Principal Josh Hill explains Rockway’s holistic approach to the highschool experience and how it compares to other academic programs.
A grade 7 or 8 student can pack a lot into a school day! In addition to their academic class schedule, their before school time (SPARK) may have a sports practice or homework support, lunch time may have a committee meeting or just be a time to hang out with friends, and afterschool may have a play rehearsal or Jr. Robotics session. Click on the image to take a look at our example timetable which demonstrates what an academic day in the life of a grade seven or eight student looks like at Rockway.
Rockway parents, in their own words:
“These kids that we we knew who went to Rockway were thoughtful, articulate, wonderful young adults .”
“To have him be nurtured and valued – every single day – is a wonderful thing. “
“Teachers at Rockway take the time to get to know your child.”
“At Rockway I’ve been impressed about the focus on justice and reconcilliation and inclusivity.”
Sometimes the best way to share what the Rockway Experience is like for a student and their family, is through parents talking with parents. We invite you to read some testimonials from our current families so that you can ‘hear’ firsthand, about their experience.
Our family first heard about Rockway Mennonite Collegiate when we volunteered as Sr. Youth Sponsors for a group of high school age students at Rockway Mennonite Church. As we got to know these young people we were struck by the confidence, kindness and curiosity with which they engaged with us, one another and the world around them.
Of course they struggled with adolescent uncertainties and insecurities, but they also seemed to be more firmly grounded in themselves than most young people we knew as they navigated these challenges. What, we wondered, was the magic ingredient that helped them stand on such a solid foundation during such a turbulent time? Over time, it became clear. While credit was certainly given to their families, they were unanimous in endorsing Rockway Mennonite Collegiate and their experiences there as essential to both who they were in that moment, and to who they were becoming.
And so we made the decision, long before he was old enough, that we wanted our son to experience the “small school for a big world” for himself.
Schools and educators hold a uniquely influential place in the life of young people. While we want our son to develop a solid academic foundation, in this complex and nuanced world we are every bit as invested in him developing the “HOW” skills to navigate learning, life and relationships effectively. School is an essential partner in this learning.
Rockway offers a unique learning environment with a current and comprehensive curriculum presented by educators who truly see, know and care about our kids. The focus on community, faith and connection is lived every day. Modelled by the staff. Emulated by the students. Valued by the parents. No one in this equation is perfect, but the commitment to “know better, do better” holds true whether for a Math test, effort in Phys. Ed., or navigating a peer conflict.
Without question, enrolling our son at Rockway is one of the best decisions we’ve made for him and for our family. We have loved watching him grow in knowledge, confidence, independence and friendship during his grade 7 and 8 years. We can’t wait to see what high school will bring!
Our eldest daughter entered grade 7 at Rockway in 2021. We gave her the choice of schools to attend (Rockway was one of three), but after meeting the principal and having a tour of the school, our daughter delightfully chose to attend Rockway.
As with anything new, the first day of school can be a bit of a scary one, but, upon picking up our daughter after school, she bolted to our car and jumped in to tell us how incredible the day had been. In fact, we couldn’t get a word in edgewise with her sheer excitement! What made this experience so incredible for her was the principal greeting her (and all of the students) and meeting her two incredible grade 7 teachers. She also met some wonderful students who were so warm and open to meeting new people. Having been through two challenging years at her previous school, this delight and joy for school again was something we very much welcomed and appreciated.
Our family feels so blessed to have discovered Rockway when we did. Throughout her 7th grade year, our daughter was recovering from a severe eating disorder. With the support of Rockway teachers and staff, she learned to embrace her eating disorder and was given the opportunity to speak openly about it to her teachers and peers. We’ve said this many times: Rockway was a part of changing our daughter’s life. She had hope, she had joy and she had the care from teachers and staff that allowed her to regain her health, be open and speak about what she was going through. Without Rockway, we truly don’t know where we would be in our daughter’s recovery and for that, we have complete and eternal gratitude.
In 2022, our second daughter was also given the opportunity to choose where she went to school. During the application interview process, she was asked why she wanted to come to Rockway. She took a deep breath and shared that if she felt half as good as her sister does when she comes home from school, that would be all she could ever hope for.
We see Rockway as a true extension of our family. We want to sincerely thank Rockway for the care, support and love they offer to our family. After speaking with many of the alumni who attended Rockway’s Founders’ Day celebrations in February, I can now attest to the fact that this isn’t new – this is how Rockway has always embraced learning and we believe it will continue for decades and decades to come.
Due to the inclement weather, Rockway is closed Monday, January 26. Please note the following:
Parents do not need to report on attendance
Grade 9-12 exams will be rescheduled for Tuesday
Grade 7&8 Teachers will be available for students (i.e. chat or email) should they require support or assistance with a particular assignment
All after school extracurricular activities and D8 games are cancelled
The PD day on January 28 remains the same as does the start of semester II on Thursday, January 29.
