Hello Glanford Families and Community,

Welcome to the 2024 – 2025 school year! We are excited to say hello to almost 365 students this September, with just over 115 new grade 6s.

Middle school is an exciting and enriching time. In Greater Victoria SD, an exemplary middle school model is at the heart and foundation of our planning. This includes advisory, flexible scheduling, teaming, and exploratory and enrichment. At GMS you can’t help but notice how each of these areas are infused with opportunities to build connections and support a sense of belonging.

With two advisory blocks a day, staff have time to develop class community and build relationships outside of the core curriculum. Flexible schedules mean that teachers can adapt and plan in response to students’ strengths, skills, passions, and interests. This year we have 11 grade 6/7 advisories and 5 grade 8 advisories. Classes are divided into teams which allows for team-teaching and shared learning.

At Glanford we are proud to offer 6 Exploratory classes. Students rotate through each Exploratory over the year with time to “explore” new skills in Woodwork, Music, Home Ec, Drama/Dance, Art, and Computer Technology. Beyond Exploratory, students can join one of our many sports teams, develop their musical talents in Band, Strings or Choir, join weekly drumming, or find leadership roles to build spirit and service. Between Exploratory, clubs, athletics and scheduled Mini-Ex blocks throughout the year we know GMS students will make new friends, take on new challenges, and most importantly, have fun! Our daily Studio 85 announcements will keep everyone informed as will our weekly Monday Maverick newsletters to families.

We are in our third year of a school-wide goal focused on assessment. Staff participate in professional development, working to enhance rich learning through ongoing and student-centered assessment practice. We use collaboration and meeting time to build continuity. You will notice changes to how we communicate student learning and find that your child is further engaged in their learning through reflection and goal setting.

Once again, welcome back. Please stay in touch, consider attending our PAC meetings, check our website for fun new photos, and join us for family events. We thank you for your support and for being an important part of the Glanford community.

Vicki Roberts
Principal, Glanford Middle School