WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2016
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INDEPENDENT
Schools INSIDE:
10 THINGS
PHOTO THINKSTOCK
to look for in a great independent school
Plus Check out school proямБles
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3467 Duval Road North Vancouver, BC 604.929.9201 brocktonschool.com
Brockton School
An inclusive and authentic school
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rockton School (JK-grade 12) is the independent school you’ve been searching for, offering all that you might appreciate about an independent school, without the aspects that you might not. Embracing the benefits of a small school community, Brockton is an inclusive and authentic school that aims to find ‘genius everywhere’; it is a place where every student is respected, valued and special.
The engaging and challenging International Baccalaureate framework supports Brockton to inspire students to want to learn. Students don’t simply answer questions at Brockton, students discover the questions to ask. With small class sizes, outstanding teachers
(including specialist teachers starting in JK), abundant resources, and a supportive parent community, students are guided on their journey of learning. As North Vancouver’s only ISABC school, Brockton proudly engages students in extraordinary opportunities throughout their years and, come graduation, will have prepared them for impressive post-secondary aspirations. Central to the learning at Brockton is the focus on local and global community engagement and collaboration, with the Brockton-like humble approach. Brockton School has recently welcomed the addition of a new Senior School wing and the new Junior Kindergarten program.
Believe... Strive... Excel!
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2016
Ten things to look for in a great independent school A private or independent school will provide your child with an academically rigorous environment in which education infiltrates all aspects of his or her life. However, for many parents, choosing the right private school is challenging. The most important things to look for in a private school depends primarily on the student’s needs. As such, the majority of the following items (without a particular order) represent subjective things for you to consider when selecting a private school. 1. Reputation What do current and former students think about their education? Do alumni believe that their private school prepared them for the next stages of their lives? Do parents believe that they received appropriate value for their tuition? 2. Academic offerings Learn as much as you can about the school’s educational program. What curriculum is used? How does it go beyond the BC curriculum? Are you seeking a specific discipline (i.e. biology, engineering, math, visual arts, physical education)? Does the school specialize in a certain discipline? Does the school offer Advanced Placement classes? Is it an International Baccalaureate institution? Does your child require English as a Second Language (ESL) instruction or are you looking for a bilingual education? 3. The school’s philosophy What is the school’s general stance on education? Numerous private schools have educational outlooks that diverge from the mainstream. So, you should identify how a given school educates children and whether you agree with that approach. What are the policies on evaluation and assessment? Homework? Standardized testing, why or why not? 4. Size of school Consider where your son or daughter would work best. Are you more comfortable in a big sea or a little sea? What is the school’s average class size?
5. Feeder schools Plenty of elementary schools have affiliate high schools. Such an arrangement could help ease the transition between these two levels of education. The lower level school could significantly reduce the stress of going to high school, while the upper level institution will have an excellent grasp on what your child’s former teachers taught him or her. Also ask about which schools students move onto after graduation. 6. Cultural background of the students Sending your child to a school with a students from various cultural backgrounds could expose him or her to new lifestyles, languages and cultural traditions that can help expand their knowledge of the world and foster acceptance. 7. Tour impression When on tour, ask to sit in on a couple of classes. What is the relationship between patrons and teachers? Teachers and students? Were you impressed with the school when you visited it? How did it make you feel? Did your child seem comfortable there? Your gut instincts will tell you a lot about the fit of a school for your family. 8. Extracurricular activities These programs are an important part of a wellrounded education. Does the school have a wide variety of extracurricular activities? Do you think that your child would be interested in any of them? 9. Cost Is it affordable? Are there any extra costs beyond tuition? Could you work out flexible payment plans with the school? 10. Your child’s opinion Does your child like the school? You should allow him or her to have a say in the decision. Our Kids is Canada’s trusted source for information on private and alternative school options, has a great introductory guide to help you get started on your search, and hosts the annual Vancouver Private School Expo. Get the information and feedback you need at ourkids.net.
The Brockton Difference: Small school, inclusive community, authentic environment, where every student is respected and valued for their unique gifts. • Exceptional IB programme and enriched curriculum • Outstanding IB and BC certified faculty • Specialist teachers (from JK - Gr. 12) • Small class sizes with personalized attention • Before & after school care and activities available on-site
• Junior Kindergarten (4 years old by Dec. 31) • Graduating students since 2014 to impressive post-secondary opportunities • Newly constructed Senior School wing • Financial aid available
A small school making aking a big difference diffe in North Vancouver and beyond! A non-denominational, co-ed Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12 school brocktonschool.com • 604-929-9201 3467 Duval Road, North Vancouver
Admissions Timeline Early Acceptance: Dec 2, 2016 Regular Acceptance: Feb 17, 2017
APPLY NOW
For 2017/18
Small by design, IPS offers a unique middle school experience for students in grades 6-9. With only one class per grade, and 16-18 students in each class, we consistently provide an inspirational, rigorous and nourishing educational environment for students in these important foundational years. Spaces fill quickly; families are encouraged to apply for the grade 6 entry year well in advance. Book a personal tour: Mon, Wed, Thur 8:30 - 10:00 604 947 9311
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2016
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200-1046 St. Georges Avenue North Vancouver, BC 604.360.8656 alcuin.ca
2735 Mount Baker Road Mill Bay, BC 250.743.5521 brentwood.bc.ca
Alcuin College
Brentwood College School
Let’s Go! Alcuin’s Adventure Week
A modern, transformative place of learning and leadership
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hat did you do at school today? Alcuin College students, from kindergarten to grade 12, were out in the community, inquiring, exploring, experiencing, discussing and reflecting. At Alcuin, students are frequently off site, learning from the real world, in the real world. The first week of October is our annual Adventure Week, where students actively participate in learning experiences in the community. This year, activities included “Forest School” at Heywood Park, coding at the Apple Store and learning from experts at the Lynn Canyon Ecology Centre, the Port of Vancouver, North Shore News and the CBC newsroom. Students went to Grouse Mountain to participate in a GPS challenge and to hear directly from a Squamish First Nations elder who shared personal stories about
ALCUIN COLLEGE K-12
the history of the First Nations on the North Shore. Others explored art at the MOA and took lessons in standup paddle boarding, surf-skiing or kayaking at Deep Cove Kayaks. Learning happens in a wide variety of environments. Teachers actively seek destinations where students can engage intellectually, emotionally and physically to further their learning in a highly personal way. In all field experiences, students are encouraged to pose questions, construct meaning and reflect, to personally synthesize their learning. Going beyond the four walls of our school is integral to the educational program at Alcuin College. Student interest helps guide our teachers in seeking authentic learning experiences both locally and abroad. No week is the same as the next!
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rentwood provides a modern, West Coast learning experience for global minded students who embrace the values of grit and joy.
Brentwood is a progressive, coeducational boarding school for Grades 9 to 12 located on a spectacular 77-acre oceanfront campus on Vancouver Island, BC, Canada. At Brentwood, student choice is a unique part of our culture and a deciding factor in who attends the School. We believe when students truly choose to be here, and they’re surrounded by a family of like-minded friends and supporters, they can be anything. This philosophy creates a warm, friendly, and passionate community of students from over 40 countries around the
world who gain the independence and skills necessary to succeed in the postsecondary world. Since 1923, we have worked diligently to establish a modern, transformative place of learning and leadership, mirroring the educational experience of a small college rather than a traditional boarding school. Prospective students are drawn to our school’s innovative tripartite approach to academics, arts, and athletics, as well as our nurturing boarding environment and strong university preparatory programs. Not only is Brentwood a remarkable place to make lifelong friends while gaining a world-class education, Brentwood truly is where students choose to be.
RE-IMAGINE EDUCATION We build on each child’s unique strengths
Open House
November 3 at 7pm
200-1046 St. Georges Avenue North Vancouver www.alcuin.ca •604-360-8656 Please call for an appointment to view our school
Where Students Choose To Be
At Brentwood, student choice is a unique part of our culture and a deciding factor in who attends. It is why this place is so special. Because when a student truly chooses to be here, and they’re surrounded by a family of like-minded friends and supporters, we believe they can choose to be… anything.
#choosetobe
www.brentwood.bc.ca Co-ed | Boarding | Grades 9-12 | University Prep | Vancouver Island
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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2016
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2725 St Christophers Road North Vancouver, BC 604.985.7435 vws.ca
2294 West 10th Avenue Vancouver, BC 604.736.5575 fraseracademy.ca
Vancouver Waldorf School
Fraser Academy
Grade Six Business Math
Changing Destiny by Changing Minds
L
ike all Waldorf Main Lessons, the Grade Six math block serves a much larger developmental purpose of guiding students toward becoming, “socially responsible, independent thinkers able to contribute to world renewal.”
For one class in particular, this ideal was manifested through hosting a dance. While brainstorming, the students’ suggestions were initially based on personal preferences; however they realized that they needed to adopt a more objective, socially aware perspective. They decided on a family-centered ceilidh. The students learned what any successful business knows: empathy—the ability to understand how others think and experience something—is an effective
way to connect with your market! The class formed committees and got to work creating buzz and selling tickets. The dance was a sold-out success, providing a fun and memorable evening for the entire school community. The students decided to divide their proceeds between sponsoring a Syrian refugee family; sending food care packages to needy families in the Arctic; the Peregrine Fund; and supporting the Grade Twelve service trip to Laos. Quite remarkably, cultivating empathy arose out of a business impulse; helping the class to see issues in non-blackand-white ways. It was a powerful community-building start to the school year, in the spirit of altruism, compassion and social responsibility.
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raser Academy is a leader in the empowerment and education of students with dyslexia and language-based learning differences.
A fully accredited, grade 1-12 independent day school in Vancouver BC, we cater to students with average to gifted intelligence, who’ve experienced challenges acquiring reading, writing or math skills in a mainstream classroom. All students follow the BC curriculum, supported by personal learning plans tailored to their specific needs. Our program aims to align school performance with intellectual potential. And it works! We have a proven record of academic success, with more than 90% of graduates going on to college and university.
Programming features: " 83I;2:2 &) ><:DBG<>'053>> " 1@B>0@;C<;9B+ &(& 53G?:3?B ;G><@:0<;EG " 1B@>EG35;FBD C@E?@322;G? " -0=EE5/6;DB %IB0:<;9B #:G0<;EG curriculum " !G<B@30<;9B 3GD <B0=GE5E?H @;0= classrooms " 8:5<;>BG>E@H 5B3@G;G? 3CC@E30= " %G@;0=BD $GB 3GD 3CC5;BD 3@<> " 4:<DEE@ BICB@;BG<;35 BD:03<;EG A=@E:?= 3 ><@:0<:@BD+ ;GD;9;D:35;FBD and therapeutic approach, school becomes a positive, fulfilling experience filled with possibilities. *355 ,@EE7B %55;>EG+ .D2;>>;EG> Coordinator, at 604.736.5575 to see if Fraser Academy is a fit for your son or daughter.
YOU’RE WELCOME AT OUR OPEN HOUSE THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 10:15 AM - NOON We’re leaders in education that empowers students with languagebased learning disabilities such as dyslexia. An impressive 90% of our graduates go on to college and university. Max 10 Class Size | Prescriptive Language Instruction | Personalized Programming
For more info or to RSVP: 604 736 5575 | fraseracademy.ca
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2016
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1325 East Keith Road North Vancouver, BC 604.980.1205 northstarmontessori.ca
North Star Montessori
Student Led Fundraising Sends Grad Class to Montessori Model United Nations
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ast year, the grade six students at North Star Montessori made a trip to New York to participate in the Montessori Model United Nations. This yearly event draws thousands of students from Montessori Schools around the world, who participate in a simulation of the UN in the General Assembly. During these few days, students formulate, present, debate, and revise positions on current issues that are affecting people around the world. The children in North Star’s Upper Elementary class (Grades 4-6) all worked in collaboration to raise funds
for the trip. The biggest fundraising effort was the Christmas Craft Fair. At this fair, students sold items that grew out of their Art and Music Curriculum. They sold some of their best framed images after a unit on photography, sold handmade earrings after learning from a jewellery maker, sold handmade clay objects after a unit on pottery, and sold CDs compiled of their own music after an online unit on music technology. It was an amazing collaborative effort by the students and is an excellent example of Montessori education connecting, applying and extending the curriculum to real life experiences.
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