West Island College

As West Island College’s sixth Headmaster, it is an honor and privilege to be associated with this exceptional school and community. The school, established in 1974, offers a rich tradition of achievement and an enviable reputation as being progressive, innovative, and committed to excellence.

At WIC, we provide a stimulating learning environment that is both nurturing and challenging in all areas. Our excellent academic, sports and cultural offerings afford every individual the opportunity to shape their development as well-balanced, happy and contributing members of the community. Our school combines excellence in teaching, creativity in curriculum, and a highly personal experience in a technology-enriched learning environment.

At WIC, extraordinary opportunities such as international travel, extracurricular activities, arts and athletics are accessible to all students, and within our small school environment, they are able to participate and excel in a variety of fields. Our students play an important leadership role within our community and graduate ideally equipped for post-secondary education and success as exemplary citizens in our global society.

The heart and soul of WIC is a highly-qualified, committed and passionate faculty and staff that strives to empower all our students to develop to their full potential, and attain the acumen, values, character and self-confidence to flourish as adults. Programs combine the learning traditions and modern best practices. Effort and ethics are as highly valued as intellectual growth, and all teachers are dedicated to instilling in our students the ideals of honesty, empathy, perseverance, and respect. They serve as mentors and trusted advisors for our students with whom they develop meaningful relationships.

We invite you to explore West Island College’s website and join us on campus for a visit, in order to fully appreciate the “WIC Experience” and learn more about how we are redefining the high school experience through our Advantage 21 Program.

In the French school, all subjects are taught in French, with the exception of English, which is taught as an enriched, mother-tongue course. The French instruction is Français langue maternelle or Langue Seconde Enrichi (depending on the child’s placement).

In the English school, Math, Science, Ethics and Study Methods are taught in English. The remaining courses are in French. They include: géographie, histoire, musique, arts plastiques, education physique and French. We are able to provide Mother Tongue French or Langue Seconde Enrichi (depending on the child’s placement.) Students in the English school must possess a Certificate of Eligibility for English studies.

It is our belief that the best way to prepare for the future is to capitalize on the opportunities of the present. With this in mind, West Island College offers an enriched curriculum to all its students during their years in high school. Time is provided during the school day for students to commit themselves to community service, to develop “career opportunities” through guest lectures, job placement opportunities and individual research, and to participate in structured explorations of cultural, academic or personal interests. A further evidence of the College’s commitment to preparing students for post secondary studies, courses in the Senior School are taught in a semestered timetable similar to college programs.

Studying in a small school provides students with exceptional learning opportunities that go beyond the classroom walls. Choose a WIC experience from the categories above to learn more about the numerous programs, clubs and sports available to every WIC student. We all want the best for our children. Choosing the right school is a very personal decision. It is hard to filter through all of the information so we have created a list of questions you should be asking the school and your family.

• Is your child more comfortable in a small classroom environment?
• Will the school prepare your child to study, work and live in Quebec?
• Does the school offer enriched French and English instruction that will allow your child to be fully bilingual?
• Does the school offer a variety of academic, social and athletic opportunities that will allow your child to develop his/her unique potential?
• Is the school accredited and/or affiliated with organizations that recognize excellence?

We would be pleased to speak to you about these questions and the many others that you may have. Learning takes place both inside and outside the classroom. Life skills, such as leadership, collaborative work, effective communication and creativity are developed through a variety of different activities and enhance the learning experience. There is no shortage of opportunities to try new things at WIC, with over 40 extra-curricular clubs and sports to choose from. Students are encouraged to participate in at least one extra-curricular activity per term. The friendships, experiences and lessons that they acquire through these activities help to shape them into well-rounded, young adults, prepared to face life’s challenges.