www.insideHALTON.com | OAKVILLE BEAVER | Thursday, October 23, 2014 | 28 Top five independent school myths debunked Continued from page 27 Our Schools and How We Can Fix Them. Many schools have their own accountability systems through a governance structure, such as a board. While not all independent schools across Canada are required to follow the government curriculum, many meet or exceed provincial standards. However, there's a caveat for parents to do research on the schools; for example, membership to reputable associations that require schools to meet certain standards is voluntary. "In fact, most private schools are more regulated than their public school counterparts, which do not get inspected at all," says Agnes Stawicki, managing editor with Our Kids Media who publish the annual guide to the best private schools. "All independent schools, elementary and secondary, must regularly submit to the toughest critics of all tuition-paying parents who will `vote with their feet' if the educational quality is in question." Myth 4: Independent schools weaken public education. Fact: In all jurisdictions where governments have financially supported school choice, they have also retained their commitment to quality public education, says Barb Bierman, Executive Director of the On- tario Federation of Independent Schools. "In North America, wherever provinces or states support school choice, 90 per cent (on average) of all students still attend public schools," she adds. "There is a growing body of evidence which shows increased levels of student achievement and parental satisfaction in all schools, including public schools, when parents are truly free to choose." Myth 5: Independent schools lack diversity and isolate themselves from communities. Fact: More private schools are opening their doors to students of diverse backgrounds, with most offering scholarships, bursaries and financial aid. "I've seen the involvement of students and I have the opinion that independent schools indeed participate in social responsibility leading to the public good," says Peter Froese, executive director of the Federation of Independent School Associations in Vancouver (FISA). "If you look and track the graduates coming out of private schools, they are very much involved in the political leadership of our province and our country, they are very much involved in social services, and they are very much involved in providing professional services to the community to sustain our society." Glenburnie School's progressive, innovative educators make the difference Glenburnie School is proud to be celebrating its 30th year of excellence in education. Our professional educators provide a progressive and unique approach to educating today's children. These passionate educators provide flexibility in adjusting to meet the academic needs of each child, and provide a stimulating and challenging learning environment where students have fun, thrive, and where achievements are celebrated. Glenburnie teachers provide an active, childcentred education which connects theory and practice, in ways that are relevant and meaningful to students. Focus is on the development of 21st Century skills and core value awareness with students working at individual levels of capability. Students from Preschool to Grade 8 experience an exceptional broadbased educational program in maths and sciences, economics, French instruction, and The Arts (Orff, vocal, choral music, instrumental, drama, and visual arts). Our wellrounded education nurtures creativity, character development, and effective communication skills. Skills such as critical and analytical thinking, economic education and leadership development, combined with selfreliance, achievement, and adaptability, are fundamental and provide a firm foundation to effectively prepare our children to become leaders in tomorrow's world. Stateoftheart technology, including Smart boards are integrated with activities that include time management, emotional intelligence, and gifted education. Physical education, and intramural/varsity sports activities focus on skill development, team work, and competitive experiences. Glenburnie's Emotional Intelligence programme, Thinking and Learning with Awareness, is based on recent neuroscience research emphasizing personal choice, initiative, and responsibility. Glenburnie's mission is to effectively prepare students to confidently meet the challenges and opportunities they will face in our rapidly changing world. Glenburnie educators provide a very current, challenging, and effective educational experience and make the ordinary extraordinary. For more information, contact Linda Sweet M.S. Ed., founder and director, Glenburnie School or visit www.glenburnieschool.com and www.lindasweet.ca/blog. Than ky Oakv ou ille! Educating 21st Century Leaders Gle~burnie Scªool OPEN HOUSE Saturday, October 25th 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. · Grade 7/8 High School Preparation · Enriched quality educational programming · Exceptional Music, Fine Arts, Drama Classes · Strong focus on organizational and skill · Full school facilities · Tours and entrance testing by appointment development in Reading, Writing, Mathematics, Science & Technology GRADE 7/8 STUDENTS CAN EARN MINISTRY APPROVED HIGH SCHOOL COURSE CREDITS 11TH ANNUAL PERFORMING ARTS CHALLENGE Saturday, November 22nd, 2014 DUNDAS TALENT CONTEST Competition Categories: 4 4 4 4 4 4 Ontario curriculum material Test and Exam Preparation Enrichment Programs Private learning workstations Individual attention Proven instructors and teachers TUTORING GRADES K - 12 MATH ENGLISH SCIENCE ESL, FSL 4 Prep and review programs: 4 Essay Writing 4 Gr. 10 Literacy Test Prep 4 EQAO 4 and more Open to all children age 5 to 13 WINSTON CHURCHILL Voted Best Learning Center 3 years in a row! NINTH LINE UPPER MIDDLE RD GS VE Call, or see website for Registration Information Vocal, Instrumental, Dance and Variety 403 Q. E. W . 2035 Upper Middle Road, East Oakville (Ford Drive/Upper Middle Rd./Q.E.W./403) MISSISSAUGA OAKVILLE FO RD I DR (905) 338-6236 www.GlenburnieSchool.com