Last week, a small group of school neighbours and members of our community gathered to consider the School’s proposal to add four stands of lights to the perimeter of Kent Field. Crofton Falcons could enjoy more playable time on the field with increased safety if this proposal succeeds. The Kent Field Lighting Project is an important project for the School. In addition to enhancing the athletics program, it is a tangible example of our commitment to continuing to upgrade the school campus and to understanding and responding to the needs of our local community - we do not exist in isolation.
The Crofton House campus is an asset that sets the school apart. Current students, staff, and parents/guardians are the beneficiaries of a decade-long campaign to rebuild the campus. Entering Manrell Hall, learning in the natural light of well-appointed classrooms, or watching students perform in the Beedie Fine Arts Centre, through campus development guided by a masterplan, CHS has elevated the experience for everyone in our community. The campaign's conclusion in 2016, however, did not end our facilities' continued and prudent improvement. Projects such as replacing the Junior School roof this past summer require ongoing planning and investment. 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.
The addition of lights to Kent Field is not a new idea for the School. First considered in 2000, Board minutes highlighted the importance of neighbourhood consultation. Our renewed proposal demonstrates a commitment to being a good neighbour. Working with experienced engineers and through careful planning, the project incorporates improved technology to manage offsite light spill and glare, measures to address increased traffic that may accompany expanded use of the field, and restrictions on use and hours of operation.
The Kent Field Lighting Project exemplifies the School’s responsibility for stewardship. We must continue to care for our campus environment, the legacy of a campaign that captured the imagination and support of the community within and beyond the School's walls. Equally important, the School is responsible for fostering collegial and supportive relationships with our neighbours and city. We must continue to work collaboratively with others.
Looking forward, we hope to succeed with the proposal and for students to enjoy practices and games under the lights in the fall of 2025. Learn more about the Kent Field Lighting Project and add your comments and questions. Input from the community is welcome!
Did You Receive a Test Alert?
On Monday, September 26, at 4:00 pm, the School tested the special alert communication protocol. A “TEST” message was sent via email, text and voice message to the contact information listed in MySchool. If you did not receive the email, text or voice message, please check the contact information listed in the Student Information Portal, MySchool, and contact either Colleen Smee, Junior School (csmee@croftonhouse.ca) or Patrice Banting, Senior School (pbanting@croftonhouse.ca) to update your details.
Students as Passengers in Registered Private Vehicles
Are you picking up students for other parents/guardians? Is your daughter being picked up by another parent/guardian? For any off-campus excursion which includes school organized transportation (bus, taxi or on foot), and when it is parent/guardian's preference that a student travel in a private vehicle driven by someone other than the student’s parent or guardian, the vehicle and driver must first be registered with the school, and a form completed by the student’s parent or guardian. These forms are available on the My CHS Parent Portal, Student Health and Safety Resource - scroll to lower section. These forms are
required at any time the School is responsible for transporting students; they are not required for general after-school pick-up.
Whole Girl, Whole World: New York Times Bestselling Author Julie Lythcott-Haims
On the evening of Thursday, October 6, Julie Lythcott-Haims spoke to the community as part of the Whole Girl, Whole World speaker series. Julie shared her insights on the ‘overparenting trap’ and gave practical advice for how parents can help guide students through the teen years and transitional periods while ensuring they have the independence to learn and grow as individuals. During the day, Julie also spoke to students in Grades 4-12 and her presentations were very well received. A recording of Julie’s evening presentation is available for the next 30 days.
Conversation with Admissions
The Admissions Team will be hosting a Conversations with Admissions event on Wednesday, October 12, from 8:30 am to 9:30 am in the Heritage Dining Room of the Old Residence. Richard Cohee, Director, Admissions, and his team will lead a discussion about the admissions process and financial assistance (for new students entering Grade 8) and there will be an opportunity for questions. Many students come to Crofton House through word-of-mouth from our community. This session will leave parents better informed about the admissions process and financial assistance. Please RSVP online.
Kent Field Lighting Project
The School is applying to the City of Vancouver for a permit to install four light stands to the perimeter of Kent Field. Adding lighting will increase the playable time for CHS athletes on the field, particularly during the winter months. Your questions and comments about this project are welcome.
Making Full Use of Parkade in Support of Good Neighbour Relations
A return to the full offering of on-campus community events has been a welcome development for the CHS community. To ensure these events have a minimal impact on our neighbours, parents/guardians are requested to use the parkade whenever possible. For example, special evenings, parent-teacher conferences, or curriculum information sessions take place outside of the school day when the parkade is available for attendees. This availability will be communicated with details related to the event.
Truth and Reconciliation Reading List
Last week the School took part in recognizing the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. To continue this discussion we have prepared a reading list for adults based on recommendations from both school libraries. The variety of books address aspects of Indigenous experience, history, culture and perspective in a range of writing styles and genres. The reading list has been added to the Truth and Reconciliation Resources webpage.
Winter Bazaar Book Drive
The Winter Bazaar ‘Crofton Reads Booth’ is holding a book drive from Monday, October 17 to Thursday, October 20. This is a great opportunity to tidy your bookshelves in time for the holidays, pass along the joy of reading, and raise funds for KidSafe. They are looking for every possible category and genre of books for children and young (no adult books please) such as:
- Preschool (Pet the Cat, The Very Hungry Caterpillar)
- Early Readers (Rainbow Magic, A to Z Mysteries, Geronimo Stilton)
- Pre Teen (Percy Jackson, Harry Potter)
- Teen/YA (The Hate U Give, The Hunger Games)
- Non-Fiction (National Geographic, Eyewitness Books)
Manga (Hanako-Kan, Demon Slayers)
- Comics (BabyMouse, Amulet)
- Foreign Language
Please ask your daughter to drop off your book donations in designated bins in the Junior School Atrium or the Senior School Reception. Books that are not sold will be donated to children's reading libraries in BC. Thanks in advance and happy reading from your Grade 4 Crofton Reads team!
Morning Tea & Pre-Loved Luxury Goods Collection
To support the collection of luxury goods, the Crofton House Winter Bazaar is hosting a morning tea in the Heritage Dining Room of the Old Residence on Friday, October 14 from 8:30 am to 9:30 am. We are looking for designer items such as purses, shoes, wallets, scarfs, gloves, ipad cases, belts, jewellery, etc. Your donations will help us build an amazing Luxury Goods Booth and Silent Auction to benefit KidSafe.
Join us on the morning of Friday, October 14 with your pre-loved designer purses, scarves and accessories for a warm tea and lovely conversation. Please RSVP to attend. Or, if you cannot attend the event and have items to donate, please drop your luxury goods off with the receptionist in the Old Residence between now Friday, October 28.
Winter Bazaar Workshops
On Wednesday, October 5, parents gathered at the first in a series of Winter Bazaar workshops for an enjoyable and educational evening. Attendees learned how to make natural hand soap from luxurious oils and butters, scented with fragrant essential oils. The handmade soap will be available for sale at the Winter Bazaar to raise proceeds for KidSafe.
Senior Kindergarten students have been exploring making art with different objects, from leaf rubbing to apple prints.
Teachers might refer to it as developing motor skills and refining coordination, but as far as these Grade 1 students are concerned it was an exciting class of knocking down bowling pins with soccer balls.
Grade 2 students have been busy designing their very own ‘thankful coats’. The class took time to think about the things in life that they are thankful for before adding colourful decorations.
Whether it is designing deep-sea dwelling creatures, building precarious towers or sewing halloween themed crafts, Grade 6 students know how to get the most out their Discovery class time.
The Nancy Chan Courtyard temporarily resembled a camp ground while Grade 7 students learned how to pitch tents ahead of their Outdoor Education trip to Camp Fircom.
Gambier Island, BC was the location for Grade 9 Outdoor Education. Tucked away from the rest of the world, the students explored the terrain by foot and canoe, learning more about the importance of looking after the environments we explore.
Grade 11 students have been making the most of the fine fall weather by taking their Physics class out of the classroom and down to the Horse Tree and Felix Liu Family Rose Lawn and Dining Terrace.
Students in Entrepreneurship 12 have been building their own candy businesses ahead of next week’s Cotton Candy Clash. Having worked on branding, marketing, sourcing and thorough product testing, two teams will go head-to-head as they attempt to convince the Senior School that their product is the best.
Junior School Athletics
Volleyball – Grade 5-7 teams have been very busy already this semester. Grade 7A students won the St. John's School Dig It tournament in September, a great achievement. Meanwhile Grade 5 and 6 teams have been involved in some of their first competitive fixtures with some promising performances.
Cross Country – Dozens of students from Grade 3-7 have been training hard around campus and the surrounding streets. Four meets have already taken place in September with the ISEA Cross Country meet and Ambleside Pumpkin Run still to come this month.
Field Hockey – A dedicated group of athletes and coaches have been working hard throughout September, many of whom are trying field hockey for the first time.
Senior School Athletics
Volleyball –
The Varsity team took part in several tournaments already this season (UBC Senior Tournament, Douglas College Tournament) and won the Spectrum Tournament in Victoria on September 23-24. They are heading to the ISA Championships at Brentwood College later this month. The Junior team have had an outstanding start to their season, preparing for multiple tournaments this month including the ISA Championships at St. Michaels University School. Meanwhile, the Bantam team kicked off the season with a 2nd place finish at the Handsworth Bantam Volleyball Tournament. They now look forward to the ISA Championships at West Point Grey Academy at the end of October.
Cross Country –
Junior & Senior teams have had a strong start to the season, picking up podium finishes in the first two races of the year. Their next meet is on October 11 at Jericho Beach before heading to Zone Championships on October 26.
Field Hockey –
All three field hockey teams, Varsity, Senior II and Junior have had a positive start to the season. Varsity earned a 3rd place finish at the Friendship Cup in the Cowichan Valley and will be at the Bridgman Cup in Victoria this weekend. They will then host the ISA Championships here at Kent Field on October 14-15. The Senior II team will travel to Shawnigan Lake School this month for the ISA Championships while the Junior team continue to refine their gameplay ahead of their match against Little Flower Academy on October 12.
Tricia Cohee, the former Program Coordinator, Athletics in the Junior School, has a new role as Program Coordinator, Athletics in the Senior School. Tricia brings her extensive experience working with Crofton House students to her new position. We had the opportunity to speak with her at the start of this new school year. Find out more in our blog post. |
