Considering a program of choice in New Westminster schools?
This is your week to find out more about the options.
Parents interested in French immersion or Montessori options for their younger students, or the international baccalaureate stream or trades and technology programs for their high school students, are invited to attend virtual information meetings this week. The New Westminster school district is hosting a series of sessions in the evenings this week, which it's dubbed Discover New Westminster Schools Week.
Here's when to catch the information sessions:
FRENCH IMMERSION: Jan. 12, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
School District 40 currently offers two immersion options: early French immersion and late French immersion.
Early immersion (starting in kindergarten) runs at three elementary schools: Qayqayt, Lord Tweedsmuir and Herbert Spencer. Late immersion (starting in Grade 6) starts at Glenbrook Middle School and runs in to the high school years at New Westminster Secondary School.
MONTESSORI: Jan. 13, 6 to 6:45 p.m.
The Montessori program runs from kindergarten to Grade 5 and is offered at two schools: Skwo:wech Elementary and Connaught Heights Elementary. The district website notes Montessori education features multi-age classrooms, a special set of educational materials, student-chosen work in long time blocks, and individual and small group instruction in both academic and social skills.
INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE: Jan. 12, 7:45 to 9 p.m.
New Westminster Secondary School offers certificate and diploma offerings in the international baccalaureate (IB) program in grades 11 and 12 to give students qualifications widely recognized by top universities. The program prepares "highly motivated students" for post-secondary life, the district says.
"It encourages students to ask questions and to interact with the world around them in a meaningful way. This program not only teaches students but teaches them how to learn," the district website notes.
TECHNOLOGY, TRADES AND APPRENTICESHIPS: Jan. 13, 7 to 8:30 p.m.
New Westminster Secondary School offers options for students in grades 9 through 12, including apprenticeship programs in partnership with the Industry Training Authority that allow students to earn their first year of technical training while still in high school.
Links for all the meetings are available at the school district website. Meetings will be recorded, and the video will be posted publicly for those who can't take part live.
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