Canterbury CommuniquéA monthly online newsletter for the friends of Canterbury School

November 2014

A Time of Giving By Jeri Goetz, Director of Development

More than 30 years have passed since I sat in Miss Ford’s portable classroom at Grove Park Elementary School in Lake Park, Florida. I don’t remember everything from my five years in her classroom (second through sixth grades), but I do remember things she taught me – a lifelong love of reading and word games, an appreciation for museums, art and opera, how to write a research paper on the Oregon Trail, and how to tackle long division without crying (too much). Miss Ford coined my childhood nickname, Grace, because of my clumsiness. In addition to the great things she taught me, that moniker has stuck with me, too.

A good teacher transmits knowledge to their students; a very good teacher transmits insight and understanding, but great teachers transmit passion, independence and autonomy. Canterbury School is filled with many great teachers like Miss Ford. Every day I see teachers engaging students in reading, writing, math, art, science, technology and more. These great teachers, and the students in their classrooms, certainly benefit from the philanthropic generosity of our parents, alumni, grandparents, alumni parents and friends. To position Canterbury for the future and to support the people and programs here, we hope to achieve 60 percent parent participation in the Canterbury Fund. If you have already participated in the Canterbury Fund – thank you. If you haven’t yet made your gift, please consider giving your gift online at www.canterburyfortmyers.org/support.

In this time of giving and thanking, I am awed by the number of service projects undertaken by our students and faculty. From the 3,041 pairs of socks donated to the annual Sock Drive to the efforts to raise cancer awareness at athleticcompetitions, Canterbury students are living our mission of character, leadership and service. Thank you for the leadership and support you provide at home to encourage our students to give of themselves.

There are so many factors necessary to running a successful independent school, and one of vital importance is a school’s annual fund. The success of this year’s Canterbury Fund will depend on the efforts and generosity of everyone on our Canterbury TEAM - especially our Trustees, Parents, and Faculty and Staff.

The early momentum we have established in this year’s Canterbury Fund is impressive. As of October 31, gifts and pledges totaled $290,682, an increase of 269 percent from this time last year. We are currently at 58 percent of our total goal of $500,000. Our trustees have given or pledged a total of $163,600, and so far, 62 percent of our faculty and staff have participated. Our parent participation is at 13 percent with a goal of 60 percent. The national average for parent participation, according to the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS), is 70.5 percent.

I want to take this opportunity to thank our Canterbury Fund Co-Chairs, Niki and Roy Carver, our Trustee Development Committee Co-Chairs, Lee Lucas and Bridget Dwyer-Crowley, and to mention one significant change we have made in designating this year’s Canterbury Fund gifts. All gifts are important to us, and to encourage as many people as possible to participate, we have established a new giving level, the Spirit of Canterbury, for gifts of $1-$999.

The success of this year’s Canterbury Fund will be especially important for three key reasons. First, our entire community is engaged in the search for Canterbury’s 14th Head of School, and demonstrated success in fundraising is one of the key indicators candidates consider in their decision making process. Second, from March 1-3, 2015, Canterbury will have its five-year accreditation visit by representatives from various organizations including the Florida Council of Independent Schools (FCIS). A successful school accreditation will depend on our success with the Canterbury Fund especially in light of honoring our Strategic Financial Plan. Third, the success of a school’s Canterbury Fund, as we learned during our recent successful application for an Edward E. Ford Foundation grant, will be a key factor as we approach other foundations for their support.

We are appreciative to the many trustees, parents, and faculty and staff who have made an early commitment to the Canterbury Fund. If you have not yet participated, please consider making your gift today at www.canterburyfortmyers.org/support. Your gift will help Canterbury reach the 70.5 percent national parent participation average.

Head’s Up

Canterbury in PicturesThis month’s photo gallery is a compilation of photos from our Halloween Parade, Carnival, Fall Play and Homecoming!

Homecoming Butter Beer Competition

Homecoming Marauder’s Map Scavenger Hunt

Homecoming Quidditch Game

Homecoming “Hippie Day”

Homecoming Marauder’s Map Scavenger Hunt

Homecoming Skit Competition

Homecoming

Homecoming Spell Memorization Challenge

Homecoming “International Day”

Homecoming Spell Memorization Challenge

Homecoming con’t.

Halloween Parade

To submit your photos, please send them to socialmedia@canterburyfortmyers.org.

Halloween Parade con’t.

Fall Play

Carnival

As a senior, Varun Varshney ’15 is taking full advantage of the opportunities presented to him in his last year at Canterbury. Balancing his participation in activities such as student government, Model United Nations, Math Team and Science Fair, he maintains a very busy schedule.

The Canterbury Experience“I started at Canterbury in Pre-K, or what used to be known as IK, so I know the environment very well, like the back of my hand. A lot has changed over the years but I’ve loved every second of my time here at Canterbury. This school has given me things that, I know, other schools couldn’t provide, and the teachers here have your back. I’ve been given so many great opportunities here that I don’t believe I could have gotten anywhere else.”

Why Service is Important at Canterbury“Service is a huge part of a Canterbury student’s ethos. In high school, there are students who help younger Middle, Intermediate and Lower School students. There are so many organizations and opportunities for students to give back to outside of school. Canterbury students are poised to be the leaders of tomorrow and it is important that we remember to serve and give back. The service component here is much more than a requirement, it’s an opportunity for students to be involved in something they are interested in and are passionate about.”

Serving as a House Leader“I’ve been invested in student government for a while. I’ve served as class president for the past three years. I used to be shy and timid, but in serving as a House Leader, I’ve grown in my confidence. Last year, I was a part of the House System process in Mr. Paulus’ Leadership Class. I knew I wanted to serve in a leadership role. In serving as a House Leader, it has shown me how to lead a team and how to be a leader.”

What I Love Most About Canterbury“I love the people. Many of my classmates I’ve known since kindergarten, and have created lasting friendships. The teachers here, I’ve had many for four years or more, so not only have I been able to create relationships with fellow classmates, but with teachers as well. There are so many people on this campus who truly care about the students and our success.”

Preparation for the Future“Canterbury gives students the basic skills needed to succeed; however, it also provides that extra component that allows students to enter into a field and excel in that particular field. Being a smaller school, there is much more individual attention on each student, and we are given so many opportunities that enable us to become more diverse people.”

Student Spotlight: Varun Varshney ‘15:

Why I Teach... Shannon Frank“I originally did not set out to be a teacher. I went to Boston University and received my degree in political science and international relations. Once I got married and had kids, I decided to go back to school in Massachusetts and become certified as a teacher. In 2007, we moved to Fort Myers and while I sent my children to Canterbury, I went to work for Gateway Charter School since there wasn’t an opening at the time at Canterbury. Five years later, a position opened up and here I am.”

Why I Teach“I’ve always loved working with children. Once I had my own, I just enjoyed being around them so much and found that it’s very easy for me to connect with children. Teaching has given me the chance to do something to help someone else and it’s a great feeling to know that I can have a connection with a student and their parents, and make their life richer. To see them smile every day makes it all worthwhile.”

Why Canterbury“My children attended public school in Massachusetts and I knew when we moved down here that I did not want them attending public school. I grew up vacationing on Sanibel, so I was familiar with Canterbury’s reputation. I also lived here for a few years and my parents knew what kind of school Canterbury was and supported me in my decision to place Aaron and Emma in this school. It has a stellar reputation.”

Balancing Teacher and Department Chair“I teach fourth grade English, seventh grade English and serve as the Upper School English Department Head. In this new position as department head, my hope is to unify us as a Pre-K-12 school. It is giving the Middle, Intermediate and Lower Schools a stronger voice. It is so important for all grade levels to have a role in curriculum planning for the school. I think in taking this position, it shows that we can cross divisions. It has also opened the door for the Upper School teachers to have more insight into the foundations of learning for the students they are teaching.”

What Excites You Most About Canterbury?“What excites me most is the community feeling that the school provides. There is a sense that someone always has your back, whether it is a teacher, coach, staff member, administrator, etc… There are always people who care. Before I began working at Canterbury, I never worried about my children here. I knew they were safe and were receiving a great education.”

Service at Canterbury“Service means helping others. It means giving as much as you can, if not more, to help others in need. It is about putting others ahead of yourself. The students at Canterbury do a tremendous job of giving back to the community and serving others. For my son, Aaron, the service component nudged him to do more and come out of his shell. It allowed him to step up and become more of a gentleman. My daughter, Emma, is highly involved with service projects on campus.”

Outside the Classroom“I like to read a lot, as well as travel. I love road trips. We’ve taken road trips to the Smokey Mountains, Savannah and even New England. I also enjoy going to the beach and dining out. However, most of my time is spent around kids, whether it is working on curriculum, teaching or tutoring, but it’s what I enjoy.”

Thanksgiving Holiday – November 24-28In recognition of the Thanksgiving holiday, there will be no school the week of November 24-28. We would like to wish everyone a safe and happy holiday, and we will see you December 1!

Science Night – December 4It will be an exciting night as students from grades 3-12 showcase their projects and inventions for Science Night! When: Thursday, December 4 (Projects displayed from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. with the awards ceremony at 6:30 p.m.)Where: Murphy Sports Center

Grandparents’ and Grandfriends’ Day – December 17 & 18Join us for this wonderful occasion as we celebrate Grandparents’ and Grandfriends’ Day at Canterbury! If you would like for your child’s grandparent or grandfriend to be invited, please send their name and mailing address to LouAnn Ozboyaci (lozboyaci@canterburyfortmyers.org).When: Wednesday, December 17 (Intermediate School Grades 4-6)Where: 8 a.m. – Continental Breakfast in Hanno Dining Hall 8:30 a.m. – Students escort guests to their classrooms 10 a.m. – Performance in the PACWhen: Thursday, December 18 (Lower School Grades Pre-K – 3) Where: 8 a.m. – Continental Breakfast in Hanno Dining Hall 8:30 a.m. – Join your grandchild(ren) in classrooms 9:15 a.m. – Performance in the PAC

Alumni Reunion – December 19Join us as we invite alumni of all ages to come together and celebrate all things Canterbury! This year’s reunion will be held at Cru Restaurant in Bell Tower Shops. To RSVP, please email alumni@canterburyfortmyers.org.When: Friday, December 19 from 6-9 p.m.Where: Cru Restaurant in Bell Tower Shops

Upcoming Events

As students, parents, faculty, staff and alumni, we know it is important for you to stay connected to Canterbury. From class projects to sporting events, to science experiments and theater plays, our students are always on the move and you want to know about it! Whether you “Like” us on Face-book, follow us on Twitter, watch us on Instagram or connect with us on LinkedIn, we’ve got you covered when it comes to Canterbury news, contests, events and much more!

In celebration of Canterbury’s 50th anniversary, each month, Canterbury Communiqué will feature a “Did you Know?” section, providing an interesting, historical fact about the school.

Did you Know? In 1984, the school added French to its already strong Spanish language program. The board discussed moving the school to Gateway but decided it was too far away from the city to be a successful move. During an evaluation by the Florida Council of Independent Schools, the faculty was commended for its professional expertise, personal sensitivity, dedication and commitment.

That commitment and professionalism is evident today as Canterbury teachers continue to serve as exceptional examples for our students. It is about giving back to the students, and to the school, that make our Canterbury teachers stand out.

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