CHS: Inspiring girls to discover and pursue their personal exellence.

Raised: $1,000,000

The 2019 CHS Gala: Beyond Extraordinary was an overwhelming success. We are pleased to announce that the Gala, including gifts to the Dr. Patricia Dawson Bursary Fund, raised $1,000,000!

Thank you to everyone who participated and made it an evening to remember. In particular, thank you to the gala co-chairs Susan Chow, Lisa Dalton and Jeannie Park, committee members, sponsors and volunteers.

Happy Birthday Crofton House!

Today, students, alumnae, parents and staff gathered as a community to celebrate the School’s 121st birthday. After opening remarks by Dr. Dawson, those in attendance were treated to music by our choirs and orchestra, an excerpt from the Senior School production of Clue, and heard birthday greetings from students.

An important birthday tradition is the presentation of the CHS Alumnae Association Achievement Awards. This year, the Alumnae Association presented the 2019 Alumnae Lifetime Achievement Award to Ann Farris '55 for her outstanding contributions to program development in the performing arts. The Association also awarded the 2019 Distinguished Alumnae Achievement Award to Jennifer Johnstone '78 for her dedication and accomplishments in nonprofit management and community resource development. The 2019 Alumnae Junior Achievement Award was awarded to Emily Ma '99 for her outstanding accomplishments in science, technology, and engineering. Emily was unable to attend today’s celebration but will be recognized at an assembly in April. Read their bios »

Notices

Senior School Production Clue Tickets
There is still time to purchase tickets to the Senior School production of Clue. The madcap comedy is on tonight, Friday, March 8, and Saturday, March 9 at 7:00 pm. Purchase tickets online »

We would also like to thank Grade 12 student Madison B. for assisting in the marketing of this production.

Junior School Student-Led Conferences
The Junior School student-led conferences will be taking place on Wednesday, March 13. If you have not already booked an appointment, online bookings are open until March 11 at 4:00 pm. Please review the instructions.

White Socks Available in Uniform Shop
White socks are now available at the Alumnae School Store & Alumnae Uniform Shop - just in time for the change to white socks after Spring Break. The store will be open until Thursday, March 14, reopening Monday, April 1.

TAP IN! Podcast
In latest episode of TAP IN!, Junior School directors Susan Hutchison and Wendy Macken talk about the importance of going outside for some Vitamin N (Nature) in learning and development. Listen to the episode here or provide your feedback and thoughts at TAPIN@croftonhouse.ca.

Seat Belts in School Buses
In January 2019, Transport Canada announced the creation of a task force, involving the provinces, territories, school boards and school bus manufacturers, to look into the possibility of outfitting school buses with seat belts. Student safety is the highest priority at Crofton House School and we follow all regulations for transporting students as set out by the provincial and federal governments. Read more about school bus safety.

Community News

Walk in Her Shoes Challenge
Congratulations to the 63 CHS community members who participated in the Walk in Her Shoes challenge on March 3. Because of your support, the School raised $4,985 for CARE Canada to help address poverty and social injustice in Malawi. In addition, every dollar raised by our community will be matched by $10 from the Canadian Government. Students will also contribute to this cause through the International Women’s Week activities, such as the Change for Change drive, and through donations as part of the School’s birthday celebration.

“Stupid” Robots Unveiled
Grade 9 students wrapped up their Science unit on electricity with a presentation displaying their self-made “stupid” robots - robots that either perform a meaningless task or a very useful one, albeit very “stupidly”. The students went through a design thinking process, coming with a preliminary concept, mapping out the circuitry, and then building a robot. The project is based on the stupid robot movement championed by the likes of Simone Giertz or the Bacarobo, allowing learning to develop electronic systems through play, where there exists no barriers to creativity.

Notable creations include a robot that was designed to break itself by falling over, a robot 'helmet' that very badly brushed your teeth, an alarm clock robot that you must first wake up to turn on, and a back scratching robot for the terminally lazy, just to name a few.

Celebrating 100 Days of School
Senior Kindergarten students celebrated 100 days of school, with the help of special guest Zero the Hero! Armed with 100 balloons, Zero spent time answering questions from the girls.

CHS Students Have Strong Showings at Debate Provincials
Twelve CHS students attended the Senior Debate Provincials at Glenlyon Norfolk School in Victoria last weekend. In the intense two-day competition, Lauren M. and Emily N. (photographed) finished first overall in the Junior category. Lauren finished fifth overall as an individual speaker and Saara M. and Bianca D. qualified for Senior Debate Nationals. In addition, Lauren M., Vivian G., Emily N., and Ellen L. all qualified for the Canadian Junior National Team tryouts. Congratulations!

Mandarin Students Awarded for Excellence in Chinese
Five Mandarin 12 students won the B.C.-China Award for Excellence in Chinese, a collaborative scholarship program funded by the B.C. Ministry of Education and the Chinese Consulate in Vancouver. Carissa S, Katie L, Naya S, Emily Y, and Kelsi L (not pictured) received the scholarship for their excellence in studying the Chinese language and culture in BC.

Studying the Fur Trade in Fort Langley
Learning about the fur trade in Socials Studies this term, Grade 4 students visited Fort Langley, where fur trade historically took place. While there, students completed hands-on challenges to receive “beaver tokens”, made barrels, acted out a skit of the proclamation of British Columbia, and visited the oldest fur storehouse in the province.

CHS Exchange Program
Exchange students Emma K. and Angel Y. share their experiences of their time in Melbourne and New Zealand.

CHS Parents' Auxiliary

Family Buddy Program
The CHS Parents’ Auxiliary sponsors the Family Buddy Program, a unique initiative that welcomes new families to the CHS community by matching them with a current family for assistance and guidance. This year we are expanding to include current Grade 7 CHS families, matching them with new Grade 8 families. The Grade 7 families will act as guides, answering questions and easing the important transition from Junior to Senior School. Please watch your mailbox for information about this program in the coming weeks.

Mother-Daughter Dance
We look forward to seeing everyone at this year’s Mother-Daughter Dance on Thursday, March 14 at 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm. Come dressed to impress in your most creative, Derby-inspired outfit. Fascinators, fancy dress, and all things horse-racing related are encouraged at this annual event. The last chance for registration is today, Friday, March 8. Sign up here.

Grandparents' Day – Save the Date
Please mark your calendars for this year’s Grandparents’ Day, to be held Thursday, April 17 for Junior Kindergarten to Grade 3 families.