Independent Schools Oct 2020

north shore news nsnews.com

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2020

Independent

Schools

■

Independent school profiles Perspectives from students, parents and teachers

■

Making the switch from public to private school

A SpeciAl FeAture oF the

| A31

A32 | WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2020

north shore news nsnews.com

Brentwood College School

SPONSORED CONTENT

STUDENT

Q: What do you like best about attending your school?

A:

Choosing to be at Brentwood is not just a question asked in the admissions process, but a philosophy that drives the campus culture.

Every person at Brentwood – students, staff and faculty – are genuinely passionate about the school, and eager to create meaningful, and longlasting relationships. The positive learning environment has enabled me to try new things, embrace challenges and to seek help when needed; from rowing to acting to the wide range of academic programs, there is

something for everyone. I have learned so much about myself and the world around me from the unique experiences Brentwood has offered me. The support I have received over the past couple of years, from peers and staff alike, is something I am infinitely grateful for. Entering my third and final year at Brentwood is bittersweet; while this transformative chapter is coming to an end, I’m so appreciative of the tools Brentwood has provided me so I can navigate whatever lies ahead.

Adrienne R.

PARENT

Q: What is the biggest benefit to your child in attending their school?

A:

The Brentwood experience has been transformational for our daughter. She went from having little confidence in her academic potential to earning academic honors and demonstrating a true love of learning. She went from playing it safe with extracurricular activities to trying new sports like Field Hockey and Rugby and new arts like Brentwood Broadcast and getting involved in student leadership—and she’s experiencing it all with kids from all over the world.

The unique schedule and tripartite program provide a balance of structure and independence that’s important for teens by having academics in the morning to allow for sports and arts in the afternoon.

In addition to inspiring teachers, the hands-on support from faculty and staff is phenomenal. They are there for her 24/7 when needed while helping her build confidence and self-advocacy. Our daughter’s Brentwood experience is the best decision we’ve made as parents.

Lisa H.

TEACHER

Q: What is the most rewarding part of your job/workplace?

A:

As a teacher, Brentwood is an incredible place to work. The most visible reasons are the idyllic oceanfront campus and the world class facilities, and while these are indeed amazing, there are other aspects that outshine them. Firstly, Brentwood gives its teachers the freedom to pursue and develop their own talents and interests. It recognizes that we are all different, and encourages us to develop our own areas of expertise. The support I have been given professionally makes

me feel incredibly valued. Secondly, the unique schedule, with three academic blocks per day, ending at 1pm, gives us the ability to find balance in our day; I can go for a run, or pick up my kids from school several times per week. Finally, the boarding community at Brentwood makes it my home. My family and I live on campus, and our children have been swallowed up whole by the kind and inspiring students, who act as towering role models for them.

Phil S.

brentwood.ca

Brentwood’s distinctive tripartite program and schedule is designed to provide students with a timetable that leads to unrivalled opportunities.

The fact that students choose Brentwood is what makes this place so special. Because when a student truly wants to be here, and they’re surrounded by a family of like-minded friends and supporters, we believe they can choose to be . . . anything.

Join us for one of our Virtual Open Houses | Register at RSVP.brentwood.ca Co-ed | Boarding | Grades 9-12 | Mill Bay | BC | www.brentwood.ca | admissions@brentwood.ca

north shore news nsnews.com

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2020

| A33

Tips for making the switch from public to private school Parents have many different reasons for sending their children to private schools. Switching from public schools to private schools can require a significant emotional and social adjustment on the part of students and their families.

Transitioning to private school also may require adjusting to an entirely new educational philosophy and curriculum. These tips can help make the transition from public school to private school go smoothly.

Class size Class size plays a significant role when parents decide to send their children to private school. According to Noodle, an online education search and rating resource, public school classes may include 20 students or more, with some even as large as 34 students at full capacity.

Private schools tend to have much smaller class sizes and a smaller teacher-to-student ratio. This can translate into more individualized attention for each student. It also may mean heightened scrutiny, which is something students may quickly discover and not be accustomed to from their public school days.

Students who thrive with more frequent teacher feedback may like the change to private school. Others

who prefer not being in the spotlight may need more time to adjust.

Take a Tour and geT involved Familiarizing oneself with the school can make the first day of school that much easier. Most schools will offer tours for prospective new families; otherwise, parents can reach out to the administration to schedule private walk-throughs. Some private schools also pair up potential new students with current student ambassadors to provide a students’ perspective, which can be very helpful.

Families also can attend school-sanctioned functions, volunteer for parent-teacher association committees or encourage students join sports teams or extracurricular clubs early on to help with making friends.

Be open To Change Many private schools do not have to conform to stateor province-sanctioned curriculums. This can come as a shock to students who were working on a certain math or language arts program at their previous schools.

Other changes to expect may be uniforms, religiousbased foundations and classes, and less leniency when

A UNIVERSITY PREPARATORY BOARDING SCHOOL FOR GRADES 8 TO 12

rules are broken. Some schools also may be male-only or female-only. These issues can be discussed before the first day of school.

Keeping an open mind and getting the support of parents can help students navigate the transition from METRO CREATIVE public to private school.

Bodwell High School

SPONSORED CONTENT

STUDENT

Q: What do you like best about attending your school?

A:

AROUND THE CLOCK

Saghar H.

PARENT

Q: What is the biggest benefit to your child in

SUPPORT FOR STUDENT ACADEMICS & HEALTH & WELLBEING

attending their school?

A: Robust COVID-19 safety plan For day and boarding students Up to 11 credit courses per year 30 hrs/week academic courses 6 hrs/week teacher/instructor led co-curricular learning Outstanding record of university admissions

604-998-1000 | ¸ office@bodwell.edu

At Bodwell, I am building my future. When I come to school I study because of my future and what I enjoy about all of this is who I am going to be when I leave this school.

My school attendance is a preparation for what I am going to face in the future and what I will choose to do with my future.

When my son was in Grade 11, he decided to transfer to Bodwell, where he enjoyed the learning experience, and he met a mentor who changed and widened his perspective on life. Bodwell’s individualized care for each student is something you won’t be able to find elsewhere. Bodwell High School has always exceeded my expectations.

Keiko N.

TEACHER

Q: What is the most rewarding part of your job/ workplace?

A:

t+u

bodwell.edu

I have the privilege of guiding students along their high school journey in discovering their strengths, exploring their passions and setting their graduation goals. Watching students share their transformations from when they arrived, to their final final year of high school and achieving those goals, is the most rewarding part of my job.

bodwell.edu

Daniella G.

A34 | WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2020

north shore news nsnews.com

Brockton School

SPONSORED CONTENT

STUDENT

Q: What do you like best about attending your school?

A:

I have been attending my school for 7 years now. I like Brockton because I get to know my entire class quite well. In most cases, there are a maximum of 22 students per class. At one point, I knew the entire school, but then Brockton started growing a lot and my memory capacity is not that good. I also like that Brockton has a friendly environment. I feel my classmates are very caring, open-minded, and

knowledgeable. As well, we have attentive teachers, that if you give them a chance to make things exciting they can make everything interesting.

Toby M.

PARENT

Q: What is the biggest benefit to your child in attending their school?

A:

The biggest benefit for Cole attending Brockton is his passion for learning and participating in the areas that he most enjoys.

For example, this year he is excited about his Design Technology projects and his participation in Brockton’s World Music Program. The Brockton community is very inclusive and nurturing. Cole thrives in this environment as he knows all of the students and teachers throughout

the school. Going to school is fun and he is up early every morning looking forward to the day.

Jen G.

TEACHER

Q: What is the most rewarding part of your job/workplace?

A:

It is so hard to pick just one thing! I think the most rewarding part about my job is the joy I get to see in my students as they discover confidence in themselves with the new skills that they have learned.

Grade 1 is a huge jump from Kindergarten and student growth, especially in reading and writing, is outstanding. The smiles on their faces when they look back and see how their writing has changed,

how their ability to solve problems has grown, or how tall they have gotten is truly magical. I am their guide throughout a learning journey and I am blessed to be a part of it all! The most rewarding part about being a member of the Brockton community is the connection. We are all family and I feel supported, appreciated, and loved every day by students, families, staff, and admin.

brocktonschool.com

Where every student matters.

Where every family matters.

Where learning for life matters.

• Early Years Programme: Junior Kindergarten (4 years old by Dec. 31) Kindergarten (5 years old by Dec. 31) • IB World Continuum School supporting JK through grade 12 with an enriched curriculum • Excellent student to teacher ratio, personalized attention, and a focus on whole child development • Specialist teachers and extended learning opportunities • Extended day and co-curricular programming • Extensive financial assistance available: bursaries Register for an upcoming virtual information session at www.brocktonschool.com Accepting Applications for the 2021/2022 school year.

Inspiring the Growth of Outstanding Humans.

Christina M.

north shore news nsnews.com

CEFA Early Learning

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2020

SPONSORED CONTENT

PARENT

Kenneth Gordon Maplewood School

SPONSORED CONTENT

STUDENT

Q: What is the biggest benefit to your child in

Q: What do you like best about attending

A:

A:

attending their school?

your school?

Our experience with CEFA North Vancouver has been excellent. Our 3 year old son continued to attend school throughout spring and summer. CEFA implemented new COVID-19 measures including daily temperature checks, deep cleaning and masks for staff staff.. We’ve been impressed with the meticulous attention to detail and the continued attention to education that the children receive. We feel safe the environment decreases the risk of exposure to COVID-19 as much as possible. Our sons love attending CEFA North Vancouver.

Aidan C.

Q: What is the biggest benefit to your child in attending their school?

TEACHER

Q: What is the most rewarding part of your job/ workplace?

My name is Maria B. and I have worked at CEFA North Vancouver for over nine years. During my time at CEFA I have made lifelong friends and have had positive relationships with all my coworkers. The staff are eager to share games, songs, and other recourses with each other to ensure that the children are engaged in the daily curriculum.

Whether it is by proving a healthy meal plan or strictly following our healthy and safety protocols, I always feel the children and staff are safe when in our facilities.

The teachers at KGMS have really helped me with my education. I have met a good group of friends, and have excelled in every one of my subjects since arriving at this school.

PARENT

A:

A:

| A35

Maria B.

Before KGMS, our son had written off school entirely and would not even attend. Right away, we knew KGMS was different - they had concrete plans to address all of our concerns with his learning disabilities and mental health challenges. Aidan has gone from totally withdrawn to having a great group of friends and being on student council.

Kirsten U.

TEACHER

Q: What is the most rewarding part of your job/ workplace?

A:

The most fulfilling part of working at KGMS is seeing my students’ confidence confidence grow, day after day. They often come in as shy children, frequently lacking confidence from their previous educational experiences, and they learn to express themselves; they turn into bubbly, outgoing children, who are sure of themselves and are not afraid of making mistakes.

Colleen M.

kgms.ca

cefa.ca/northvancouver | cefa.ca/lionsgate

MAPLEWOOD ALTERNATIVE HIGH SCHOOL

KENNETH GORDON MAPLEWOOD SCHOOL

Is your daughter or son struggling to achieve their potential?

We believe every young person can succeed if given the right tools and learning environment. For over 40 years, we have been offering an intimate, supportive private school for students with needs not typically addressed by a traditional school setting. Visit us and discover how we can help overcome obstacles and create a path to success.

.. ..

Outcome-oriented Tailored programs Friendly, informal atmosphere Highly educated & experienced staff

.. ..

Fully accredited Financing available School bus service available Accepting applications, spaces limited

Elementary Education for grades 1-7

Alternative High School for grades 8-12

www.kgms.ca

www.maplewoodhigh.ca

For more information, contact Dr. Jim Christopher, Head of School at jchristopher@kgms.ca or 604.985.5224

A36 | WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2020

Island Pacific School

north shore news nsnews.com

SPONSORED CONTENT

STUDENT

Eaton Arrowsmith STUDENT

Q: What do you like best about attending

Q: What do you like best about attending

A:

A:

your school?

I like IPS because it is a small school. In my class of 16, it is easy for me to share my ideas. I wake up in the morning and I am excited to socialize with my friends. I think at a small school, it is easy to make friends!!!!

your school?

Leo S., Gr. 6

PARENT

Eaton Arrowsmith has helped me to energize my attention skills in school and improve my awareness at work. My boss even commented that I can manage my schedule with ease now! I also loved that my teachers were always there to support me and hold me accountable.

Q: What is the biggest benefit to your child in

A:

A:

attending their school?

attending their school?

Jacquie S.

TEACHER

The benefi benefits ts since Quiniso started Arrowsmith last Spring, cant. He’s re-building his confi dence as a learner, are signifi significant. confidence his teachers understand and support him, we’re seeing changes in skills and quality of life. Now he’s happy, motivated and seeing himself as a successful student. Best decision we’ve made as parents!

Jan F.

TEACHER

Q: What is the most rewarding part of your job/

Q: What is the most rewarding part of your job/

A:

A:

workplace?

The most rewarding part of my job is celebrating milestones with my students. Whether it’s understanding a difficult concept or getting out of their comfort zone by rock climbing, I love knowing I help my students feel supported enough to take risks and not fear failure. It’s very inspirational!

Simon M.

PARENT

Q: What is the biggest benefit to your child in IPS helps grow the capabilities and uniqueness in each student. About IPS our daughter said the teachers “want my opinion on everything”. Small class sizes means your child is known and called to their best version. Kids naturally attach to the exceptional teachers which truly supports optimal learning. Thank you IPS!

SPONSORED CONTENT

workplace?

Kari M.

islandpacific.org

The most rewarding part of my career? When I see students making progress in areas that they found challenging and previously thought were impossible to succeed in. Students begin to realize that they can succeed when they strengthen their brains capacity for learning and their whole world opens to new possibilities.

Shireen C.

eatonarrowsmith.com

LEARNING DISABILITIES DON'T HAVE TO BE LIFELONG

Improving the Brain’s Capacity to Learn.

Designed for parents who want a proven in-school or online program that helps their children unlock their brain's potential.

Neuroscience research has proven the Arrowsmith Program's effectiveness in improving brain function.

Express the very best of what it means to be human.

CALL OUR ADMISSIONS SPECIALISTS TO INQUIRE ABOUT OUR ONLINE AND ONSITE SCHOOL PROGRAM OPTIONS

604.264.8327

D I SC O V ER U S A SMALL BY DESIGN

MIDDLE SCHOOL

ISLAND PACIFIC SCHOOL Apply now for 2021-22 and Beyond

islandpacific.org

Enroll at eatonarrowsmith.com

north shore news nsnews.com

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2020

North Star Montessori

SPONSORED CONTENT

STUDENT

Q: What do you like best about attending your school?

A:

I like North Star Montessori because I have a choice in what I do. For example, if I want to start a science experiment or do an hour of math, I can. I like that we can work together. This gives me the opportunity to learn from my friends. Also, I can be a leader and help other students if needed.

We have a lot of opportunities at our school. I like when we go on

field trips. Every year, we go to Camp Summit and Camp Jubilee, except for year 2020 due to COVID-19. I think we have the best PE program. Some of our activities are mountain biking, ice skating, skiing, snowshoeing, swimming, dancing, yoga, and much more. I have the opportunity to bring my violin to school and play it with my friends in our Upper Elementary band. I love attending my school!

Arianna M., Gr.5

PARENT

Q: What is the biggest benefit to your children in attending their school?

A:

North Star’s individualized approach has mindfully guided my children through all of their developmental phases. The teachers work tirelessly to present a diverse curriculum that sparks each child’s natural curiosity. They support each individual to pursue their newfound interests and guide them to develop healthy motivation and personal accountability. This unique motivation is not based on reward and consequence, but on something deeper, and has allowed each of

my children to explore their abilities, and truly believe in themselves.

It has helped them to develop the courage to try again when they do not succeed, and to keep trying. A big piece of the Montessori environment is Grace and Courtesy, and the Teachers at North Star do a remarkable job at modeling and harbouring those values for our children in the classroom. They create a safe space, filled with curiosity and kindness. My children are learning to love learning.

Jennifer N.

TEACHER

Q: What is the most rewarding part of your job/workplace?

A:

Working at North Star Montessori is rewarding in countless ways. As a teacher in a multi-aged classroom, I have the opportunity to observe students learning to work collaboratively with children of all ages.

On a daily basis, the older students mentor the younger students allowing them to develop understanding and empathy whilst creating a supportive and trusting community.

At North Star Montessori, we embrace what the local area has to

offer. We utilize the public bus, ski and mountain bike on our local mountains, take nature walks and do science, nature and river studies, right in our own backyard! We go out rain or shine, giving the children a chance to explore splashing in puddles, raking leaves or even making snowmen! I love that our school and the local community can offer so many planned and spontaneous learning opportunities for the children and staff to enjoy!

northstarmontessori.ca

Providing an education as unique as your child.

FULL DAY SPACES for 3 + 4 year olds REGISTER NOW! Call today:

604 980 1205 northstarmontessori.ca

| A37

Katy D.-P.

A38 | WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2020

north shore news nsnews.com

Queen Margaret’s School

SPONSORED CONTENT

STUDENT

Q: What do you like best about attending your school?

A: I absolutely love Queen Margaret’s School and I am so thankful to go

here. I was so nervous to change schools for my high school life, but it was the best decision I have ever made! All the teachers and staff are supportive, caring and fun to be around. Everyone is welcoming, positive and consistently walking around with a smile on their face no matter what is happening in their life. I enjoy every moment of school

and the social environment. The community here is something I cannot begin to explain because an explanation could never do justice for the feeling. I will forever hold close to my heart the connections, friends, and valuable lessons I’ve learned from my peers. QMS has helped grow and shape me into who I am today, and I am so excited to see what the future holds.

Sydney B.

PARENT

Q: What is the biggest benefit to your children in attending their school?

A: We had been attending international school and living in Manila,

Philippines and due to the COVID situation decided to move back to Canada. Although we had not planned to change schools when we visited and met the Queen Margaret’s School team we were immediately impressed. My teenage son and daughter immediately felt this was an environment they would be comfortable with and were excited to have the opportunity to attend! Since joining the school

we have truly felt the passion and welcome of the teachers and staff and the transition has been amazingly positive. The program blend of academics, equestrian, sport, music and art is well planned and executed. The environment on campus is wonderful and welcoming and over the first month the kids are excited to be going to school and the stress of the pandemic and the unexpected move has been minimized.

Darcy L.

TEACHER

Q: What is the most rewarding part of your job/workplace?

A: The most rewarding part of working at Queen Margaret’s School

is the relationships I develop with my students, colleagues and community. My students’ compassion and desire to tackle complex global issues leaves me feeling hopeful for the future and fuels my passion for environmental education. My colleagues offer unparalleled support and are always excited to collaborate with me so we can take

learning beyond the walls of the classroom. Community members and organizations of the Cowichan Valley are always willing to support me and work with my students, which makes the work my students and I do meaningful.

Nicole L.

qms.bc.ca

CO-ED

PRESCHOOL–GRADE 12 Virtual Open House 1:00pm October 29, 2020

New world. New challenges. New learning.

RSVP admissions@qms.bc.ca

www.qms.bc.ca