Making sure that your child is getting their
daily dose of physical activity , practice in the arts and time with friends, on top of achieving academic
excellence, doesn't have to be difficult. It's all about the school you
choose.
At
Collingwood School in West Vancouver, extracurricular activities are integrated into every program and grade
to ensure that students live balanced lives and graduate with more than just good grades. Open to students
from junior kindergarten to Grade 12, Collingwood’s focus is to help students realize and build their
passions, no matter which field it may be in. The school also offers various initiatives such as a debate
program so that students can develop their public speaking skills and confidence.
Q&A: SUSAN HAZEL
Collingwood's executive director of advancement, Susan Hazel, talks about the school environment, their High
Performance Program and more.
How does Collingwood School provide a challenging and caring environment for students and parents?
It
is based on a solemn promise to our students and their parents to do everything we can to ensure the young
people entrusted to our care are safe, surrounded with good role models, treated with respect, and given
every opportunity to succeed. Collingwood was founded by parents and has a strong parent volunteer history
that continues to this day. Our Parents’ Council is an active and vibrant part of the school, providing
support and networking through the Parent Class and Grade Rep program, the parents’ information evenings, and
traditional community events such as our annual Spring Fair.
What
are some programs and/or initiatives unique to Collingwood School?
All
students from Grades 1 to 12 must give a public speech each year as part of the public speaking program to
prepare them to think on their feet and address an audience with poise and confidence. Additionally, our High
Performance Program enables talented students to pursue their passions, be it in dance, sport, music or
theatre, and still maintain a rigorous academic program. For these students, many of whom spend at least 20
to 30 hours a week pursuing their passion outside of school, this program provides them with the flexibility
in academic scheduling and course load, and individualized attention and support from teachers. Our KEY
Program is for students with above-average IQ who learn differently, in which we work in small group settings
with teachers who are specialized in identifying and meeting the needs of students with learning
differences.
How
does the school prepare students for post-secondary education?
We
offer pre-advanced placement (AP) courses beginning in Grade 9 and about 20 AP courses to our senior
students. Collingwood has a University Guidance Office with professional university and college guidance
counsellors who work with our students and parents starting in Grade
8.
The school’s mission is to prepare young people to thrive in meaningful lives. How is this achieved?
To
thrive, our students must be adaptable, resourceful critical thinkers, armed with the fortitude to choose
between right and wrong and have the confidence to handle what life throws at them. Every program at
Collingwood School aims to enrich and challenge the whole child and includes bountiful co-curricular
offerings in athletics, service and the performing arts.
For more
information on Collingwood School, call 604-925-3331 or visit » collingwood.org
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