Student Life

Each morning, Greenwood students are greeted enthusiastically at the doors of the school by at least two staff members and several student leaders. Students come to school in uniform (khaki skirts and dress shirts for girls, khaki pants and dress shirts for boys) and wear First Dress (blazers and ties) on Mondays and special occasions.

While Greenwood’s academic schedule runs from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., life at the school extends far beyond those hours. They might begin their day with an early morning swim practice, or perhaps Breakfast Club in the Student Success Centre. Throughout the school day, they are reminded of the many opportunities they have to make a unique contribution to the Greenwood community — whether as a House leader, artist, swimmer or robotics whiz.

Students have a break for lunch, which they can purchase from the Café, and then can relax by the fireplace in The Lodge or the Reading Room. Students in Grades 7 to 9 also have a mid-day co-curricular period which may include sports, clubs or the school choir. Once per week, students in Grades 7 and 8 are also engaged in mid-day community service activities.

When school lets out at 3:30 p.m., the day is far from over. A comprehensive athletics and arts program offers countless opportunities to pursue talents and interests. The Student Success Centre — the heart of Greenwood’s differentiated learning approach — remains open for after-school homework and organizational support.

Other key features of student life include:

• Student-planned weekly assemblies each Monday morning
• A spirited House system, with Houses Yukon, Churchill and Fraser named after Canada’s great rivers, and Thompson House named to honour Greenwood’s founding Principal, David Thompson
• Many opportunities for student leadership, including Head Girl, Head Boy, House Leaders, Grade 12 Leaders, School Ambassadors, and Success Centre Mentors 
• Three weeks per year dedicated to the Outdoor Leadership Program, a key component of student life at Greenwood 
• Exchanges for students at all grades both within and outside Canada. Exchange destinations planned for the 2008/2009 are to Foothills Country Day School, California and Rothesay-Netherwood School, New Brunswick.  Last year’s destinations included Glenlyon-Norfolk School, British Columbia and Stanstead College, Quebec.