Mill Bay, BC

Back to School – Bitter Sweet

The leaves are turning, it’s starting to rain, the nights are getting chillier, it’s time for children to return to school.

This year, my daughter decided she wanted to change schools. She had been attending a local high school, here in North Vancouver, but she wanted a change. Her sister, Maddy, attended boarding school at Brentwood College on Vancouver Island, and Dominique wanted to follow in her sister’s footsteps, enrolling in grade 11 at Brentwood.

Brentwood is a wonderful school. When I grew up, it was an all-boys school, and “bad” boys were often sent there to get straightened out. Now Brentwood is 50% girls and boys, and excels in academics, rowing, and the arts. The technology in the school is state of the art. Instead of a black board and chalk, a computer screen graces the front of the classroom, where the instructor will jot down notes, show images and much more.

We took the ferry to the Island, and drove down to Brentwood, located at Mill Bay, half way between Nanaimo and Victoria. After settling Dominique into her new house (yes, much like Harry Potter), we strolled over to the brand new cafeteria. I use the word ‘cafeteria’ loosely, because this eating area looks like it belongs in a five star resort somewhere. The new building is LEED certified, and overlooks the ocean and beautiful vistas.

I’m very sad to see my daughter leave home, but I know she’s excited about her new adventure. We talk most nights, and she’s bubbling over with enthusiasm. There’s a little hole in my heart, as I miss her terribly, but I know this is the right thing to do, and I wish her all the best. I’m looking forward to October, when she comes home for Thanksgiving, and we can get caught up.

I hope you enjoy these images of this delightful school.