|
|
Featured School
Where in the world is...
Rundle College
Rundle College in Calgary, Alberta, with an enrollment of nearly 1000 students, nurtures the academic, social and emotional development of all its students because of small class-sizes which allow for teachers to know students as individuals and to build up a strong rapport through class time and in various clubs and athletic pursuits.
To foster well-rounded students the academic curriculum is enriched through second language classes, music, visual art, performing art, field trips and travel clubs. Opportunities to develop leadership skills is an integral part of the program.
Rundle College is a non-denominational school which respects the cultural backgrounds of all students.
The school was founded in 1985 and is unique in having individual campuses for Primary, Upper Elementary, and Junior/Senior High. The small enrollment at each campus supports the philosophy of “small is better”. Also under Rundle College’s umbrella is Rundle Academy which provides programming from grades 4 through 12 for students coded with learning difficulties.
For more information go to www.rundle.ab.ca
|
|
|
CAIS Conference Information
Please visit the Conferences section of our website for a look at conference details and registration information.
Save the dates:
- January 28-30, 2009 - CAISAP Conference is being held at the Banff Centre, B.C. Registration is now closed. To be placed on a waiting list please contact info@caisap.ca
- February 21-22, 2009 - CAIS Spring Leadership Institute (LI) hosted at St. Clement's School, Toronto, Ontario. More details and registration will be posted shortly on the CAIS website.
- April 8-12, 2009 - CAIS Student Leadership Conference is being hosted by Hillfield Strathallan College, Hamilton, Ontario.
- April 15-18, 2009 - CAIS CIJSHA Conference is being hosted by St. George's School in Vancouver, B.C. Registration is available on the CAIS website.
- April 22-25, 2009 - CAIS Assistant Heads Conference is being hosted by Southridge School in Surrey, B.C. Registration is available on the CAIS website.
- May 1, 2009 - CAIS and QAIS present the 2009 Best Practices Conference in Montreal, Quebec. More details will be posted shortly.
- May 2-6, 2009 - CAIS Business Manager's Conference is being hosted in Ottawa by Ashbury College and Elmwood School. Registration will begin in early 2009.
CAIS Athletic Events
- April 17-19, 2009 - The CAIS Rugby Tournament is being hosted by St. Andrew's College and The Country Day School in Ontario
CAIS Boarding Fairs
- Tuesday January 20, 2009 - Mexico Boarding Fair is being held at Hotel Nikko
- Thursday February 5, 2009 - Bahamas Boarding Fair is being held at the British Colonial Hilton Hotel
|
|
|
|
|
|
CAIS in Point
This is my twenty-fifth, and last, CAIS in Point and so I have been feeling challenged to finish off with something profound. Unfortunately, after packing, shipping, moving out of our house and living for a week in the local Holiday Inn – I feel more shell-shocked than thoughtful!
I have been in a privileged position for the last nine years during my tenures at CAIS and CESI. You have given me the opportunity to spend a great deal of time in every member school in both organizations, right across the country and overseas. During my visits to those over ninety schools, I have come to know and appreciate the wonderful things that are being done for children and young adults all over Canada.
We are an eclectic bunch! If someone asked me to characterize the typical CAIS school (which they often do) I would have to tell them that there definitely is no one size fits all model. Our schools, like the children and young adults that we serve, are unique entities. Each has its own strengths, specialities, culture and attributes. There is no perfect solution for providing an outstanding education. Instead, the best thing that families can hope for is to have a wide a range of options from which to choose. We offer that choice. CAIS member schools come in all shapes and sizes. We range in population from 55 students to over one thousand. There are boarding schools and day schools, single gender schools for girls and for boys; and a wide range of co-educational choices. There are elementary schools; secondary schools; Montessori; International Baccalaureate; and Advanced Placement schools. Our schools are religious and secular; English and French; steeped in tradition and fresh off the rack! There are schools on the ocean; schools in the forest; schools with large rural or suburban campuses; international schools; and, schools in the hearts of every one of Canada’s major cities.
So, what does all of that mean? Is it important to link such a disparate group of schools into a common network? I think that the answer to that question was made very clear in Ottawa this month. Canada is a fragile country. We are big and wealthy and expansive; but, we can be parochial and parsimonious and inward-looking as well. It was a shock to me how quickly political brinksmanship became a tool for polarizing regions against one another. We heard loaded language from politicians of all stripes including, unfortunately, most notably from our Prime Minister whom you would hope would speak for all Canadians not only for those of a particular partisan stripe. The result, fanned into flames by the media, was a discouraging cacophony of “anti’s”. One group was anti-West, the other was anti-Quebec. One group was attempting a “coup”; the other was muzzling the majority. The fallout from this partisan “cat-fight” will be felt across the country for years. In a nation as big as Canada, particularly in a time of economic uncertainty, resentment of “the other” tends to creep in. You can be sure that when the “stimulus” budget comes down in the new year, the howls will be heard if any part of the country (no matter how deserving) appears to be getting more than the rest.
So where does CAIS fit in to this? We are one of the few, truly national organizations in education in Canada. When politicians and the media start stereotyping people from one region or another, we are in the enviable and important position to say: “Wait a minute, I know people in that part of the country. They have the same hopes and fears as I do.” We can pick up the phone and hear a friendly and familiar voice in every time zone and we know that they are experiencing the same angst that we are. Strong provincial voices; strong regions; strong regional organizations all have a role to play in supporting our schools. But, a strong national network has an additional, critical role to play in helping to tie together our country. Every CAIS tournament, conference, Leadership Institute, and Student Leadership forum ties us together and breaks down barriers. Every teacher or student that takes part in these national opportunities comes back to their school a little richer in their understanding of the beauty and complexity of Canada.
Pretty nationalistic sentiments from a guy who is heading off to Bermuda, eh?! But the point is a simple one. Standing off-shore and looking back at our country is sometimes the best way to appreciate it.
I started off by commenting on the privilege that I have had over the years to get to know and work with all of you in so many of our schools. Tomorrow when I leave my office at 12 Bannockburn, it will mark nine years at the same work address – a record for me! I will be leaving behind a lot of great memories but dragging with me, a lot of great friends (most of whom are already lining up to visit). I have also had the privilege to work with two outstanding Boards – at CESI led by Keith Dalglish and Tom Hockin; and at CAIS by Claire Sumerlus, Tam Matthews and Pat Dawson. As with all of our schools, we wouldn’t be where we are today without dedicated volunteers to help move us along.
Finally, a special thanks on your behalf to the people whom I have worked with in both offices and, most of who, continue to provide our schools with outstanding support. Margaret Moore; Monique Mackinnon; Anne-Marie Kee; and especially Sheri Little at CESI; and, of course, Artimizia Tellis and Lindsay Ireland at CAIS. You can’t imagine how hard it is to make me look organized!
Best to all of you in the New Year, keep in touch!
Jim
Dr. Jim Christopher, Executive Director
|
2009 Best Practices Conference
CAIS & QAIS
present
BEST PRACTICES CONFERENCE 2009
Friday May 1, 2009
Montreal, Quebec
The 2009 Best Practices Conference Committee is looking for outstanding workshop presenters. Do you have a staff member or colleague who exemplifies the idea of Best Practice? Is there someone outside your school community who you think would be a perfect fit? Let us know!
The Canadian Association of Independent Schools (CAIS) and the Quebec Association of Independent Schools (QAIS) are planning a one day conference for independent school teachers and administrators on Friday, May 1, 2009 in Montreal, Quebec. The keynote speaker for this conference is Alan November, internationally acclaimed leader in education technology, influential thinker, and author. The theme of the conference is “e-Leadership and Learning".
The past two national conferences provided unique opportunities for classroom teachers and school leaders to network with their colleagues in the independent school sector from all over Canada. Due to the successful response, the same format will be followed in 2009.
The 2009 “Best Practices” Conference Committee is calling for workshop presenter proposals. Individual workshops are scheduled to be of one-hour duration and include up to 50 participants. To submit your workshop proposal please click here: http://www.cais.ca/best_practices_conference for details. The deadline for submission is January 9, 2009.
Stay tuned: more conference details will be posted shortly.
LivClean
Is being Carbon Neutral on your agenda?
Did you know that you are on the front lines in the environmental movement?
Did you know that the chidren of today will decide the fate of this planet?
Did you know that LivClean provides a fun, interactive teaching tool to educate students on climate change while the school offsets its impact on the environment by going carbon neutral?
The LivClean Program provides each school with a customized no cost program that shows them how to offset their environmental impact by going carbon neutral while educating each student on how they can fight climate change. LivClean will start by providing a no charge carbon footprint assessment and goal for each school to achieve.
In taking a different approach to becoming carbon neutral, LivClean provides educational programs for all ages, including a weekly eco habit tip, that allow for student participation in the school’s goal of becoming carbon neutral. Once a school has achieved their goal of eliminating their carbon footprint, LivClean provides that school with a “green” revenue fund to use towards other green initiatives such as recycling programs, CFL light bulbs, etc..., or other environmental initiatives proposed by students.
As a leader in education join the growing movement and become carbon neutral today. Set the example! Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Rethink, Offset your balance!
What are carbon offsets?
Offsets are benefits from environmental projects, from all parts of the world that reduce carbon emissions and greenhouse gases and help us reach our goal of sustainable living. They work in different ways but they can avoid, reduce, and eliminate gases that result from energy use. When you buy LivClean Carbon Offsets, you essentially neutralize all greenhouse gases that your school’s energy use creates.
Who Is LivClean? LivClean is a Canadian organization with a global reach devoted to offering quality carbon offset products and solutions to both individuals and businesses. LivClean invests in a portfolio of carbon-reducing projects on behalf of their customers, making it possible for everyone to do their part in the fight against climate change. LivClean is recognized by David Suzuki.
To read about Appleby College's involvement with LivClean please see the document below.
For more information on how your school can take part in the LivClean Challenge please contact Sera Ritchie at 289-360-3007 ext.3051 or by e-mail at sritchie@livclean.ca
L'Arche Education Canada
L’Arche is about caring for people with intellectual disabilities and also about inspiring young people with its transformative message of hope and inclusion. Responding to requests from high school educators, in recent years L’Arche Canada has collaborated to produce a body of highly regarded secondary school curriculum materials for leadership, civics, social studies, religion and philosophy. Teachers are enthusiastic about them and students are drawn to L’Arche values, and to Jean Vanier who invites them to have a dream for their lives and to help build a world where everyone belongs. Sammy Tewelde, grade 12 student and school president at Jean Vanier High School says, “Jean Vanier’s wisdom supersedes the boundaries of age and culture. The students truly understand his message, the message of unconditional love for humanity.”
L’Arche materials (video and audio) deal with themes of bullying, creating an inclusive school environment, healthy and unhealthy belonging, welcoming interfaith diversity and what it is to become a well rounded person in today’s world.
Christopher Shannon, Headmaster at Lower Canada College, Montreal says “We were very pleased to receive the materials on Jean Vanier and l’Arche. We intend to integrate them into a new ethics and world religions program at the Grade 9-10 level. Jean Vanier is a wonderful Canadian leader and role model. His ideas are unique in a me-centered world – and should prove very useful in the development of our curriculum.”
You can see clips of L’Arche’s educational materials and access purchasing information at: www.larche.ca/en/education or contact: education@larche.ca
Build a World Where Everyone Belongs!
Accu -Check - CYCLEBETES: A Leadership and Community Building Opportunity for your Schools
Last March, ten grade 11 students from Rockridge Secondary School in West Vancouver, BC, decided to make a difference. Triggered by an epic race across Canada by a local group of cyclists pedaling for a cure, the students had become aware of the devastating effects of juvenile diabetes. It is reaching epidemic proportions; Canada has the third highest occurrence rate in the world with children the most affected. Most significantly a cure is considered to be ‘close’ and Canadian scientists were upheld as the global leaders in juvenile diabetes research. Unanimously, they agreed, that they would focus their attention on the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). With the benefactor identified, the event began to take shape; a fitness orientation would be the focus, supporting the healthy living mandate of all those suffering with diabetes. Making it fun and accessible to all in the community would be the priority. Cyclebetes - a 24 hour Spin-a-Thon benefiting the JDRF - was born!
After developing their vision and creating a plan, the students invited the entire community to participate. They teamed up with a local bike shop, John Henry Bikes. The student group took on the marketing, promoting and organizing of the event. They set to work forming teams to ride for 24 hours indoors on stationary bikes or spinners in a quest to accelerate a cure for juvenile diabetes. They set an ambitious target of $50,000 and stipulated that to enter each team had to raise a minimum of $1000. On March 7 – 8, 2008, 35 teams and 350 participants filled the gym of Rockridge Secondary, spinning continually for 24 hours. The event raised $80,000, united a community, transformed a group of students into confident, vital leaders and established the foundation of the Cyclebetes Secondary 24 hour Spin-a Thon – an event that has recently been launched to schools across Canada. The Rockridge students had accomplished what they set out to do: they made a difference!
Hear from the Rockridge student leaders -http://www.cyclebetes.com/info/info.php?pageID=58
Rockridge team offers 10 step video guide-http://www.cyclebetes.com/info/info.php?pageID=64
Journey of Team H2V was the trigger for Rockridge students: The journey of Team H2V, a group of cyclists from West Vancouver, was the story that touched the Rockridge students. Team H2V began with a promise that a West Vancouver father made to his 12-year-old daughter. He promised to do everything in his power to help find a cure for her juvenile (type one) diabetes before her 18th birthday. He had 6 years. That spawned Team H2V, a 5-man team that cycled across Canada at breakneck speed in September 2007. They made the epic ride in just 8 days, set a Guinness World Record, and raised one million dollars for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). The journey of Team H2V was remarkable and inspiring to all Canadians. Cyclebetes is the legacy of Team H2V, built on themes of community, responsibility, leadership and promise.
How your school can join the Accu-Check Cyclebetes team:
The Cyclebetes Secondary Spin-a-Thon event is an opportunity for Canadian secondary students to get active in their communities and develop leadership capabilities by organizing and participating in 24 hour community spin relays. The emphasis is on fitness and building leadership by meaningful interactions with both peers and surrounding community.
Students experience a real-world working environment and learn first hand how to create an extraordinary event in their school and community. Most importantly, they discover the immense satisfaction that comes from making a difference in the lives of others and effecting positive change. Today’s students are tomorrow’s leaders and as such have the power to shape the future of an entire generation.
Young people who believe in themselves know they have the power to effect positive change. Their leadership and keen sense of responsibility will guide people and shape communities today and tomorrow.
Listen to this Message to Administrators from Vice Principal Ian Kennedy.
http://www.cyclebetes.com/info/info.php?pageID=57
Find out more! Here’s a sneak peek at The Cyclebetes 24 hour Secondary Spin-a-Thon Student & Educator Guide.
http://www.cyclebetes.com/schools/img/page22/Spin%20teaser.pdf
Desire to build youth leadership, health and wellness and strong, united communities? Cyclebetes is a student led event and an outstanding opportunity for your school and community!
For more information please contact:
Ian Kennedy
Director of Instructional Growth
Collingwood School
West Vancouver B.C. (604) 925 3331
ian.kennedy@collingwood.org
Brain Research and Learning Institute
SAVE THE DATE!
Brain Research and Learning Institute
June 25-26, 2009
Presented by:
Hillfield Strathallan College www.hsc.on.ca
Greenleaf Learning www.greenleaflearning.com
Dana Alliance for Brain Research www.dana.org
As we make the shift from the focus on teaching to learning, it becomes all the more important for teachers, as professionals, to understand the functioning of the learner. The HSC institute will provide information, ideas and interactive learning opportunities to help teachers build best practices based on the most recent findings of neuroscience as it relates to classroom practice. The programs will offer a balance between theory and application with practical strategies, discussion and sharing of expertise.
Registration information and conference updates will be posted shortly.
Save the Date: Understanding by Design Summer Institute
Monday, August 10 - Thursday, August 13, 2009
Understanding by Design Summer Institute with Jay McTighe and Seonaid Davis
Where: Havergal College, 1451 Avenue Road, Toronto, ON
To register contact Audrey Lake at: alake@havergal.on.ca, Tel: 416.483.3843 ex. 6704
St. John’s-Ravenscourt School presents "Sustainable Development: Imagining the Possible"
SJR GLOBAL STUDENT CONFERENCE for students in Grade 10 to 12
“Sustainable Development: Imagining the Possible”
When and where: Monday, April 20, 2009 at St. John’s-Ravenscourt School, Winnipeg, 8:30 am to 4:15 pm
For a full schedule please see: http://portal.sjr.mb.ca/global/
Keynote Speakers:
Professor Thomas-Homer Dixon, the author of the bestseller and Governor General's award winning book, The Ingenuity Gap, and Simon Jackson, the founder of the Spirit Bear Youth Coalition.
Also speaking during the day will be Professor David Barber of the Faculty of Environment at the University of Manitoba, Heather Creech, Director, Knowledge Communications, International Institute of Sustainable Development, and Dr. Gordon Robinson of the University of Manitoba and the Leader of Centre for Research in Youth, Science Teaching and Learning—among others.
|
|
School_Overview_2.pdf