1984-2024
We are thrilled to celebrate 40 wonderful years of supporting and inspiring our students. Through innovative education and enriching experiences, we have nurtured their growth not only academically, but also in their passions for the arts, athletics, and service learning. Here's to the incredible journey we've shared, and to the many more achievements and connections we will create together!
Lisa evans, head of school
40 Stories for 40 Years
Collingwood's history is like a kaleidoscope; created by an infinite number of people, moments, and successes that have each played a unique part in shaping the School we know today. Throughout this school year, we will share 40 of these snapshots to symbolize our 40 years. Check this space each week for a new story, or follow along on social media as we celebrate these moments with our community.
- People
It might surprise you to know that Collingwood has a little star power in its 40-year history. Not only has the School’s drama program instilled a love for acting and performing in thousands of students...
- Historic Moment
It's been 15 years already since the Olympics swept through Vancouver and forged everlasting memories for those of us who were lucky to experience its magic...
- Culture
A special time in the calendar every year, Lunar New Year has been celebrated at Collingwood for decades. From Parents' Council-hosted celebrations to classroom decorations and performances, and student-led activities...
- Athletics
Our Senior Boys and Girls Basketball teams take to the courts this week in the 30th annual CAV Classic, and the fan-favourite tournament has us looking back down memory lane to find out what kind of impact this athletics event has had on our basketball program.
- People
For 17 years, John O’Neill has selflessly volunteered his time and expertise to Collingwood School. His journey with Collingwood began in 1997 when his eldest child started Kindergarten, and by 2007, he was elected to the Collingwood Society Board.
- People
When it comes to impressive alumni, Collingwood is particularly well-represented on the world’s athletic stage. It’s no secret our sports program has developed many skilled athletes at some of the highest levels - including the NHL, Team Canada, and more.
- Culture
Thirty years may seem like a long time, but for those who were around then, it's gone by in the blink of an eye. It was 1994 and gas was less than 60 cents per litre, the average home was just $289,334 ($536,067 in today’s dollars), and The Lion King...
- Historic Moment
Collingwood’s theatrical performances have entertained thousands of students and parents over the last 40 years, but perhaps one of the most tumultuous productions in its history was where it all began with the 1988 production of Oliver...
- Culture
For 40 years, Collingwood School has been generously supported by our parents—whether through time, talent, or treasure. Philanthropy was responsible for the School’s start up and has been an integral part of our culture throughout...
- Culture
Encounter is a self-discovery trip that began at Collingwood 20 years ago. Since 2004, there have been more than 50 Encounter retreats helping hundreds of Grade 11 and 12 students explore who they are in relation to their family, friends...
- People
We are very proud to have 43 employees currently who have been with us for 20 years or longer! Remarkably, we have seven current employees who have worked with us for 30 years or more. Who are they? Here are our six longest-serving faculty...
- Culture
Outdoor Education at Collingwood’s Senior School has been a core part of the learning experience since the outset, but its history began as a grand experiment called Project Mackenzie. Named after founding Head David Mackenzie...
- Culture
Every Halloween, the kindergarteners and their Grade 12 buddies gather to pick pumpkins together. This special tradition that dates back decades and is one of the most cherished Kindie Buddy events of the year. We took a deep dive into the archives to find photos from past Halloweens...
- Culture
At the Junior School, land-based learning is a core element of the curriculum from Kindergarten to Grade 7 with our resident outdoor enthusiast Jeff Stacey at the helm. Mr. Stacey joined Collingwood in 2008 as a homeroom teacher...
- Culture
Only those with an eye for vintage Collingwood apparel will know that our classic Coat of Arms was not always the distinguished logo that emblazons the student uniform today...
- Historic Moment
In 2012, the Parent Legacy Team at Collingwood School’s Wentworth campus supported the vision to honour Indigenous knowledge and principles through the carving of the Wentworth...
- People
Collingwood School has a robust alumni network of almost 6,000 former students, now living across the four corners of the globe. We’re thrilled that some of our alumni choose to come back...
- Buildings
Once upon a time, Collingwood’s Morven Campus housed all students at the primary and secondary level. While it was wonderful to have the whole school under one roof, space was at a premium and room for growth had run out...
- Buildings
When Collingwood opened in 1984, it only had space to teach students from Grade 1 through 8. As those Grade 8s advanced, another grade level would be added until the school served all 12 grade levels. There was a major...
- Historic Moment
Forty years ago, the doors of Collingwood School at 70 Morven Drive, West Vancouver, opened to an enthusiastic group of students, parents, and staff, only one year after it was first proposed by founder Laura Groos...
- Historic Moment
West Vancouver resident Laura Groos hoped for an independent school on the North Shore for her two children to attend and spearheaded its creation. Together with 12 other Board members, she rallied other parents who...