The Gulf Islands International Education Program strongly believes that student involvement and participation in supplementary activities promotes a sense of individual and community well-being. Unlike many international programs, the Gulf Islands International Education Program offers a small number of supplementary programs free of charge, while others are partially subsidized.
Programs offered, that are free of charge or partially subsidized, include kayaking, whale watching, the Leadership and Team Building Day at Ruckle Park, at least one ski trip, a bike riding trip around Stanley Park in Vancouver, Christmas Shopping Day in Victoria, and a skating trip to Vancouver Island.
In 2004, the Gulf Islands School District 64 adopted an innovative four day schedule that resulted in the students and teachers spending more time in the classroom for four days of the week.
The four day schedule has proven an added benefit for the international students registered in the Academic Study and Graduation Program. These students are can attend a Friday program that includes English 10, 11 and 12 support programs; additional seminar support for ESL students; and SAT and TOEFL preparation. The students that participate actually receive up to 20% more instructional time than other students in British Columbia.
A number of supplementary activities and specialty programs are also available on the fifth day of the school week. The Advanced Placement Studio Art and Gulf Islands School of the Performing Arts programs are usually scheduled for Fridays.
Program and school field trips, many of the recreational activities, soccer academies and team sport practices, as well as many of the outdoor education programs are scheduled for the fifth day. As a result, these activities don’t usually conflict with the regular instructional time during the rest of the week. These programs are also very popular with both the international students and the Canadian students.
Please note that some recreational activities require that the parents must sign the student waiver forms that are included in the Application package. The signed waivers permit the students to participate in all recreational activities that are organized or sponsored by the Gulf Islands International Education Program. These waiver forms can be downloaded from Apply.
Aside for our own supplementary activities, the Gulf Islands International Program also works closely with a number of respected recreational adventure companies, including Island Escapades and Destination Snow.
Island Escapades, a well known local company, offers students surf weekends, ski trips, kayaking and camping adventures and an exciting Eco Adventure Certification Program.
The Gulf Islands International Program also partners with other Vancouver Island international programs and offers an annual trip to Whistler Mountain and Spring Break trips to places like Banff and Seattle.
The school offers a number of sports programs including soccer, basketball, football, tennis, golf, volleyball and track and field. International students are often attracted to the Leadership Program, the Global Awareness Club, or the Ecology Club.
The community also offers a wide variety of recreational and cultural activities including soccer academies, swim programs, fitness programs, leadership programs, service programs and theatre, music and dance programs. It has often been said that only the boring are bored on Salt Spring Island. For more information please contact our Student Services Coordinator.
