Independent Schools - 2019

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2019

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INDEPENDENT

Schools

!

Independent school proďŹ les Perspectives from students, parents and teachers

A SPECIAL FEATURE OF THE

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nsnews.com north shore news WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2019

Private schools: finding a match There are a lot of good reasons for sending your child to private school in Canada.

You may have received a foreign posting and need to find a boarding school, or it could be that your child

is consistently underperforming academically. Or, it’s the opposite: he or she is bored silly with the local school’s grade curriculum and you want to find some especially motivated teachers. In any case, it’s time to suss out the school that best suits your child’s needs.

IT GOES BOTH WAYS

The schools you apply to are probably going to do as much research into your child as you do into the schools. In other words, they are most likely going to interview your child at length and ask for at least one written essay. And, naturally, the schools are also going to need confirmation that you can pay their fees. Because many schools levy an application fee, it’s a good idea to narrow your choices down to the one or two you desire most.

We inspire our students to make

a better world

A GOOD INVESTMENT

cousteauschool.org 604-924-2457 3657 Fromme Rd., North Vancouver

Sending your child to private school is an investment, and so you must be careful you make an informed decision. During your data gathering, attend the open house events held by the schools you’re interested in. When you’ve narrowed down a short list, let your child meet the teachers and spend some time in the school. Find out which extra costs you’ll be expected to pay above and beyond the annual tuition. Last but not least, remember that nothing is stopping you from trying out the school for one session; you can always renew your search for next year. !

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Island Pacific School

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STUDENT

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

A: I like that every time you walk into the building, there

is always someone who greets you with a friendly smile and wave. You get to experience learning with the teachers and, with our “small by design” classes, everyone can get the individual learning that they need.

Wylie S., Gr 8

PARENT

Q: What is the biggest benefit to your child in attending his/her school?

APPLY NOW Bowen 31 students

49%

32 students

51%

Girls 26 students

Boys 37 students

41%

59%

A: IPS allows individual growth. Middle school years are

formative, hugely changing, upheaval years. No high schools give kids time to process their stuff, away from older peers and pressures. It’s an opportunity to grow teens into what they ‘wannabe’. IPS listens, shapes, and is not bound by classroom. It’s like a ‘kid’ pro quo. I like that.

Richard S.

TEACHER

Q: What is the most rewarding part Small by design and distinctly different, Island Pacific School on Bowen Island is a grade 6-9 middle school with one class for each grade, with a max of 18 students in each grade. Spaces fill quickly; families are encouraged to apply for the grade 6 entry year well in advance.

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ISLAND PACIFIC SCHOOL

25 islandpacific.org YEARS

CELEBRATING

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of your job/workplace?

A: The most rewarding part of my job as an educator is seeing the light go on in a student’s face when they ‘get it’. Whether it’s a math problem or a connection that they make between subjects or ideas, the joy of that moment and where it can take them next is wonderful.

islandpacific.org

Jennifer H.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2019

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Brockton School

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STUDENT

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

A: What I like best about attending Brockton School is the teacher

support and engagement with students. I have been at my school for eleven years now, and every year I have enjoyed my teachers for the enthusiasm they bring to the classes they teach and clubs they run. Many of the teachers engage with students outside of class through extra-curricular activities, including sports teams, musical groups, and student leadership programs, many of which I have

been able to participate in. As a result of this engagement, I have been provided the opportunity to travel to Europe twice with the World Music Program and participate in many sporting competitions.

Throughout my years at Brockton, I’ve found teachers are always more than willing to support students with their learning and finding ways to personalize student learning in a way that allows them to be the most successful and engaged they can be.

Matthew B.

PARENT

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

A: Every day at Brockton, my daughter is active and engaged in

personalized learning. She is encouraged to explore her strengths and her challenges, both as a life-long learner and a person.

Brockton is such a special place - it embodies a strong and genuine sense of community and connection to people as well as the planet.

There’s a saying, “small but mighty.” In Brockton’s case, I would change it to “small and meaningful.” Students in every grade interact

with each other. Teachers know the names of almost every child, kindergarteners to seniors. At Brockton, every learner matters; very family matters. I know that at Brockton my daughter is developing her character and her abilities in ways that will allow her to fully embrace all that the 21st century has to offer!

Marla G.

TEACHER

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

A: As a founding faculty member of Brockton School, I have had

approach to teaching and learning. As a person who comes from a creative arts background, I know what it takes to create a space where innovative thoughts and ideas can be fully expressed and developed. Brockton School is a place where great care is taken to provide teachers and students with the resources they need to be able to develop their interests. People here are driven by a sense of purpose, in the service of helping to create a better world.

the opportunity to develop as a professional educator within the context of an exciting and compassionate workplace. The most rewarding part of my job is coming to a workplace that values supporting teachers and students as they take risks, develop new projects and programs, develop new relationships within the community, and constantly refine and redefine a holistic

Paige F.

brocktonschool.com

Where every student matters.

Where every family matters.

Where learning for life matters.

• Early Learning Years Program: Junior Kindergarten (4 years old by Dec. 31) Kindergarten: (5 years old by Dec. 31) • IB World Continuum Program and enriched curriculum • Small class sizes, personalized attention, focus on whole child development • Specialist teachers and extended learning opportunities • Before and after school care and activities on-site • Extensive financial assistance available: bursaries and entrance scholarships Accepting Applications for the 2020/2021 school year.

3467 Duval Road, North Vancouver • 604-929-9201 • Brocktonschool.com A non-denominational, co-ed, International Baccalaureate (IB) World Continuum School supporting JK to Grade 12.

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nsnews.com north shore news WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2019

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.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2019

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Brentwood College School

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STUDENT

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

A:

What sets Brentwood apart is the meaningful relationships that are formed day in day out, bringing this vibrant campus to life. Whether it be friendships between students and staff, or peer to peer, these genuine bonds are what form the tight-knit community at Brentwood; that of which I am proud to call my home away from home.

I am incredibly grateful for all of the unforgettable experiences, unique opportunities and sense of growth that Brentwood has given me over the past three years. The tripartite program at Brentwood allows for students to develop and pursue a multitude of passions.

Personally, I have loved my experience on stage in Brentwood’s renowned musical theatre program and have discovered my new found hobby for pottery.

I have also thrived in Brentwood’s athletic programs such as rugby and soccer, which have really allowed me to develop my skills and improve as a player and teammate with the help of our talented group of coaching staff. My journey at Brentwood has really taught me to venture outside my comfort zone and embrace the challenges that come with being vulnerable and trying new things.

The School fosters this mindset and advocates authenticity among the student body which truly brings out the best in each and every student. Being a part of the Brentwood family has been a special and life-changing experience for me, I am grateful for this opportunity and can’t wait to see what new adventures and memories are to come as I ride out my third and final year at Brentwood.

Callum B.-C.

PARENT

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

A:

The biggest benefit of my son attending Brentwood has been the social element of being part of the boarding school. It has created a sense of belonging, and friendships that will last a lifetime. The structure of the school day having academics before lunch and arts and sports afterwards and then the prep time is excellent.

The structure combined with newfound independence is something that my son thrives on. Brentwood has a

way of being all-inclusive and there is always something going on to keep the students interested and engaged.

There are so many opportunities to try new things.

The international diversity of the student body gives exposure to all different nationalities and their various cultures. All in all my son’s decision to attend Brentwood was the best thing he ever did!

Emma W.

TEACHER

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

A:

I must say, I have the best job on earth. Why? Because the people here at Brentwood treat each other like family. The students are vibrant and kind young people from all over the world who have chosen to come and live together for 10 months of the year on a beautiful oceanfront campus.

They have chosen to challenge themselves in a busy and varied “tripartite” schedule not because they have to, but because they want to. By and large, the students here treat each other with great kindness and show deep respect for the faculty and staff at the School.

I also work with teachers who direct their boundless energy towards being the best mentors they can be while creating an exciting and fun as well as caring and

collegial environment where students and staff alike can take risks in what they do.

The support staff here have deep pride in the quality of their work, treat campus like their home, and treat the other people who live and work here as if they were family.

The relationships my wife and I have built at Brentwood are of such deep significance to us that we have chosen to live on campus now for almost 11 years and raise our four children here, sharing a boarding house with almost 50 boys, since their birth. So for me, the people who I coexist with every day are definitely the most rewarding part of my job here at Brentwood.

brentwood.ca

Mark W.

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nsnews.com north shore news WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2019

North Star Montessori

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STUDENT

Fraser Academy

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STUDENT

Q: What do you like best about attending

Q: What do you like best about attending

A: I love my class because I can do lots of things like the

A: Fraser Academy has helped me become more confident

your school?

checkerboard which is math. It comes with beads and it helps me learn my multiplication. I like that my teachers can help me when I need help. I like that the children in my class are different ages and they can teach me about different things. I like that everyone is nice and peaceful.

your school?

in my math skills. It’s very supportive; I can get help with my work and have the opportunity to talk to my teachers about questions I may have. I am also really enjoying Social Studies (Honours), where I can challenge myself and learn new topics.

Parker

PARENT

Audrey A.

PARENT

Q: What is the biggest benefit to your children

Q: What is the biggest benefit to your child

A: North Star provides my children with an inspiring and

A: Our daughter had totally withdrawn. One morning on her

in attending their school?

diverse curriculum. Because of this, they are extremely motivated to learn and show interest in all subject areas.

The teachers are wonderful and treat each child as an individual. My children feel respected and like active participants in their quest for knowledge.

in attending her school?

way to school she mumbled, “another day of humiliation.”

It broke my heart. Within two weeks at Fraser we had a new daughter. She had picked her head up and was engaged. The small class sizes and 1:1 tutoring have brought out her strengths, while boosting weaknesses.

Christie

TEACHER

Doug P.

TEACHER

Q: What is the most rewarding part

Q: What is the most rewarding part

A: I enjoy working with the same students for three

A: I have had many students who were initially frustrated,

of your job/workplace?

consecutive years. It allows me to really understand what motivates the students in order to build on their academic learning and personal growth each year in a meaningful way. I also enjoy the connection the students make with one another over the years.

of your job/workplace?

broken down, and not able to read a word. It’s been a privilege to see their transformation. When you overcome big challenges, you receive even bigger rewards. Knowing I’m a small part of their success story is the most rewarding part of my job.

Katy

northstarmontessori.ca

Gladys T.

fraseracademy.ca

Providing an education as unique as your child.

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Infancy toto Grade today: Preschool Grade6 7| Call | Call today:604 604980 9801205 1205 1325 East East Keith Keith Road, Road, North North Vancouver Vancouver BC BC (Southern 1325 (Southern annex annex of the North Shore Winter Club)

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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2019

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Kenneth Gordon Maplewood School

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Vancouver Waldorf School

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STUDENT

STUDENT

Q: What do you like best about attending

Q: What do you like best about attending

A: I love KGMS because I feel like I belong there, and they

A: There is a really nice atmosphere in the school.

your school?

your school?

teach me the way my brain is wired. I also feel less anxious.

Esabella S.

Having less students in each class means the teachers have more of a personal relationship with each individual student, which also means there is more understanding of what’s going on in each lesson.

Jack G.R.

PARENT

PARENT

Q: What is the biggest benefit to your child in

Q: What is the biggest benefit to your children

A: The biggest benefit of my daughter attending KGMS

A: The Vancouver Waldorf School’s unique educational

in attending their school?

attending her school?

is the sense of inclusion. She feels safe there and is thriving academically. She also really enjoys going to school!

Michael S.

approach supports my children in becoming creative, empowered, free thinkers. Not only are they receiving an excellent education, they are also surrounded by amazing teachers who care about their social development, physical health, and character.

Paige & Story W.

TEACHER

TEACHER

Q: What is the most rewarding part

Q: What is the most rewarding part

A: At KGMS, there is an abundance of talent in the arts,

A: It’s in the little things: in the shimmer of expectancy

of your job/workplace?

of your job/workplace?

and many of our students are natural performing artists.

Teaching them the crafts of acting and dancing is the best part of my job at Kenneth Gordon Maplewood School. Our students are stars in and out of the classroom!

Bret G.

Marlies D.

vws.ca

kgms.ca

KENNETH GORDON MAPLEWOOD SCHOOL

in their eyes when they enter the classroom in the morning and the gleam of still-simmering-excitement when they go home; in the proud smiles when they conquer a challenge and the compliment between friends, instinctively handed out. They make my day.

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

2725 St Christophers Rd, North Vancouver | 604-985-7435 | info@vws.ca