Rotherglen School supports a love of learning Rotherglen School is a warm and vibrant learning community, providing a quality education to students from age three to Grade 8. We are proud to offer a creative, enriched and progressive program that supports our students' love of learning. Rotherglen School provides a nurturing and supportive environment where our students are empowered to make a difference in the lives of others. This is part of our commitment to educating the whole child. Our Leadership program provides an opportunity for our Grade 8 students to intentionally engage in service activities at the school, community, and international level. Through active leadership, students discover their strengths and determine their own initiatives by exploring their interests and passions. Our students come to understand their connection to the global community and learn to invest in socially responsible living. Throughout the school year, our Grade 8 students lead our school fundraising activities, a student newsletter, a school news network, a character education committee, a photography club, school wide environmental initiatives, to name a few. The Rotherglen Children's REACH Foundation (Rotherglen Educating for Advocacy and Creating Hope), which was founded on the premise of children helping children, provides our students with a vehicle to tangibly give back to those in need. As a community, we come together each year to support a variety of local and international initiatives, including such organizations as Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Halton, Conservation Halton, Food 4 Kids, building a school in Ecuador and funding water treatment centres in Central America. At Rotherglen School, it is our goal to educate the minds and inspire the hearts of our students, and encourage and support each child in becoming confident, compassionate and creative leaders of the future. Debunking myths about private schools By: Our Kids Guide to Private Schools 27 | Thursday, October 23, 2014 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com Myth or fact? Private schools are insular places only for the privileged. If that were true, U.S. President Barack Obama, his sister Maya Soetoro-Ng, and other notable alumni who won scholarships may not have had the opportunity to get a solid private school education. With help from education experts and industry leaders, we debunk the misconceptions about independent schools. Myth 1: Private schools are only for the wealthy. Fact: Not just for the elite, a growing number of Canadian independent schools are trying to attract the best and brightest by beefing up their financial aid and scholarship programs. "One of the top myths right now is that independent schools are not as accessible as they actually are," says Anne-Marie Kee, executive director of the Canadian Accredited Independent Schools (CAIS), noting that millions of dollars in financial aid are distributed to families each year. "I think it's worthwhile for parents to take time to inquire about really understanding what the value is for the tuition and what kind of financial assistance is available to families each year." Myth 2: All private schools are alike. Fact: Parents need to do their research to find the best fit for their child because Canada has thousands of independent schools each one varying in character, philosophy, values, cultures, programs and missions. "Not all schools are the same," says Kee of CAIS. "Each school has an individual vision, mission and set of values, so it's really valuable for parents to find out about the values of the school and if they're aligned with the values of the family to see if that child is going to be successful in that environment." Just because it's an independent school doesn't necessarily mean any one will be right for your child, she adds. "Instead, parents really have to invest time in learning about the different schools and do their homework," she says. Myth 3: Teachers in private schools are not well qualified and the schools are not accountable. Fact: In most provinces, private schools that receive provincial funds must hire only certified teachers, says Michael Zwaagstra, co-author of the book What's Wrong with Continued on page 28 TO SCHOOL! A Rotherglen education offers positive, safe and friendly learning environments that inspire and promote intellectual curiosity, creativity and academic excellence in our students. This is achieved through the integration of an exceptional curriculum including the arts, athletics, community service and leadership opportunities. LOVE COMING OUR STUDENTS OPEN HOUSE 25, 2014 Saturday, October 26, 2013 · 10 a.m a.m.--22p.m. p.m. Oakville Primary Campus Montessori: Ages Grade Montessori: Ages3-5 3 toto Grade 1 1 2045 Sixth Line, Oakville, ON 905-338-3528 Oakville Elementary Campus Grade 1 to 8 2050 Neyagawa Blvd, Oakville, ON 905-849-1897 Give your child a Rotherglen education. www.rotherglen.com