How many in our community mark the start of a year in conversation with their children, discussing hopes and dreams for the year? Here, it is often an activity that takes place in homerooms and advisory as students share goals they have set for themselves and actions they will take to achieve them.
One of our research chairs emphasized the power of publicly declaring goals, believing that when you share your aspirations with others, you're more likely to receive support, encouragement, and often reminders that can, when required, nudge you back on track. On a larger scale, we know that thriving businesses and institutions are goal-oriented, and CHS is no different. The leadership teams identify, articulate, refine and share goals that collectively guide our work each year. The motivation or foundation of each plan can be traced to three primary sources.
The first source is the Strategic Plan. At this time, we are in the first year of taking action toward the five strategies that make up Thriving in Possibility. The school has established starting points in all areas, and this week, the Board of Governors has given their support to what is planned for 2023-2024. Watch for information about these goals to be released to the community in the next few weeks.
The second source of information that results in new goals or a continued strengthening of existing efforts is feedback from our community. For example, in late May 2023, parents/guardians were invited to share their experiences at the School via an online, confidential survey. I am pleased to share the survey findings with you. As you will see, the results are encouraging. Some areas require attention from the School, and these have informed our goals for the year ahead. If you have any questions or comments on the results of this survey, I would welcome the opportunity to speak with you.
The final goal-setting influence is external to the School. In a few weeks, the School will be inspected by the Ministry of Education and Child Care to ensure we are meeting policy and statutory requirements and that our program meets all curriculum expectations. The School expects to hear about changes in our programs and practices each year. Through goal setting, we continue to make thoughtful changes to curriculum implementation, such as that required by the new Reporting Policy or the Indigenous-Focused Graduation Requirement.
In closing, I look forward to sharing with you the plans to launch the School toward the aspirations of Thriving in Possibility. I appreciate your ongoing support of the School’s continuous improvement. By sharing these plans with the community and updating everyone on our progress and future goals, we will ensure CHS's success through the next 125 years.
Test of the School's Special Alert Communication Protocol
On Tuesday, September 19, at 4:00 pm, the School sent out a special alert communication protocol to all parents. You should have received a “TEST” message sent via email, text and voice message to the contact information listed in MySchool. If you did not receive either the email, text or voice message, please check the contact information listed in the Student Information Portal, MySchool. If a change is needed, click “My Contact Details - Edit”, make the necessary change and “Save”. If you require any assistance, contact Tamara
Wojdylo, Database Administrator.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
On Monday, October 2, the School will close in recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (Saturday, September 30).
During the days leading up to October 2, students have been engaged in learning and activities in support of Truth and Reconciliation. In addition to these in-class activities, the School publishes resources and a list of events for the community to join.
Reminder: Run for the Cure CHS Team
The CIBC Run for the Cure returns to Concord Community Park in Vancouver on Sunday, October 1, 2023. Run for the Cure is an opportunity to come together as a community to make a meaningful difference in the lives of Canadians affected by breast cancer by walking or running 1 km or 5 km.
Crofton House School has supported Run for the Cure for over 28 years. Whether you would like to support by participating in person or donating to help the CHS School Teams reach their goal, visit the fundraising page for the Junior School or the Senior School, and view the event page for more information.
Crofton House School 125th Celebration Event
Join us to celebrate 125 Years of Girl-Centred Education on Friday, November 24, 2023, at 5:30 pm, at the Grand Ballroom, Parq Vancouver, 39 Smithe Street. Our hope for this event is to see as many members of the Crofton House community attend. This is the perfect opportunity to come together as a community and celebrate the history and traditions of Crofton House School. Register here. Please note there is limited capacity for this event.
Whole Girl Whole World
Aligning with Truth and Reconciliation week on campus, Whole Girl, Whole World guest speaker, Monique Gray Smith, encouraged students, staff and parents to reconnect to the always-present power of nature. While addressing Truth and Reconciliation with encouraging kindness, she also brought awareness to the gifts of slowing down and being present. Read the blog for our key takeaways.
Uniform Shop Hours
The Uniform Shop will be open during Late Start Wednesdays on October 4, 11, and 18 from 8:00 am to 9:30 am and is available for parents or students accompanied by parents only.
The Uniform Shop is regularly open to Senior School students on Thursdays and Fridays from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Parents are encouraged to use the online order form when possible; however, you can also make an appointment to visit the Uniform Shop by email at uniform@croftonhouse.ca. For parents wishing to donate used uniform items, we kindly ask that items be deposited in the Used Uniform drop-off box in the receiving area at 5711 Balaclava Street. Please do not leave items outside of the Uniform Shop entrance.
Did You Know? - Outdoor Education at Crofton House
Outdoor Education enriches the learning of our students and provides powerful experiences that enable each girl to reach her unique potential. Experiences in nature have taken many forms at CHS. Excursions into the elements began in the early1900s and, at one time, even had students at camp for a whole month in the summer. Read the blog to learn more about OE over the years.
This issue brings you photo highlights from across campus and beyond, with Grade 8 OE Camp in Squamish, the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre field trip, Sports from Chan Hall, the Athletics Centre and Kent Field, Think Pink Pink day highlights and more! Check out the highlights gallery here.
Junior School Athletics
The Crofton Falcons Cross Country Team hits full stride on the running trails. Last Wednesday, the team participated in the Fraser Academy Relay at Jericho Beach. On Sunday, our runners returned to Jericho Beach, with 35 Falcons participating in the Spirit Run. The following Wednesday marked another impressive turnout, with 65 runners representing the Falcons at the West Point Grey Academy Campus Trail Invitational. Looking ahead, athletes are gearing up for the upcoming ISEA race scheduled for October 13 at Crescent Park.
Last week, students kicked off the Junior School volleyball season with great enthusiasm! Our 7A team showcased their skills at the Tiffany Li Memorial Tournament. The energy was palpable in Chan Hall on Monday as our 7A and 7B teams hosted West Point Grey Academy. It was a double triumph for the Falcons as both teams secured victories in exciting matches.
On Tuesday, 40 Grade 6 volleyball players made their way to New Westminster to face off against Urban Academy. The volleyball action continued as York House visited Chan Hall on Wednesday with our 7A team securing a win. On Thursday, the Grade 5 Volleyball team played their first home game of the season against York House. Our 7B team played the St. John's School in the Dig It Tournament on Friday.
Senior School Athletics
Starting two weeks ago, the Senior 2 and Varsity Field Hockey team participated in the Friendship Cup in Duncan, BC. After only three practices, our athletes held their own, had some wins and losses, showed up for each other, and overall had a great first tournament of the season. Varsity Volleyball was represented at the UBC Thunderbird Varsity Volleyball Tournament. Coach Christian and teacher sponsor Patrice were impressed with how the team worked together and came away with a plan to progress and structure the rest of their season.
Last week started strong with our Volleyball teams hosting Burnaby South for exhibition games. Our teams were solid across the board with a special visit from our mascot Fergie who came out to cheer.
Our Bantam 8B Volleyball team (with so much interest from students, we have two Grade 8 teams this year!) took on Fraser Academy and came away with the win. They also played Vancouver Christian School and put up an incredible effort, falling just short. Coach Billy was thrilled with how the team came back strong in the second set.
Meanwhile, the Bantam 8A Volleyball team participated in the Bear Cub Tournament in Chilliwack. To note, this is a Grade 9 tournament, and they placed 5th - winning five of their six games.
The Junior Volleyball team headed to Richmond for a tournament at McMath School and came home with second place!
The Varsity Volleyball team had their first official league game, taking on West Point Grey Academy at home on Wednesday. The team was at it again over the weekend - coming home with gold at the Spectrum Volleyball Tournament in Victoria.
More action is coming next week, including the Bridgman Cup in Victoria. Follow the Crofton Falcons on Instagram for more updates and information.
Go Falcons Go!
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