June already!
As this school year comes to a close, my message will focus on bridging what has been the School’s focus in 2023-2024 with those that will guide our efforts in 2024-2025.
In the first year of Thriving in Possibility, we laid the groundwork for our initiatives across the five strategies. We're proud to share that we've made significant strides towards almost all our objectives. As we enter year two, our leadership teams are reflecting on what we have learned and achieved and charting a course for the future. The Board will review and provide feedback on our year two objectives in June, and in September, we'll present our initiatives for 2024-2025 to the Board for approval. We look forward to sharing a comprehensive update with the community in early October.
Building on the findings of the parents/guardians survey conducted in February and March, we initiated two additional surveys. We invited students in Grade 4 to 7 and 10 to 12 to share their perspectives and ideas on the co-curricular program. This feedback, which we highly value, combined with that from parents/guardians, will inform modifications and enhancements to the program. We're currently considering these changes from various angles, including scheduling, funding, and staffing. We'll first share the results of the student survey with the students themselves and then with the broader community in the early fall.
A second deeper dive into fully understanding comments shared by parents/guardians on the annual survey is happening now. The Senior School has invited parents to give feedback on the student progress reporting structure that was launched this year, both the written reports and conferences. This data will be reviewed over the summer and will assist in planning for the 2024-2025 school year.
Feedback from parents and staff on our communications through surveys and focus groups resulted in recommendations for improvements we can make in the short, medium, and long term. We look forward to implementing changes, including revisions to our newsletter and parent portal, starting in September.
The strategic plan, combined with input and feedback from our community, will set us up for an impactful 2024-2025 school year. Our commitments to you of belonging, agility, and responsibility, as well as our identity statement, are powerful markers; however, what is essential is the engagement and support of our parents and guardians. Thank you for everything you did this year to ensure CHS continues to be the wonderful community we value and are proud to belong to.
I hope everyone enjoyed the year-end barbecue; thank you to the PA for organizing this year-end community celebration.
Exchange Student Blog
Embark on a global adventure alongside two Senior School students who recently travelled to Melbourne, Australia as part of the CHS Global Exchange Program. Find out about their first impressions and the unique geography and culture they got to experience. Read the blog here.
Used Uniform Sale and Donations
Get ready for the next Used Uniform Sale! Boxes are now located at the entrances to the Junior and Senior Schools for families to donate their clean, gently used, official CHS gear. Throughout summer break, a donation bin will be placed at the Receiving Entrance at 5711 Balaclava Street. The sale will take place at the end of August in Manrell Hall in preparation for the new school year - more details to come.
Uniform Shop Summer Closure
The Uniform Shop closes for the summer on Friday, June 14. Until then, the Uniform Shop is open to drop-ins on Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. To make an appointment or if you have any questions, please email uniform@croftonhouse.ca.
CHS Business Club x Kidsafe Fundraising Sale
Last week, enterprising minds from the CHS Business Club held a sale of homemade crafts and jewellery in the Senior School. All proceeds from the event were in aid of our community partner KidSafe, with the event raising a total of $1,100. Thanks to everyone involved, and stay tuned for future Business Club next year.
Gift Acceptance Policy
Crofton House parents and students often thank CHS employees for their contributions through gifts. To help avoid a real, potential or perceived conflict of interest for the employee and the School, CHS employees can only accept gifts as outlined in section 3.3 Gift Acceptance Policy of the CHS Employee Handbook. If you are giving a gift to an employee, please note: each gift an employee receives and retains can not have a cumulative total value in excess of $500 from one family within an academic year; employees cannot accept cash; and this policy does not apply to gifts that a teacher may receive on behalf of the entire class. Please understand that if an employee refuses or returns a gift; they are following the School's policy. If you have any questions, please contact Sarah Robinson, Director, Human Resources.
Here are some snaps from the last two weeks on campus, including a look into the Parent Auxiliary Backpack Drive, memorable moments from the Grade 7 Crofton Manor Tea, students and staff biking, walking or rolling their way to school in support of Bike to School / Work Week, inspiring outdoor education days, athletics and more! Check out this issue’s highlights gallery here.
Junior School Sports Day
Did you miss all of the action at Junior School Sports Day this week? Don’t worry, we’ve put together a Junior School Sports Day highlights gallery of all the action from both Chan Hall and Kent Field. Password: SD2024CHS.
Alumnae Association's Mother-Daughter Tea highlights
It’s a tradition for the Grade 12 to kick off their graduation season with an enjoyable afternoon tea with their special guests at Hycroft Manor. Thank you to the Alumnae Association for organizing such a lovely event. View the Mother-Daughter Tea photo gallery here.
26th Annual CHS Golf Classic highlights
The 26th Annual CHS Golf Classic was a great success. It would not have been possible without the generosity of our donors, sponsors, committee members, and volunteers who were all essential to the success of the event. Click here to view a photo gallery of the day.
Junior School Athletics
Ninety-five dedicated students from Grades 3 to 7 competed at the BC Elementary Championships in Richmond on May 24 to 26. Our athletes represented Crofton House School with outstanding performances and sportsmanship. This event marked the end of a thrilling track season for our young athletes.
The excitement continues as our Grade 6-7 field hockey athletes prepare to host Collingwood School next week for the Falcon Field Hockey Invitational.
On June 6, all Term 3 athletes gathered in Manrell Hall for the Athletic Wrap-Up event. The event highlighted the hard work and achievements of our athletes across various sports.
Senior School Athletics
With the Track and Field team finishing competition at the Provincial Championships this weekend in Nanaimo, we are cheering on the 22 athletes who qualified to represent us at this prestigious event. We are already receiving news of athletes finishing with medals.
The season has wrapped up for all other sports, and the Falcons soared, returning with many solid finishes and two provincial banners. Congratulations to all our athletes and coaches for such an incredible season!
The Varsity Badminton team earned bronze at the Provincial Championships, staying focused throughout the tournament.
The inaugural varsity Golf team earned gold at the Provincial Championships last weekend. Vanessa Zhang, Grade 12, was awarded 1st, and Michelle, Grade 12, finished 2nd for the overall low score for the championships.
Competing against 136 schools from across Canada and the US at the 77th Annual Canadian Secondary Schools Rowing Association regatta in St. Catherines, Ontario, our rowers finished strong.
- Junior Women 2x - Natalie & Charlotte, Grade 10, earned bronze, and Norah & Clara, Grade 10, finished 5th
- Junior Women 4x+ (coxed quad) - 5th place finish for rowers Rayya, Grade 10, Norah, Grade 10, Kate, Grade 9, Lily, Grade 10, and Clara, Grade 10
- Junior Women 1x - Natalie, Grade 10, finished 7th and Charlotte, Grade 10, in 11th place.
- Senior Women 2x - Julia, Grade 11, and Marese, Grade 12, finished 8th
- Senior Womens 4x - Julia, Grade 11, Marese, Grade 12, Emily, Grade 11, & Susannah, Grade 11, finished 8th
Varsity Soccer earned silver at the AA Soccer Provincials. Sienna, Grade 12, was awarded BC Championship MVP, and Chloe, Grade 11, was awarded BC Championship Golden Boot Winner for scoring the most goals in the championships, 11 in total.
Our Varsity Tennis team earned gold and are 2024 Provincial Champions!
Go Falcons Go!
Follow the Crofton Falcons on Instagram for more updates and information.
Winter Bazaar – Get Involved!
Planning for the next Winter Bazaar is underway, and the CHS Parents’ Auxiliary is calling for volunteers! There are many ways to participate, big or small: join your grade’s committee as a member or convenor, volunteer to make or package items before the Bazaar, or help run a booth or activity on the day. We are looking for:
- Convenors for the Grade 6 Cake Shake booth (current Grade 5 parents)
- Convenors for the Grade 10 Crofton Reads booth (current Grade 9 parents)
- Committee volunteers for ALL grades, such as Treasurers and Volunteer
- Coordinators Sewers (basic to advanced skill level) who have their own sewing machine
- Graphic Designer to design signs and possibly other graphics
If you are interested in getting involved, please email the Winter Bazaar Co-Chairs at bazaarchairs@croftonhouse.ca. Thank you in advance for your help and support as we celebrate this beloved CHS tradition!
Staff Appreciation Luncheon – Thank You!
Crofton House teachers and staff were treated to a special luncheon in the Old Residence on May 23, featuring an abundance of delicious food and complete with table service! The Staff Appreciation luncheon was made possible by the dedication of CHS parents, who provided generous donations and staffed the event with enthusiasm. Thank you to everyone who donated a dish or contributed their time and effort. Special thanks go to event chairs Isabell Suk and Gitanjli Sood for organizing the luncheon. What a wonderful way for parents to come together and express appreciation for our teachers and staff!
Backpack Drive Success!
CHS families have once again provided meaningful support for Vancouver-area students in need by making an incredible 325 donations through the Backpack Drive! The contribution of the CHS community didn’t stop at donations, with around 80 student and parent volunteers helping to organize supplies, and pack and deliver the backpacks. A heartfelt thank you goes out to everyone who contributed to the success of this year’s Backpack Drive!
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