership dinner on Saturday night.

"It was time to refocus," says Brad Cook, business office administrator. "It's a good thing to refresh every few years and narrow down what we are."

Cook admits that there has been a confusion to those who aren't familiar with the school about what type of institution it was - secondary or post-secondary.

"We wanted to change our name to more accurately reflect who we are," he said. "Any time we went to new markets or met new people, sometimes there was a bit of confusion."

The changes come with the institution of a new strategic vision. A team has been working on the new vision, which Cook says fits hand in hand with the new name and look, for about a year. While a new mission statement has been introduced, it still maintains the school's principles of serving God, says Cook. It notes the school "fosters excellence in education" but also equips students "to seek, serve and become like Christ."

A new logo and colour scheme have also been introduced. The colours continue to be two shades of blue, which acknowledge the colour of the Great Lakes, along with white. The new logo is an Ichthys, commonly known as the Jesus fish, which is half created with a wave to dwell on the Great Lakes connection.

While the school, which has more than 90 students from across the globe enrolled in Grades 9 through 12, has been called Great Lakes Christian College since 1952, Cook said the changes have been generally accepted well.

"Overall, it was pretty resounding that it was great and it was time for a change," he said of the reaction at the partnership dinner.

The work with the new themes and branding isn't complete. The school will continue to progress the concept, establishing new advertising brochures, stationary, revamping the website and more. Cook said they are also hoping to use the change to try and raise further awareness about the school in the Niagara West community.

"A lot of people know we're here, but aren't totally aware of what we do and offer," said Cook, noting the school will be hiring a new admissions recruiter to try and raise the profile of the school.

Great Lakes Christian High School is located at 4875 King St. in Beamsville. For more information about the school, visit www.glcc.on.ca or call 905-563-5374.