Canadian Accredited Independent Schools (CAI+S) is the organization that brings together independent member schools from across the country to share best practices, explore solutions to complex issues facing schools, and challenge each other to aim high. Although all schools have a similar governance structure and purpose, there is great diversity within CAI+S from the Atlantic to the Pacific including day and boarding, urban and rural, English and French, small and large. The mission of CAI+S is: “Continual school improvement through the advancement of standards, support, and a strong Canadian network.” Toward the advancement of standards, every seven years, CAI+S member schools are reviewed for continued accreditation with this organization. Postponed one year, we are pleased to welcome the accreditation committee to Crofton House next month. From November 21 to 24, individuals from many other CAI+S schools will visit the School virtually to assess the School against a long list of “indicators of effective practice” according to a specific standard such as finance, curricular program, governance and leadership. There are twelve standards in total. In preparation for the accreditation visit, under the guidance of Mr McKenzie, Coordinator, Educational Technology & Risk Management, Senior School, the School completed an exhaustive self-study. This comprehensive document, as well as countless elements of evidence to support one or more of the indicators of effective practice, is provided to the committee in advance. Then, during the virtual visit, the committee is tasked with connecting personally with small and large groups representing all constituents of the school to delve a little deeper into understanding the School. They will then prepare a report for the School that will outline suggestions or recommendations for improvements as well as topics that deserve commendation. We look forward to receiving the feedback the accreditation process will provide. Until then, I am grateful to everyone who contributed their time and effort toward preparing for the committee’s visit later this month, and to those who will take time to meet with individuals or several members of the committee while they are virtually on-campus. Unvaccinated Children Returning from International Travel We are repeating this message in this edition of ECalls to ensure all families who are planning on taking their unvaccinated children on an international trip are aware that, although considered exempt from the 14-day quarantine period, unvaccinated minors are restricted from attending school for 14-days upon return regardless of vaccination exemption. Full information on the 14-day restrictions is outlined in a Government of Canada Flyer. Please consider this restriction when making travel plans for your family. Financial Assistance for CHS Families Current families whose financial circumstances have changed recently can apply for financial assistance. Applications, through Apple Financial Services, for the 2022-2023 school year are due December 1, 2021. The application fee will be waived for current Crofton House families. If you have any questions, please contact Karen Choi, Director, Finance. Photo Retakes: Thursday, November 4 Photo retakes will take place Thursday, November 4. Retakes are done to improve technical issues; for example, eyeglass glare, poor posture/head tilt or eyes closed. The retake will replace the student's original photo; no choice between the two photos will be available. If you have already ordered a photo package, you may return it at the time of retake. Students who miss both the photo day and the retake day can visit Artona studio Saturday, November 13, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. No drop-ins. Please contact csr@artona.com to make an appointment. Remembrance Day Assembly All parents/guardians are encouraged to tune into the assembly in recognition of Remembrance Day. On Tuesday, November 9 from 8:45 am to 9:45 am, the annual student-led Remembrance Day Assembly will be broadcast to the community via livestream. Each year, students from many grades offer their perspective on this day and of its continued relevance and importance. Inclement Weather Notice As we enter a time of inclement weather, please be reminded of our policies around school closure in the Parent-Student Handbook “Health and Safety” section under “School Closure Procedures” (page 53). Please note: the day following a school closure, school should be assumed to be open unless you receive a communication stating otherwise. If you need to update your contact information, please contact the Office Administrator for the ECE, Junior School, or Senior School. Student Health & Safety Forms The My CHS Community Portal includes a link to Student Health & Safety Forms under ‘Useful Resources.’ Here, parents/guardians will find links to conditions including asthma, diabetes, life-threatening allergies, and concussion. Also in this area are forms to register a vehicle and driver, and to give consent for a student to be a passenger in a private vehicle. These forms are required whenever the School has organized transportation and a student will be travelling in a private vehicle instead. A parent/guardian must establish consent when they are planning to drive a student who is not their daughter. A parent/guardian must also give consent for their daughter to ride with another parent/guardian. Note the location of these forms, should this need arise. Crofton House Employee Gift Policy Crofton House parents and students often thank CHS employees for their contributions through gifts. To help avoid a real, potential or perceived conflict of interest for the employee and the School, CHS employees can only accept gifts as outlined in the Gift Acceptance Policy, section 3.3 of the CHS Employee Handbook. If you are giving a gift to an employee, we would ask that you ensure it is reasonable in nature and of a value less than $125, and that you understand that if an employee refuses or returns a gift, it is simply that they are following the School's policy. If you have any questions, please contact Sarah Robinson, Director, Human Resources. |
Courage, Creativity, Citizenship
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