Michael Florendo joined our Board of Governors, inspired to give back to the school and support its growth and success.

He has witnessed the great experiences his two children have had at Island Pacific School through their classwork, outdoor activities, and various excursions throughout the year. He wants future generations of students to have the same opportunities to attend the school.

What Michael enjoys most about the Island Pacific School community is getting to know the staff and other parents well. With only four grades and limited enrollment, families can easily connect with each other and the teachers and staff. Michael says he has developed great friendships with the other parents and enjoys seeing his children grow and develop in such a close-knit school environment.

Michael is eager to contribute to updating our Strategic Plan and onboarding a new Head of School for the 2024-25 school year. He looks forward to the new Strategic Plan guiding the school over the next several years, focusing on building its exceptional learning environment and supportive community. He believes the Strategic Plan will also develop and strengthen the school’s profile in the communities we serve, encouraging more families to choose this school.

When asked about his favorite middle school experience, Michael referred to the Master Works presentation his oldest child did in 2022. Among many great memories from his six years of involvement with the school, seeing the culmination of his child’s four years of work was a very proud moment for him as a parent. He recalls the audience’s engagement during the presentation, as well as other events such as Coffee House performances, the Mainstage production, and various fundraising activities.

Michael spent his childhood on the North Shore after living the first five years of his life in the Philippines, where he was born. This experience fostered a strong connection to the lower mainland, where he enjoys exploring natural areas, hiking and biking trails, enjoying the ocean and creeks, and appreciating wildlife. He also enjoys board and card games and working on his car, which is over 40 years old.

Although he spent seven years in California for his first job after graduating from UBC’s engineering program, Michael felt called back to the lower mainland. He later settled on Bowen Island with his wife, where they started their family and discovered Island Pacific School.

We look forward to Michael’s continued participation and alignment with the school for years to come.

 

Julia McCaig
Director of Community Engagement
Island Pacific School
julia.mccaig@islandpacific.org