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10 - The Oakville Beaver Weekend, Saturday June 14, 2008 www.oakvillebeaver.com Fern Hill school treats students individually By Hiba Kesebi SPECIAL TO THE BEAVER The Fern Hill philosophy existed longbefore the school was formally established -- 25 years ago -- and it started with a wish list, a shared image between two public school teachers, about how students should be taught. Joanne McLean and Wendy Derrick were determined to turn their wish list into reality, even when it meant holding classes in a church basement for 15 students. Twenty-five years later, the two founders of Fern Hill private school, have seen their dream grow into two Kindergarten-to-Grade 8 campuses that accommodate some 550 students. LIESA KORTMANN / OAKVILLE BEAVER FOUNDERS: Wendy Derrick and Joanne McLean established Fern Hill School 25 years ago. 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NYLON TWIST Compare Welcome Wagon for information regarding the next Baby Shower in your area! For further information and to receive an invitation, contact: $5.49 only $2.99/sq. ft. S BONU INSTALLATION & UNDERPAD INCLUDED! Outlet Store ­ Trafalgar Village 125 CROSS AVENUE PLAZA Huge Super Store ­ 228 King St. E. DOWNTOWN HAMILTON 905-849-4472 905-546-1921 1-866-283-7584 www.welcomewagon.ca w. "Our wish-list was really about having smaller class sizes and giving children subject- specific teachers," said McLean. "During snow-days, we would have less children coming into school and we realized then, what we can do with smaller class sizes. We were able to get around to everyone, which is something difficult for a full-size class at a public school," added Derrick, referring to the days when she and McLean taught at John Wilson Public School (now Oakville Christian School). The two teachers first established Fern Hill in the basement of St. Andrew's Memorial Presbyterian Church, near Port Credit, Mississauga in 1982. They put in $12,000 of their savings, built and painted room dividers, bought second-hand desks, and hunted down used books from garage sales. The basement became a school. "The church was across the street from a library and next to a park," McLean said. Location is critical in Fern Hill campus locations today as the teachers recognize the importance of green space. The women spent most of their time at school. Their attention to students attracted more parents to the school. Two years after opening in the church basement, they relocated. In 1988, the Fern Hill Oakville campus at 3300 Ninth Line opened. In 1999, they followed up by opening a Burlington campus. "We chose to relocate Fern Hill here (Oakville) because it is surrounded with green space -- space that students can enjoy, learn and grow in," said Derrick. According to McLean, bright lights, artwork hanging on the walls and spacious classrooms enhance a positive atmosphere. The most striking feature in the school today, however, is its students. They are captivated, attentive and aware. The secret: "small class sizes (Fern Hill has an 18 student limit for each class) and subject specific teachers." "The challenge for teachers is developing a different program for each child," said McLean. "But once programs are established the students become happy, joyful and curious about learning." Grade 8 student Chelsea Smith, feels that if it weren't for her music teacher at Fern Hill she wouldn't be a singer. "Her music teacher worked with her, and taught her how to sing. Chelsea never had any music or vocal lessons before," said McLean. Smith got her big break through when she performed in the school's musical. Other Grade 8 students, like Sarah MacArthur, said they would miss the school's environment. "It's like a family, everyone greets you, all the teachers know you, you know that someone will always be there if you need help," MacArthur explained. With this tight-knit family environment, the school raised more than $50,000 in one week for the United Way and $25,000 annually for the Heart and Stroke Foundation. The school also sponsors 21 families at Christmas. On May 8, the Burlington campus received the Business Excellence Award in the Service Industry from the Burlington Chamber of Commerce. The Oakville campus has also received two awards from the Oakville Chamber of Commerce. · CARPET · ORIENTAL RUGS · VINYL · HARDWOOD · CERAMICS · CARPET · CARPET · ORIENTAL RUGS · VINYL · HARDWOOD · CERAMICS · CARPET · · ORIENTAL RUGS · VINYL · HARDWOOD