www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver, Wednesday February 6, 2008 - 21 EDUCATION Creating a better world through education MacLachlan College introduces the International Baccalaureate Good schools and good teachers never cease in their quest to research the best methodology and programmes for continuous school improvement. MacLachlan College moves towards becoming a worldclass status school through the introduction of the International Baccalaureate Programme (IB) in Pre-Kindergarten to Grade Six. Curriculum research undertaken by MacLachlan over the past two years has convinced the administration that the IB programme is the very best option to provide leading edge education for children. They are impressed that it draws on research and best practices from a range of leading schools worldwide, bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience to the programme. The mission statement of the IB captured the interest of the MacLachlan Faculty. "The International Baccalaureate aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect. This is powerful motivation for MacLachlan teachers. They have embraced the exciting challenge of introducing the IB with fervent enthusiasm. Accreditation to teach the IB programme requires a rigorous training process. Head of School, Diane Finlay, and seven MacLachlan teachers started this process by attending instructional seminars at an IB training institution in the United States this summer. They came back renewed and invigorated, ready to start the school year with enthusiasm as they launched into the new venture. Inquiry-based learning, the foundation of the IB programme, fosters the development of questioning and critical thinking to facilitate deeper levels of understanding. Diane Finlay is convinced that the IB with its international focus and rigorous assessment will equip MacLachlan students to become better thinkers and problem for furthering practice in reading, sentence solvers on a world stage. They structure, phonics, and other grade-related leswill come to understand the sons. With books separated by author and subconcept of a caring community ject, it also introduces children to themes and and personal responsibility for favorite writers. our world. The learner profile of Toddler fun: The library is even a good destian IB student includes attributes nation for preschoolers who may not yet be that manifest the traits of interreading. They can participate in tours of the library early on and, thus, develop a relationship and love for all things books. With picture books, and special programs for toddlers, there is plenty to keep them entertained - and educated. (MS) national perspective: Inquirers; Principled; Thinkers; Caring; Communicators; Risk-takers; Balanced; Knowledgeable; Reflective. Over nearly thirty years of educating children, MacLachlan has developed strong academic programmes, forming a solid educational foundation for its students. Integration of the IB within the existing programme structure broadens and strengthens this foundation. Its focus on internationalism brings renewed optimism and purpose to education for the future. As an IB World School, MacLachlan College will join an elite community of educators and schools around the world. The International Baccalaureate Early Years Programme complements the internationally recognized Advanced Placement University Credit courses which MacLachlan College offers for its high school students. MacLachlan College. 337 Trafalgar Rd. Oakville. www.maclachlan.ca 905-8440372 The benefits of your community library Continued from Page18 Appropriate behavior: Everyone knows the stereotypical image of the matronly librarian "shhing" rowdy visitors. Children will learn that quiet behavior is expected in the library, a valuable lesson for other areas of life. Sharing: Many libraries have wonderful children's areas, complete with reading nooks, ageappropriate books, and even stuffed animals or other play things. Lessons in sharing and cooperation are furthered in this intimate setting. Reading comprehension: Naturally, a place filled with books would be the appropriate place Open Hou se March Break Camp Summer Camp March 10th - 14th, 2008 · For campers age 4 - 12 July 1st - Aug 15th, 2008 · For campers age 3 - 14 and Registration on Now Drama, Dance, Fine Arts, Crafts, Musical Theatre, Games and much, much more! Open House Preschool, JK and SK Programs Within our very special enriched Ontario Kindergarten curriculum, the shift is from teaching to that of learning. Our classroom programs place an emphasis on finding personal and creative ways to make curriculum areas come alive! We invite you to view our studio classroom spaces, meet our teachers and learn more about our innovative, Reggio-inspired Kindergarten and Preschool programs. Make the arts (dance, music and fine arts) part of your child's everyday school experience. for Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 6 (Lower School) Call us to inquire about this exciting change at MacLachlan College MacLachlan College is a co-educational university prep school Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 12 Friday February 8, 2008, 1pm-4pm If this time is not convenient for you, please contact Ms. Kim Speer, our Director of Kinderschool Programs, to set up an interview and tour of our programs. Offering The Finest in Arts Exploration and Development! The Oakville Academy for the Arts 1011 Upper Middle Road & Eighth Line, Oakville, Ontario L6H 4L5 MacLachlan College 337 Trafalgar Road, Oakville, Ontario (905) 844-0372 ext. 235 registrar@maclachlan.ca www.maclachlan.ca ACCREDITATION Phone: 905.844.ARTS (2787) www.oakvilleacademy.com