St. Anthony Elementary IB Experience Creating Active and Compassionate Lifelong Learners
by Helena Tsitouras
After a 6-year process, St. Anthony Elementary School was named an IB world school in May 2021. IB, which stands for International Baccalaureate, is a program that incorporates a global approach to learning . The IB program also encourages students to become caring, active participants in their lifelong journey of learning. The program empowers students to inquire about a wide range of issues and ideas of significance both locally and internationally.
St. Anthony Elementary School’s IB Coordinator Lucie Vinet noted the positive impact the IB program has had on students, “We are promoting the whole person to develop intellectually, physically, socially and emotionally and they are compassionate and open to the world. I think that is an asset!” said Vinet.
Carice D, a grade 6 student at St. Anthony Elementary School, explained how she has benefitted from the International Baccalaureate program, “IB is getting us ready for high school, for college, for university, for everything that you’re about to walk into in the world. Nathan A, her classmate, agreed.“Overall, IB has been amazing to this school, and it really prepares you for the world,” he said.
Another student was particularly enthusiastic about the program, “I’m really happy that we’re doing IB because I like an extra challenge.” explained Simon P (grade 6), “I like that it involves a lot of group projects and presentations. It makes it a lot more fun.” Simon is hoping to continue his studies in the IB program at St. Thomas High School next year.
Three LBPSB elementary schools offer the IB program: St. Anthony Elementary, Clearpoint Elementary School and Children’s World Academy. The success of the International Baccalaureate program at St. Anthony’s is a direct result of numerous collaborations between these schools designed to ensure each student receives an extraordinary education. The staff also work together to bring impactful lessons to their students inside and outside the classroom.
For Principal Nick Laframboise, what is most important is encouraging students to reach their full potential. “For us it’s about a lifetime of learning and instilling that now. They’re our future, and we want to give them as many opportunities as possible to not only understand what they need to know for their exams, but also above and beyond that,” he said.