Forty years ago, on September 10, 1984, 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.

To officially ‘launch’ the school, a hot air balloon was rented and took off from the existing school field, carrying Headmaster David MacKenzie. The opening was frenzied and exciting and the facilities were at first basic. The students’ uniforms had not even arrived in time, but MacKenzie imbued the parents and faculty with a sense of commitment and adventure. 

“It was blood, sweat and tears,” said Nick Geer, the first Chairman of the Board. “Fundraising bred the family feeling at Collingwood, and there was great excitement when we made money for the school.”

Tina Beer, a grade four student on opening day recalled in 1994: “The building was really old and junky. We had next to nothing - little gym equipment, no proper uniforms… we had maybe one TV in the whole school.” Field trips and golf lessons were unheard of.

Though the school began with a modest $50 in the bank, parent fundraising would soon allow Collingwood to grow into a school with resources and equipment far surpassing the public school system, where students could pursue their passions with courage and curiosity.