Private school open to the world
The UNISUS International School in Summerland is preparing to welcome local students and those from around the world starting next September.
Applications will be accepted for prekindergarten through Grade 9 students in January, with the graduation of Grade 12 students anticipated three years later.
Operations director Cindy Leung, with the assistance of her advisory team, is laying the foundation for the new privately owned school, located on the grounds of the former Glenfir School.
“It’s a great opportunity to make a difference in education,” Leung said.
As the co-founder of the Stratford Hall International Baccalaureate World School in Vancouver, Leung brings more than 18 years experience in school governance and international education to her duties.
“As the mother of two adult children in post-secondary institutions, I am seeing in my own family what students need to be successful,” Leung said.
She is also a professional accountant who has served as chief financial officer for the Globe Foundation of Canada, an organization to promote a sustainable economy for the 21st century.
“UNISUS is a new school with new students, but with experienced advisers and staff,” Leung said.
The yet-to-be selected school headmaster and board of directors will assume their duties in January, and the teaching staff hired shortly thereafter.
“We’ve had a recruiter who is now working in 30 countries,” Leung said.
She also anticipates working with Okanagan First Nations to recruit students.
The optimum balance is 60 per cent day students, 10 per cent weekly boarding students and 30 per cent international students, she said.
In August, Summerland council approved a zoning bylaw amendment which allows for the construction of a 200-unit dormitory on the property.
Scholarships will be available for both local and international students
UNISUS, a mythological white-winged unicorn, is a master of transformation that can take off and fly high, Leung explained.
“It also represents the vision of the school,” she said.
To meet the challenges of the rapidly changing world, UNISUS will focus on the four pillars of the International Baccalaureate model.
The first pillar is an integrated way of learning that incorporates science, technology, engineering, mathematics and global mindedness.
“Students will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the culture of different countries,” Leung said, explaining the second pillar.
The third is sports, supported by UNISUS’ extensive field and gymnasium facilities.
Helping students understand technology in the context of the world around them, so they can make creative contributions is the fourth pillar.
“We are currently experiencing digital transformation where technological advancements are changing our daily lives much faster than we could have ever imagined. Education needs to change and adapt to meet the demands,” she said.
For more information, visit unisus.ca or email info@unisus.ca.