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20 - The Oakville Beaver, Wednesday February 6, 2008 www.oakvillebeaver.com EDUCATION Why we say "come discover the difference" Oakville Christian School, referred to as "Oakville's Best Kept Secret", is continuing to offer a rich and unique learning experience to its students! Based on the philosophy of the Schoolwide Enrichment Model, OCS is Come Discover theDifference f instrumental groups. · Extracurricular opportunities that meet the intellectual, physical, social and spiritual needs of all students. · Fully networked computer lab and SMART BoardTM technology utilized in Grades 5-8. · A family atmosphere. · On-site before & after school care. OAKVILLE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL seeking to increase student effort, performance, and enjoyment by integrating a range of learning experiences and higher order thinking that suits all of their learners. OCS believes that every child has God given talents and our school is committed to being a place where that talent is developed! Interest inventories, learning style questionnaires, surveys regarding prior experiences and teacher observations all help to identify student preferences, strengths, out-of-school accomplish"Nurturing Excellence ments and talents. Students' expression styles are also taken into considin a Christ-Centred eration as assignments and assessAcademic Environment" ments are delivered. Oakville Christian School does not · A science program that produces believe that "one size fits all". regional science fair winners every year. Differentiated teaching and learning · A music program that trains vocal & has been the emphasis for the past several years. In order to strengthen independent learning skills and address individual needs, strengths and interests, the school has committed to: focusing on concepts rather than skill learning; the use of interdisciplinary and theme-based studies; hands-on learning; question-based instruction, exploratory and problem based learning, first-hand investigations; the application of knowledge and thinking skills to complex problems; applying the theories of notable theorists such as Bloom, Gardner and Renzulli. One tool that Oakville Christian School provides for their students to focus on their strengths rather than their deficiencies is The Renzulli Learning System. This is an exciting new on-line program that matches students' interests and learning styles to hundreds of enriched, challenging opportunities. A sneak peak is available at www.renzullilearning.com We invite you to come by for a visit. Call to book a tour at 905 825-1247 ext. 221. Our Open House is held on February 9, from 10:00 ­ 2:00. Come and "discover the difference" at Oakville Christian School. Behind the scenes at King's Christian Collegiate Visitors to the expanded facility at King's Christian Collegiate are typically amazed when they first enter the independent high school in northwest Oakville. ` "Wow"..."this is beautiful"..."I had no idea" ­ these are the kinds of remarks we hear,' says Director of Admissions Sharon Roebbelen, who conducts three tours of the school on an average day. "We agree ­ it's a fabulous facility, but it pales in comparison to what's actually going on behind the scenes." Behind the scenes it's the teachers who are doing the truly impressive work. Roebbelen explains, "I recently interviewed a dozen of our students, a few from each grade. I merely asked them to describe their experience at King's. And without exception, the first thing out of their mouths was some extravagant complement about their teachers." Strategic hiring has been the key to success, according to King's Principal Jim Vanderkooy. "We have a rigorous set of qualifications and qualities that shape our hiring practices", explains Vanderkooy. "In terms of qualifications, a King's teacher must be fully certified ­ that's a given ­ and we look for teachers who are passionate about their subjects. We also look for teachers who love to teach, who understand the art of teaching and are gifted in it. And we look for people who love teenagers and enjoy working with them. We hire teachers who love to come to work ­ enthusiastic and engaging adults whom the students can consider role models." To ensure that the teachers are continually improving their skills, Research and Development sessions are part of the weekly routine. Academic Vice-Principal John De Boer explains, "We require our teachers to be on the leading edge of research and technique when it comes to their craft. So we carve out a two-hour period every Friday morning for R and D ­ we bring in specialists, we share best practices, we refine teaching and assessment strategies. It's an effective way of keeping us all sharp." And the best part of the deal, as far as the students are concerned? They benefit from an extra hour and a half of sleep each Friday morning while their teachers are hard at work. "The Friday morning "sleep-in" has been an appealing feature for the students, to be sure", says Roebbelen. "But the teachers are still our greatest asset." Sat., Feb. 9 112 Third Line, Oakville OPEN HOUSE 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. (905) 825-1247 Admissions inquiries ext. 221 www.ocsonline.org Does your teenager deserve the best education? Consider the King's alternative . . . www.kingschristian.net