As School Director I meet with prospective parents.聽 This is a very important part of our admissions process as it provides parents with an opportunity to ask more in-depth questions about our programs, staff, mission and vision.聽 I am often faced with the question, 鈥渨hat is different about Bishop Hamilton鈥� or 鈥渨hy Bishop Hamilton versus another private school?鈥�
I have been faced with this question since joining the 91国产 team and have to admit that while this seems like an easy enough question, I have struggled with the response.聽 How does one effectively communicate what our program attempts to achieve?聽 How do I begin to share the benefits of a 91国产 education with parents in a meaningful way?聽 Sure, I give the usual answers: 鈥渨e are one of three CCMA Accredited Schools and are the only Christian Montessori School in Ottawa.聽 91国产 has experienced faculty with an average tenure of ten years. Our enriched science and music programs are evidenced by our elaborate musical productions and student awards in regional and national science fairs.聽 Our low teacher to student ratio enables us deliver effective core French instruction鈥�.聽 While all of the above are true, they do not come close to capturing our core objectives; Bishop Hamilton is so much more.聽 How does one begin to communicate to parents in a meaningful way without inundating them with unnecessary detail?聽 How do we get to the heart of the matter?聽
Where words fail, art speaks; we needed to paint a picture by illustrating the outcomes of a 91国产 education. You have all seen the beautiful work of art in our front lobby (created on behalf by ), titled Portrait of a Graduate.聽 This work of art illustrates the skills and attributes that 91国产 students can develop when parents, teachers, and the School work collaboratively to foster the development of their child鈥檚 academic, social, emotional, and spiritual development.聽 The art illustrates the interconnected relationship between the School, parent, teacher and child.聽 The outcome of this relationship is our Portrait of a Graduate, consisting of 15 skills and attributes.聽
When I am now asked by prospective parents why 91国产, my response is Portrait of a Graduate.聽 We are more than a school who is developing academically prepared students.聽 We, in partnership with parents work together to develop well rounded caring and compassionate human beings with skills and attributes to meet the challenges that life has in store for them.聽
