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www.insideHALTON.com | OAKVILLE BEAVER | Thursday, January 22, 2015 | 30 Heal nature deficit disorder outside of the classroom On October 29, 2014, students and staff from Halton District School Board's Bronte Creek Project celebrated national, "Take Me Outside Day," by doing the same thing they do every day ­ spending the day in their 100 acre outdoor classroom! In partnership with The David Suzuki Foundation and The Child and Nature Alliance of Canada, the participants pledge to spend one hour in nature to support education, which extends beyond four walls and a desk ­ something that the Bronte Creek Project has been doing for more than 30 years. The Bronte Creek Project is a one-semester community environmental leadership program for grade 11 and 12 students. Students can participate in the program as part of a Specialist High Skills Major in Environment, or simply as an exciting alternative to a semester in a traditional classroom. Either way, they will come out with four credits and certifications in Leadership, GPS use, First Aid, Canoeing, Camping. With 21 students per class they gain a lifetime worth of friendships and memories. ed by peers and teachers who shared his passion for the outdoors." These quotes reflect the program's design to develop high school students. Grade 10 students take part in the Trailhead program, while Grade 11/12 students participate in The Bronte Creek Project. The focus of the Trailhead semester is adventure, community, leadership and environmental stewardship. In addition to completing the curriculum of four courses, students take part in adventure trips, rock climbing, hiking, canoeing, snowshoeing and daily outdoor activities. Students prepare healthy lunches as a team and foster a sense of community to each other and the larger community. They leave with a sense of purpose and an improved understanding of themselves as a learner. Visit www.brontecreekproject.org or www. trailheadprogram.org learn more! Interested applicants can attend our Open House on February 18th, 2015 at 6:30 pm at 5100 Appleby Line, Burlington (Camp Sidrabene). Advertorial A student from the program named Andrew Battiston shares his experience, "It is incredible to be a part of an ever-changing group of young and diverse people. I am passionate about learning because of what I have experienced here." The parents agree. Sharron O'Donnell says, "I saw a change in my son immediately. He was enthusiastic about going to school and more positive at home because he was surround- Earn compulsory credits. Develop career skills. Learn outside. Build a community. Make a difference. Celebrating Over 30 Years! Independent schools offer choice, diversity, innovation, excellence, personalization The reasons parents choose an independent education for their child are as unique as each student. For some families the focus is on small class sizes, personalized attention and a solid academic foundation. Others are interested in specialized programs, opportunities in the fine and performing arts or in athletics and extracurricular activities. All are looking for a school that provides an education that best suits the needs of their child and provides a solid foundation for personal and academic success whether the child is just starting school or looking to best support their goals for post secondary continuing education. Typically private independent schools provide smaller classroom settings and provide a more personalized focus on the whole child and their educational needs. They work with families, offering strategies and approaches that provide a wide-range of options to achieve academic success. Private schools have the ability and freedom to implement learning strategies and approaches in innovative and effective ways. Independent schools put a high value on educating the whole child. They nurture personal growth through teaching independent thought, provide motivation through a supportive learning environment, instill confidence, and encourage tolerance and understanding. They have an exceptional commitment and appreciation of music and the arts, and creating opportunities for all students to participate in extracurricular activities to help develop interests outside the classroom. Within the educational setting an emphasis is placed on helping students contribute to their communities through extensive philanthropic initiatives that help to create life-long values of becoming socially responsible individuals. Independent schools are not exclusive but in fact they are inclusive and are committed to providing a sense of common values and purpose and welcome everyone. The student bodies of most independent schools are diverse both racially and economically.While each school has a unique mission statement, all schools provide high standards of education through the professionalism of school heads, directors, admissions officers and teachers. This article was provided by Oakville Independent Schools (OIS) comprising 11 independent private schools including elementary, secondary, Montessori, IB Worlds, traditional, religious-based, boarding, singlegender and co-educational schools. For more information visit educationoakville.com. 5 4 20 1 months credits Apply Today! new friends awesome experience Halton's Community Environmental Leadership Program Wed., Feb. 18th, 2015 6:30pm Camp Sidrabene 5100 Appleby Line OPEN HOUSE Follow us on Facebook & Twitter@BronteCreeker www.brontecreekproject.org www.BronteCreekProject.org for Grade 11/12