Q & A

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

Wednesday, March 19, 2008

Greeting from Mark, new head of School

During his visit in February, Mark was impressed with the sense of community he felt – from the engaged and happy students, to the dedicated and committed teachers, to the involved and supportive parents. The feeling that there is something special going on at Gardener is quite tangible and obviously felt by everyone who he met at The Gardner School. Marks is honored to become a part of that spirit and he cannot wait to begin working together with everyone.

He believes that Gardner can maintain its unique character and identity while at the same time develop and extend what is already a strong educational program.

News from Gardner

It is with great pride and excitement that the Board of Trustees announces that Mark McGough will be the next Head of School of The Gardner School. Mark will take over from our Interim Head of School, Greg Zeigler, this summer. Mark brings the amazing background, experience and enthusiasm that The Gardner School is seeking in this next phase of growth.

Mark is an experienced International School Head, joining us after several years in Milan, Italy. He has also worked as a Principal at International Schools in both Tanzania and Namibia. After receiving his Bachelor's degree at Newcastle University and a Primary Education certification from the University of Leeds, Mark taught in several International Schools. Looking inward with the same critical eye he applies to those with whom he works, he desired a greater personal level of education and earned his Master's in International Education at Oxford Brookes University.

At a time when the Board of Trustees has plans to start the process of evaluating the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB PYP), Mark joins us with a background as an IB PYP coordinator and International Consultant for the IB PYP organization in Geneva. His experience will ensure that our evaluation of the IB PYP as a possible match for Gardner will be very thorough.

The alignment of Mark's educational philosophy with the mission, vision, and values of The Gardner School was critical to the selection process. He emphasizes an approach to teaching that incorporates Multiple Intelligence theory and that inspires students, teachers, staff, Trustees, and parents alike to do better and continually improve. Mark will provide not only the educational leadership the school needs as we move forward toward our vision, but the courage and competence to lead our school to substantial, measurable growth in every area.

There has never been a more exciting time in the history of The Gardner School. We are bringing in a true international educator, equal to the vision of our school. Celebrate with us as we move from a great school to a world-class school.

The Board, Administration, and Mark look forward to working together long distance during the next few months in order to provide for a smooth transition to his formal arrival at the school this summer. Attached is a letter from Mark that describes his enthusiasm and commitment to our school community.

Tuesday, March 4, 2008

Gardner News

In talking to Greg Zeigler, Head of School he talked about expanding the school. And making that dream a reality. He told about the parent members of the Grants Committee and he submitted a grant to The Murdock Foundation last spring. The Gardner School asked for $60,000.00 toward the cost of a new portable classroom building. One side of the building is to be designated for a science lab and other shared uses, and the other will be a brand new classroom space.

A major piece of Gardner achieving funding for the new classroom building portable is demonstrating community support of the initiative. Gardner is required to fund fifty percent of the project. The school has their 50% set aside and are waiting for May to see if the Grant is going to be awarded to the School.

It was great to see the plans for the Gardner School and the parents who support it.

Wednesday, February 27, 2008

Sunday's Columbian

In the special section, the Columbian published an extra magazine that had great information about private schools and home school resources.

http://www.columbian.com/news/portrait/news/02252007news108967.cfm

List of local private schools

http://www.cascadiaschool.com/

Cascadia Middle School gives careful attention to Washington State academic standards and to the particular course of study that is required in our local school district and other public and private high school programs

http://www.vancouvermontessori.com/

The environment at Vancouver Montessori School has been carefully prepared to provide a creative learning experience. We only hire teachers trained and certified by Association Montessori Internationale (AMI).

www.camasmontessori.com

An integral part of the Montessori process includes work activities which are chosen by the children themselves.

www.languageacademyinc.com

The Language Academy is dedicated to bringing the language and culture of other countries to Vancouver children and adults.