Learning is typically done out of a book, but it is so much more: it is a lifestyle. It’s marvelling at geysers in Yellowstone, trying to put down in words a Long Beach sunset, or finding and studying a praying mantis in your back yard. Learning is studying the constellations in a book, then lying out in the grass on a warm summer night and finding them scattered across the sky watching satellites as they track across them.
At Homelinks, learning is done from textbooks but also by seizing every opportunity for learning within everyday life. This creates a culture of lifelong learning for both parent and child.
As part of School District No. 8 (Kootenay Lake), Homelinks has provided families with a complete kindergarten to high school graduation program for the past 13 years. It is a program of choice for families who want to be more involved with their children’s learning. There are currently over 150 students enrolled.
While the majority of schooling is done at home, allowing students to learn at their own pace, Homelinks teachers are always available for one-on-one help, and continually evaluate students’ progress over the year. Students learn self-motivation and goal setting (many students graduate early). Teachers, parents and students work together to make a personalized learning plan tailored to each student’s strengths, weaknesses and learning style, which makes education both fun and very successful while still meeting the B.C. curriculum standards.
The secondary grad program (grades 10-12) focuses on the academic courses, as well as offering a variety of other courses. Due to the limitations of parents’ knowledge in regards to some academic courses, teachers who specialize in these areas are available to answer questions where needed. The teachers make sure each student is prepared and has a good understanding of the material before they take a test. This helps Homelinks students achieve very high academic standards.
Homelinks’ close proximity to Prince Charles Secondary School has made it easy for Homelinks secondary students to cross-enrol, as well as for PCSS students to balance their schedules with courses at Homelinks.
Once a week, the students come together at the Creston Education Centre for classes such as art projects, science experiments, second language or physical education, including team sports. Additional activities would include science labs at PCSS, wood working at Adam Robertson Elementary School, swimming and curling at the community complex, pottery, special events at Prince Charles Theatre and so much more. Field trips, ski days, basketball practices and games are other highly anticipated events throughout the year.
Homelinks has a very strong family atmosphere, creating a safe and positive environment. The flexibility of schedule creates more time for each family to pursue other opportunities, such as travel, fine arts development, athletic pursuits or just more family time together.
Each family has its own reasons for attending Homelinks and it’s not for everyone, but if you or someone you know would like more information, please come and talk to parents and teachers and explore to see if Homelinks fits in with your family’s culture of learning at the open house from 6:30-7:30 p.m. March 12 at the Creston Education Centre, located at 617 11th Ave. S.
For more information, email pac.homelinks@gmail.com or call Homelinks at 250-428-2217.
—HOMELINKS PARENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE