Fern Hill School - Oakville

Summer Camps at Fern Hill provide a cool and creative way to develop new skills and have fun during the summer.  In addition to our Sandcastles Camp for children ages 3 to 6, we are proud to offer fun and unique camp programmes for children ages 6 to 14.  From digital media and photography to performing arts or learning French, Fern Hill provides a safe, air conditioned environment with state-of-the-art facilities and outstanding instruction by experienced and highly qualified Fern Hill teachers.  Campers are grouped by age with programmes tailored to their specific needs:  Preschool (age 3) to SK; Grade 1 to Grade 3 and Grades 4-8.  Visit our website to find the perfect camp activity for your child.  Summer Camp Brochures and registration are available now so register early to avoid disappointment!

As educators, our approach to teaching is always evolving, especially in the area of technology.  In our classes, SMARTBoards have become important teaching tools.   We find that students are naturally drawn to their interactive nature.  SMARTboards are able to incorporate various learning styles and allow students to get out of their seats and manipulate objects on the screen.  Through colour and sound, students are able to better visualize what is being taught.  Teachers and students are using interactive websites, videos and educational games to further enhance lessons and presentations.   At Fern Hill, we are able to connect and learn about the world around us at the touch of a fingertip!

Fern Hill School's Oakville campus offers a learning initiative introducing Mandarin language to our Preschool, Junior Kindergarten and Senior Kindergarten students. This unique offering is taught by Primary Mandarin teacher, Ms. Lyn Shen.  Primary Mandarin language study is integrated into our programme in a seamless way. Mandarin words and concepts are introduced during regular class time as Ms. Shen shadows a lesson repeating instructions to the children in Mandarin. During dedicated Mandarin lessons, our youngest students are engaged in a highly interactive learning experience using a variety of teaching tools to introduce them to this global language. They will learn new words, colours and songs using flash cards, videos, books, songs and cultural experiences. Studies have shown that young children are able to pick up new language skills quickly and learning Mandarin is a great way to stimulate brain development. We are excited to be offering this learning initiative to our young students in the Early Years, and continue to provide diverse and rewarding experiences to all our students.

Through an initiative to expand jazz music knowledge at the elementary level, U of T Jazz has partnered with Fern Hill School to deliver an innovative learning experience for our Grade 5 to 8 students. The programme, spearheaded by Fern Hill's music director Mr. Chris Cigolea brings the talents of U of T's music programme to the students. Accompanied by U of T faculty member and professional trumpet player, Chase Sanborn, U of T Jazz students visit Fern Hill on several occasions throughout the year to work with the students and their instruments. In addition, Fern Hill students visit the university to watch a big band rehearsal and take a tour of the music building and campus. "During our visits to Fern Hill, U of T Jazz students provide instrumental coaching during band class," says Chase Sanborn. "Then we assemble in the band room with the Fern Hill Jazz Band and play through the pieces they have been working on." Typically, the U of T students play the piece first, then the students join in with them. "This is the most effective music teaching situation - sitting alongside more advanced players allows students to hear and feel the way their instrument is supposed to sound. The impact is immediate and the experience is one that they will remember for the rest of their lives," explains Mr. Sanborn. This unique programme has been taking place at Fern Hill School's Oakville and Burlington campuses for several years and is a highlight of the music programme for many students. "For the U of T students, this is a valuable teaching opportunity as they learn how to connect with young students," adds Mr. Cigolea. "They are often surprised to discover how accomplished and enthusiastic our students are and how much they absorb over the six week programme. As with all teaching, knowing how to deliver the information to the target audience is as important as the information itself." The experience culminates in May with the incredibly popular Jazz Night event. The school gymnasium is transformed into a jazz club and the U of T students return to jam with the Fern Hill Jazz Band.

The Language programme at Fern Hill offers students an optional head start in French and a taste of other languages they may want to pursue further in high school or university. Students are first exposed to the French language and culture in Preschool. On Wednesdays, assemblies are conducted in French and primary students learn French songs throughout the year. In Grade 7, students put their skills to use as they travel to Quebec City and meet French students with whom they have corresponded throughout the term. Dependent upon their level of fluency and achievement, students have the opportunity to earn a Grade 9 secondary school credit in French by the end of their Grade 8 year. This requires students to pass both an oral presentation and a written exam in French. In Grades 6 and 7, students take French Geography for half a year, then in Grade 8, they are given the option to take an advanced French Geography course for the full year. An expanded foreign language programme is also offered to Grade 7 and 8 students which includes Spanish and Mandarin study. Through numerous community service projects, Young Round Square activities and leadership and mentoring opportunities, our older students put into action what they've been a part of in the early years at Fern Hill. Students are encouraged to be responsible citizens who make a significant impact on the world. Our goal is to graduate students who are confident, aware of their academic and personal strenghts and are positive contributors. Fern HIll is a regional member of Young Round Square of the Americas, a junior level association of Round Square International Schools. Through this innovative programme, students in Grade 7 and 8 are exposed to unique and rewarding opportunities beyond the classroom. This includes conferences, international service projects and school exchange programmes.