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Annual Report 2017 – 2018
A MESSAGE FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL
As I begin my 19th and final year experiences beyond the classroom.
as Head of Crofton House School I This year saw the expansion of the
am struck by the transformation of program to the Junior School, helping
our campus. This certainly would to ensure all CHS girls can develop the
not have been possible without the confidence to become engaged citizens
immense dedication and generosity and leaders.
of the entire CHS community. It was
wonderful to see that community – Our music, drama, and arts programs
alumnae, students, staff, teachers are a valued part of a Crofton House
and families, past and present – School education, and they now have a
come together on December 5, 2017 home to thrive in with the completion of
to celebrate the completion of our the Beedie Fine Art Centre. It is already
Campus Master Plan. In the words of nurturing the creative spirit of our girls,
Head Girl Ashley Phord-Toy ’18 in as was evident in this year’s CHS Junior
her valedictory address, “Together, we and Senior School productions: Seussical
have talents and strengths that make Jr. and Pride & Prejudice.
us unstoppable.”
Crofton House’s athletics program is an
In many ways, that bold rebuilding integral part of our whole girl approach
of our campus has created the to education. This past year, the Crofton
canvas upon which the future of Falcons reached new heights, winning
Crofton House is already being the AAA Varsity Girls BC Provincial
written, guided by our strategic Volleyball Championships for the first
plan, Beyond Buildings: Extraordinary time on home court, and inspiring every
Possibilities and its four pillars: girl to learn the value of teamwork
Extraordinary Girls, Extraordinary and resilience through participation
Learning, Extraordinary Teachers and in athletics.
Extraordinary Community.
The focus of the first pillar has been
the establishment of a bursary
program for girls entering Grade 8,
to ensure that we can welcome girls
with diverse talents and strengths,
regardless of their families’ financial
circumstances. I am incredibly proud
of the ways the entire CHS community
has supported the program and
pleased see the unique opportunities
of a Crofton House School education
being embraced and shaped by our
new bursary students.
Our signature Ivy Compass Program
fosters personal growth, leadership
and citizenship through real life
The link between grit and physical
activity is a topic of research for
Quinn Cumming, Junior School
Physical and Health Education
teacher. Quinn and Phil Stringer,
Department Head of Mathematics in
the Senior School, are the latest Chairs
of Teaching and Learning at CHS. Phil
will be investigating the impact of
moving beyond a blocked approach to
units of study on student retention
of mathematics concepts, as well as
their problem-solving ability and
confidence. This program supports
our educators to pursue research and
continues Crofton House School’s
120 year history of excellence in all
girls’ education.
Similarly, our progressive professional
development opportunities allow our
faculty to seek and embrace new ideas
in teaching and learning and, in turn,
inspire a passion for lifelong learning
in our girls.
These, and other exciting initiatives
framed by our strategic plan, put
Crofton House School in a strong
place for the ninth Head of School,
Ena Harrop, to carry forward.
Now in its 121st year, some things
at Crofton House School remain
unchanged. T his communit y’s
u nw ave r i n g com m it me nt to
continuous improvement and
dedication to making a positive,
lasting impact on girls’ lives continues
to unite us and make us, in a word,
unstoppable.
Servabo fidem,
Dr. Patricia Dawson