I hope everyone has reviewed the Year One Implementation Plan for the School’s strategic plan, Thriving in Possibility. You will have noticed that many actions this year are best described as foundational. The strategies clearly state an end goal, and the work being undertaken this year is intended to ensure that the path toward the goal is the most effective and efficient.
Following the approval of this plan by the Board, the School has moved forward on several initiatives, and today, I will highlight two interdependent strategies that are underway.
- Active Stewardship: Design a multi-year plan to reduce the School's ecological footprint and embed sustainable practices in the School's operations based on an audit of current practices.
- Purposeful Learning: Establish a K-12 scope and sequence map for knowledge, skills and attitudes connected to ecological literacy and sustainability education.
In completing an audit of our current sustainability practices, we aim to be strategic in whatever actions we take in the future. With the support of consultant Stephanie Foster, President of Fostering Sustainability, the School will answer four key questions.
- What resources, such as water and energy, does the School use daily and what improvements will make a real difference?
- How can our purchases change to better reflect the goals of a green procurement approach?
- Do we need to alter how we tend to the campus grounds?
- How can we support initiatives like those undertaken by Sage Dining in their Food Usage Program to ensure that community dining is environmentally sound and nutritious?
Once we have a better understanding of how we can make more efficient use of essential resources and what investment is required, we will have a clearer understanding of the necessary next steps.
A second strategy, "Purposeful Learning," involves assessing the integration of climate change and environmental sustainability into the educational program. At the beginning of the year, Travis Fuchs, Researcher in Residence and Junior School Teacher, surveyed teachers and students to gauge their views on the importance of these topics within the school curriculum. This assessment helps identify existing gaps in understanding. It's evident that teachers are keen on professional development in this area, and hosting the Climate Change Collaborative for Educators is a step toward enhancing their knowledge.
Climate change and environmmental sustainability are topics that worry and interests students, and they are motivated to embrace any opportunity for meaningful engagement. Teachers and students want to make a difference.
The School has already taken many steps toward increasing environmental awareness, and we can do more. Thriving in Possibility will ensure this is a priority for the School. If you have any questions about the implementation plans, please do not hesitate to contact me.
On Thursday, November 9, Senior School’s Coordinator of Educational Technology, Chris Mckenzie, facilitated a parent session around Educational Technology at CHS. This session focused on our philosophy on technology, our framework for teaching technology and tech integration within our curriculum, the use of the PERMA model of wellbeing to review our relationship with technology, and our transformative approach to AI. Access the resources shared during this session.
Remembrance Day Assembly Recording
Earlier today, the school held its annual student-led Remembrance Day Assembly. First observed throughout the British Commonwealth in 1919 as Armistice Day, November 11 commemorates the agreement that ended the First World War on Monday, November 11, 1918, at 11:00 am. Today, Remembrance Day recognizes the courage and sacrifices of all those who have served their country and acknowledges our responsibility to continue to work for the peace these individuals fought to achieve. The assembly includes students from many grades offering their perspectives on this day and its continued relevance and importance. View a recording of the assembly
and a photo gallery.
Winter Bazaar: Donate, Volunteer through SignUp, and Final Days for Pre-Sales
The Winter Bazaar approaches and we have several reminders to prepare you for the day!
- Check out the various volunteer opportunities. Sign up to get involved with the Crofton House community while raising funds for a great cause!
- Remember to collect and donate your used books, sporting goods, luxury goods, and school uniforms for the next Winter Bazaar Blitz Day, when you can drop off donations on Tuesday, November 21, between 8:00 am and 8:45 am at the Balaclava Street Entrance.
- Lastly, don't miss out on Bazaar pre-sales – purchase your entry wristbands and activity tickets, plants and wreaths, sweet or savoury pies from The Pie Hole, or a delicious home pizza kit from Rocky Mountain Flatbread.
Annual Report slideshow and PDF
The 2022-2023 Annual Report has now been published. You can view a copy of the report here and an accompanying slideshow celebrating highlights from across the campus during the school year.
Inclement Weather Notice
Winter weather can make travel challenging. The School has a procedure to respond to inclement weather that results in school closure, and this is outlined in the Parent-Student Handbook “Health and Safety” section under “School Closure Procedures” (page 37). Communication of closure is sent through Regroup, voicemail, email, and text.
A Message from Vancouver Coastal Health: Vision Care for Children
Good vision is important to children’s learning and development. Vancouver Coastal Health encourages all families to use the available vision care services. Information on the importance of regular eye exams and how to access services in our region is outlined in an infographic provided by VCH.
A Festival of Lights - Happy Diwali
As the festival of lights, Diwali, approaches, Hindu families in our community will come together to celebrate this joyous occasion. Diwali, a time of triumph of light over darkness, is marked by the glow of diyas and the vibrant colours of rangoli. It symbolizes the victory of good over evil and the ushering in of new beginnings. May the radiant spirit of Diwali illuminate your homes and hearts, bringing prosperity, joy, and unity to you and your loved ones. Wishing our Hindu families a Happy Diwali filled with light, love, and the blessings of shared traditions.
Admissions for the 2024-2025 School Year
Applications for the 2024-2025 school year at Crofton House are now open, and our Admissions team is busy with group tours, Q&A sessions and open houses. Applications for all intake years (JK, SK, Grade 6, Grade 8) and financial assistance for Grade 8 entry are due on December 1, 2023.
The best way for new families to get to know us is through our current community. Please share our invitation to register for an upcoming open house with your friends and network. If you have any questions about the admissions process, please contact Richard Cohee, Director, Admissions.
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 2024-2025 school year are due Friday, December 1, 2023. A reminder that families currently receiving financial assistance must also submit an application for the next school year by December 1. The application fee will be waived for Crofton House families. If you have any questions, please contact Karen Choi, Director, Finance.
Here are some snaps from the last two weeks on campus, including memorable moments as we close volleyball season, a recap of our community coming together for Service Together, Bazaar Crafternoon and more! Check out this issue’s the highlights gallery here.
Also, while the spooky season may be behind us, if you want to relive some of the amazing costume-based creativity we saw on campus, here is a special Halloween highlights gallery.
Junior School Athletics
Term 1 Junior School athletics season finished with the Grade 7 ISEA championships hosted at Crofton House and York House. The Grade 7B Volleyball team competed at York House and closed in 4th position. The Grade 7A Volleyball team competed at Crofton House in front of an enthusiastic home crowd. Their resilience and commitment to improvement throughout the season speak volumes about their passion for the sport. We are proud of them.
Our Junior School Crofton Falcons came together to celebrate the achievements of all the athletes in the traditional athletic wrap-up on November 3. Awards were given to the most committed, most improved, and most spirited athletes, as well as an athlete-selected most valuable teammate award. In Term 2, the Junior School athletics program will focus on basketball and the fitness challenge!
Senior School Athletics
Congratulations to our Senior 2 Field Hockey team for earning bronze in their league playoffs and congratulations to the Varsity Field Hockey team for earning 9th at the Provincial Championships.
A huge congratulations to our Varsity Volleyball team for earning gold and the title of Western Canadian Independent School Champions! This is a monumental win as it is only the 2nd time for CHS to win this award, the last time was in 2006.
Congratulations to our Junior Volleyball team. They earned silver at R.E. Mountain Secondary School Tournament and a silver in the League Championships!
Congratulations to 8A Bantam Volleyball team who earned silver at the League Championships.
We had nine athletes qualify for the Cross Country Provincial Championships this year - congratulations to our team!
Follow the Crofton Falcons on Instagram for more updates and information.
Go Falcons Go!
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