Two activities in February are worth highlighting for the community: Grade 4 to 7 students engaging in public speaking and Grade 7 to 11 students making decisions about their elective courses for the following year. Both activities are routine in the school year, yet looking through the lens of agency, we can unlock their potential to have a lasting and positive impact on student development.
Agency: The inherent capacity and the will of an individual to positively influence one's own life and the world around them through ownership of their thoughts, choices, and actions.
Getting up in front of an audience to deliver a message using words, phrases, and ideas constructed by the speaker can be intimidating. With practice, the butterflies become fewer as emotions make way for thoughtful engagement with concepts. Starting in Grade 4 students participate in at least one public speaking opportunity each year. Practising public speaking is one way the Junior School program contributes to developing student voice, one dimension of agency.
Public speaking is a powerful tool for individuals to develop agency by enhancing their self-expression, confidence, critical thinking skills, empowerment, and leadership abilities. Through engaging with diverse audiences and effectively conveying their messages, students assert their agency and contribute meaningfully to their personal and educational growth.
Meanwhile, the Senior School is preparing to construct a new timetable. Unlike other schools, the CHS timetable is constructed based on students' course requests and begins with students making informed choices about their options. Resources like the Academic Handbook, discussions with teachers, and personalized guidance sessions ensure students confidently choose elective courses that keep them on a graduation path and align with their interests and future goals.
The autonomy to select elective courses fosters agency in students' learning, empowering them to take ownership of their education, cultivate intrinsic motivation, and develop crucial skills in self-regulation and decision-making. This agency extends beyond course selection, enabling students to engage in collaborative initiatives, assume leadership roles, and advocate for changes aligned with their values and interests.
In year one of implementing the strategic plan, Thriving in Possibility, the School is laying a foundation. Many strategies, including purposeful learning and well-being, are rooted in the three dimensions of student agency: agency in learning, student voice, and student leadership. As we explore the most effective ways to develop student agency, we look at what we already do and leverage these experiences.
I am excited to hear the speeches written by the Junior School students and have every confidence the Grade 7 to 11 students will make the right choices in their electives for 2024-2025.
Save the Date: Grade 10-12 Production, Almost, Maine
Save the date 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. When tickets go on sale in mid-February, families will be notified by email.
2023 Tax Receipts
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.
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.
Writer in Residence: Julie Berry
Visiting authors are an important part of the Junior School's literacy program. During the Writer-in-Residence visits, Junior School students have the opportunity to learn with authors through readings and workshops. This January, we were thrilled to welcome New York Times bestselling author Julie Berry. Read the blog to learn more about her exciting visit.
Past Due - Step Two Enrolment Questionnaire
Step Two of the enrolment process, the Financial Agreement, is now past due (February 1). To secure a place for your child at CHS in 2024-2025, the completed questionnaire and tuition deposit payment must be submitted. All documentation, including the Financial Agreement, is on the My CHS Community Portal's Enrolment, Tuition and Billing page and can be accessed any time of the year.
IT Support Email Updated
The IT support email address for parents has been updated to parents-ithelp@croftonhouse.ca. Use this email to request support for technical issues, MySchool, and other IT-related questions. The original email address (support@croftonhouse.ca) will be discontinued on Friday, March 1, 2024.
Wrapping Up Our Celebration of 125 Years, February 21
Parents (past and present), alumnae, staff (past and present) and friends of CHS are invited to celebrate the end of the School’s 125-year celebration from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm on February 21, 2024, in Manrell Hall. We have had a fantastic year looking back on the history of the School and toward its future, guided by a new strategic plan, Thriving in Possibility. Connect with friends over refreshments and appetizers. Please RSVP online by February 14, 2024.
Establishing Safe, Caring, & Respectful Digital Communities: Online Sessions
In February, the Ministry of Education and Safer Schools Together offers several online family sessions focusing on Establishing Safe, Caring, & Respectful Digital Communities. These are recommended for parents/caregivers/grandparents and youth aged 10 and up to facilitate the conversation of safe and caring use of technology at home and in the community. Register to attend.
Community Dining
 Have you downloaded the "Touch of SAGE" app? Available on the Apple Store app or Google Play. View daily menus and ingredients, create a custom allergen profile, plan meals, and provide feedback – all in one place on your mobile device. Feedback submitted through the Touch of SAGE app goes directly to the SAGE Manager, who can adjust the menu to what you love.
This issue brings you photo highlights from across campus and beyond, with a special Senior School assembly to honour Holocaust Memorial Day, Grade 11 OE Camp in Squamish, a visit from Junior School Writer-in-Residence, Julie Berry, Junior and Senior School athletics and a Grade 6-12 band performance. Check out this issue’s highlights gallery here.
Junior School Athletics
The Grade 5 basketball team had an impressive performance last week against Southridge and exhibited great teamwork and skill, keeping the same momentum while playing against Saint John's School yesterday. Looking ahead, the Grade 5 basketball team is preparing for ISEA Playday scheduled at Mulgrave on February 13. The upcoming tournament provides an exciting opportunity for the team to test their abilities against a diverse range of competitors.
The Grade 6 basketball team faced a recent match against West Point Grey Academy. Despite the tough competition, the team demonstrated resilience and sportsmanship on the court. Using the valuable insights gained from the game, the Grade 6 players dedicated their practice time this week to refine their skills and strengthen their teamwork. Looking ahead, the team is preparing for the Grade 6 ISEA Playday at the Richmond Olympic Oval on February 14.
The 7A basketball team concluded their league season, finishing second out of five teams. They look forward to the Cav's Classic Tournament at Collingwood on February 12, as a great opportunity to practice their skills against the top teams in the ISEA. The 7B team won their game against Mulgrave last week and continues with league play on February 12 against Brockton School. This upcoming game holds significant importance as they strive to secure the top spot in the 7B division.
In our younger grades, enthusiastic Grade 3 and 4 Falcons have been spotted keeping fit throughout the winter with the Fitness Challenge where athletes maintain and improve their fitness, practise new exercises, and relax their bodies and minds with Yoga poses.
Senior School Athletics
Last week, the Bantam basketball team had back-to-back games, securing their first win of the season on home grounds against Saint Patrick School! Thank you to our home crowd for cheering them on.
The Junior basketball team also had two back-to-back games, securing both wins! They went on to compete in the VGBA tournament at Langara College. After two days of play, they earned two wins! Congratulations to VGBA Players of the game, Angie and Sami.
The Varsity basketball team played the Seaquam Tournament and earned one win against Lord Byng. Congratulations to player of the game, Sarah.
This week, the Junior basketball team earned a win against Little Flower Academy and are currently competing in the Grizzlies Junior Tournament in Chilliwack from February 1-3. Next week our team competes in the Junior League Playoffs. The first game takes place here at Crofton House in the Athletics Centre at 4:00 pm on February 7. Come support your Falcons!
The Varsity basketball team is getting ready to compete in the ISA Championships February 2-3 at Mulgrave School.
A huge appreciation to our coaches who show up every day, with tremendous enthusiasm and patience!
Follow the Crofton Falcons on Instagram for more updates and information.
Go Falcons Go!
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