Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Open House!

If you are interested in looking at Independent Schools, this is the season for the Open House. Its an opportunity to see the school, tour and meet with both students and teachers.

Crofton House School has a number of Open Houses planned:

Senior School (grades 8-12)
Friday, October 21 @ 9:00 am
Wednesday, October 26 @ 7:00 pm
Tuesday, November 8 @ 7:00 pm
Wednesday, November 9 @ 7:00 pm

Junior School (Junior Kindergarten - grade 7)
Saturday, November 5 @ 10:30 am

Should you be interested, I do hope that you will attend one of them!

Best Wishes!

W. J. (Bill) McCracken
Director of Admissions
Crofton House School

Wednesday, August 31, 2011

There is a feeling of excitment in the air as we prepare to welcome both new and returning students back to school. Our uniform shop is a buzz with "little people" getting their uniforms and ready to begin school right now!! Meetings are happening and staff are preparing classrooms and student spaces for the first day of school for the new school year.

I read recently in the paper that many high school and elementary school students find this time of the year quite stressful. I believe part of this anxiety come from not knowing what to expect. What will my teacher be like? Will there be too much homework and will my timetable be workable?

As parents and educators we must be aware of these stresses and help our children and students cope. At Crofton House School we try very hard to ensure that new students are welcome by having orientation programs. Our staff are aware that some girls will find this time of the year difficult, but help and support both in the home and at school will go a long way to help everyone settle into the new year.

I enjoy this time of year as it is a new beginning and a chance for all of us to start over!

Very best wishes for the 2011-2012 school year!

Mr. Bill McCracken

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Summer in Admissions

Summer is a good time to visit schools.

Should you be thinking about an independent school education for your children, summer is a great time for a visit and tour.

Most people are surprised to learn that many independent schools are open during the summer months. While school is not in session, and students are not in class, administrative staff are available for tours and to answer any questions you might have. So, if you have thought about visiting a school, looking around and asking some questions about programs and the like - now is a great time to do it. Give the school a call and set up an appointment.

Crofton House School believes in the partnership between our girls, their parents and the school. This is a school where family is important, community help us support one another and our focus is on the girls. We educate girls for life -- Come and see for yourself what helps to make Crofton House School a wonderful place to explore opportunities of a lifetime.

At Crofton House School, we can easily set up a time for you and your daughter to see our Early Childhood Education Centre (4 and 5 year-olds); our Junior School (grades 1 - 7); and or the Senior School Campus (grades 8-12) and talk about a Crofton House Schools education for your daughter.

Summer while a relaxing time, also gives you the opportunity to find out the admission requirements and where interested to set the process in motion for the 2012-2013 school year.

Visit a few schools, shop, compare, and move when you feel comfortable.

Enjoy the summer!

W. J. (Bill) McCracken
Director of Admissions

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Getting The Most Out Of The Admissions Process


This is the time of year for the school interviews. It is a chance to put some personality on the documents that have been submitted along with the application. It is also an opportunity for both parents and the student candidate to highlight some areas of particular personal interest and ability.

At Crofton House School we pay particular attention to the interview for it provides a wonderful opportunity and insight into the student and her family.

How to prepare: Be yourself, be honest and don't be afraid to talk! Remember you are being judged on how you come across to the interviewers. Smile, look the person in the eye and talk about the things that interest you most. In the end you are hoping that a good impression is made by your short, but critical interview.

Enjoy!

Bill McCracken
Director of Admissions

Friday, December 3, 2010

Empowering our teens


I consider myself to be pretty aware and savvy as a parent. But last night Anita Roberts and Bill Pozzobon of Safe Teen gave me a wake-up call. My kids aren't teens yet, but that is just around the corner - and frankly, I feel a little unprepared for all that is in store. Thankfully, after listening to Anita and Bill's presentation last night, I feel a little more ready for some of the challenges that lay ahead.

Teens are under huge pressure to fit in - nothing new there - except the stakes have changed. The prevalence of drugs and alcohol, the graphic nature of media, the pull of the internet, texting, cyber bullying....all of those things create pressure that we never had to face when we were teens.

Anita and Bill gave us some pretty scary statistics about what's going on with our youth. But they also gave us tips on how to help our teens. Empower them. Teach them to know their worth and their value - and to not be afraid to step into their power and use their voices.
Sounds pretty obvious but in a time when media often portrays girls as victims and boys as macho men, it will take all of us to change these perceptions. Organizations like Safe Teen give youth the tools they need to change themselves.


Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Keeping Your Teen Safe

Teenagers today navigate a very different world than the one I knew as a teen. Cyber bullying, social media, and instant access to technology has put pressure on teens that I couldn't have imagined.
So what kind of skills does your teen need to stay safe and feel empowered? Tonight, Crofton House School and St. George's School present Safe Teen - a frank and open discussion about what your teens are dealing with and what you need to know to help them. Join us tonight at 6:30pm at Crofton House to hear what Safe Teen founder Anita Roberts has to say. I'll be there and will post again with what I've learned.