We gratefully acknowledge that Aberdeen Hall’s campus is situated on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the Syilx Okanagan people.
We are respectful of their knowledge, language, and history as well as their ongoing relationship to the land and natural world.
MISSION
Empower students to lead meaningful lives as compassionate, contributing citizens, and inspire their success in learning and life.
VALUES
Resilience
The ability to respond to challenges and having the courage to persevere.
Responsibility
The ability to act independently in response to duty, and to be accountable for one’s choices.
Integrity
The quality of being honest, having strong moral principles, and staying true to one’s self.
Optimism
A commitment to a bright and hopeful future and the steadfast belief that the outcome will be positive.
Curiosity
A passion for continual learning and exploring.
Kindness
The quality of being considerate, inclusive, and generous.
A VISION FOR THE FUTURE:
ABERDEEN HALL’S 2026+ STRATEGIC DIRECTION
Dear Aberdeen Hall Community,
As Aberdeen Hall enters its next decade, we do so with a clear and confident vision for the future. Our Strategic Direction 2026+ reaffirms our ongoing commitment to community, teaching and learning, and the continued development of our campus. It is a plan firmly rooted in our enduring mission to inspire curiosity, foster integrity, and prepare students to thrive as compassionate, capable citizens in an evolving world.
This Strategic Direction is anchored in three core pillars that guide our work and aspirations:
Our People
We are committed to nurturing a supportive and thriving school culture that develops student character and leadership, invests deeply in our dedicated employees, and strengthens the meaningful partnerships that unite our community.
Our Programs
We are dedicated to delivering an exceptional, future-focused program that nurtures each student’s curiosity, capability, and sense of purpose. Through differentiated instruction,
personalized learning, and experiential opportunities, our dynamic approach to teaching and learning remains responsive, innovative, and grounded in research.
Our Place
We are focused on building a purposeful, sustainable, and inspiring campus - one that fosters belonging, supports innovative teaching and learning, and ensures the longterm financial stability needed to sustain our mission for generations to come.
Thank you for your commitment to our shared vision and for the trust you place in our school. We look forward to the important work ahead.
With great confidence in our future,
Mark Reineking Board Chair,
Aberdeen Hall Preparatory School
These priorities reflect the voices of our students, faculty, staff, parents, and Board of Directors. Together, they offer a guiding framework that positions Aberdeen Hall for continued growth, excellence, and impact.
A MESSAGE FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL
OUR PEOPLE
“We are our people.” At Aberdeen Hall Preparatory School, our strength lies in the relationships we nurture with each of our five key stakeholder groups: students, employees, parents and guardians, alumni, and our dedicated volunteers led by the Board of Directors. Together, these groups form the foundation of a vibrant and caring learning community.
Our students are at the heart of everything we do, and their growth, curiosity, and success inspire us daily. Supporting them are our faculty and staff, carefully selected not only for their subject expertise but also for their genuine ability to care for and inspire young people.
We are intentional in how we recruit, cultivate, and retain our employees, offering excellent ongoing professional development that ensures high retention rates and a consistently strong, committed team.
Parents and guardians are valued partners in the educational journey, while alumni play an important role in extending our community’s impact and legacy. Our dedicated volunteers, guided by the Board of Directors, provide leadership, stewardship, and support that help us thrive.
Together, these groups work in unison toward programming excellence and community building, creating a school where relationships, collaboration, and shared purpose define our success.
OUR PROGRAMS
Programming excellence is at the core of Aberdeen Hall Preparatory School’s identity. Since our inception, our primary focus has been, and continues to be, excellence in academics. This central pillar is complemented by three additional areas that are essential to the holistic development of our students: arts, athletics, and character development/ leadership. Together, these four pillars create a balanced and rigorous foundation for student success.
Our longstanding motto, “Teaching Excellence,” reflects a dual meaning that continues to guide our work. It signifies both the exceptional skill and dedication with which our faculty teach, and our commitment to instilling the pursuit of excellence as a personal standard in every student.
Our programs are empirically proven, drawing upon well-established, research-based practices while also embracing innovation. We carefully blend time-tested approaches with forward-thinking initiatives to ensure our students are prepared for a rapidly changing world. In particular, we are actively exploring how emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, and the evolving influence of social media are shaping teaching and learning. A key part of this exploration includes AI ethics, ensuring that our students not only use these tools but do so responsibly and thoughtfully. This ongoing research informs our approach, ensuring our programs remain relevant, effective, and inspiring.
At Aberdeen Hall, programming excellence is not just a goal. It is the lived experience of our students every day.
OUR PLACE
Our Place is more than a campusit is the heart of the Aberdeen Hall experience. Nestled on 44 pristine acres with breathtaking valley views overlooking Northwest Kelowna, our school offers an inspiring natural setting that enhances learning and community life. Adjacent to the University of British Columbia’s Okanagan Campus, we benefit from a unique synergy with a world-class institution, opening doors to collaboration and enrichment.
Since our founding, we have successfully completed six major phases of capital expansion, each thoughtfully aligned with our longterm master campus plan. As we look ahead to the next and final phase, we are proud of how far we have come in shaping a campus that reflects both excellence and vision.
Designed by the city’s leading architects and builders, our buildings and landscapes seamlessly integrate with the natural surroundings. Spaces are filled with natural light, constructed with carefully selected materials that inspire creativity and focus, and arranged to foster community. Classrooms, labs, studios, and athletic spaces have been purpose-built with the developmental needs of our students in mind, ensuring age-appropriate design across all divisions.
Aberdeen Hall’s campus is more than a place of learning - it is a home where inspiration, innovation, and community thrive.
Warm regards,
Chris Grieve Head of School
STRATEGIC DIRECTION 2026+
Overview
Aberdeen Hall enters the next decade with a clear and confident vision for the future. Our Strategic Direction 2026+ showcases our continued focus on community, teaching and learning, and our campus. This plan builds upon our enduring mission to empower students to lead meaningful lives as compassionate, contributing citizens, and inspire their success in learning and life.
Our Strategic Direction is anchored in three core pillars
Our Programs
We are dedicated to delivering an exceptional, future-focused program that nurtures each student’s curiosity, capability, and sense of purpose through differentiated instruction, personalized learning, and experiential education all within a dynamic approach to teaching and learning that is responsive, innovative, and research-informed.
Our People
We are committed to fostering a supportive, thriving culture by developing student character and leadership, investing in our employees, and strengthening the partnership that unites our school community.
Our Place
We are committed to building a purposeful, sustainable, and inspiring campus that nurtures belonging, supports innovative teaching and learning, and ensures the long-term financial stability that sustains our mission and community for generations to come.
These priorities reflect the voice of our students, employees, parents and guardians, alumni, volunteers, and Board of Directors, and serve as a guiding framework for our growth and success.
PILLAR #1 – OUR PEOPLE
Overview
We are committed to fostering a supportive, thriving culture by developing student character and leadership, investing in our employees, and strengthening the partnerships that unite our school community.
Community Engagement and Partnership
Strengthen the sense of belonging and shared purpose across the Aberdeen Hall community by further enhancing collaboration amongst students, employees, families, alumni, and the Board of Directors, ensuring every voice contributes to our collective success.
Character, Leadership, and Values-Based Education
Cultivate character and leadership in every student through a values-based education that integrates ethical decision-making, service learning, and community connection thus empowering students to live with integrity and purpose.
Professional Growth and Employee Investment
Enhance employee excellence and fulfillment through robust professional development opportunities that emphasizes research-informed best practices and emerging educational technologies, such as generative AI.
Actions
• Strengthen character and leadership across Preschool – Grade 12 by embedding core values into everyday learning.
• Inspire community engagement through meaningful service opportunities.
• Develop cultural awareness and responsiveness to prepare students to become leaders globally.
• Sustain competitive compensation and a supportive, values-driven culture to attract, retain, and develop exceptional faculty and staff.
• Drive professional growth by fostering continuous learning and collaborative innovation in leadership, AI, pedagogy, and community well-being.
• Implement a comprehensive alumni engagement strategy focused on community connections, consistent communication, and meaningful opportunities for involvement.
“Aberdeen Hall is not just a school, it’s a thriving community where every individual is seen, valued, and empowered. Our educators bring not only knowledge, but heart and purpose into every classroom”
Steven Dyck Board of Directors Vice Chair
PERSPECTIVES ON OUR PEOPLE
“The people at Aberdeen Hall are very kind, smart, and encouraging.”
Toren, Grade 5 Student
“To me, Aberdeen Hall is made special by the support we receive with our academics, sports, and even our lives outside of school. There’s always a teacher I can go to for help, whether it’s during tutorial time or at lunch. This has allowed me to feel supported throughout all my years here, and it’s something I greatly value.”
Giann, Grade 12 Student
“Being a part of the Parent Guild has given us the opportunity to collaborate with other families and have a direct impact on our children’s experiences at school.”
Kerry Panopoulos, Parent Guild President and Parent
PILLAR #2 – OUR PROGRAMS
Overview
We are dedicated to delivering an exceptional, future-focused program that nurtures each student’s curiosity, capability, and sense of purpose through differentiated instruction, personalized learning, and experiential education all within an evolving approach to teaching and learning that is responsive, innovative, and research-informed.
Dynamic and Responsive Teaching and Learning
Embrace a dynamic approach to teaching and learning that responds to current events, emerging ideas, and evolving technologies, while ensuring innovation is informed by research and shaped through collaborative reflection embedded in our school values.
Differentiated and Personalized Learning
Sustain and deepen our commitment to knowing every learner, and empowering each student to reach their full potential through responsive, differentiated instruction, and personalized approaches that support the individual growth, needs, and aspirations of every student.
Experiential and Authentic Learning
Enrich learning through authentic experiences that connect classroom study with realworld contexts, empowering students to reflect on their observations and apply their learning in new situations, cultivating curiosity and lifelong learning.
Actions
• Evaluate and refine programs to maintain alignment with current research, data insights, and best practices.
• Strengthen differentiated teaching practices and instructional design to ensure all learners are challenged, supported, and able to achieve their full potential.
• Create a learning culture that prioritizes each student’s growth, and well-being through personalized teaching practices, meaningful feedback, and supportive relationships that nurture engagement, confidence, and academic success.
• Expand experiential learning opportunities across all divisions ensuring students can transform experience into understanding, and understanding into purposeful action.
“At Aberdeen Hall, our students thrive in rigorous, engaging classes designed to both challenge and inspire. Through a balance of classroom and community learning, they grow into well-rounded, responsible, and caring citizens.”
Kelly Browning Grade 5 Teacher
PERSPECTIVES ON OUR PROGRAMS
“It’s fun to learn when you can tell your teachers like what they are teaching.”
Emily, Grade 5 Student
“All of our programming decisions are rooted in our school values and in our belief that our community is our greatest asset. Taking the time to truly know the people we serve ensures that our classes, co-curricular activities, leadership opportunities, excursions, and events are intentionally designed to challenge, inspire, support, and uplift our students and their families. This commitment to truly knowing our students sets our programming apart and creates an exceptional, holistic educational experience.”
Heather Nolan Wood, High School Principal and Parent
“At Aberdeen Hall, I feel part of a close-knit and supportive community where everyone truly knows, encourages, and believes in one another, and where meaningful programs and an inspiring campus help me grow with confidence, purpose, and pride.”
Nikhail, Grade 12 Student
PILLAR #3 – OUR PLACE
Overview
We are committed to building a purposeful, sustainable, and inspiring campus that nurtures belonging, supports innovative teaching and learning, and ensures the longterm financial stability that sustains our mission and community for generations to come.
Belonging and Community Connection
Foster a culture of belonging and a welcoming environment where students, employees, and families feel valued, supported, and united in purpose and practice.
Purpose-Built Campus and Inspiring Spaces
Advance the development of our campus through thoughtful, intentional design that supports academic excellence, environmental stewardship, and community connections ensuring every space reflects the values and aspirations of Aberdeen Hall.
Financial Sustainability and Enduring Strength
Maintain a resilient institution rooted in strong governance, strategic foresight, and adaptability. By aligning financial stewardship with academic and community priorities, we will ensure that Aberdeen Hall remains agile in a changing world and is able to invest in innovation, maintain operational excellence, and expand the opportunities we provide every student.
Actions
• Cultivate a sense of belonging through a safe, caring campus atmosphere where all members of the school community feel secure, respected, and valued.
• Complete Phase 7: The Capstone Project that will expand our campus with dedicated performing arts spaces, a state-of-the-art library, specialty teaching classrooms, and administrative offices.
• Maintain a Long-Term Financial Sustainability Plan focused on strengthening reserves, growing the school’s endowment, and fostering a culture of philanthropy to ensure the resources and stability needed to support a thriving community.
• Promote ecological responsibility throughout the school community by modeling sustainable habits, maintaining our campus with care, and encouraging practices that preserve the environment.
• Uphold the school’s tradition of excellence through strong, accountable, and effective governance.
“It is very welcoming and we feel safe.” Morgan, Grade 5 Student
PERSPECTIVES ON OUR PLACE
“Our place is built by and for our community.”
Amanda Johnson, Advancement Coordinator and Parent
“Nestled in the hills and surrounded by nature, Aberdeen Hall feels like a community that is deeply rooted in its setting. The landscape offers a sense of peace and escape while the energy of the students and teachers fills it with vibrancy and purpose. In an everchanging world our campus remains grounded and connected to those who call it home.”
Christian Holzhey, Alumni 2015 and Board of Directors
“When you arrive on campus, you experience a clear sense of place and connection. Our classrooms and shared spaces are intentionally designed to bring people together, and the forest trails and mountain views create an inspiring setting that makes you feel part of something special.”
Derek Cutler Director of Innovation and Parent
ANNUAL ACTION PLANS AND COMMUNITY UPDATES
Our Strategic Direction 2026+ is intentionally broad. This flexibility allows us to respond to evolving needs, emerging research, and rapid shifts in education and technology. It also supports meaningful differentiation across school divisions, where action plans may look very different. A broad framework encourages innovation, maintains long-term sustainability, and ensures our strategies remain aligned with our mission.
Each school division will use the Strategic Direction 2026+ to create more specific annual action plans that will include annual updates and are aligned with our accreditation and inspection cycles. With gratitude for your support, we look forward to building a bright future together.
