Join us on our Bridge to the Future

Education has the power to change lives

I know this first hand from 28 years as a middle school educator. Working with thousands of students throughout this time, I am convinced that what matters most is that each and every student knows that they are valued. Middle School is challenging and dynamic. It is turbulent and tough at times. Teachers at IPS are continually striving for ways to connect with each child, to inspire them to learn, to captivate their interests and to help them know that they matter. There small size of IPS allows this to happen in many meaningful ways.

While we are small by design and not trying to be bigger, we are trying to be better. We are making changes to our facilities and programming to enhance what we are able to provide our students as we continue to fulfill our mission. Building on last year’s launch of the Bridge to the Future Development Program, this year we are taking another step along that bridge. An exceptional education is, first and foremost, built on relationships.

I invite you to deepen your relationship with us. Reach out. Connect. Join us as we build a Bridge to the Future.

Scott Herrington
Head of School

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How can you help?

Email Scott Herrington or Julia McCaig, call them 604.947.9311to discuss your giving options, e-transfer to Barb Bingham or simply click on the yellow DONATE NOW button. 

How you helped us last year…

Last year, we launched our first ever capital fundraising campaign and had unprecedented support from our board, faculty, staff and parents – virtually 100% participation!

We were able to support 9 students with some level of financial aid and we directed $85,000 to building and equipping our Think Tank

We created a bright, new and dynamic area where kids can recharge, imagine, collaborate, think and learn together. The renovation was completed in September 2017 and the official opening was held in December 2017. Thank you!

Why we need to fundraise – why not raise tuition? 

Few independent schools could charge the full cost of educating its students without having an impact on enrollment. At IPS, we have been diligent about keeping our tuition fees at reasonable levels for many years but recognize that almost every school our age has important goals to meet the growing needs of its students.

What makes IPS an independent school?

IPS is a nonprofit organization that operates with limited financial support from the provincial government and is governed by a Board of Directors. As a member school of the International Baccalaureate Programme (IB), the Canadian Accredited Independent Schools (CAIS), and the Independent Schools Association of British Columbia (ISABC), IPS is considered independent. We rely solely on tuition revenue, philanthropic gifts and a small endowment income to meet its operating expenses.

What can we accomplish together this year?

Our fundraising will be focussed on 3 main priorities:

1. Financial aid

As always, we remain committed to a strong financial aid program to ensure that no child is denied entrance to IPS based solely on financial limits.

2. Outdoor Campus

One exciting possibility to consider is a covered area over the parking lot. This would provide a dry place to play more year round sports like basketball, volleyball, floor hockey, badminton and many other low organized games. This outdoor learning space could include a green roof, rainwater harvesting systems and solar installations – to assist with energy needs and help our students learn about sustainability. We are also keen to consider a pollinator garden that would be closely tied to our MYP Science and and Design classes.  

This project could potentially provide opportunities to see first hand how architectural design, building construction, landscaping and biodiversity all come together right here on our own campus!

3. Indoor Campus

Continuing our commitment from last year to re-imagining the indoor campus, we also have a vision to enhance our main entrance way with seating and to create a more inviting gathering space. A second sink in the MBC as well as improvements to our student kitchen, new special event tables, chairs, lighting and other specialized equipment in our classrooms, particularly for science.

How can you help?

Email Scott Herrington or Julia McCaig, call them 604.947.9311to discuss your giving options, e-transfer to Barb Bingham or simply click on the yellow DONATE NOW button. 

 

Forms for Download

Staff Pledge Form