friday, october 15, 2010 The VancouVer courier EW29

october 2010special advertising featurePrivate Schools

Immaculate Conception School3745 West 28th Avenue Vancouver BC V6S 1S6

Immaculate Conception School is anindependent Catholic elementary schoollocated on Vancouver’s West Side. Weoffer a diverse and enriched learningprogram with an emphasis on academ-ics, language, sports, music, drama,technology, and community service.

We are now accepting admissions andhave space available in some gradesfrom kindergarten to grade 7.

Non-Catholics and overseas studentsare welcome to join our inclusive,nurturing learning community.

For information on admissions pleaseemail us at info@icschoolvancouver.com or call 604.224.5012.

www.icschoolvancouver.com

Small School, Big Community

Dwight InternationalSchool

...in a safe and caring environment!

Tel: (250) 929-0506 • 2371 Shawnigan Lake Roadadmissions@dwightinternational.org

Weekday Boarding Available • Small Class SizesInternational Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme

Outstanding teaching...

Under the auspices of the Independent School Act, the Federation of Independent School Associations (FISA B.C.), established in 1966, is an umbrella organization for independent school groups in British Columbia.

Eleven per cent of all students are enrolled in independent ele-mentary and secondary schools in B.C. (approximately 69,300 in 2009-10). However, independent schools receive only five per cent of grants the provincial budget allocates toward operating costs of schools. The maximum grant to an independent school is half that of the per-pupil grant to a public school, according to FISA’s website.

When considering an indepen-dent (or private) school, parents have a lot of questions. FISA has a few answers for them:

Whom do I contact about student admissions?Call the independent schools you are considering for admission information. Most independent schools have admission informa-tion/application forms which may be downloaded from their website. There is no central admissions office for independent schools.

Are there waiting lists?Waiting lists for student admis-sions varies from very few to extensive, depending on the indi-vidual school. Call the indepen-dent school you are considering for waiting list information. There is no central office to provide this information.

What is a typical annual tuition fee?There is no typical fee. Fees at independent schools vary wide-ly depending on the programs offered, grade level, type of stu-dent served, and donations given to the school, particularly in the case of schools affiliated with reli-gious groups. Call the indepen-dent schools you are considering for tuition information.

Are tuition fees deductible as an education deduction or charitable donation?Tuition fees are regarded as fees for service for Kindergarten through Grade 12 and are not deductible. However, the portion of fees paid for the religious instruction of a school may be receipted by the school as a charitable donation.

Go to www.fisabc.ca for further information.

A Different WAy of LeArning

Y O R K H O U S E S C H O O L

OPEN HOUSEPlease join us at our main campus and Little School campus duringNovember Open House events. Please register your attendance online at:www.yorkhouse.ca/admissions. Come and discover our dynamic programsand inclusive school community!

WHEREshe

excels

For more information, please contact Mabel Lim, Director of Admissions, at604.730.2419 or mabel_lim@yorkhouse.ca

Reaching eagerlyand confidently for

personal excellence

compiled by Helen Peterson

Knowledge is king (or queen) when it comes to selecting just the right learning and social environment for your child. Here is a sampling of private / independent schools around Vancouver (check ads in this section for contact info.), featuring their unique atmosphere and educational values:

Immaculate Conception School is a small, independent Catholic elemen-tary school located on the west side of Vancouver. Situated on a quiet cul-de-sac, ICS is a family orientated school of about 200 students. While it is a faith based school, it follows the B.C. gov-ernment’s approved elementary school curriculum.

At Immaculate Conception School, they believe that every child is a unique gift from God and they strive to provide a learning environment that nurtures this gift academically, spiritually and socially. The spirit of the school is one of Christian community and the school encourages parents to be the first edu-cators of their children, thereby becom-

ing an integral part in their success. Immaculate Conception is proud to be partners with parents in promoting life long learning and high aspirations for their children’s future.

A Stratford Hall education prepares stu-dents for the future. We live in a world where information is readily available. Making decisions about which informa-tion to use, and how to use it, is criti-

cal: Asking the right question is the key. Thinking and communicating are more important than ever. Connecting seem-ingly different disciplines opens up new ideas and new solutions to problems. Interacting with other cultures in other places is essential to global understand-ing. These are elements of a Stratford Hall education.

Stratford Hall is one of the few schools in the world authorized to teach the International Baccalaureate in a Kin-dergarten to grade 12 setting. The IB is the world standard for 21st Century learning. Graduating students have suc-ceeded in the most rigorous university entrance program available. Learning at Stratford Hall is active and interactive. It is balanced, with strong outdoor edu-cation and creative arts programs, and it is future-oriented in its mandate.

West Point Grey Academy (WPGA) is tremendously proud of its reputa-tion for top quality education, and the reasons include the high calibre of its students, faculty and parents, all deeply committed to developing a passion for

the eDucAtion eDge

the exceptional learning environment at crofton house school is enhanced by superb facilities and is situated on a beautiful campus surrounded by woods and flowering gardens. pictured: the new senior school, opened in sept. 2009

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Private Schools

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Private Schools

Making a Difference

St. John’s School

For more information, contact our Director of Admissionsat admissions@stjohns.bc.ca or 604 732 4434.

www.stjohns.bc.ca2215 West 10 Avenue Vancouver 604 732 4434

Middle Years andDiploma Programme

Additional Grade 7 class in September 2011

Admissions Information SessionsOctober 26, 2010 - 10:15 am & 7:00 pm

excellence. Selecting the right school for your son or daughter is one of life’s most difficult decisions. The foundation of skills and lifelong attitudes that they learn in school will influence their suc-cess later in life.

WPGA is about people, academics, community, and individual growth. Pro-grammes emphasize the essential skills that students need to succeed in univer-sity and later in life - solid study habits, effective communication, mastery of technology, and personal organization. In combination with WPGA’s rigorous curriculum, these essential skills build a foundation of self-confidence and achievement.

Graduates of West Point Grey Acade-my have the opportunity to select from a multitude of post-secondary institu-tions, through carefully planned indi-vidual timetables. Graduates have been successful in attaining post-secondary acceptance from institutions in Canada, the United States and abroad.

Crofton House School is a progres-sive and dynamic independent all-girls school rich in history, dating back to 1898. Building on a foundation of aca-demic excellence, the school is at the forefront of 21st century education that empowers young women to reach their full potential.

An exemplary academic program is balanced with opportunities for the girls to hone their skills in athletics, arts, social responsibility and the environ-ment. The love of learning begins in the Junior School where small class sizes and highly qualified teachers ensure each girl’s individual learning needs are met. Technology is an integral part of the educational programming and enhances an interactive experience in the classroom.

The Senior School offers an enriched university preparatory curriculum bal-anced with a wide range of programs and activities where girls realize their potential. Academic programming is

complemented by local and internation-al extra-curricular activities. An out-standing new building features integrat-ed technology, an exceptional library and digital film studio. Airy classrooms and flexible workspaces ensure the girls can excel.

York House is a leading independent day school for girls located in the heart of Shaughnessy. Founded in 1932 by seven insightful women, York House continues to honour its traditions of the past by providing challenging opportu-nities for girls in academics, fine arts, athletics and community service. The school has always existed for the bene-fit of its students. They honour the indi-vidual by helping girls explore, discover and grow their passions – whether it be in music, track and field, or science. It is a place where she excels.

What does it mean to be a Yorkie? To be successful, girls need to be well-rounded individuals who not only excel at academics, but know how to take care of their bodies (athletics), care for others in the community (by upholding their motto: not for ourselves alone) and understand the world (global issues). A Yorkie ask questions, takes risks. She is a confident leader who respects others and takes responsibility for the life she leads. She will always be exceptional. York House leadership and staff are dedicated to helping set up students for success.

Dwight International School (DIS) is a coeducational and non-denominational day and boarding school. Located on the beautiful shores of Shawnigan Lake on Vancouver Island, DIS is an Interna-tional Baccalaureate (IB) school and the only independent boarding school in Western Canada to offer both the IB and BC Dogwood curriculum. DIS offers a unique weekday boarding option, where students living in Vancouver can study and live at the school during the week and return home on the weekend.

a wide range of extra-curricular activities are available at private schools, which helps students graduate with well-rounded personalities

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Kidz beatwatch for

FrIdAy Nov. 5

WEST POINT GREY ACADEMYInformation Sessions

Thursday, October 28 Pre-K to Grade 4 at 9:30 am Thursday, November 4 Grades 5 – 12 at 9:30 am

RSVP not required

An Independent Co-Educational University Preparatory SchoolEntry Years: Pre-Kindergarten (Age 4) and Grade 1

Acceptance in other grades dependent upon available spaces

APPLICATION DEADLINE – December 2, 2010ADMISSIONS OFFICE

4125 West 8th Avenue, Vancouver, B.C. V6R 4P9Visit our website for more information www.wpga.ca

admissions@wpga.ca (604) 678-2351

Are you looking for a world class education to engage your child?

Stratford Hall is authorized to teach International Baccalaureate

Primary Years (grades K-5), Middle Years

(grades 6-10) and Diploma Programs

(grades 11 & 12)

Bus service is now available

Please contact Olivia Law at olivia.law@stratfordhall.ca for details

An IB World School

3000 Commercial Drive604.436.0608

www.stratfordhall.ca

DIS follows a holistic philosophy and believes in educating the entire person. DIS is committed to student-centred experiential learning and always puts the individual learner’s strengths and interests first. Committed to both diver-sity and inclusiveness, DIS is proud to be preparing a future generation of well-educated and ethical global leaders.

At Pattison High School (PHS), stu-dents are exposed to a plethora of expe-riences that assist greatly in developing a comprehensive education. Students from around the world gather at PHS to pursue their dreams and aspirations while enriching their lives in the cultur-al mosaic reflective of our society.

Students immerse themselves in their studies that include opportunities that occur outside the classroom. At PHS, a well-rounded experience includes getting outside the classroom walls to indulge in the various resources that the Vancouver Metropolitan area provides. Student activity days, field trips and field studies add to the rich education environment. Social inter-actions and group leadership activities enrich the students’ life experiences. Thus, a PHS student becomes a more global citizen, ready to contribute to the world.

St. John’s School is an independent, non-denominational, IB World School for boys and girls in Grades Kindergar-ten to 12. St. John’s is a vibrant com-munity that embraces families and pro-vides individual attention for students. With only 400 students and small class sizes, every student is known.

Head of School, Stephen Hutchison, explains, “When children come into the school, they have that sense of belong-ing. This is a place where they are val-ued, a place where they are known and a place where they are safe.”

Students participate in a breadth of athletic, artistic and academic co-curricular activities and competitive programmes. A Grade Seven student describes his experience: “I’m mostly in sports clubs like, basketball, track and field, soccer and running club. I like these clubs and teams because they really bring friendship and teamwork all together.”

St. John’s has a dedicated librarian as well as specialist music, art, French, Mandarin and physical education teach-ers in the Junior School and Senior School. A full-time gifted programme teacher works with select children one-on-one and provides enriching exer-cises for all Junior School classes each

week to develop problem-solving and critical thinking skills. The school also offers an English language support pro-gramme.

The International Baccalaureate (IB) programme educates the whole student - intellectual, personal, emotional and social - and develops inquiry, critical thinking and self-reflection skills. Stu-dents develop an understanding of glob-al issues and a concern for others in the community and the broader world

IB provides excellent preparation for university, according to Hutchison. “Universities offer incentives to IB stu-dents because the curriculum develops a balanced variety of knowledge and skills, “he says.

“Universities actively recruit IB grad-uates because they are proven to be suc-cessful in university due to the range of subjects they have studied. Employers too, are increasingly looking for flexibil-ity and adaptability - something all IB students are able to offer. St. John’s has a full-time graduate advisor and 100 per cent of our graduates attend the post-secondary programme of their choice.”

St. John’s is celebrating its 25th anni-versary in 2011. In September, the school opened the new Senior School facility, which includes an expansive

gymnasium and specialized class-rooms.

Hutchison states: “St. John’s is com-mitted to inspiring academic excellence and graduating confident learners who pursue their goals with passion, integ-rity and respect for others within the global community.

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Private Schools

St. John’S ceLebrAteS 25 yeArSS p o t L i g h t