Independent Schools Feb 2022

north shore news nsnews.com

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2022

INDEPENDENT

Schools ■

A SPECIAL FEATURE OF THE

Independent school profiles Perspectives from students, parents and teachers

SPONSORED CONTENT

ALCUIN COLLEGE

What did you do in school today?

STUDENT

Q What do you like best about attending your school?

Alcuin College is a progressive, non-profit, independent K-12 school, serving North Shore families. Join us for small class sizes, engaging instruction by expert teachers, and a connected community.

A I love attending Alcuin so much, it’s hard to choose just one reason why! I like that I have good friends and we play freeze tag together. My class is small, teachers care about me, and I really like art class. We go on lots of different field trips too.

Kimiya F.

PARENT

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

A After changing schools to join Alcuin in Grade 8, the

biggest difference we’ve seen in our son is the incredible boost in his confidence. The smaller class sizes, the closeness of the community, and the bonds made with teachers and other students, have all allowed him to truly be himself.

EDUCATION IN THE COMMUNITY, FOR OUR FUTURE. 604.360.8656 | alcuin.ca info@stalcuincollege.com

Jeremy M.

TEACHER

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

A The most rewarding part of my job is having the

opportunity to facilitate meaningful connections between my students and the students and teachers from other grades. We constantly collaborate and share discoveries with each other in order to build strong relationships throughout the school and promote a growth-based learning environment.

alcuin.ca

Annie K.

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VANCOUVER WALDORF SCHOOL STUDENT

Q What do you like best about attending your school?

A I feel like the Vancouver Waldorf School has become a second

home for my sister and me and that all the teachers care so much, not only about my school work or my future post-secondary goals but also for me as a person. In the grade school, my teacher moved with our class through the years and adapted to our strengths and areas of challenge as we grew older and more capable. We were always excited when a new student joined the

class as a new recess buddy or a visiting international influence in the high school. The curriculum is balanced and rich, and the school is so positive and encouraging. The outdoor education and class trips are also a positive and memorable part of our school.

As graduates, we receive so much more, both credit-wise and experience-wise.

Reina L

PARENT

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

A Waldorf is about the education fitting my children’s development

rather than my children fitting an educational system. I love how the students are brought a developmentally appropriate, rich curriculum. Regardless of the grade or program, connections to the natural world are fostered - from edible and pollinator-friendly gardens to the materials used to construct the buildings and

play structures to the school supplies used each day. The most significant benefit is seeing relationships built on mutual respect between my girls and their class teachers, the appreciative and insightful observations the teachers make of them, and the excitement, especially my 10-year old has, for the school.

Joana RM

TEACHER

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

A I chose to become a Waldorf teacher because of everything it

has in it; it’s so much more than a curriculum to be delivered. It is about the child behind it and the sparkle in their eye when they understand something new for the first time. It is respecting the seed of individuality that is in each child. I’m inspired by the “why” we teach the things we teach and the intentional focus on how and when the curriculum is brought to the students. We offer

rigorous academics balanced with music, painting, woodworking, and performance arts – each considered essential lessons and not just electives. Waldorf education inspires socially responsible, independent thinkers who contribute to world renewal; it’s deeply powerful. That makes the whole experience so much more vibrant and inclusive.

vws.ca

50th Anniversary

Providing an experiential, ageappropriate approach to education.

Join us at an upcoming Waldorf Welcome Information Session to learn more about our school. vws.ca/ww

Marlies DC

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WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2022 SPONSORED CONTENT

ALEXANDER ACADEMY

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SPONSORED CONTENT

ISLAND PACIFIC SCHOOL

STUDENT

STUDENT

Q What do you like best about attending

Q What do you like best about attending

A I’m grateful to Alexander Academy for welcoming

A There are many different things I like about IPS, like the

your school?

me and being there for me. I was provided with opportunities that helped me grow as a person and student. I even gained the confidence to start my own debate club. Currently, I received an offer to UBC where I will study Commerce.

your school?

Alua

PARENT

student microwave and Luna, the school’s treasured dog. But the main thing that stands out to me is the freedom the students get. IPS gives you the freedom to choose and be what and who you are comfortable with being.

Abigail F., Gr. 6

PARENT

Q What is the biggest benefit to your child in

Q What is the biggest benefit to your child in

A Our daughter experienced a fantastic time at Alexander

A Our son stretched his abilities and transformed into a

attending their school?

Academy thanks to the professional teachers and great students. We experienced the best service, starting with a professional interview with admissions and ending with several prestigious university offers. We’re satisfied with our daughter’s self-development and will always be grateful.

attending their school?

Linda

TEACHER

mature, critical thinker who feels confident learning. His middle year memories will always include supportive teachers, challenging academics, outdoor adventures, community service, science fairs, school plays, public speaking challenges, climate change action, and more.

The school has exceeded our expectations.

Shelley F.

TEACHER

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

A It is fantastic to teach at a school with such a diverse group of students, both local and international. Our small classes allow me to provide individualized attention. The students are also wonderful and a joy to teach. Lastly, the faculty is very helpful and makes you feel at home.

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

A The best part of my job is when students are excited to Mr. Hildbrandt

alexanderacademy.ca

Alexander Academy is an internationally renowned independent school with a diverse student population represented by students from more than 17 countries around the world.

At Alexander Academy, we recognize that each student has their own academic goals, learning style, passion, and talent.

Our teachers are committed to ensuring that students have the opportunity to challenge themselves academically, enabling them to reach their personal level of academic excellence.

We expect excellence and foster attitudes of creativity, engagement, empathy, respect and integrity.

come to class and learn. Some of the most rewarding moments are when students come up to you and say “I’m so excited we have class today!” or “are we going to keep working on that project today?!”

Sophie H.

islandpacific.org

AN EXTRAORDINARY MIDDLE SCHOOL

LOCATED ON Nex̱wlélex̱m (BOWEN ISLAND)

GRADES 6-9

LEARNING TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE. INSPIRED TO MAKE WAVES.

#100 – 602 West Hastings Street Tel: 604-687-8832 Fax: 604-687-8872 alexanderacademy.ca

It’s never too early to start planning your child’s crucial middle years BOOK A TOUR TODAY islandpacific.org 604-947-9311

A34 | WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2022

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NORTH STAR MONTESSORI

SPONSORED CONTENT

ST. THOMAS AQUINAS REGIONAL SECONDARY SCHOOL

STUDENT

STUDENT

Q What do you like best about attending

Q What do you like best about attending

A I like my school because I have lots of friends there

A I like that I feel safe and cared for at STA. I love that

your school?

your school?

and I get to work with them on projects. I like the fact that all my teachers are the best teachers ever!

I also like learning through the Montessori materials because they help my brain learn new things.

Robbie S.

PARENT

it is such a diverse community which makes me feel welcomed and included. I like that STA provides many opportunities to students who have different interests and likes, which allows us to pursue our dreams.

Bowen C., Gr. 10

PARENT

Q What is the biggest benefit to your children in

Q What is the biggest benefit to your child in

A The biggest benefit to my children in attending North

A STA is a faith community where my child is valued,

attending their school?

Star is that they have a love for learning. This is due to the nature in which the curriculum is delivered – through the Montessori method – which identifies that elementary aged children learn best through the use of their imagination!

attending their school?

Christie S.

TEACHER

and where the Administration and staff know her by name. The school is large enough to provide a variety of opportunities for my daughter with over 25 athletic teams and clubs, and small enough to offer a true connection to her teachers, support staff, and peers.

There is something for every student at STA.

Kevin S.

TEACHER

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

A In Montessori education, children are typically

in the same environment for a 3-year cycle. It is gratifying to get to know and understand each child so intimately and guide them through these formative years. Witnessing their social, emotional, and academic growth inspires me.

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

A I have the best job in the world. Each day, I get to Lalena D.

share my passion for learning, creating and exploring.

Each day is different and unpredictable. Each day by showing kindness and empathy, I can make a difference. How many people can say that about their job? As a teacher, I can and proudly do.

Kate A.

aquinas.org

northstarmontessori.ca

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

541 West Keith Road, North Vancouver

REGISTER TODAY –

There’s something for everyone at STA!

An Education As Unique As Your Child.

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

REGISTER TODAY! Infancy to Grade 6 Call today: 604 980 1205

1325 E. Keith Road, North Vancouver

Scan the QR Code or go to the Admissions tab at aquinas.org

Questions?

Contact Christina Donovan at cdonovan@aquinas.org