Independent Schools

north shore news nsnews.com

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2021

INDEPENDENT

Schools

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Independent school profiles Perspectives from students, parents and teachers

A SPECIAL FEATURE OF THE

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Alcuin College

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STUDENT

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

A:

Everything! The teachers at Alcuin make it a great place to learn and have fun at the same time. Last year, we went on a lot of cool field trips, which I really liked. This year, we have done more things virtually, but they have still been interesting and fun. We had a presentation from Mike’s Critters where we got to hold and pet some unusual animals and learn about them. We also had a virtual workshop with

Science World where they showed us how to code using “Scratch”.

I love math. Alcuin has been able to make math more challenging for me because they are so flexible. This has been amazing for me.

The new building will also help to make learning more flexible for us because we will have the space to expand and do different things like present our learning to everyone at school.

Gavin B.

PARENT

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

A:

Our children’s experiences at Alcuin have been transformational.

As an educator myself, I have witnessed my children’s confidence flourish, and, with this newfound self-awareness, an insatiable curiosity about the changing world and their place within it. Through the forging of meaningful, authentic relationships, Alcuin educators go above and beyond to create a sense of belonging, where students feel valued as individuals with unique gifts. Learning differences are

addressed through this personalized, strength-based approach, which fuels a genuine love for learning. Students are intrinsically motivated to respond to challenges creatively, critically and confidently. Alcuin’s experiential and hands-on learning model transcends the walls of the school as students regularly engage with community partners in ways that enrich their learning and deepen their connections as proud, responsible North Vancouver citizens.

Sandeep G.

TEACHER

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

A:

The most rewarding aspect of my job is being able to create opportunities for students to apply their knowledge and understanding to make a positive impact, both on the North Shore and in the world. Alcuin College is a true learning community, where students, staff and families work together to foster active citizenship and increase student achievement and success. My students are part of my community for much longer than for the time they are in

my classroom. I am not just their teacher, I am part of their ‘village’; I learn from them, challenge them, coach them, and believe in them.

In return, they teach me how to be better in each of these areas.

I love being a part of this community where my influence can be supportive, encouraging and helpful, inspiring students to be the best that they can be.

Penny D.

alcuin.ca

EDUCATION IN THE COMMUNITY, FOR OUR FUTURE. Alcuin College is a progressive, non-profit, independent K-12 school, serving North Shore families. Join us for small class sizes, full-time in-person instruction with expert teachers, and a connected community.

info@stalcuincollege.com

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604.360.8656

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alcuin.ca

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WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2021

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Kenneth Gordon Maplewood School

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STUDENT

Island Pacific School STUDENT

Q: What do you like best about attending

Q: What do you like best about attending

A:

A:

your school?

Before coming to KGMS, I found math and writing very challenging. Now that I am at KGMS, my teachers have taught me the skills I need to be successful in these subjects, and everyone is really nice. It’s a lot of fun attending the school, and my tutors have helped me a lot with my reading and writing skills.

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your school?

Colette J.

PARENT

I love that the teachers are very supportive, kind and help you through tough times. I love that we go on excursions and cool adventures. We learn how to become great students, friends and humans. With a kind community and amazing teachers, it’s easy to love, learn and be kind.

PARENT

Q: What is the biggest benefit to your child in

Q: What is the biggest benefit to your child in

A:

A:

attending their school?

Colette has been at KGMS for 4 years now. In those years our family has seen Colette grow in so many areas of her life. In the beginning we saw that Colette was happy to go to school, the structure that the school has in place has brought a sense of security. At KGMS all kids are unique.

The teachers and tutors have made learning fun.

attending their school?

Raquel J.

TEACHER

IPS has been an incredible middle school for our daughter to develop as a learner and as a person. The curriculum is thoughtful, relevant and engaging. The small class sizes and dedicated teachers have developed her strengths and offered offered support when needed. The outdoor education trips are truly amazing!

Jayne C.

TEACHER

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

Q: What is the most rewarding part of your

A:

A:

workplace?

The most rewarding part of my job is seeing the creativity, intelligence, passion, and personalities of the students as they thrive. Students often come to us doubting themselves, unsure of their abilities and place in the world.

It is a privilege to be part of the community that guides them to reach their fullest potential.

Oliver Y.,Gr. 8

job/workplace?

Sara F.

The most rewarding part of teaching at IPS is facilitating the experiential and authentic learning that takes place every day. I especially love to see when my students gain a deeper understanding of what we are learning by connecting ideas and then transferring them to their own lives.

Andrea E.

islandpacific.org

kgms.ca

MAPLEWOOD ALTERNATIVE HIGH SCHOOL

KENNETH GORDON MAPLEWOOD SCHOOL

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The Things Kids Say.

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

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Middle School on Bowen Island

islandpacific.org

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North Star Montessori

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2021

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STUDENT

St. Thomas Aquinas Secondary School

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STUDENT

Q: What do you like best about attending

Q: What do you like best about attending

A:

A:

your school?

I love the hands-on experience I get from my school.

I enjoy using the materials to help me understand the work. I also like that I can choose what work I am doing.

When I am interested in a topic, I am able to learn a lot about it.

your school?

Lukas

PARENT

I like that I am constantly surrounded by people who care about each other. STA prepares you academically for universities, as well as offers a wide variety of extracurricular activities from drama to sports to music.

They also support your personal and spiritual growth.

Q: What is the biggest benefit to your child in

A:

A:

attending their school?

attending their school?

D’arcey

TEACHER

STA is an extension of our home in raising our children in an evolving world. Support and attention to academic life and the emotional needs of students is evident and always available. Our daughter has transitioned into high school with confidence, support and enthusiasm. We are very grateful for STA!

Natasha B.

TEACHER

Q: What is the most rewarding part of your

Q: What is the most rewarding part of your

A:

A:

job/workplace?

What I love most about working at North Star is being part of a small, close-knit community of students, parents and teachers. Having students in my class for three continuous years allows me the time to build strong relationships with them and to develop deeper understandings about each child’s individual learning needs.

Anna G.

PARENT

Q: What is the biggest benefit to your child in Through an engaging and positive environment at North Star, I have watched my son grow into a strong, confident and independent boy. He is very curious about so many subjects and is motivated to learn about everything. The teachers encourage creativity, allow the children to work at their own pace and promote divergent thinking.

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job/workplace?

Brooke

It is a blessing for me to be part of the STA family. I love working at STA because of the communal faith that strengthens me to become a better person to fulfill my teaching vocation. The collaboration amongst staff provides me with confidence which helps me focus on helping students to achieve their dreams.

northstarmontessori.ca

Tony D.

aquinas.org

For a virtual tour of our school visit aquinas.org

STA

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An Education As Unique As Your Child.

Now offering full-day for 3 & 4 year olds.

REGISTER TODAY!

Deadline for applications: 1 April 2021

Infancy to Grade 6 Call today: 604 980 1205

ST. THOMAS AQUINAS REGIONAL SECONDARY SCHOOL Faith • Community • Excellence

1325 E. Keith Road, North Vancouver

541 West Keith Road, North Vancouver, BC 604-987-4431