W.E. GRAHAM COMMUNITY SCHOOLBox 10, 915 Harold Street, Slocan, BC, V0G 2C0
Telephone: (250) 355-2212 Fax: (250) 355-2523
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Academic Success ◊ Creativity and Imagination ◊ Citizenship ◊ Resiliency
Valhalla Wilderness Program Application Information 2016
Dear Applicant,
Thank you for your interest in enrolling in the Valhalla Wilderness Program at W.E.Graham Community School. This is a full year 8 credit program that offers students the opportunity to learn in many environments. We spend approximately 40% of our time outdoors and 60% in the classroom. Due to the large amount of time spent outdoors, some academic courses may have modules that must be completed independently. A portion of the academic curriculum is also integrated with wilderness studies and outdoor living skills. Much of our work is project oriented, and there is more homework than in a regular academic program. We teach classes using a broad spectrum of strategies, including: role play, simulations, drama, cooperative group work, independent study, and textbooks.
The Valhalla Wilderness Program is not aboot camp or a survival school, nor is it therapy. We do not fix kids; we do not correct errant juvenile behavior. The VWP is a self-propelled wilderness experience that offers a high level of personal challenge. For some, the challenge is physical; for others it is working as a team. This program is demanding physically, socially and academically. In both the classroom and on out trips, you may find yourself dealing with adversity. We expect you to be committed to working hard, being supportive of your classmates, willing to try new things, and to consistently do your best. You must be able to work independently and demonstrate self-discipline. Time is spent on interaction skills, group processing and debriefing. We want you to be a full and patient participant in this process as it is an essential part of the out trips. You must be willing to learn a lot, and to stretch yourself, both physically and mentally.
You will need the support of the adults who care for you in many ways during your time with us; one of these ways is with fundraising. You and your family will be expected to organize and participate in all fundraising activities. While we carry a large inventory of equipment that you will be able to borrow, you will need some personal equipment of your own. This equipment can be expensive, as can be the out trips. Tuition alone will not be enough to cover these expenses. It is important to discuss this commitment with your family before you submit your application so everyone is aware of and prepared for this requirement.
In return, you can expect that we will provide you with opportunities to learn about yourself, your classmates, and the world around you. You can expect to be taught in a wide variety of ways. You will have a voice in the many decisions made as a group. This process can be time consuming and may try your patience, but we believe it is worth it. We will be direct, honest, and real with you as we embark on this learning journey together.
There is one instructor for each class of 14 students; space in the program is limited. The number of classes we can offer is dependent on the number of applicants. It is important that you complete the application package fully and submit it before the deadline of April 20th, 2016.
Please ensure that you include the following:
Physician's report
School records from your previous school year, as well as current year's reports to date.
Two letters of reference (not a family member)
Teacher questionnaires (two teachers)
Student essay outlining why you are applying for the program and what you hope to gain from the experience (500 words, minimum)
Student Registration Form
Student Request for Transfer form(S.3) (if coming from out of catchment or district). This form is due no later than March 31st, 2016)
Waiver/acknowledgement of risks
**Letter from a past teacher may be waived if student is currently in attendance at W.E.Graham Community School.
If you need more information or have questions, please contact the school. We look forward to hearing from you!
INFORMATION FOR PARENTS
Your child will embark upon an incredible journey of learning new physical and mental skills during their time with us, and it is important that you are aware of the extra requirements and demands that will be made on them. They will need extra help and support from you, as well as encouragement to face exciting new challenges. The decision to enter the program should be a family decision that is made with full awareness on everyone's part. What follows is some helpful information for your family to read and discuss that has been compiled from the experience of instructors of this program, past and present, as well as input from parents and students.
Physical and Mental Demands
There will be more homework than one may expect from a conventional education program. On some out trips, there will be physical, mental, and possibly even emotional demands that may be greater than those your child has ever faced before will. It is important that he/she is as well-nourished and rested as possible. Your child will likely need your help in packing for out trips. He/she will need to arrive ready to go on the morning of a trip, so packing should not be left to the last minute. Food planning will need to be reviewed a few days in advance to allow for any necessary shopping. Equipment lists will need to be consulted to ensure that important items are not forgotten. You will find attached a list of required personal gear for each type of trip in addition to a general gear list. Please use these lists to help prepare your child for their time with us, should they be accepted into the program.
Fundraising
All parents and students must participate in fundraising throughout the year. Fundraising is the only way to generate the needed income for costs related to equipment maintenance, rentals, purchases, accommodation on out trips, certain types of travel expenses, climbing lessons, and avalanche training. Tuition fees alone will not cover these expenses.
Parent Drivers
Many of our out trips require parent drivers. Parents will be asked to provide transportation for groups of students to/from the trailheads for many of our trips. Parents will be required to provide the school with a copy of their vehicle insurance (minimum of $1,000,000 liability is required) and a driver's abstract. Vehicles must be in sound condition.
The most effective way of planning the logistics of fundraising and driving is for parents to form a support group to facilitate communication and planning of activities. This will allow individual families to have some input as to which fundraising events their talents are applied. Your whole family will need to be prepared to be supportive of the Wilderness Program student in many ways; the rewards will be proportionate to the input.
Our Mission: “We focus on excellence for all learners in a nurturing environment.”