Over the past few months the Island Oak community has been engaging in a visioning process as the school looks at the next stages of its development and growth.  This process builds on a school assessment that was done in 2003 by Gary Ward.  The purchase of the school building was a big step in opening up possibilities for the future.  The school has also grown to the size where the next stage of organizational development is needed.  Island Oak is moving forward with the intention of putting the necessary systems in place for the larger school it is becoming, while consciously retaining the warmth and personal connections that are such an important part of the school’s character.

Grade nine parent Larry Lenske led various groups in the school, including the board, the faculty, a group of Island Oak parents and the student body, as well as a group of parents and faculty from Sunrise school, through a process that identified the school’s challenges as well as its strengths and resources. 

The process culminated in a joint board and faculty session on April 20^th that reviewed all of the visioning to-date and moved forward with working groups on practical areas such as:

• enhancing the curriculum in areas as diverse as sports, sciences, trades and the performing arts,
• building a parent volunteer network  to support all aspects of the school,
• enrollment and  fundraising, and
• improving the internal and external space in which learning takes place, making a plan for both short and long-term improvements.

Supporting the school’s administration and faculty in the good work they are already doing was identified as a critical element of any future vision, as well as supporting board development to keep pace with the needs of a larger school.

Mick Marrison presented plans for renovating and adding to the school building in stages.  The plan is to work on the first stage this summer when school is not in session.  If you have building skills and some time to donate over the summer months, contact Mick or one of the Board’s new volunteer coordinators, Aisha Sawchuck and Joanna Kit-Fraser.  Aisha and Joanna will also be contacting parents to find out who might have time and skills to donate more generally and what school events people are interested in participating in.

There is also a plan afoot to purchase Regina Montag’s property, which is right next door to the school. This will allow for the development of space for outdoor sports which is very much needed, as well as give the school room for future expansion.  Board Treasurer Diane Dous and Larry Lenske are working on the financial and legal details that will make it possible for parents and other supporters to invest in this project.  If you are interested contact Diane or Larry.