Our final 125th anniversary celebration on February 21 brought together current and former parents/guardians, alumnae, and staff, creating a meaningful gathering. It was great to see so many familiar faces. I had the pleasure of engaging in inspiring conversations with esteemed individuals from our past, including Mr. Bill McCracken, former Director of Admissions, Mrs. Barbara M Walker, former Head of School (1995-2000), and Ms. Margery Kellett, a former teacher.
The presence of past staff at our school celebrations, alongside our dedicated alumnae who return year after year, highlights the enduring value they place on their connection to the school.
Mr. McCracken's legacy is well known to families admitted to the school before 2016, and his continued ties with many families reflect his lasting impact. While Mrs. Walker may not have been the Head of School during the tenure of our current students, her familiar presence at past events and assemblies resonates with older students. Ms. Kellett's presence at the event was particularly special. Accompanied by her daughter and past Head Girl, Rosalind Kellet '67,
Ms. Kellett was an English teacher from 1967 to 1981 and was appointed Head of the English Department in 1970. Her involvement in the co-curricular program is legendary (debate, editor of student publications, theatre excursion organizer). Through her many interactions with students and her daughter’s experience, she always appreciated the enthusiasm for learning that CHS girls share. Physically, the School is a different place from the one where she had a classroom, and yet, as she noted, CHS has always valued educating girls in a space designed for them.
This past year has underscored the importance of coming together, a sense of connection that was missed during the pandemic years. I am dedicated to creating opportunities for our community to reconnect further and strengthen these bonds. I know that I will be seeing many of you at our Lunar New Year celebration today, and I would encourage you, if you have not done so already, to sign up for the upcoming informal coffee and conversation sessions I am hosting together with the new Board Chair, Mr. Craig Lindsay. Register to join us on Thursday, March 7, or Thursday, April 4, from 8:30 am to 9:30 am in the
Heritage Dining Room of the Old Residence.
Untangling 10to20
Dr Lisa Damour, psychologist, author and past two-time Whole Girl Whole World speaker, has released Untangling 10to20, a collection of online resources for anyone raising tweens or teens. The resources in Untangling 10to20 provide informed, grounded support and include:
- Dear Teenagers videos where Lisa talks directly to adolescents about the common challenges they face. These short videos can be shown to teens, watched with them, or used for guidance on how to talk with 10to20s about a range of tricky topics.
- A constantly expanding collection of Untangling Family Life videos helps with the specific challenges that are an inevitable part of raising tweens and teens.
- Access to Knot to Worry - a new library of articles.
Canada Flag at Half-Mast - Death of Former Prime Minister of Canada
The Canada flag in the Nancy Chan Court Yard is being flown at half-mast to mark the death of the Right and Honourable Martin Brian Mulroney, P.C., C.C., G.O.Q, 18th Prime Minister of Canada. The flag will return to full mast after the memorial service. Our sincere condolences to Mr. Mulroney’s family and loved ones.
Cinderella Project Dress Drive - March 11-14
The Grad Committee is organizing a Cinderella Project dress drive and seeking clothing donations to support high school graduates who have overcome significant challenges to complete their education. We are requesting dresses, evening handbags, clutches, unopened make-up, accessories and jewelry. Formal clothing for young men is also welcome. Shoes are not needed.
You can drop off your donations from Monday, March 11 to Thursday, March 14 from 8:00 am to 8:20 am (9:00 am to 9:20 am on Late Start Wednesday) and Lunch time. The drop-off rack and bins will be located in the Senior School upper foyer.
Charity Tax Receipts Delivered
All charitable tax receipts from 2023 have been delivered and should be arriving shortly. If you have questions, please email Tianpei Chen, Manager, Database and Donor Relations.
Ramadan Mubarak to our Muslim Community Members
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and the holiest month for Muslims worldwide. Ramadan begins on March 11 and holds a special place in the hearts of millions, symbolizing a time of spiritual reflection, renewal, and deepened connection with faith. It is a period of fasting, prayer, and acts of charity, fostering values of compassion, empathy, and self-discipline. CHS extends our warmest greetings and heartfelt wishes for a blessed Ramadan. May this month be filled with peace, spiritual growth, and abundant blessings. Ramadan Mubarak to our Muslim community members!
Considering Travel? Concern Regarding Global Surge in Measles
Dr. Theresa Tam, Canada's chief public health officer, shared in a statement on Friday, February 23, a concern that the global surge in measles activity, combined with the decline in measles vaccine coverage among school-aged children in Canada, could lead to an increase in imported measles cases, potentially resulting in transmission in communities in Canada. With March break on the horizon, she urged everyone in Canada to be vaccinated with two doses of a measles vaccine, especially before travelling.
Save the Date: Whole Girl, Whole World Speaker Series (Online)
We are excited to welcome Jennifer Wallace as the next Whole Girl, Whole World speaker. On Tuesday, April 30 at 12:00 pm PST, the award-winning journalist and author 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 mark Tuesday, April 30 in your calendar to save the date for this engaging discussion. Learn more about Jennifer Wallace.
26th Annual CHS Golf Classic
As the CHS Golf Classic approaches, the Silent Auction Committee seeks a few volunteers to add to the group. If you want to get involved, please contact advancement@croftonhouse.ca.
Annual Parent/Guardian Survey - Closes March 6
Thank you to all parents/guardians who have completed the 2023-2024 annual survey. By sharing your experiences at the School, you provide valuable information that promotes reflection, contributes to ongoing school improvement, and ensures accountability. The survey closes on March 6 at 6:00 pm. Your input is encouraged and welcomed; we would love to hear from everyone. Click here for the Mandarin version.
Tickets on Sale: Grade 10-12 Production, Almost, Maine
Tickets are on sale for the Grade 10-12 production of Almost, Maine. The show takes place nightly at 7:00 pm from Thursday, March 7, 2024 to Saturday, March 9, 2024.
126th Birthday Assembly Livestream
On Friday, March 8, a special assembly will be held for students and alumnae to celebrate the School’s 126th Birthday. We look forward to welcoming CHS alumnae. Due to capacity constraints, parents and guardians are invited to watch a livestream of the assembly. The assembly begins at 9:00 am on Friday, March 8. A recording will be posted to the website following the event.
Stroller Drive
Do you have a used or new stroller you can donate? If so, CHS in conjunction with Dwyer Immigration Medical Clinic, are collecting strollers for refugee families newly arrived in Vancouver. If you have a used stroller you can donate or if you can purchase a new stroller for a family, please drop it off at the Senior School main office (West 41st Avenue entrance) or in the receiving area on campus off Balaclava Street from now until Friday, March 15.
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.
Here are some snaps from the last two weeks on campus, including a look into the Senior School Wellness Week, a little colour to our students’ uniforms in support of Pink Shirt Day, exciting moments from the Basketball Senior Night, inspiring Ivy Compass days and more! Check out this issue’s highlights gallery here.
The School’s 125th Anniversary Wrap-Up Event on Wednesday, February 21, saw parents, alumnae, staff and friends gathered in Manrell Hall to reflect and celebrate the remarkable journey over the years. View a gallery of the evening’s festivities.
Junior School Athletics
We're thrilled to announce the successful conclusion of our basketball season in Term 2 Athletics, with over 100 athletes competing passionately on the court and in the Fitness Challenge! The Grade 7's recently wrapped up their season with ISEA Tournaments hosted at Collingwood School and West Point Grey Academy.
Congratulations to all the athletes, coaches, and support staff for their hard work and dedication throughout the season. Your commitment to excellence and sportsmanship has been truly inspiring. As basketball season closes, Grade 6 and 7 students look forward to the badminton classic on Friday, March 8!
Senior School Athletics
With basketball season at a close, here are the latest results. The Varsity basketball team finished third at the Sea to Sky Zone Championships. The Junior basketball team represented CHS at the Junior Provincials, closing with the 15th spot in the province. And the Bantam basketball team earned 4th place at the recent Grade 8 ISA Championships.
The season closed with an exciting home game between the Junior and Varsity Falcons, followed by a celebration acknowledging the hard work and sportsmanship of our graduating Falcons. With one last round of excitement on Monday, March 4, when the Varsity team takes on the teachers!
Our Basketball teams will celebrate the season in our Term Wrap-Up on Tuesday, March 5.
We would like to extend congratulations to our varsity all-stars, Ekta Goyal, Sarah Law, and Lauren Chow, who will be playing in the league all-star game at Saint Patrick School on Wednesday, March 6, at 6:00 pm!
Meanwhile, Term 3 Athletic Teams are underway with tryouts and team selections coming along well! Looking ahead, the Varsity and Junior soccer teams will have their first games on March 13.
Follow the Crofton Falcons on Instagram for more updates and information.
Go Falcons Go!
Save the Date: Grandparents’ Day
Please mark your calendars for this year’s Grandparents’ Day, a special celebration with grandparents and significant elders of students in JK–Grade 3, on Friday, April 26. Further details will be shared soon!
Spring Cleaning - Donations Needed for Used Uniform Sale
Help us prepare for the next Used Uniform Sale in April! Donate clean, gently-used uniform pieces with the current school logo to donation bins located at the Junior and Senior School entrances and the Receiving Entrance on Balaclava Street. Stay tuned for more event details!
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