With a mission to inform, empower, celebrate and advocate for British Columbia's current and aspiring business leaders, BCBusiness go behind the headlines and bring readers face to face with the key issues and people driving business in B.C.
Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/1510895
Girl Focused Just a short flight to Victoria. Offer your daughter an unmatched boarding experience at SMS, Vancouver Island's only girls-centred school. With a 100% university acceptance rate and global academic renown, discover SMS's potential for her future. 5-DAY BOARDING PROGRAM N O W A V A I L A B L E To join us for an Open House or to schedule a meeting visit stmarg.ca ASPENGROVE Aspengrove, an IB World School nestled in Lantzville on Vancouver Island, is on a mission to challenge and inspire the student community to act with purpose as compassionate, knowledgeable and principled global citizens. International perspectives are integrated throughout subjects, starting with the junior kindergarten classes through to grade 12. "Service learning is a key com- ponent of our approach to global citizenship," says Andrea Wyness, Middle Years Programme Coordina- tor. "Through research projects that address pressing global issues such as poverty, environmental and wildlife conservation, students gain a deeper understanding of these issues and have opportunities to actively con- tribute to making a difference." At the community level, students regularly volunteer with the local food bank and are always looking to collaborate with local organizations who make a direct impact on the Vancouver Island community. Each year Aspengrove dedicates a day in their Primary Years Program to embrace cultural differences and celebrate diversity. Always a highlight, "Intercultural Day" invites students to showcase their cultural heritage through food, clothing, music and art. "Last year's Intercultural Day featured a vibrant display of cultural dishes from over 20 countries," Wyness says. Language programs also play a pivotal role in broadening horizons. Aspengrove offers a diverse range of language courses, including Spanish, French and self-taught Mandarin. Students learn a second language starting at four-years-old, giving them the tools to connect with people from different backgrounds and cultures. "We regularly invite guest speak- ers and conduct workshops on global topics," Wyness says. "Recently a local Indigenous Elder spoke about the history and importance of Orange Shirt Day, inspiring students to take an active role in addressing the truth and reconciliation calls to action."