January 31, 2025

School Hours:

Mon – Thurs: 8:25am – 3:00pm

Fri: 8:25am – 12:45pm

Mountain Day

Two weeks ago, our students embraced the wonders of winter during our much-anticipated Mountain Day! Nestled amidst the breathtaking snowy peaks of Mount Seymour, the day was filled with laughter, teamwork, and the magic of exploring nature.

The adventure began with an exciting session of snowshoeing, where the Pine and Fir students strapped on their gear and set out on scenic trails. Guided by experienced instructors, they learned about the history of snowshoeing and its connection to Indigenous cultures while marveling at the serene beauty of the snow-covered landscape. The day wrapped up with hot cocoa and a cozy reflection session where students shared their favorite moments and what they learned about the winter environment.

Next came the thrill of tobogganing, which was enjoyed by Oak, Cedar, Hemlock and Birch students. This quickly became a highlight for many! With rosy cheeks and wide smiles, our students zipped down the slopes, cheering each other on and creating unforgettable memories. The teamwork and camaraderie displayed were heartwarming as everyone encouraged and celebrated one another's adventurous spirit.

Mountain Day was not only a day of fun but also a meaningful opportunity for students to connect with nature, challenge themselves, and bond with their peers.

We are so proud of our students for their enthusiasm and positive energy throughout the day. A big thank you to our staff and parent volunteers for making this event a success!

Museum of Anthropology

On January 14, the Birch class took a trip to the Museum of Anthropology at UBC to delve into the vibrant cultures of First Peoples before European contact. The museum is a destination renowned for its vast collection of cultural artifacts and historical treasures. The visit was both educational and inspiring, providing us with a deeper understanding of human history, diverse cultures, and artistic expression.

The students participated in the "To Be Seen, To Be Heard" exhibition, where they discovered how First Nations expressed their identities in urban environments during the potlatch prohibition and times of cultural suppression. They also had the chance to look at a variety of artifacts, reflecting on their ties to nature, identity, and the significance of safeguarding Indigenous culture. This excursion provided students with a valuable opportunity to connect with history and enhance their appreciation of Indigenous resilience and cultural expression.

The trip concluded with a group reflection session, where students shared their favorite moments and newfound insights. It was evident that this visit not only expanded our knowledge of anthropology but also deepened our appreciation for cultural diversity and heritage.



The school trip to the Museum of Anthropology was an unforgettable experience. It reminded us of the importance of preserving and celebrating the rich tapestry of human history, a lesson we will carry with us for years to come.

Performance Arts

Hemlock class recently showcased their first performance arts event. The class specifically performed for Oak and Cedar classes who were thrilled to see their friends in costumes. Engaging in the performing arts provides a wealth of advantages for children, creating a creative and structured setting where they can enhance their social, communication, and motor skills.

Activities such as acting, dancing, and music allow neuro-divergent children to express their emotions more effectively, boost their confidence, and practice teamwork in a supportive environment. These experiences also contribute to improved focus, self-regulation, and sensory processing, enabling them to connect better with their surroundings. Furthermore, the arts present a wonderful chance for self-expression and bonding, instilling a sense of accomplishment in children and helping them feel more at ease in social situations.

Martial Arts program

This month, our Oak and Cedar students stepped into the world of martial arts, and what an incredible experience it was! The activity, led by professional instructors, introduced our young learners to the fundamentals of martial arts in a safe, fun, and engaging environment.

The session began with an energetic warm-up to get everyone moving, followed by basic techniques like stances, punches, and kicks. Students practiced mindfulness and focus as they learned about the importance of respect, discipline, and self-control—core values of martial arts. The highlight of the activity was a team-building exercise where students worked together to master a simple routine. It was wonderful to see their confidence grow as they cheered each other on and celebrated small victories. The activity concluded with a fun demonstration from the instructors, leaving our students inspired and eager to learn more!

Martial arts isn’t just about physical movement; it teaches life skills such as perseverance, teamwork, and self-confidence. We’re thrilled to have provided our students with this enriching opportunity and look forward to incorporating more activities like this in the future. Oak and Cedar classes will be attending these classes once a week for about another 8 weeks!

Thank you to our dedicated staff and instructors for organizing such a fantastic experience for our young learners!

Open House

Choice School held an Open House on January 24, 2025. We warmly invited a small number of families to the school where a tour was conducted by our grade 7 students.

Prospective families were able to talk with teachers, discuss issues with current parents and ask students about their experiences. We are very grateful to the volunteers that took time out of their valuable day to support the school in this initiative.

SchoolReach News

Our SchooReach team is making us proud. Earlier in January, we played against Collingwood School in North Vancouver. Collingwood is a prestigious school in the north shore and is one of the most sought after schools.

We are proud to report that our team won both games with a good margin.

We are so proud!

Architectural designs

This term, students in Fir class have been engaging in an innovative exploration of architectural design and construction within the ADST curriculum. They commenced their journey by researching a diverse array of architectural styles, including Modern, Cabin, Art Deco, Colonial, and Gothic, which served as inspiration for their own unique home designs.

Emphasizing personalized learning and collaboration, students have worked either independently or in small groups to draft detailed designs for model homes, which they are constructing from cardboard. Each design reflects careful consideration of measurements and aesthetics, showcasing the integration of critical thinking and creativity that Choice School champions. These impressive projects are currently in development and will be proudly showcased at the upcoming Art Fest in May, providing an excellent opportunity for the community to engage with and celebrate the students' hard work and innovative spirit. This event not only highlights the collaborative efforts of students but also reinforces the supportive environment fostered by parents and staff, reflecting the school’s commitment to excellence and individual growth.

Professional Development

This month began with the Choice School staff participating in a workshop on gifted education titled "Building a Growth Mindset". This workshop was a transformative professional development program designed to help individuals and teams cultivate a mindset focused on continuous learning, resilience, and adaptability. Through interactive activities, insightful discussions, and evidence-based strategies, our staff explored the principles of a growth mindset and learn how to apply them in both personal and professional contexts.

Staff received a workbook, growth mindset exercises, and curated reading resources. By attending the "Building a Growth Mindset" workshop, staff gained the tools and insights needed to transform their approach to challenges and opportunities. This mindset shift can lead to lasting personal and professional growth, benefiting both individuals and their organizations.