My school day memories continue -- heading to 'Junior High School' years now…read more Part 2 -- John Norquay Elementary School, Vancouver, BC -- grade 7, plus, first semester of grade 8 - while waiting for Gladstone Secondary School to be ready to accommodate more 'Junior High School' level students. I arrived at 'John Norquay School' at age 11, to start grade 7, a touch after classes had already started in September that year (1951), and found myself getting the -- "heh class, we have a new student with us now" -- introduction treatment for the first couple of days! For a shy guy, being singled out like this was a little "yikes", a touch disturbing, but soon forgotten, and I was able to make friends, and settle in rather quickly. Wow! it was grade 7 - and with the classes being held in an elementary school, we were truly 'the' seniors there!! I recall having some fine, much-liked, and respected teachers while there, and some wonderful classmates, several of whom became long-lasting, close friends over many years ahead. Some personal memories: - location - on Slocan, just a couple of short blocks away from Kingsway - at the time, a vibrant shopping district of many small, retail stores, restaurants, goods & services -- a very short walk, almost directly 'up' from where I lived on Clarendon Street. - I was on 'half-shift' for the first part of grade 8 - playing 'yards' (a football-like game) in the playground before classes started in the afternoon was a fun activity. - "jawbreakers" (and other kinds of 'penny' candy), and bubble gum packets of baseball & hockey cards, purchased at the confection store across the street - and the trading of cards with friends, and classmates. - burgers & hot dogs at 'Harry's' (on Kingsway, a few shops up from Slocan) - well-known for his wonderful sauce, and tasty 'combo' (wiener + meat patty) burger. - found a grade 7 class photo (1952). I was at 'John Norquay' for an especially short time - relative to my total school years - but the school made for such big, and long-lasting memories! And although I changed schools, the district remained my home for the second semester of grade 8, and through grades 9 - 12. My only 'close' to visits to 'John Norquay School' since then, have been frequent drives by the school, either on the way to YVR, or restaurants on Kingsway, and other nearby areas. It has always looked as I recall, and has triggered many fond memories with each of these passing glances!

The IB Program at SJS has been wonderful for my two kids. The teachers and administration obviously…read morework very hard to create a well prepared and engaging environment. My experience has, so far, been limited to the junior school where the warm and encouraging (while still academically challenging) atmosphere is quite special. My son, in particular, has transformed over his three years, (and counting), at the school from a bright, though highly anxious and shy child, into a much happier confident kid.

My child and I attended the infant toddler sessions at North Star. It's part of a very nice school…read more I don't live in North Van however so we commuted to attend.

North Star is a great school. I was a Montessori kid myself so I am a big fan of the philosophy…read moreand the way that North Star operates is truly authentic. The kids at North Star really do love to learn. If you have child in preschool or elementary school I would definitely consider North Star.

Very good school with loving and supportive teachers. They seem to be a very child-focused…read moreestablishment and are able to guide the children with the utmost care and attention. Office staff was also very good and provided excellent service answering all questions in a timely manner. Great music program!

My child recently attended University Hill Elementary School for two years in 3rd & 4th grade…read more While there were some positive aspects of the school, like diversity and location, there were more concerns. One time my child was physically bullied on the playground, and when I made a complaint, the principal never replied to me. Another time, I picked my child up early for an appointment and found him completely left behind and disregarded laying on the ground in a classroom cubby area while the teacher was cheerfully teaching with her microphone headset gathered with the other students in the class. When other kids told the teacher their observations, she "didn't care." A lack of care overall is why I give this school the lowest rating. The front desk receptionist carried a heavy load, especially with no nurse of staff, but she was often not approachable for my child. One time when my child had a sore toothache and sought a call home, she only emailed me and didn't inform my child. When I saw the email after time had passed and went to the school, my child was no where to be found on the playground or in the building. my child was crying and hiding by a tree outside because they were in pain and felt the school didn't care about them and were going to call home. I am very grateful we have found a new school with a sincere culture of care.

My experience at school and at home, from 1967-8 to 1976 was a nightmare. It's a miracle I lived to…read morebe a senior. I was tormented and sexually abused at home only to be bullied by students who called me names like Sybil', for the Sally Fields movie about a girl who was horrifically abused, like me, dismissed and even bullied by teachers who ignored my tear, and calling me selfish for crying. I'm writing this in hopes to find someone my brother had told about my sexual humiliation at the hands of my Narcissistic mother's boyfriend so that I can finally have closure, therapy and to move on. A witness. And to everyone who thought it was funny to sign a petition that says "If you hate Tammy Siple sign here", which caused me to snap and give the child who wrote it a goose egg, as her mother called it, by slamming her with the door while I made my escape, I forgive you.

I suspect it is a part of getting old, but I have sure been getting into moods of recalling…read morememories of past times lately. Bringing memories of my 'school days' to the fore, has been a fun, and challenging 'historical' adventure. Thought I would share some 'when' and 'where' of those years. Part 1 -- Hastings Elementary School, Vancouver, BC -- grades 1 through 6. I started grade 1 at age 5 (in 1945). At that time, I had to 'qualify' first, via an in-person test (I assume, designed and administered by the School Board), to be able to do so that September, as my 6'th birthday was not until December. I had not done, and never did any any kindergarten Yikes, I had to face a school test, and had not even got into a school as yet!! But yeah, all went well, and I passed!! And was off to 'Hastings School' to attend grade 1 that September. I remained a student there each year after, and completed grade 6 at age 11 (in 1951). Some personal memories: - walking to/from school each day, catching/absorbing the sights & sounds of my first 'hood' along the way - I lived on Turner Street, and had a few blocks to walk to school. - taking a large bag of 'marbles' (glass, agate, and otherwise), and playing various games centered around them, out in the playground during the early years there, was a fun thing to do. In the field, soccer was 'the' thing for the sports types. - had a big 'crush' on my grade 3 teacher! - found 1947 (grade 2) and 1949 (grade 4) class photos -- ouch!! 'Hastings Elementary School', located within what is now called the 'Hastings Sunrise' area of east Vancouver, provided my first taste of school -- and I really enjoyed my childhood years there.

What inspires someone to become a leader later in life starts at a young age--during the most…read moreformative years of pre school, kindergarten, and early elementary. For it is in this time that tomorrow's leaders learn the joy of education.

My son has gone to this preschool for the last 2 years and I have to say that it is such a great…read moreplace that if son could stay here for Kindergarten, I would jump at it. Unfortunately, it is a preschool only. The teachers Ms.Rebecca, Erin and Heather are fantastic. I communicate with them regularly. And my son is always super excited to go. The community of parents are also wonderful. For what it's worth, I honestly can't say enough good things about it.