Boarding
Meeting Students Needs, a home away from home
Welcome to Residence at Queen Margaret's School. It is our desire for each student to feel happy, safe, and secure in residence.
While living away from home can be a difficult transition, our caring and committed academic and residence staff make every effort to ensure our young women's time here is well spent, well supervised and well enjoyed!
Although it is difficult to capture the essence of boarding life on the printed page, it is my hope that our website will provide you with a good overview of the Boarding Program at QMS and the many rewards it presents.
Residential Programming
Within the residential program, we provide many opportunities for the students to explore the Canadian culture and the Cowichan Valley. Regular trips to nearby cities, visits to art galleries, museums and local theatre productions are offered. The girls are introduced to the art of journal writing and we offer evening discussions to explore the issues and challenges relevant to the girls' experiences.
Academic studies are maintained with supervised homework periods every evening from Sunday to Thursday. During this time, students have full access to the library and the computer lab. A teacher and a residential staff member are always available to assist the girls in their studies.
Well Trained Professional Staff
Our residential staff are sensitive and compassionate members of our community. They are trained and capable in understanding and resolving any concerns arising with our students. Our Director of Residence works together with our Health Professional and our Counselor to ensure your daughter is well cared for. Parents can be confident that our environment is safe and provides physical as well as emotional comfort.
QMS Offers:
* Increased staffing on duty in the residence
* Staff trained in CPR and First Aid Certified
* Staff participation in the Virtues Workshop *
* Intensive training in order to respond to student's emotional needs
Our staff participate in a special two-day workshop on the Virtues Project, an award winning, non-sectarian program that teaches the simple elements of character building honoured by all cultures and spiritual traditions. The course presents five skills to reinforce the awareness of the 52 key virtues and incorporate them in our daily lives. These proven strategies are being used world wide to raise morally conscious children, create peaceful schools, counteract violence and to enhance workplace integrity.
Communications
Building a Sense of Community
The girls are introduced to the art of journal-writing as a way to express themselves and explore their inner selves in whatever medium they are comfortable with - i.e. writing, drawing, music and poetry. There are evening discussions and movie nights to explore the issues and challenges relevant to the girls' experiences.
Boarders also have a Residential Advisor who they will meet with one-on-one as well as with their group each week. The Residential advisor forms an integral part of the residential community and is directly responsible for these students in consultation with parents. The advisor is at the forefront of the student's daily lives and ensure that needs are met and that adaptation to residential life runs smoothly.
Linking with Parents
Residential Advisors provide regular and increased communication with parents/guardians providing updates on residence activities, academics and questions concerning their daughter. Parents are welcomed to contact the Advisor with any questions or concerns at any time.
* Parent involvement is encouraged. If you are visiting, please let us know your areas of interest and expertise. The students love having opportunities to listen and share ideas.
* A monthly newsletter to our Parents to connect you with your daughter's life at the school. Coming events, photos and achievements will not remain hidden!
Boarding life offers a great many opportunities for students. Friendships created here are those that last a lifetime; it is a very rewarding life for all involved. We look forward to a happy and productive year.
Sincerely,
Celina Mason
Director of Residence
