Mls West Vancouver is a community of over 30,000 people that is a mix of urban living and quiet residential areas. It offers easy access to public green spaces and has over 250 parks for residents to enjoy.
There are also many attractions to be enjoyed in this vibrant city. If you’re looking for a place to call home, then you should consider Mls West Vancouver.
North Star Montessori Elementary
North Star Montessori Elementary is a top-rated school in West Vancouver, ranked as one of the city’s best by the Fraser Institute. The school’s students are typically described as independent, communicative, artistic and eager to learn.
The elementary program is divided into two parts: the morning curriculum, which is for Pre-K 1, Pre-K 2 and Kindergarten students; and the afternoon activities, for Grades 3 to 6. In the morning, children work in a multi-age classroom with a teacher who guides them through a carefully prepared environment.
Each area of the day is centered around a particular theme that encourages self-directed learning and fosters independence. Language, math, geography, science, and cultural studies are covered, along with a range of sensory experiences.
Throughout the year, teachers organize a variety of ‘activity days’ based on themes that encourage children to work with their peers. These events are a fun way to build connections within the classroom.
Multi-age grouping (or mixed-age classroom) – In many Montessori schools, students are divided into age groups based on their developmental readiness; this arrangement mirrors the real world where individuals of different ages work together, learn from each other, and cooperate. Older students teach younger students new concepts, help their classmates, and serve as role models.
Ground rules – In a Montessori classroom, ground rules define appropriate behavior and allow children to work independently while respecting their classmates and their environment. These rules include freedom within limits, grace and courtesy, and the importance of living in harmony with others.
In addition to the curriculum, children also learn a wide range of practical life skills that they will use in their daily lives. These include dressing themselves and tying their own shoes, preparing food and cleaning up after themselves.
St. Anthony’s School
The first school opened in the parish with a group of lay teachers and sisters. Father Romanelli was appointed pastor in 1912 and he immediately organized the parish, built the church and school combination, and endeared himself to the community.
As the population grew and enrollment increased, a larger building was needed. In 1956, several lots were purchased across from the convent. Several classrooms were added and the building became St. Anthony’s Grade School, a 16-classroom facility.
During the 2021-22 school year, the School will undergo a major rebuilding program. The new building will have more classroom space and technology features, along with other additions that will enhance the education of our students.
The school curriculum was developed to engage inquisitive minds and help them develop a rich understanding of the world around them through in-depth studies of cultural studies, language arts, math, science, history, and geometry. This layered learning approach to teaching allows children to become fully engaged in their learning.
This education includes the International Baccalaureate Diploma, a program that has a world-renown reputation. The School also offers a variety of athletic and extracurricular activities.
Spiritual growth programs for the elementary school include alter servers and soul striders, as well as week liturgies, grade level retreats, NET retreats and pilgrimage experiences throughout the year. The Middle School has a rosary club and mission helpers.
The school also has a latchkey (before and after school care) program that takes care of 90 students each day. This program is available to both students and parents and can be arranged through the office. This is a great option for busy parents who are concerned about the safety of their children.
Marine Drive Commercial District
The Marine Drive Commercial District is a popular area for a variety of activities, from eating out to shopping. There are also many places to stay in the area, including hotels and condominiums. Some of the most prestigious restaurants are located here, and the city’s culinary scene is second to none. The area is also known for its public green spaces, and there are over 250 of them in West Vancouver.
The area is characterized by a combination of elegance and luxury, with large manicured lots and stately homes. The area is surrounded by tree-lined boulevards and three beautiful parks for residents to enjoy. This area is also very easily accessible by car, so it’s a great choice for families and commuters.
Another great thing about the area is that it’s close to some of the most expensive real estate in Vancouver, so it’s a good choice for anyone looking to buy a high-end home. There are many luxury houses available for sale in Southwest Marine and the prices are still quite stable.
The location is also a great draw, as it’s located right beside the West Vancouver Library and Community Center and is walking distance to both Ambleside & Dundarave Villages and beaches, the seawall and shops and public transportation. The Park Royal Shopping Mall is nearby as well, with plenty of restaurants and cafes to choose from. There’s also the Marpole Community Centre, which supports a wide range of indoor recreational activities and facilities, and it’s a great place for families to hang out together. This area is also a great choice for singles and retirees since it’s very well connected to downtown Vancouver, and has some of the best schools in the province.
Harmony Arts Festival
One of the North Shore’s most beloved cultural events, Harmony Arts Festival celebrates visual art, music and food in a breathtaking waterfront setting along Argyle Avenue from 14th to 16th Street. This year’s 10 day event offers 150 free activities including world-class musical performances, inspiring art exhibitions and demonstrations, mouthwatering culinary events and a stunning backdrop of Stanley Park.
Strong sponsorship support and artist participation have helped make the annual event a must-see for locals and tourists alike. This year, the lineup includes some of the festival’s perennial favourites as well as a few new additions like an Indigenous exhibition and the inaugural Indigenous Feast.
Concerts in John Lawson Park offer an eclectic selection of music from a variety of performers to suit all tastes. These evening concerts run from 7:30 to 8:45 p.m. They are free and can be enjoyed on the grass.
A wide range of juried products are on sale at the Fresh St. Market on Argyle Avenue both weekends (August 3-6 and August 10-12). This year’s market features ceramics, glass, jewellery, leather handbags, painting, photography, textiles and wood.
There are also a number of ticketed events, including Night on the Pier, which features local bartenders creating innovative cocktails. There are also readings in the park, the annual Best of West and the Cinema in the Park. Tickets can be purchased online or at the gate. The festival also offers a children’s art auction and a variety of other free activities. For more information, visit the Harmony Arts Festival website.
Public Art
Whether it be murals, sculptures or large-scale installations, public art is intended to be accessible to the public, allowing them to connect with and enjoy works of art. Often, it serves as an artistic and cultural platform that can help elevate historical pride, address urban issues or support economic development while also building community cohesion.
While traditional art is confined to galleries and museums, new generation public art engages the populous outside of such venues and creates an audience where none previously existed. This includes artist-initiated public interventions, urban renewal-based commissions and personal expressions of contemporary artists beyond commercial or partisan limitations.
Most public art processes include a selection committee that is composed of locals, arts professionals and a variety of other stakeholders, including those who have an interest in the site. This balance of expertise allows for a more responsive approach to the art, its history and culture.
Participatory and interactive public art is a great way to build community cohesion while also supporting the safety, beautification and economic development of neighborhoods. It also increases voter support for public art programs and investments, as residents see themselves in the artwork.
A wide range of artistic mediums can be used, such as painting, photography, sculpture, installation, architecture and design. These can be permanent or temporary, indoors or outdoors, and integrated into a site or stand alone.
The best public art projects are those that engage the community and include extensive input at the onset of the project. This process usually involves a long period of planning and approval by a number of people, including the artist, architects, designers, local residents and civic leaders. Many of these individuals are volunteers who have a passion for the arts and the community they serve.
Among many other things, David A. Grantham is a contributing author to UmassExtension West Vancouver Blo. He is a renowned expert on real estate in BC.
Born in North Vancouver, Louisiana, Dr. Grantham grew up in Lower Lonsdale. He then went on to complete his business degree at the University British Columbia. As of this writing, Grantham has completed over 100 projects, including the development of a high rise building in Vancouver.
He is a husband, father, son, brother, and friend. He was a dedicated outdoorsman and enjoyed sports such as hunting, fishing, scuba diving, and snow skiing. His wife, Alison Grantham, and their two daughters survived him. He is survived by his wife Alison Martin Grantham and two daughters.