Classes 11 & 12 are producing an International Valentine’s Day Dinner on Sunday, Feb.12 at 5 pm. The dinner is partially sponsored by the BC Council for International Cooperation and the NGO, Partners for Prosperity. Enjoy international cuisine and live music. $15/ticket, $30/family of four
IOHS Student Amber-Lee Barlett’s art was selected from an “overwhelming” quantity of submissions, to decorate the Queen Alexandra Foundation for Children’s Jeneece Place, a residence for children and their families while children are undergoing treatment in Victoria. President and CEO of the Foundation, Ron Hewitt, welcomed and congratulated Amber-Lee personally when Amber-Lee and art teacher Simone Luckham delivered the painting. Amber-Lee has been invited to attend the Grand Opening of Jeneece Place on January 20, 2012. Our proudest congratulations to Amber-Lee.
Classes 11 & 12 are studying Parsifal and Medieval History with senior Faculty member Richard Tibbets this block.
In a fast-changing world, it’s important for students to be aware of new career opportunities. Yesterday we had a visit from Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) from Georgia, USA, a school preparing talented individuals for creative careers.
We learned about exciting new careers;for example, a brand-new degree in “Service Design”; the profession of designing customer experiences. The curriculum for the program is broad, encompassing such classes as psychology, anthropology, interior design and graphic design.
The school offers 41 programs; majors and minors can be mixed and matched for broader marketable skill sets. Students can travel between SCAD’s campuses at Atlanta, Savannah, Hong Kong and the south of France.
The representative was very interested in our Grade 12 project format because it encompasses many of the writing and presentation skills they foster at SCAD. She said students might consider using their Grade 12 projects as part of an application portfolio. As well, students are invited to get a head start with college credits by taking a SCAD course or two online while they are completing high school (time permitting of course!), or coming for 5-week summer school at SCAD to earn college credits in advance.
There is more information available at Island Oak, or go to SCAD’s website athttp://www.scad.edu/
A Year of Rich Learning Experiences Over cookies and tea, we heard about the incredible array of events, cultural and outdoor adventure outings, and individual and community accomplishments that Island Oak students engaged in last year. And we got a glimpse of a similarly rich year of learning experiences ahead.
Balanced Operating Budget A balanced operating budget was presented and accepted.
BC Dogwood Diploma AND Waldorf Education: How Do They Balance? We heard about the way Island Oak meets and exceeds Ministry standards so that students have maximum choices after graduating, and are equipped to go on to the post-secondary institution of their choice. We heard about a track record of honours high school diplomas and high grades on Ministry exams. And we learned how Island Oak High School manages to deliver the valued B.C. Dogwood diploma and do it well, without sacrificing Waldorf philosophy in its curriculum and teaching methods. The first Waldorf school in Stuttgart, Germany balanced state requirements with Waldorf philosophy, and we continue to do so here in the service of our students.
If you missed this very interesting AGM, you are welcome to view the minutes in the office.
Every year starts off with a whole-school trip to somewhere beautiful on the West Coast. This year our trip was to Hornby Island, where the students did high ropes courses, kayaking, “the Leap of Faith”, and swimming in the ocean. “We got to meet everyone in the school”, said one student, “that’s good for me, because I’m new here.” While at the camp-out, some of the students made the experience extra-special by bringing their instruments and sharing their considerable musical talents.
Our Michaelmas Festival on Sept. 29 was warm, friendly, and strengthening. Thanks to Gary Ward for telling us about the meaning and history of the Festival, and reminding us that as we go into the darkness of winter harvest may be drawing to a close, we still have lots of work to do. The warmth and fire of Michaelmas can generate the energy and the will to do the tasks that lie ahead.
We had a fantastic turnout, with alumni, alumni parents and friends of students as well as students and their families. Apples were pressed for cider, a great expanse of soups, breads and desserts were laid out and enjoyed, and songs were sung. Sarah Cabena, Suzanne Huston and Vivi de Graff of the Firekeepers Parent Association, along with back-up from Jacob and his sisters, created a beautiful atmosphere with pumpkins, corn stalks, flowers and candles. Annette Lampson and Richard Tibbets led singing. Jonas Huston built a fire and Regina Montag hauled her apple press up to the school. Thanks to Eilisha Huston, Gary Ward, Sarah Cabena, Brett, Greg and Noah Knights, Vivi de Graff, Suzanne Huston, Regina Montag and everyone else who helped clear up after the festival.
