It is hard to believe two years have passed since we invited community members to be directly involved in supporting two girls we had yet to meet and who were slowly making their way from their home in Afghanistan to Canada and Crofton House School. In June, these young women will graduate with the class of 2024 and, in September, begin post-secondary studies. We are proud of their many accomplishments, not least of which are transitioning to a new country and education system. We are also incredibly proud of the welcome, guidance, assistance and friendship they received from their classmates, staff and the wider CHS community.
Next year, two additional students from Afghanistan, where educational opportunities for girls are systematically restricted, will continue their studies at our school. Unlike our graduating Afghanistan students, these students will have the support of two remarkable and knowledgeable alumnae who will remain nearby. Like the current two students from Afghanistan, we can’t wait to welcome the new students to CHS.
Similarly, families who host the new students will have the experience of our current host families, including my own family. We have been able to host one of the students in our home and, as with all the other hosts, see ourselves as fortunate to have had the opportunity to play an essential role in the life of one of these amazing girls.
So, we are beginning Chapter Two in our relationship with Women Leaders of Tomorrow and Cypress Accommodation, two of this partnership's four pillars. On Tuesday, we hosted an information session for families interested in hosting the new students. If you could not attend and are interested in being part of the fourth pillar, the session was recorded, and more information is provided in this edition of ECalls. If you and your family are considering this and have questions, please do not hesitate to contact Michelle Douglas or me.
Thank you to the community for supporting this initiative. It shows what our community can do together to champion girls' education.
Understanding SOGI Education
As we approach Pride Week in the Senior School, this article and the accompanying resources speak to the impact of SOGI (Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity) education in schools, fostering an inclusive environment and increasing student well-being. Learn more about SOGI 123, a resource developed by the BC Ministry of Education, and its focus on acceptance, respect, and diversity, how CHS is integrating this approach in an intentional and age-appropriate manner in Junior and Senior School, and how discussions at home can be an opportunity to explore important topics around inclusion and identity together.
Inviting Host Families - Making Education Possible for a Student from Afghanistan
Community members are urged to consider welcoming a student from Afghanistan into their home for an extended period in 2024-2025 while they attend CHS. Families with experience of Grades 10-12 are particularly well placed to support these students, but any family is welcome. Witnessing the graduation in June of two students from Afghanistan is meaningful to the School and especially to the current host families.
"Hosting one of the Crofton House students from Afghanistan has been a complete joy and such an enriching experience for our family. We expected challenges and adjustments, but can honestly say they didn't come - it has been entirely positive and we feel so lucky to have had the opportunity to host her. The kindness, courage and resilience she brought to our home will have a lasting impact, and we cannot wait to see what she will accomplish post-graduation!"
Full details of this program are described here. In addition, an information session on being a host family held earlier in the week was recorded and is available. An additional information session is scheduled for Thursday, May 2, from 8:15 am to 9:00 a.m. Please RSVP to attend.
If you and your family are considering this and have questions, please do not hesitate to contact Michelle Douglas or Ena Harrop.
Applications to be a community host family for 2024-2025 are due on Wednesday, May 15, 2024.
Middle School Musical - Disney's Newsies JR
Inspired by a true story, Newsies Jr. shows the power that we can have when we stand up for what we believe in. When powerful newspaper publishers raise prices at the newsies' expense, the charismatic Jack Kelly rallies newsies from across the city to strike against the unfair conditions. Together, the newsies learn that they are stronger united and create a movement to fight for what's right! May 1 and 2 at 7:00 pm - purchase your tickets here.
Jeans Day - May 9 2024
On May 9 the Whole School is invited to wear jeans In support of BC Children’s Hospital Foundation. Donations made to the Foundation will be matched if made by April 30. Click through to the CHS team donation page here.
26th Annual CHS Golf Classic
Crofton House invites you to the 26th Annual Golf Classic on Friday, May 31, at the University Golf Club. Thank you to everyone who has already signed up for this year’s event.
Dinner-only registration is now sold out! If you are still interested in joining us for dinner, we encourage you to add your name to the waitlist by sending an email to golf@croftonhouse.ca, as spots may open up.
For the Golf Tournament, there are still a few spots available. Register here.
Good to know:
- Can we organize our own golf foursome? Yes, you may.
- What if I don’t have my foursome. Can I still register? Yes, you can. We will do our best to pair you with other players with daughters in the same grade.
- Can we make special requests for seating or golf? Certainly! You are welcome to let us know any golfing/seating preferences. We will do our best to accommodate them!
- Can we put together a table for dinner or is it assigned seating? You may put together your own table. Each table seats 10 people.
- What is the average handicap? We encourage parents of any golf level to participate! This is a fun way to get together and support the School’s fundraising priorities.
- Can I bring my child to this event? The CHS Golf Classic is an adults-only event.
Please feel free to invite grandparents to participate in this event also.
Should you have any further questions, please contact Liam McGillivray, Advancement Coordinator.
Silent Auction
The silent auction is still accepting donations. If you are interested in donating to the silent auction, please reach out to Liam McGillivray.
Chag Pesach Sameach!
Passover, or Pesach, holds profound significance in Jewish tradition. It commemorates the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in ancient Egypt. It's a time of reflection, gratitude, and renewal, marked by retelling the Exodus story, symbolic rituals, and gathering loved ones around the Seder table. May this Passover season be filled with joy, connection, happiness, and peace. Chag Pesach Sameach!
RSVP to the Whole Girl, Whole World with Jennifer Wallace (Virtual)
On Tuesday, April 30 at 12:00 pm PST, award-winning journalist and author, Jennifer Wallace, will join the CHS community online to speak about her book, Never Enough: When Achievement Culture Becomes Toxic - and What We Can Do About It. A New York Times bestseller, it is described as “the definitive book on the rise of ‘toxic achievement culture’ overtaking our kids’ and parents’ lives, and a new framework for fighting back”. Be sure to RSVP by Sunday, April 28.
B.C. Training and Education Savings Program Grant
The Ministry of Education and Child Care invites parents and guardians of students in JK to Grade 4 to review a letter that describes eligibility for a $1,200 BC Training and Education Savings Grant for their post-secondary education. More information is available on the Ministry’s website.
Crofton House School Merchandise Now Available Online
You can now purchase some of the fun and beautiful CHS merchandise available in the School Store online. Check out the selection including mugs, pyjamas, bucket hats and more! Uniform items are not available online.
This issue brings you excitement across campus, including a look into the Junior and Senior School Earth Week, a special tulip market hosted by the Senior Kindergarten, inspiring moments from Senior School student executive candidates, athletics and more! Check out this issue’s highlights gallery here.
Junior School Athletics
Students attended the Vancouver Olympic Club Track Meet held in New Westminster, securing the overall team award! The event had a great turnout, with over 85 athletes participating across two days of competition on April 19-20. Notably, the Grade 5 and 6 teams came out on top in their respective categories. It was a special moment to have over 20 Grade 3 athletes participating in their first track meet!
Shortly after their success at the Vancouver Olympic Club Track Meet, 80 students headed to UBC to participate in the Vancouver Elementary School track meet on April 24. Despite the rain, the spirits of the athletes remained high as they spent the day competing at the track in preparation for the upcoming ISEA Championships in the middle of May!
Senior School Athletics
The Junior badminton team was successful playing against St. Patrick’s - winning all of their home games.
The Varsity soccer team were successful against Little Flower Academy on Tuesday at Trillium Turf winning the game with a 2-0 victory.
The Senior 2 soccer team is headed to St. Michaels University School to represent CHS in the ISA Soccer Championships April 26-27. Track and Field athletes compete today in the League Finals at the UBC Track. Stay tuned for the results.
Last week, an exciting development took place on campus thanks to our athletics council who have led athlete "media days" in collaboration with our yearbook club who took the photos of our spring sports teams.
Follow the Crofton Falcons on Instagram for more updates and information.
Go Falcons Go!
Staff Appreciation 2024: Celebrating Our Teachers and Staff
The CHS Parents' Auxiliary is thrilled to announce our upcoming Staff Appreciation event, taking place on Thursday, May 23. We will be hosting a special luncheon in the Old Residence to honour the incredible teachers and staff at our school. The success of this event depends on the support of parents, so we invite you to join us in expressing our gratitude for their dedication and hard work. Whether you sign up to contribute food, refreshments, or financial support, or volunteer for set-up or service, your involvement is deeply appreciated by CHS teachers and staff!
CHS Community Book Club - Author Visit!
CHS parents and alumnae are invited to the upcoming Book Club meeting where we will be joined by local author and alum mum relative, Kelly McKenzie, to explore Never, Never, Hardly Ever, memoirs of her mother’s iconic Vancouver antique store. Join us on Wednesday, May 29 at 9:30 am in the Nocente Family Fireplace Lounge. Drop-ins are welcome, no registration needed!
Get Involved in the 2024 Winter Bazaar!
Last December’s Winter Bazaar, made possible by the enthusiasm and dedication of over 680 student, parent, alumnae and teacher volunteers, was a showcase of our school's vibrant community spirit.
We are seeking parents who are interested in taking on leadership roles as convenors or executives, or who could offer support with certain specialized skills as we look forward to the next Winter Bazaar. If you would like to be part of the Winter Bazaar team or simply want to learn more, sign up here. Join us in our commitment to building a strong CHS community through the Winter Bazaar, while making a meaningful impact to our charitable partner in the local community - and create new connections with fellow parents along the way!
A Great Turnout at the Used Uniform Sale
The spring Used Uniform Sale last Friday was a resounding success. Thank you to all who donated CHS uniform pieces, as well as the volunteers and staff who supported the event. And a heartfelt thank you to event chair, Ai Lin Tiah, for her many years of leadership of the Used Uniform Sale! The next sale will be in late August – see you then!
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