COMOX VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT- VANCOUVER ISLAND – BRITISH COLUMBIA

The Comox Valley, situated about 200 km north of Victoria, is nestled between the Strait of Georgia to the east and the Comox Valley Glacier and Mount Washington ski centre to the west. It is only a thirty minute drive to the mountains, ocean, lakes and trails. Each of our three secondary schools is situated on large natural sites and each boasts five playing fields.

The friendly, welcoming community enjoys the warm temperate climate of BC’s West Coast. The cities of Comox and Courtenay offer all modern amenities for medical and dental care, shopping, theatres, and a multitude of community sports programs.

This is a predominately English speaking area with easy access to Vancouver and Victoria. Visiting students and their families enjoy the outstanding recreational activities including world class skiing, snowboarding, golfing, water sports, mountain biking and hiking. Mount Washington, the local ski resort, is the training site for the Canadian and Swedish National Nordic teams who are training in this world class facility for the 2010 Winter Olympics to be held in Vancouver. Students wishing to ski or snow-board can easily access Mt. Washington because of its close proximity to the city centre, a 20 minute drive by ski bus or car. Students are able to purchase season passes for a very reasonable rate.

“We welcome the world and embrace multi-cultural values. We look forward to welcoming you to Vancouver Island’s winter playground.”

Comox School District, British Columbia, offers quality instruction by Canadian certified teachers in modern and well equipped schools. We accept students in three high schools. As well as academic subjects, students enjoy outstanding opportunities for study in business and technology education, performing arts, sports and outdoor recreation.

The high schools offer French Immersion programs and courses in Spanish and Japanese. Interested students may join a special ‘Ice Hockey Skills Academy’. That’s a course specially developed to help the student athletes to excel in both academics and athletics. All high schools have outstanding extracurricular sports programs and opportunities to participate in clubs and school organized activities. Also, the International Student Program has a designated activity coordinator who arranges special trips and events.

All three schools offer courses in the university entrance areas of English, Literature, History, Geography, Geology, Biology, Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics.

As well, the students may enroll in the elective areas of Art, Drama/Theatre, Dance, Music (Concert Band), Business/Marketing, Computer Technology – research and teaching labs, Clothing and Design, Drafting, Foods and Cafeteria, Languages – French, including French Immersion and Spanish, Media/Journalism, Physical Education and Sports, Technology Education – Metalwork, Woodwork, Automotive, Electronics, Robotics, and Hospitality and Tourism.

Each of the schools offers many extra-curricular activities including sports – individual and team (including ski and snowboard teams), theatre, music – vocal and instrumental, student government and clubs. In addition to what our schools offer, the community at large provides extensive opportunities in sports, fine and performing arts and recreation.

School uniforms are not required, yet each school offers for sale many items of clothing specific to their school that brings a sense of pride and ownership.

G. P. Vanier – Home of the “Towhees”

• 1200 students, grades 8-12       .
• home to the Comox Valley Track and Field Centre
• home to the Comox Valley Regional Sports Centre – swimming and ice rinks
• 200-seat cafeteria
• Cook training apprenticeship program
• Japanese language course
• District Outdoor Program in grade 11
  • combines Math, PE, Biology, Social Studies, Personal Planning, Outdoor Recreation – hiking, kayaking, camping, sailing
  • second semester only – must register in early March the previous year
• Honours courses – English 10 & 11, Math 9, 10, 11 & 12, Science 10, Social Studies 10
• Acclaimed theatre director

Highland – Home of the “Raiders”

• 950 students, grades 8-12
• Neighbourhood school – very little bussing needed
• Japanese language course
• National Hockey Sports Academy
• Automotive Technician Red Seal Certification
• Tourism and Hospitality Academy – college credits
• Honours courses – English 10 and 11, Math 10, Science 10, Social Studies 10

Mark R. Isfeld – Home of the “Ice”

• 950 students, grades 8-12
• District French Immersion Program
• Golf Sports Academy
• Fitness trainer certification
• In walking distance of the Comox Valley Aquatic Centre
• Site of the Comox Valley Skateboard and Bike facility
• Integrated Science and Math Program in grade 11
• Math, Chemistry, Physics, Independent Directed Study 12
• One semester – lead teacher; theme based approach
• Honours courses – Math 9, English 10, Marine Biology 10, Social Studies 10

Lake Trail Middle School – Home of the “Pride”

• 300 students, grades 7-9
• Neighbourhood school
• Central to the downtown centre
• All elective programs the Secondary School offers
• More one on one attention

• Academic success is frequently connected to a student’s family environment.
• International students stay with carefully screened families
• Families are chosen based on their ability to provide a warm and supportive home setting.
• Host parents are selected for their willingness to treat each visiting student as they would their own child.
• Host parents will encourage and assist students to become involved in school and community activities.
• Families are given an extensive orientation in order to ensure their knowledge of cultural diversity.

• A highlight of each student’s stay is that the International Program staff organizes two activities each month. This could be:
• A cultural trip to the thriving multi-cultural city of Vancouver
• Skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing and tubing at the premier ski resort  close by – Mount Washington
• Kayaking on the ocean and/ or the local lakes
• Going on a Wildlife tour that includes seeing Whales, eagles, seals, bears, dolphins….
• Staying at the Outdoor Education School at Tribune Bay on Hornby Island
• A cultural trip to Victoria, the capital city of British Columbia
• A ski trip to the world famous ski resort – Whistler/Blackcomb
• Surfing at world famous Long Beach in Tofino
• Student activity nights – dances, bowling, movies, ice skating, swimming
• A hike through the spectacular Paradise Meadows of Strathcona Park

The Academic Prep Program in Comox, held in August, is a perfect start to a Canadian educational experience for German students. It gives them an extra month in Canada during the best summer weather to experience our community and participate in a wide range of activities. This program will appeal to students who are applying for the regular September start date. Others, who may only want to come for August, are welcome as well.

Students will enjoy a focused and personalized program utilizing a wide variety of instructional techniques, computer technology, and our great outdoors as the back drop to many of the activities. A major objective of this program is to prepare students to feel confident and comfortable in classes, to become acquainted with the community and to make friends with other participants in the program. When school starts in September, academic prep program students will be better adjusted, have conquered their worries, and will integrate much more quickly into daily life with Canadian students.

Siehe auch unter: Sprachschulen / Kurzaufenthalte

• Comox Valley School District bietet für interessierte Jugendliche spezielle Sportprogramme an:
• Golf Academy – angegliedert an ortsansässige Golf-Schule – ganzjährig
• Hockey Academy – Highland Sec. – 1. Semester
• EXPLORE Outdoor Program – Vanier Sec. – 2. Semester

Siehe auch unter: Spezielle Kurse / Programme