Learning through play helps our children see learning not as a chore but as an enjoyable activity that excites them. CAPCL understands that true interest can only be fostered when enjoyment is involved. CAPCL is a happy school because of our "3R"s—Relational, Relevant, and Rigorous—teaching and learning philosophy and practices.
"Relational" Teaching
CAPCL implements a co-homeroom system, two teachers are responsible for the care and education of students in each homeroom. Our co-homeroom teachers work together to provide a nurturing environment for students to explore and develop their strengths and talents. Our students are engaged in a network of support within a small classroom learning community. We are committed to unleashing every child's potential.Our teachers greet their children in front of the class doors every day. They pay close attention to how children interact with others. We offer suggestions when there is conflict, but let them work it out. We allow and encourage them to own their behaviour. We let our children know their ideas are helpful and appreciated. We focus on empowering them and acknowledging their strengths and achievements. Healthy, caring, and loving relationships with teachers and their peers create a safe, welcoming, happy learning environment.Teachers and staff work together to build a strong community of support for one another. We meet regularly in the morning for prayers and scripture readings. There are also community gatherings on Fridays after school dismissal to celebrate success, count blessings, and share our needs. In our Professional Learning Community, teachers and teaching assistants share highlights from their book study. We believe in TEAM—Together We Achieve More. Furthermore, team building and community service activities outside the school on Professional Development Days refresh our collective vision, mission, purposes and goals—to love God and serve one another. CAPCL desires that all stakeholders find meaning and pleasure in their home away from home—our School.
"Relevant" Lessons
Lesson planning from the perspective of children’s interests results in active participation and in-depth engagement. Children are encouraged to communicate their thoughts and contribute to class discussions in ways that are meaningful and impactful to their personal growth. Relevancy is crucial at CAPCL, and staff work to ensure that each lesson can be used outside of a classroom setting to help enrich your child's overall development.There are also various co-curricular events and extracurricular activities, as well as sports teams. Students have the opportunity to pursue their individual passions and interests or challenge themselves with something new. They may select from a wide range of activities such as dance, drama, choir, badminton, basketball, football, table tennis, swimming, STEM, and many more.
"Rigorous" Curriculum
CAPCL adopts a bilingual program under Canada's Alberta education system. The instruction medium is approximately 65% English and 35% Chinese (Mandarin with the traditional script). Not only is language learning useful in preparing students for their future, but it is also mentally stimulating, which in turn supports a growth mindset development. Students studying in a bilingual environment are better at divergent thinking tasks. Bilingual education can improve children’s memory ability and attention span. Therefore, bilingual education benefits students in multiple ways.Our School community promotes the values of positivity. Having a Growth Mindset is our school theme this year. Growth mindsets in education align with brain plasticity, the concept that our thoughts and actions can improve our brain functioning. We encourage our students to learn from their mistakes and seek out challenging experiences. Through this process, children learn to embrace themselves and focus on their strengths. Whilst CAPCL reinforces a play-oriented approach in the classroom, teachers also ensure that our children thrive with the knowledge within the environment of their learning and beyond.
