Situated in the vibrant city of Vancouver, this secondary school offers a rich and inclusive environment that fosters both academic achievements and personal growth. The campus is a hub of diverse student activities, catering to a wide range of interests from arts to athletics. Students are encouraged to participate in various clubs and initiatives designed to promote teamwork, leadership, and community engagement. Each year, a dedicated Clubs Day allows students to explore and commit to extracurricular groups, ensuring an active and well-rounded school experience for all.
Grounded in its motto "Guardian of Morals," the school prioritizes nurturing a positive and balanced atmosphere. Mental wellness and community harmony are central to the institution’s values, with ongoing efforts to support student mental health and foster respectful relationships. In alignment with these goals, the school actively seeks partnerships with Indigenous organizations, enriching the cultural understanding and collaborative opportunities available to students and staff alike.
π Academic Programs and Enrichment
The school is highly regarded for its rigorous academic curriculum, which includes a wide selection of Advanced Placement (AP) and Enriched courses tailored to challenge motivated learners. One of its standout offerings is the selective Arts mini-school program, designed to nurture creative talents while maintaining academic excellence. This specialized program attracts artistic students who benefit from focused instruction in visual arts, drama, music, and dance alongside their core studies.
Beyond the arts, students flourish through well-rounded course options that prepare them for post-secondary education and career success. Dedicated faculty emphasize critical thinking, collaboration, and innovation across disciplines, fostering intellectual curiosity and lifelong learning. With a strong commitment to inclusivity and diversity, the school ensures every student has access to supportive resources and academic guidance to maximize their potential.
β½ Athletics and Extracurricular Activities
A competitive spirit thrives within the Physical Education department, where the school’s Grey Ghost mascot symbolizes pride and dedication. The varsity athletics programs offer students numerous opportunities to compete at local and provincial levels within the Vancouver Secondary School Athletic Association (VSSAA) and beyond. Sports seasons are integrated with the PE curriculum, promoting physical literacy and teamwork from grade 8 through senior years.
Teams across multiple sports—including volleyball, rugby, basketball, soccer, cross-country, swimming, tennis, badminton, golf, gymnastics, and ultimate frisbee—consistently achieve strong performances and city-wide recognition. Recent accomplishments include city championships in cross-country, rugby, and senior girls’ basketball. In addition to competitive teams, the school encourages participation in intramural sports to foster healthy lifestyles and camaraderie among all students.
πΆ Arts and Music Excellence
Music and fine arts enjoy a distinguished reputation, supported by a dynamic Fine Arts department offering extensive band and orchestra programs. Students can progress through various skill levels, from beginner ensembles to senior orchestras and jazz bands. Performance opportunities include local festivals and prestigious competitions, where ensembles have earned top honors—such as first place at the World Strides Festival of Gold in California and Kiwanis Festival contests.
Classes span genres and instruments, including choir groups and chamber ensembles, fostering both individual talent and ensemble cohesion. This comprehensive arts education not only enhances students’ creative expression but also strengthens discipline and collaboration skills that translate across academic and personal domains.
π Notable Alumni and School Legacy
The school proudly counts among its alumni numerous individuals who have made significant contributions in entertainment, sports, politics, and the arts. From internationally recognized actors and musicians to accomplished athletes and public leaders, this diverse group exemplifies the school’s commitment to nurturing exceptional talent. Alumni success stories include celebrated figures in music, professional sports, film and television, public service, and cultural innovation.
π Partnerships and Community Engagement
Commitment to community is embedded in the school’s mission, demonstrated through ongoing collaboration with Indigenous groups and local organizations. These partnerships enrich learning experiences and create meaningful opportunities for cultural exchange, social awareness, and student involvement in real-world projects. Staff and students alike benefit from engagement initiatives that connect classroom learning to broader societal contexts, reinforcing the school’s role as a vibrant educational pillar in Vancouver.
π§ Contact and Department Information
For inquiries or further information about specific departments, the school offers direct email contacts for Drama/Theatre, Fine Arts, Physical Education, Music (Band), and Counselling services, ensuring responsive communication to support students’ academic and extracurricular pursuits.
π Summary
With a commitment to academic excellence, artistic innovation, athletic achievement, and community integration, this Vancouver secondary school stands as a beacon of opportunity and development. Its selective arts program, robust AP offerings, championship-caliber sports teams, and thriving music ensembles create a holistic educational environment. Emphasizing mental health, cultural partnerships, and student engagement, the school equips learners with the skills, knowledge, and values needed to succeed in an ever-changing world.