Didn’t Kate find her passion here at Windermere Secondary School the day she walked into her Grade 8 science class? Windermere Secondary School is a public secondary school on Vancouver’s east side. It stands as a beacon of learning and community engagement. Founded on December 1 1961 Windermere has a rich history of shaping young minds.
Windermere Secondary School’s motto is “Facta Non Verba” or “Actions Not Words”. This embodies the school’s commitment to practical learning. The school’s diverse student body comes from 40 countries. Over 30 languages are spoken in their homes including Chinese English Vietnamese and Tagalog. This creates a vibrant multicultural environment.
The Leadership Program is a cornerstone of Windermere Secondary School. Students cultivate leadership skills. They actively engage with the community. They set ambitious goals for the future. The program emphasizes academics health volunteering and outdoor education. Students read a variety of books as part of the Social Studies curriculum. The program also teaches environmental and social responsibility.
Health and fitness are key aspects of the Leadership Program at Windermere Secondary School. Students focus on personal diet and health choices. Outdoor activities are also important. Students prepare for camping trips each year. Activities include hiking biking rock climbing kayaking and winter sports. Students can also take a CPR course.
Volunteering is a large part of the Leadership Program at Windermere Secondary School. Students assist and engage with the community. Grade 11 students collaborate with elementary schools. They develop sustainability projects. Grade 11 students also organize the school’s Climate Change Conference. They also organize the annual Earth Day Parade and Festival. The parade runs along Commercial Drive. It has attracted thousands of participants. David Suzuki and Grand Chief Stewart Phillip have supported the festival.
Windermere Secondary School has a mini-school program called the Athena Arts program. It ran for Grades 8 to 10. The Link Crew program helps new Grade 8 students transition to secondary school. Grade 11 and 12 students lead this program.
Windermere Secondary School excels in athletics. The Junior Boys Volleyball Team won the Vancouver Secondary Schools Athletic Association Junior Boys Volleyball City Championships in 2023. They defeated the Sir Charles Tupper Tigers.
Windermere Secondary School also boasts Vancouver’s first community fitness park. It is located on the corner of Lillooet and 27th Avenue. Users can learn exercises at 16 stations. They scan QR codes to visit the Windermere Community Fitness Park website. Two outdoor table tennis courts were added in December 2023.
Raymond Louie a Canadian politician and Vancouver City Councillor is a notable alumnus of Windermere Secondary School.
Windermere Secondary School also has a garden club. It teaches students about food and its impact. Activities include planting seeds caring for trees and harvesting produce for the cafeteria. The school also runs breakfast snack and lunch programs.
Windermere Secondary School has strong community links. It partners with Collingwood Neighbourhood House and Renfrew Community Centre. Students offer after-school programs at elementary schools. They volunteer at community festivals.
Windermere Secondary School continues to empower students. It encourages them to be good citizens aim high and improve lives. Thank you for visiting this amazing educational institution.