In the realm of education, British Columbia has set an impressive benchmark for excellence. The province's educational system consistently strives for the best, prioritizing student performance, safety, and preparedness for the future. To maintain this exceptional standard, the School must embrace change and rigorous oversight.
Every two years, the Ministry of Education and Child Care (MECC) inspects independent schools in British Columbia. The School completed a monitoring inspection in the first week of October. A more detailed and lengthy process than in the past, the current inspection process reflects the complexity of education in today’s world. Three areas are emerging as critical to meeting Ministry requirements:
Emphasis on student and staff well-being: Schools must provide evidence of direct programming and processes to promote well-being, and all schools must provide defined and targeted support for students with diverse learning needs.
Addressing topics like anti-racism and Truth and Reconciliation: These complex topics must be seen to be woven throughout the curriculum, and students from Grade 1 to 12 must be provided with opportunities to develop and deepen their understanding.
Being data-driven and strategic: Schools must demonstrate a process for collecting and analyzing data from internal and external sources. Further, having a strategic plan to guide a school’s decisions is now an expectation.
In the concluding remarks of a successful inspection, the inspector was complimentary of the School, “For 125 years, Crofton House School has provided a unique educational program that is worthy of celebration and commendation.” We were particularly encouraged by his positive reflections on the School’s strategies to promote well-being, enhance our support for neurodiverse students, engage parents in the educational program, and deliver a thoughtful Strategic Plan, Thriving in Possibility, all areas in which the School has invested resources in the last few years.
In two years, we'll welcome inspectors back for an extensive evaluation, covering all aspects of this year’s inspection and delving deeper into curriculum adherence from Kindergarten to Grade 12. We eagerly anticipate the feedback.
Event Recording Available - Behind Their Screens: What Teens are Facing (and Adults Are Missing)
On October 26, CHS welcomed Carrie James and Emily Weinstein, authors of Behind Their Screens: What Teens are Facing (and Adults Are Missing), for a virtual presentation.
As Harvard Project Zero researchers, Carrie and Emily’s presentation was based on extensive research and explored the complexities of social media use for teenagers and the importance of fostering agency in young people to manage their online engagement. This talk gives parents and guardians practical strategies to support their daughters in developing their ability to manage their use of technology in ways that preserve their well-being.
We warmly encourage all parents and guardians to watch the recording of this extremely informative presentation. There are also several articles on this topic in our Parent Resources area.
In addition, Carrie and Emily have recently launched the 'Centre of Digital Thriving' with Harvard's Graduate School of Education.
Senior School Parenting Session #2: Digital Agency
On Thursday, November 9, 2023, Senior School parents and guardians are invited to join Mr. McKenzie, Coordinator of Educational Technology, Senior School, for the second parenting session of the year: Digital Agency - through empowering choice, intentionality and control over the way technology fits into our lives. Please RSVP for this event.
All Parents/Guardians are Encouraged to Attend the CHS Annual General Meeting
The Annual General Meeting (the “Meeting”) of Crofton House School (the “Society”) is scheduled for Tuesday, November 7, 2023, at 7:00 pm via Zoom. All parents/guardians, as members of the Society, are encouraged to join. At the Meeting, four elected members of the School’s Board of Governors (the “Board”) will retire, and the Meeting will elect four new members to the Board. The four members who are being considered for election at the AGM include Craig Lindsay, current and past parent, as well as current Vice Chair, Felix Liu, current parent, Tom Matthews, past parent and former Head of St George’s School and Kevin Kruk, current and past parent. You can read more about the nominees here. To RSVP, please read the Notice of Annual General Meeting that was sent to parents on Tuesday, October 17.
Thriving in Possibility - Year One Implementation Plan
The 2023-2024 school year marks the first year of implementation for the strategic plan, Thriving in Possibility, and, as Ena Harrop shared in her ECalls message (October 14), the School has defined specific objectives for each of the five strategies in the Year One Implementation Plan. The Board has approved the plans for
2023-2024, and the foundational work completed this year is essential to setting the direction for the years to come.
Kent Field Lighting Project - Status Report
The Kent Field Lighting Project is an extension of the work that began with the campus masterplan redevelopment in 2015 and continues year after year. Approximately one year ago, the School welcomed the surrounding community to the campus to learn about the initiative and provide input. The plans for the project, together with that gained from community consultation, were submitted to the City of Vancouver. The School will soon be soliciting proposals from companies interested in completing the installation, and we look forward to beginning the work in the summer of 2024.
Preventing Colds, Flu and COVID Transmission
As we embrace the cooler months, we tend to see a rise in flu, colds, and COVID-19 incidences. Every season carries health challenges, but winter can be particularly demanding. Taking proactive steps can reduce the risk of infection within our school community. Please consider the following measures:
- Vaccination: Ensure all eligible family members are vaccinated against COVID-19 and the flu. These vaccines significantly reduce the risk of severe illness and transmission while reducing the burden on the healthcare system.
- Hand Hygiene: Encourage regular handwashing and the use of hand sanitizers. Proper hand hygiene remains a simple and effective tool in preventing the spread of germs.
- Masking: As our Communicable Disease Guidelines articulate, wearing a mask is a personal choice that will be supported and respected.
- Symptom Monitoring: Please be diligent in monitoring your child's health. If they display any symptoms of illness, kindly keep them at home.
- Stay Home When Ill: One of the most critical actions is keeping your child at home when they are feeling unwell. This not only aids in their recovery but also prevents the spread of illnesses to others.
Middle School Matters with Phyllis Fagell
Middle School years are recognized as one of the most significant transitional periods in a girl’s life and a complex stage for students to navigate. This week, we were fortunate to host Phyllis Fagell, the author of best selling books, Middle School Matters, and Middle School Superpowers, who facilitated an evening session with parents, as well as spending time with students in Grades 5 to 8. Phyllis is a school counsellor, therapist, educational consultant, author and journalist and helped answer questions for parents and parents about how best to approach this age and stage. Read the blog here.
Did You Know?
In the world of education, an enduring magic happens when knowledge and passion intersect. It's a spark that ignites dreams and, over time, transforms them into reality. This transformation is apparent in the inspiring journeys of the School's alumnae who chose to follow their talents into the world of the arts. Read More.
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.
2023 Career Conference
This year’s annual Career Conference is on Wednesday, November 1, from 12:50 pm to 3:20 pm, and the theme is “Curiosity”. This is an opportunity for students in Grades 11 and 12 to learn about various career pathways and experiences from an array of fabulous speakers from CHS, the community, and alumnae. The conference will remain virtual this year, and students are reminded to wear their #1 uniform during the sessions. Parents of Grade 11 and 12 students should have received an email with more details on October 18.
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 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.
In the last two weeks, we’ve had Grade 5 and Grade 10 students return from their Outdoor Education Camps, Guest speakers Sam Demma and Phyllis Fagell, and multiple sports fixtures to name a few. Check out this issue’s highlights gallery here.
Junior School Athletics
Athletes from Junior School showcased their determination and sportsmanship at the recent ISEA Cross Country Championships held at Crescent Park. The Falcon teams displayed notableperformances in various grade categories.
The results from the Cross Country Championships are as follows:
- Grade 3: 1st Place
- Grade 4: 4th Place
- Grade 6: 2nd Place
- Grade 7: 2nd Place
Congratulations to all participants!
In a week filled with intense volleyball matches, Junior School athletes demonstrated their skills and teamwork in their last stretch of competitions. The School's Volleyball teams competed against other schools in thrilling matches.
- The Grade 5 Volleyball team competed at St. John's School
- The Grade 6 Volleyball team took on their rivals at the Harry Jerome Centre
- The Grade 7B Volleyball team represented the school at York House
- The Grade 7A Volleyball team defended their home turf at Crofton House
Congratulations to all the athletes who participated in the ISEA Cross Country Championships and the final volleyball competitions. Their achievements are a testament to their passion for sports and their commitment to proudly representing their school.
Senior School Athletics
It has also been an extremely busy two weeks in the Senior School. With much to commend from our Field Hockey and Volleyball teams along with exciting updates about our Cross Country team.
- The Varsity Field Hockey team earned a bronze medal at the ISA Championships and has qualified to represent CHS at the Provincial Championships.
- The Senior 2 Field Hockey team also placed third at the ISA Championships.
- The Varsity Volleyball team will play their last home game next week on Wednesday, November 1, to determine the winner of the Western Canadian Championships and where we will celebrate our graduating seniors on their final game.
- The Junior Volleyball team are the ISA Champions of 2023!
- The Bantam 8A Volleyball team are the ISA Champions of 2023!
- The Cross Country team qualified with seven senior athletes and one junior athlete to represent CHS at the Provincial Championships.
Follow the Crofton Falcons on Instagram for more updates and information.
Go Falcons Go! |
