I continue to be in awe of the achievements of the CHS Alumnae. In December, five CHS alumnae participated in the inaugural Pan American Continental Cup Masters Field Hockey tournament in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Nancy Moore ’74, Fran Sloan Sainas ’75, Deborah Money ’77, Alison Palmer ’78, and Clare (Guard) Ford ’79 represented Canada on the 60+ and 65+ teams in this exciting tournament alongside players from North and South America. Each alumna was part of the field hockey program at CHS, with Alison and Nancy going on to play on the Canadian national team.
Sports have been and will be an essential element of the CHS experience for many students, staff, and parents. Further, it is integral to the educational program. In addition to developing physical and cognitive abilities, students develop organizational, collaborative, and problem-solving skills through participation in co-curricular sports. Recent research has shown girls who participate in sports report greater confidence, lower anxiety and improved emotional health than those who are not engaged. See Purposeful Parenting for links to reports.
A recent report from BC School Sports (BCSS) celebrated a 13 percent increase in registrants for sports compared to the last pre-pandemic year, 2018-2019, and an 18 percent increase from a decade ago. Happy news; however, gains were lower in most female sports. Jordan Abney, Executive Director of BCSS, noted, “...member schools will be watching this trend carefully and remain committed to creating safe and welcoming opportunities for our female student-athletes in interschool sport.”
At a girl-centred school, participation in sports comes with fewer barriers like those prompting the recently announced Commission on the Future of Sport in Canada. Canadian Women & Sport applauded the announcement, stating, "At Canadian Women & Sport, we share Minister Qualtrough’s vision of a sport system that is safe, inclusive and welcoming." At CHS, our current efforts are focused on expanding the athletics program. Introducing a golf team this spring is an exciting
step forward, and we are continuing to investigate what more we can do to engage students.
On February 7, the National Girls and Women in Sports Day, we mark the importance of sport in the lives of girls and women worldwide. Sport has always been an essential element of the CHS experience, and many, like our field hockey-playing alumnae, continue to be a part of their lives after graduation.
It takes many hands to have a sustainable and successful sports program. I am grateful to the parents and guardians at CHS for their engagement in our athletic programs, evidenced by the early morning drop-offs, late afternoon and evening pick-ups and attendance at games and matches. Also, I want to thank the staff whose passion for sports extends their working day and who role model the importance of making sport a part of their lives. On this note, a shout out to Senior School Physical and Health Education teacher Karlene Headley-Cooper on being inducted into the University of Toronto’s Sports Hall of Fame as an Athlete in recognition of her contribution to athletics at UofT (Squash 2002-2009 and Softball 2002-2007). Congratulations, Karlene!
On February 7, the National Girls and Women in Sports Day, we mark the importance of sport in the lives of girls and women worldwide. Three recent reports identify trends in girls participating in co-curricular athletics programs and the benefits of engagement in sports.
Canadian Women in Sport: The Rally Report 2022. This report, created in partnership with Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities, provides a look at the current state of sport for girls.
BC Children’s Hospital Research: Improving Youth Mental Health and Well-Being During the COVID-19 Recovery Phase. This report looks at strategies, including physical activity, to support youth mental health (MH) and well-being during the pandemic recovery period.
Women's Sports Foundation: Healing Power of Sport. This report examines how sports participation among girls was impacted during the pandemic and how sports served as a protective factor against some of COVID-19’s negative impacts on behaviour, mental health, and academic achievement.
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.
Step Two Enrolment Questionnaire Due Before February 1
Step Two of the enrolment process, the Financial Agreement, is due before Thursday, February 1 and is accessible through the MySchool Student Information Portal questionnaire section. The completed questionnaire and payment of the tuition deposit conclude the enrolment process. 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.
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
The Ministry of Education and Safer Schools Together offers several online family sessions in January and February 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.
Has Your Contact Information Changed?
The School needs to have the most current contact information, particularly in the event of an emergency or change in schedule or program due to weather. If there has been a change in your address, email address or telephone/cellphone number, you can update your contact information in MySchool. Select “My Contact Details - Edit” from the panel on the right-hand side. Replace any information that requires updating and SAVE.
Weather-Related Schedule Changes
Winter weather can make travel and outdoor activities challenging. Depending on conditions, the School may be required to modify the schedule or programming for the day, starting later or ending earlier, or call a snow day and close the campus. Parents and staff are notified of changes via text, email and voice messages using our notification provider, Regroup. The School needs to have up-to-date contact information (stored in MySchool) for you to receive notification of any change.
26th Annual Golf Classic - Join the Golf Committee
In 2024, Crofton House will host its 26th Annual Golf Classic. The Golf Committee will resume its duties in February. Anyone interested in joining the committee, please email advancement@croftonhouse.ca.
From snowy days to the start of a new year, the CHS campus is brimming with fresh energy. The School has been busy between classrooms, guest speakers and reconnecting with classmates and friends. Check out this issue’s highlights gallery here.
Junior School Athletics
Athletics in Chan Hall has had an exciting start with all Junior School basketball teams stepping onto the court to showcase and refine their skills against other schools throughout the first two weeks of the new year!
The Grade 5 athletes kicked off their season with a game against York House last week. The Grade 6 teams, equally enthusiastic, competed against Stratford Hall and York House, with their sights set on an upcoming game with West Point Grey Academy.
Our Grade 7A team started the season on a high note, securing victories against Stratford Hall and Saint John's. They may have faced their first loss of the season against Collingwood, but are ready to bounce back in upcoming matches. The 7B team is off to a very strong start with an impressive record of two wins and no losses.
Both Grade 6 and 7 athletes have been busy honing their skills in our CHS Lunch League twice a week. With pool play now complete, teams will be geared up for the playoffs starting next week!
Despite the winter chill, our Grade 3 and 4 athletes have been on the move, prioritizing their fitness with bi-weekly participation in the Fitness Challenge!
Senior School Athletics
Congratulations to our Junior Basketball team who earned the title of ISA Champions last weekend!
Meanwhile, the Senior Basketball team has started 2024 off strong by winning two of their three games at the Juggler’s Classic. We are so proud of the hard work and continuous effort of our teams and athletes.
A lot more action to come from our Falcons. Stay tuned!
Follow the Crofton Falcons on Instagram for more updates and information.
Go Falcons Go!
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