In this winter edition of 1898, read about events and traditions that still have a place at the heart of Crofton House, and enjoy our continuing features “Alumnae in the Making” and “Beyond the Ivy Walls”. Plus interesting news bites and some dates for your diary!

Features

Getting to know CHS’s Assistant Director, Advancement, Lydia (McNeill) Vandenberg ’85

Sometimes life has a curious way of coming full circle, as it did for Lydia (McNeill) Vandenberg ’85 almost three years ago. After years spent honing her fundraising career at organizations including Queen’s University, BC Children’s Hospital and consulting firm Ketchum Canada, Lydia found herself back where she began — at Crofton House School. In 2014, Lydia joined the Advancement team. Initially, her portfolio involved working on the capital campaign. Today, it involves additional responsibilities that include developing a CHS alumnae program.

Lydia has fond memories of her time at CHS dating as far back as grade 1. “I can clearly remember running out for recess to play in the woods – the key was to get one of the main forts to play in with your friends.” She’s also a proud CHS parent with her daughter, Issie, in grade 4. “There are days when Issie will come home and talk about playing in the woods – it’s meaningful to be able to share those moments with her.”

Read more »

Alumnae in the Making

Top-ranked athlete reflects on fencing, CHS and what she has learned through competitive sport

It was only three years ago, after seeing a demonstration in a shopping mall, that Matina Pun ’18 discovered her true passion: fencing. Since then, she has been working closely with a coach (she trains three times a day, seven days a week), logging thousands of kilometres of travel to compete in countless meets and championships in Canada, the US and Europe.

In Canada, Matina is now ranked second in her age category.

Read more »

Beyond the Ivy Walls

Jastina Aujla ’16: The Difference a Bursary Can Make

A recent article published in the Vancouver Sun told the story of how Crofton House School’s warm, inclusive community made a difference to CHS graduate Jastina Aujla ’16. Her story and others like it have contributed to inspiring new thinking about bursaries and demonstrate how financial aid can impact a girl’s life both on campus and beyond the ivy walls.

Read the Vancouver Sun article »
Learn more about the CHS Bursary Program »

Campus News

CHS hosts Vancouver’s first Women in Capital Markets SheBiz Conference

On November 4, Crofton House was proud to host the first Women in Capital Markets (WCM) SheBiz Conference in Vancouver. The school hosted over 250 students from seven independent schools. We were delighted to welcome back Kirsten Kennedy ’84, Managing Director of BMO Capital Markets, as one of the day’s key speakers. As co-chair of the Vancouver Steering Committee of WCM, Kirsten was excited to be able to bring this conference to Crofton House. A free, day-long interactive event for female students in grade 11, SheBiz is about giving girls access to women leaders in financial professions so they can learn about potential career options.

Crofton House Winter Bazaar — going strong!

The Crofton House Winter Bazaar was held on November 19. As in previous years, alumnae hosted the Country Kitchen, selling out of their famous homemade preserves and jams.

The original Winter Bazaar began in 1944 to raise money for the Canadian Red Cross during the Second World War. In keeping with this tradition of giving back, all Bazaar proceeds from this year’s event were donated to local charity CLICK (Contributing to Lives of Inner City Kids) to support food programs for students in need in the Vancouver community. The school is pleased to
announce that the Bazaar raised $35,000.

A warm thank-you to all alumnae who volunteered their time or came to the Bazaar and visited the Country Kitchen Booth.

Best of the holiday season

Tradition is a large part of the CHS experience, and no tradition runs deeper than the Crofton House Carol Service (view slideshow). On December 16, more than 75 alumnae joined together for some holiday cheer at the Annual Seasonal Social held at the Sheraton Wall Centre before heading over to the Carol Service at St. Andrew’s–Wesley United Church. Second generation CHS student Taylor Palmer ‘17, daughter of Roma (Gopaul-Singh) Palmer ’87, was the soloist for Once in Royal David’s City leading in the traditional grade 12 processional. We also heard from Abbey Seccombe ’26, daughter of Christina (Demco) Seccombe ’95, as she read The Children’s Prayer by Ina J. Hughes.

It was a wonderful chance for alumnae to reminisce and reconnect before starting their winter holidays. We hope you all enjoyed the video recording of the service that was sent to alumnae.

Upcoming Events — Get Involved!

January 19 – Soup Sisters Evening

On January 19, the Alumnae Association will be hosting an important event to help women in the local community. Organized by Soup Sisters, it will see our alumnae gather to make soup at the Northwest Culinary Academy of Vancouver, then see that warm and hearty soup provided to a local women’s shelter. For more information, visit the alumnae website or connect with Cathy (Fraser) Hunt ’81.

March 3 – Crofton House School’s 119th Birthday

Join us on campus, Friday, March 3, as we celebrate 119 years of Crofton House School. More details about the day-long event will be coming in a February e-invitation, so be sure to watch your inbox!

Calling all reunion years

The school’s birthday is a good opportunity to visit the campus and reconnect with classmates and friends.

Official reunion years are 2007, 1997, 1987, 1977, 1967, 1957, and 1947, however any class planning a reunion, please contact Lydia (McNeill) Vandenberg ‘85, Assistant Director, Advancement.

Alumnae News

What’s new in the Uniform Shop?

Beautiful rings engraved with the CHS ivy leaf are now available for purchase at the School Store and Alumnae Uniform Shop.

Congratulations to award winners Rachel Jin ’16 and Tatiana Kurschner ‘16

Governor General’s Academic Medals have recognized the outstanding scholastic achievements of students in Canada since 1873. They are awarded to students graduating with the highest average from high school across Canada. This year, Rachel Jin ’16, now attending UBC, was Crofton House School’s recipient.

The Crofton House School Alumnae Award for Scholastic Achievement is given out each year to the girl in the graduating class with the highest academic standing over her four years in high school. This year Tatiana Kurschner ’16 was awarded the prize. She returned to campus to receive her award during her winter break from Cambridge University, in the United Kingdom.

Passings

January 19
6:00 to 9:00 pm
Soup Sisters

March 3
Crofton House School's 119th Birthday Celebrations

April 21
Mother/Daughter Tea – Be Inspired!

May 26
CHS Annual Golf Classic

Class Notes
Read about the significant accomplishments, marriage and birth announcements, and education or career successes of your fellow alum.

Share your Story
Submit your own class note.

Class Reunions

Class Representatives

The Alumnae E-Directory is a great way to stay connected with classmates, other alumnae, and the school. Register and update your profile, volunteer as a mentor or search for a fellow alumnae by profession, geography or class year.