Dwight Schools Canada is hosting two open houses for parents interested in finding out more about its new middle school proposed for the West Shore.
The organization, which operates a school at Shawnigan Lake, has entered into a partnership with Island Centre of Excellence (ICE) Victoria to offer an educational program for grades 6 to 8 students at what would be called Dwight School Canada Westshore Middle School.
The new school would share the existing ICE facility on Wilfert Road in Colwood and aims to focus on learning, character development, physical pursuits and innovative education, said Gerry Salvador, head of Dwight’s Shawnigan Lake school.
The plan is to accommodate up to 60 students in three classrooms, with school set to begin next September, providing there is enough interest in enrolment.
“The response so far has been very good,” Salvador said. “I think this is a different, innovative approach that parents are looking for.”
Academics would be integrated with the international baccalaureate program, while physical activities would include skating, hockey and martial arts. The emphasis is more on inquiry-based learning and developing critical thinking skills, Salvador explained.
Justin Isaac, facility manager for ICE Victoria, said the partnership is a great opportunity to integrate hockey into the learning experience for kids. “We share the same values, principles and goals as Dwight Schools Canada,” Isaac added.
During spring and summer, students would spend one day a week at the Shawnigan Lake school to take part in water sports, work in the science lab and undertake performing arts pursuits.
Students at the new school will use their passion for physical activities and sports as an educational tool to learn teamwork, health and fitness, respect and responsibility, Salvador said.
The open houses are scheduled for Tuesday, March 24 and Thursday, April 9 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the ICE facility, 2657 Wilfert Rd. Children attending can test out the ice, supervised by ICE Victoria coaching staff.
Check out dwightschoolscanada.ca for more information.
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