In the coming days, you will receive an invitation to complete the annual survey. I would like to encourage all parents and guardians to participate.
Surveys are one tool the School uses to hear from everyone about their experiences with the School, collect valuable data in making decisions, and get input on the directions being considered by the School. CHS has surveyed all constituents at various times over the past ten years and appreciated the strong response rate and the time and effort respondents took in providing the School with feedback.
One of this year's strategic plan implementation goals associated with Active Stewardship is to define the scope and timing of surveys for ongoing feedback from parents, students, and staff. School directors have mapped out a plan for all constituents that includes annual “pulse” measures of school elements at a high level (general satisfaction metrics) interrupted every three years by more comprehensive surveys.
Last year, we completed a comprehensive parent/guardian survey. One area that emerged from the satisfaction levels and the comments provided by respondents was communication. It was apparent the School needed to evaluate the various modes and frequency by which we communicate with our community. Thus, another strategic plan implementation goal (Active Stewardship) for 2023-2024 is to complete a communication audit to streamline messaging using the most appropriate media and communication tools.
With this in mind, the 2023-2024 parent/guardian survey has two aims.
- Assess parent/guardian satisfaction with the factors collectively called “General Satisfaction Metrics.” The results will contribute to a longitudinal tracking of a range of School elements.
- Collect data to inform a communication audit. This information will support changes to communications' how, when, and what.
I appreciate your participation in this survey; all responses are due by Wednesday, March 6. The survey tool indicates it will take approximately 20 minutes to complete. The higher the response rate, the more reliable the information we receive. In addition to multiple-choice, checkbox and rating questions, there are many opportunities for you to add any comments or questions you may have. We are eager to read what you have to share.
By collecting and sharing feedback, the School and parents/guardians will collectively understand areas of strength the School can leverage toward continued growth and areas where targeted resources (time, effort, budget) are required to improve.
Parent Sessions on Youth Substance Use
The Ministry of Education and Child Care, in partnership with adolescent Clinical Psychologist, Dr. Hayley Watson - Open Parachute, is hosting free virtual sessions on youth substance use for parents/guardians, caregivers and caring adults. Dr. Watson will provide valuable insights, practical tips, and resources to equip participants with the tools needed to guide their children and youth toward making positive choices when it comes to substance use. Please see the Parent Sessions on Youth Substance
Use bulletin for further details and registration information.
Evidence-Informed Mental Health Resources
HealthyMindsBC provides evidence-informed prevention and early intervention tools and resources, including online learning opportunities. This site is for parents, caregivers, families, educators, and other professionals to help them support the everyday mental health of children and youth. A series of courses that focus on Everyday Anxiety Strategies for Educators (EASE K-7 and 8-12) and Early Years are available. The newest course, Walking Alongside Youth with Anxiety (WAY), is designed to build capacity and support the foster care providers and out-of-care/kinship care providers who are caring for Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth with mild to moderate anxiety.
Black History Month - Resources to Share
Every February, Canadians participate in Black History Month events and festivities that honour the legacy of Black people in Canada and their communities. The 2024 theme is: “Black Excellence: A Heritage to Celebrate; a Future to Build”. This theme celebrates the rich past and present contributions and accomplishments of Black people in Canada while aspiring to embrace new opportunities for the future.
Both the Junior and Senior School library staff have created lists of resources to support students and teachers in their learning. Parents are encouraged to access these resources as well:
More information on school activities surrounding Black History Month will be shared in the next edition of ECalls.
Tickets on Sale: Grade 10-12 Production, Almost, Maine
Tickets are on sale for the Grade 10-12 production of Almost, Maine. The show takes place nightly at 7:00 pm from Thursday, March 7, 2024 to Saturday, March 9, 2024.
Welcome to Almost, Maine, a town that’s so far north, it’s almost not in the United States—it’s almost in Canada. And it almost doesn’t exist. Because its residents never got around to getting organized. So it’s just…Almost. One cold, clear Friday night in the middle of winter, while the northern lights hover in the sky above, Almost’s residents find themselves falling in and out of love in the strangest ways. Knees are bruised. Hearts are broken. Love is lost, found, and confounded. And life for the people of Almost, Maine will never be the same.
Crofton House School Merchandise Now Available Online
You can now purchase some of the fun and beautiful CHS merchandise available in the School Store online. Check out the selection including mugs, pyjamas, bucket hats and more! Uniform items are not available online.
126th Birthday Assembly Livestream
On Friday, March 8, a special assembly will be held for students and alumnae to celebrate the School’s 126th Birthday. We look forward to welcoming back to CHS Alumnae. Due to capacity constraints, parents and guardians are invited to watch a livestream of the assembly. The assembly begins at 9:00 am on Friday, March 8. A recording will be posted to the website following the event.
Stroller Drive
Do you have a used or new stroller you can donate? If so, we are collecting strollers for families newly arrived in Vancouver. Refugee families are often able to bring very little with them as they travel to Canada, and there is a need for strollers to allow them to move freely and safely about the city. If you have a used stroller you can donate or if you can purchase a new stroller for a family, please drop it off at the Senior School main office (West 41st Avenue entrance) or in the receiving area on campus off Balaclava Street from now until Friday, March 15.
Provincial Survey Invitation - BC Children’s Hospital
BC Children’s Hospital’s is inviting children and youth and their parents/caregivers to complete a short survey. The survey aims to collect information to plan a new program for creating and sharing health information. For more information and to access the survey, visit this website link. The survey is open until February 29, 2024
 Party Like It’s 1989 – Junior School Family Dance On Tuesday, March 12
Don’t miss out on an evening of throwback 80s and 90s tunes, a little Taylor Swift, great dance moves, tasty dinner, and fun surprises at the Junior School Family Dance: Party Like It’s 1989! On Tuesday, March 12, families, parents, students, and siblings (Grade 1–7 or ages 6–13) are all invited to join. Today, Thursday, February 15 is the last day to purchase your tickets, so act fast!
Lunar New Year Celebration - March 1
Families are invited to celebrate the Year of the Dragon with parents, students, staff and alumnae on Friday, March 1, at Continental Seafood Restaurant (150 - 11700 Cambie Road, Richmond). If you would like to attend the event, RSVP online by Friday, February 23. Tickets are $85 per seat. Seating capacity is limited.
2023 Tax Receipts for Donations
The 2023 tax receipts for donations will be mailed out by the end of February. If you have any questions, please reach out to Advancement at advancement@croftonhouse.ca. Thank you for your continued support.
Here are some snaps from the last two weeks on campus, including a look into Lunar New Year Celebrations across the School, the Junior School Public Speaking event, interactive learning with an Indigenous Floor Map, exciting moments from Junior and Senior School Athletics, inspiring Ivy Compass days, guest speakers and more! Check out this issue’s highlights gallery here.
Junior School Athletics
The Grade 5 and Grade 6 basketball teams enter their final week of the season, with the Grade 5 Basketball Playday taking place at Mulgrave School and the Grade 6 basketball Playday happening at the Richmond Olympic Oval.
Meanwhile, the Grade 7A basketball team participated in the Cav's Classic hosted by Collingwood School on Monday and finished with a silver medal! The 7B basketball team completed their league play on Monday with a successful win over Brockton School! With an already good stride, both Grade 7 basketball teams are looking forward to the ISEA Tournament next week!
Senior School Athletics
The Junior basketball team competed in the league playoffs hosted on home ground at CHS. They successfully defended their title and once again were crowned Junior Girls Basketball Lower Mainland Independent School Champions! They then moved on to the Zone Championships, which began February 13 at Argyle School.
This week, the Varsity basketball team went to the Zone Championships at Little Flower Academy, which started on February 13.
Looking ahead, Term 3 Athletic Team Sign Up forms have gone out and we look forward to seeing many athletes take part this spring!
Follow the Crofton Falcons on Instagram for more updates and information.
Go Falcons Go!
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