Schools thrive in the realm of feedback. Collecting authentic and meaningful information, preparing individuals, providing thoughtful feedback, and guiding recipients towards growth and improvement are essential aspects of this process. However, it is not without conflicting emotions, as the desire to know one's progress can clash with the apprehension of assessment. Over the past two decades, technology and recipient engagement have driven significant changes in the feedback process. Technology has revolutionized the speed, accessibility, and scope of feedback collection, while self-reflection has become a vital link between feedback and meaningful action.
Feedback is instrumental in the growth and improvement of individuals, businesses, institutions, and organizations. Like the assessment process for students, effective feedback is ongoing, meaningful, and provides guidance for areas of improvement. At our school, we highly value feedback from our constituents and incorporate self-reflection as part of our routine. During the pandemic, we actively sought input from the community, ensuring alignment between home and school regarding health and safety measures. In creating a new strategic plan, we engaged all stakeholders, refining our vision based on their input.
Hearing from all constituents is essential and the School is making efforts to connect with parents/guardians, alumnae, employees, and students - especially students. Students want to provide input regarding the choices and decisions faced by the School and the School is better because of their ideas, insights and opinions. The strategies that frame Thriving in Possibility were strongly influenced by student voice and the increasing importance of developing their agency is a thread that connects many of the strategies from wellbeing to stewardship. As the strategic plan moves into action, students will be called upon for both input and feedback.
As the year is ending and we are eager for parent/guardian feedback; information to reflect upon as we consider a new year. Soon, you will be invited to participate in a survey. Some feedback topics contribute to an ongoing measure of how successfully we meet expectations in key areas of school life. Other topics are new, and we will use the results from these questions to reflect upon recent initiatives or provide baseline data for future surveys. As always, we will share with the community the feedback we receive, including how we reflect upon this feedback and what you can expect to see in the future as a result of our learning.
Thank you in advance for making time to complete the survey.
Volunteer to be a Class Parent for Next Year
Today is the last day to sign up to be a Class Parent! Being a Class Parent is a great way to get involved in school life while making meaningful connections with other parents in your grade. If you are interested in volunteering, please complete this registration form today!
We Need Your Help! Support the Backpack Drive
The annual Backpack Drive is here once again! Let’s work together to reach our goal of donating 300 filled backpacks at $60 each to ensure students across Vancouver have the supplies they need for September. To donate, simply complete this form. Grab one of the last remaining spots for the packing event on Monday, May 29, by signing up here!
Volunteer Appreciation Tea
We extend a warm invitation to all class parents, event chairs, PA board members, drivers for donations and everyone in between - if you have volunteered this year, please join us for a Volunteer Appreciation Tea in Manrell Hall on Thursday, May 25 from 8:30 am to 10:00 am. To assist in our planning, we ask that parents RSVP to the event by May 23. However, parents are welcome to drop into the event. See you there!
Save the Date: Year End BBQ
Parents, guardians, students, and staff are invited to save the date for the Year End BBQ, hosted by the CHS Parents’ Auxiliary on Friday, June 9 following dismissal.
Walk in the Woods
Parents and guardians are invited to tour The Woods with Head Gardener Marc Stewart to learn about the reforestation and preservation efforts. Marc has been part of the CHS community for more than 20 years, taking care of all green spaces with his team. In Marc’s words, “The Woods is its own classroom, and its continued existence is key to the education of Crofton House students.” The next tour takes place on Thursday, May 25. Register to attend. If you have questions, please contact advancement@croftonhouse.ca.
Uniform Shop - CHS Sweaters for Parents
It’s official, these fetching “Crofton Mom” and “Crofton Dad” sweaters are now available at the Uniform Shop on campus. The relaxed-fit sweaters come in sizes S-L for ladies and M-XL for men and are only available in the shop (not online). While you’re there, check out what else the shop has to offer like branded travel mugs and trending bucket hats with the commemorative 125th Anniversary logo.
As we approach the end of the year, please note the Uniform Shop hours: Wednesday to Friday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm (closed for lunch between 12:30 pm and 1:30pm). Due to high demand at this time of year, please use the drop-in times (9:00 am to 10:00 am and 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm) or make an appointment by emailing mailto:uniform@croftonhouse.ca
Board of Governors – Targeted Appeal: Technology Experience
The Nominating and Governance Committee (NGC) is responsible for recruiting and identifying candidates for the Crofton House School Board and Board committees. Given the increasing importance of technology and the associated pace of change, we are currently searching for an interested individual with technology experience to contribute to CHS governance. Specifically, we are keen to add expertise in one or more areas: digital strategy development, AI, technology-enabled learning, cybersecurity, and the transition to a digital society and economy. Learn more or complete the online form by June 1, 2023.
Have Your Say in B.C.’s Largest Population Health Survey
Public Health is launching the third round of the SPEAK population health survey. This survey asks about physical and mental health, as well as social and economic well-being. The results will help support programs and initiatives to improve the health of your community. SPEAK is open to adults aged 18 and older and is available in many languages, including English and Simplified and Traditional Chinese.
Did You Know?
Have you ever wondered about the origins of the School’s House system?
In 1937, the House System was first introduced at Crofton House with the houses of Wallace, Gordon, Stuart, and Douglas. The Fraser and MacDougall houses were added in 1961. These house names were taken from the names of Scottish clans. Dating back as far as the 12th century, clans were originally extended networks of families but the word 'clan' is derived from the Gaelic 'clann', meaning literally children.
Historically, clans were represented by a specific tartan. Each CHS house in the Senior School has a house banner made from the tartan associated with the clan after which it is named. The first house banners for Wallace, Gordon, Stuart and Douglas were anonymously donated in 1954. The banners for all six houses in the Senior School can be seen on display in the Wade Family Library.
In 1943, the Junior School House system was introduced by the Head of School, Ellen K. Bryan. The houses were named Hummingbirds, Robins, Swallows and Wrens after Miss Bryan’s love of birds.
Over the years, there have been many competitions between houses, including debates, spelling bees, photography competitions, plays and a number of sporting events, including archery, volleyball, basketball, and tennis. Today, house competitions and events continue across the School with the aim of promoting a strong sense of community, fun and competition for everyone.
The Grade 7 Choir took part in the Vancouver Kiwanis Music Festival this year, receiving a gold award and an invitation to participate in the 51st Annual MusicFest Canada. While the students weren’t able to travel to Niagara Falls, Ontario for the event, they submitted three musical pieces for consideration and look forward to hearing from the judging panel next week.
The Senior School Concert Band and Stage Band travelled to Toronto, Ontario during spring break. The bands performed at several venues, including Havergal College, and spent time exploring the city's culture.
The Senior Choirs and Orchestra attended the Cantando Music Festival in Edmonton this April. The Chamber Choir, Concert Choir and Orchestra performed their ensemble programs, attended concerts by the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra, took part in workshops and instrumental classes, and performed with a mass choir of 800 singers in the beautiful Winspear Centre featuring three Crofton House students as soloists! Congratulations to all on a wonderful performance with glowing remarks from festival adjudicators.
“What goes up, must come down”. Actually, these AP Physics 2 students got much more in-depth than that on their field trip to a local climbing wall, exploring complex calculations on force, tension and friction. They also had a lot of fun scaling the walls.
This week, the Junior School celebrated Pride Week with a range of colourful and thoughtful activities, including chalk art, a scavenger hunt, an audience with guest speaker Quinn Casey, Teacher & SOGI Director at Stratford Hall, and the ever popular “Authentic You” civvies day - Rainbow Edition!
All this week, PHE classes in the Junior School have had the opportunity to experience an introduction to wrestling under the watchful eye of guest coaches from Westside Wrestling, including Commonwealth gold medalist Justina Di Stasio.
Grade 5 students were busy in the ideation lab this week, tackling the subject of catapults. Their creativity and enthusiasm ensured that it wasn’t long before a variety of machines had ping-pong balls flying everywhere.
It was an action-packed and exciting week for our Grade 4 students: a historic gold rush, roleplaying as townsfolk and business owners in Barkerville and a visit from real-life gold panning champion, Yukon Dan.
Grade 8 ICT students were testing prototypes in the courtyard this week. Their project was to explore methods of water capture and storage for domestic and commercial use, introducing them to elements of 3D design, 3D printing and prototype evaluation.
The 2nd Annual Varsity vs. Alumnae Field Hockey Event was a great success, despite the warm playing conditions. An exciting match saw both sides scoring multiple times as they vied for the upper hand, culminating in an intense shootout and finished with a wonderful BBQ for players and supporters.
Grade 10 students have been busy practicing how to conduct a professional interview, both as the applicant and employer. These skills will undoubtably stand them in good stead when they take their first steps into the job market.
As the warm weather returned, Grade 2 and 3 students were busy helping the gardening team plant trees in The Woods as part of the ongoing efforts to reintroduce native plants that will support the preservation of this integral part of CHS life.
Junior and Senior Kindergarten students entertained parents, siblings and staff during yesterday's aquatic-themed concert, Baby Beluga. Three cheers for all the performers! View photo gallery.
Our Grade 1-3 students are clearly ready for the holidays, going by the title of their Spring Concert. "HELP! I Need a Vacation" is a story all about the highs (and lows) of summer holidays, including family road trips, fishing, baseball and space camp. Congratulations to all the students for their fantastic performances! View photo gallery.
Grade 1 students had a visit from Vivian of the Musqueam (xʷməθkwəy̓əm) Indian Band, demonstrating traditional weaving techniques. Students had the opportunity to try their hand at this craft and learn more about the Musqueam people and their relationship with the land.
Film Studies 11/12 students attended the BC Student Film Festival at Capilano University last week. The students participated in workshops with industry professionals and then stayed to watch a film festival of films made by their peers from across the province. Congratulations to Kathy, Grade 10, who won "Top Junior Documentary" and "Top Junior Upcoming Filmmaker".
Junior School Athletics
It has been a busy few weeks for the Junior School Track & Field program! The Grade 3 Falcons participated in a "Mini Meet" against York House on Thursday, May 11 on Kent Field. Over 50 athletes had the opportunity to participate in the 60m run, long jump, and shot put! The event finished with a exciting shuttle run, with athletes from both schools working incredibly hard to improve their times and scores. The highlight of the event was the visit from Fergie the Falcon!
South Surrey Athletic Park witnessed a display of talent and resilience as the young Crofton House athletes from Grades 4-7 clinched victory at the highly anticipated ISEA Track Meet on Monday, May 15. Despite high temperatures, these extraordinary track stars brought home numerous accolades, showcasing their exceptional skills and unwavering determination. The track meet, organized by the Independent Schools Elementary Association (ISEA), brought together athletes from various independent schools across the region. The competition was fierce, but the Crofton House team remained undeterred, pushing themselves to the limits in pursuit of victory. Congratulations to the Falcon track stars on their well-deserved girls’ overall team victory!
Senior School Athletics
Congratulations to the Tennis team, coming out as the 2023 Zone Champions! They will be heading to Provincials May 25-26 at Queen Elizabeth Park.
Congratulations to Varsity Soccer on a big win against Windsor. Our team won against York House on May 16 and went to the Zone Championships, placing second overall! They will now head to Provincials on June 1-3 in Victoria.
The Badminton team managed to earn a spot in the wildcard tournament, qualifying for the Zone Championship that took place on May 16 and will now be heading to Provincials on June 1-3 in Richmond.
We are proud of our Tennis, Soccer, and Badminton teams, who have all secured spots at the Provincial Championships this year!
The novice rowing team competes at the Delta Deas Regatta next weekend in Richmond, May 27-28. While our elite rowers are representing CHS at the Canadian Secondary School Association Championship in St. Catharines, June 2-4.
On Friday, May 26, we are celebrate our Falcon Grads as they take on new challenges beyond CHS at the first-ever seniors’ night.
Go Falcons Go! |
