International school set to open in September
The UNISUS International School in Summerland is announcing its advisory team who will help develop and lead the school, which is set to open next September. Applications for UNISUS, located on the grounds of the former Glenfir School, will be accepted for students in pre-kindergarten through Grade 9 in January, with the first graduation of Grade 12 students anticipated three years later.
“The UNISUS story is about bringing experts together to make this a great school,” said Cindy Leung, operations director of UNISUS. “I am grateful to have such great support from the advisory team. They bring in best practices (from) around the world and their own expertise to ensure UNISUS starts on the right foot.”
The first advisory team member is Nigel Toy, former head of school at St. George’s School in Vancouver.
“The ability to include overseas students and at the same time add from the local population will give immediate impetus to UNISUS,” said Toy. “Such a foundation will . . . allow a sense of true citizenship to be embedded in the school culture.”
Jim McConnell, former head of school at Stratford Hall in Vancouver will also be joining the team.
He emphasized the significance of UNISUS being an International Baccalaureate school
“Students who are immersed in an IB school culture will experience a forward-thinking approach to teaching and learning that aligns with preparation for whatever the future brings, in both local and global contexts,” said McConnell.
Gary Little, the first appointed director of IB programs at UBC, said he, too, is excited about participating in the development of a new internationally focused school.
Dave McMaster, former head of school at Canadian International School of Hong Kong, said educators need to move away from traditional schedules, and he looks forward to being part of the new school.
“UNISUS offers everyone involved the opportunity to ask big questions, to look for ways to be innovative and to build a school that will develop the leaders of tomorrow,” he said.
The last member of the advisory team is Ray Raggett, director of Rent-a-Nerd Computer Service.
He will be focusing on integrating technology into the classroom.
“I am excited to be part of UNISUS when the school can build the infrastructure from scratch and choose the best system,” he said.