• Character Building is the Key to Success
  
  At Columbia International College, the beginning of classes is signalled not by the usual morning bell, but by pop songs such as Man in the Mirror, Lean on Me, and I Believe. These ...read more
  Character Building is the Key to Success
  
  At Columbia International College, the beginning of classes is signalled not by the usual morning bell, but by pop songs such as Man in the Mirror, Lean on Me, and I Believe. These catchy tunes extol some of the positive character traits – self-advocacy, caring, optimism – that the school wants to see developed in its students as they live and study abroad. The unique morning bell is one of the ways through which the school implements its Character Building Program.
  
  Columbia understands that parents, whose children are living and studying abroad, cannot play an active role in raising their children as they used to. Therefore Columbia consciously nurtures its students’ character; by building on the values they have learnt at home; so they mature into responsible corporate global citizens. Columbia students and staff have selected 11 character traits to focus on yearly.
  
  o Responsibility
  o Respect
  o Honesty
  o Integrity
  o Fairness
  o Caring
  o Peaceful & Positive Conflict Resolution
  o Optimism
  o Self-Confidence & Self-Advocacy
  o Inclusiveness
  o Perseverance
  
  Character at School, in the Residence & Community
  
  Students learn character instructionally and experientially. Within the classroom and in the residences, teachers and house parents lead forums and discussions on the character trait for the month. They also utilize teachable moments to remind and teach students to demonstrate good character.
  
  Outside of school, students are encouraged to put character into action within their community. For example, Junior Middle School students embark on yearly projects to help the less fortunate in a country of the world. They research the project, create awareness and raise funds to support their selected cause. High School students also actively volunteer and support various causes within the school and local community. All students also have opportunities to participate in leadership retreats at the school’s 700-acre Bark Lake Leadership Center.
  
  Outstanding Global Citizens
  
  By incorporating character into the curriculum, students begin to understand their privilege and obligation to be responsible global citizens. They become enthusiastic about helping others in their community and gain confidence to apply themselves socially and academically.
  
  Consequently, students develop good character, gain valuable life skills and maximize their potential for excellence in school. Their high performance in school coupled with strong character traits through exemplary community service, enable them to:
  
  1. Have higher prospects of admission to top universities,
  2. Enter universities with higher rankings, and
  3. Gain higher chances of earning university scholarships
  
  So what do Man in the Mirror, Lean on Me and I Believe have to do with character and student success? As Denice Garell-Teti, Head of Junior School and Leader of the Character Building initiative explains, “Ghandi famously said, our beliefs become our thoughts, which become our words, actions, habits, values and destiny. Our aim is to set our students on the right course by giving them food for thought, which can be processed into good deeds that will benefit themselves, their community and their world. That is the essence of personal and global success that Columbia is bringing to the students.”
  
  For more information at:
  www.cic-totalcare.com
  Columbia@cic-totalcare.com
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• Hamilton's Mayor Comes to Columbia
  It was an exciting day at Columbia as the school played host to Hamilton's new Mayor. Honourable Bob Bratina visited the school campus on February 8. He was treated to a celebration of diversity and ...read more
  Hamilton's Mayor Comes to Columbia
  It was an exciting day at Columbia as the school played host to Hamilton's new Mayor. Honourable Bob Bratina visited the school campus on February 8. He was treated to a celebration of diversity and talked to students at a reception held in his honour.
  
  The Mayor, accompanied by several city officials, experienced first hand the rich variety of Columbia's student body. His visit coincided with Cultural Day at Columbia and students arrived for the reception dressed in their traditional wear.
  
  After a few words from Principal Rambarran and Columbia's Executive Director, Mr. Chan, the Mayor spoke to those who had come to meet him. In his address, the Mayor talked about Hamilton being a city of opportunity. He also highlighted the important role and contributions international students make to the City of Hamilton. ,/br>
  Several Student Leaders, including the Head Prefects and President of Student Council, gave the Mayor and warm welcome on behalf of the entire school. The Mayor was then presented with a token of appreciation. Following this, he spent some time talking to students and listening to their concerns.
  
  Although Mayor Bratina's visit was brief he has left a lasting impression on the students who had a chance to talk to him.
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• People all Over the World - International Games Day at CIC
  On Thursday April 7, 2011, people all over the world, joined hands and participated in International Games Days. With country flags decorating the wall, music keeping ...read more
  People all Over the World - International Games Day at CIC
  On Thursday April 7, 2011, people all over the world, joined hands and participated in International Games Days. With country flags decorating the wall, music keeping the energy high and enthusiastic students eager to show others the games of their countries, International Games Day commenced.
  
  As soon as one entered the gym they were greeted by Student Development staff and a large black and white world map to mark off where in the world you were from. At the end of the day this map was filled with colourful stickers which reinforced the diversity represented by Columbia's students from over 70 countries.
  
  Students and staff then traveled the world, through games. With over 30 games set up, students could play "The Ring", which is one of the oldest marble games known or learn how to play Table Soccer, both the Uruguay and African version. Excitement and laughter filled the gym as students learned new games and challenged their peers and teachers.
  
  When students had their fill of games, they headed up to the stage where they were met with a large table that spanned the entire width of the stage filled with food from around the world. From Canadian Maple cookies, Mexican salsa, Russian candies, African munchies, Asian treats and a variety of teas, students were able to taste the flavour of many countries.
  
  The finale of the day was the highly anticipated CIC Fashion Show. The gym was again transformed into runway with candles that lined a raised catwalk. At 4:00 pm drum rolls and enthusiastic MCs started the Fashion Show that had 47 models wearing their traditional clothes that represented 20 countries. Each country that strutted down the runway was met to loud cheers and support emphasizing Columbia's pride and richness in cultural diversity.
  
  It was strongly agreed that this was one of the best International Games days held and a big thank you, goes out to the Student Development department and the any student volunteers who made this eventful 2011 International Games Day a huge success. Members of CIC's blog; Columbia's Inside Scoop were also hard at work documenting the day through pictures and videos.
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• Spring Variety Show 2011
  On Wednesday, April 20th, four stylish Master of Ceremonies welcomed everyone, in multiple languages, to Columbia International College's Spring Variety Show of 2011.
  
  The show kicked off ...read more
  Spring Variety Show 2011
  On Wednesday, April 20th, four stylish Master of Ceremonies welcomed everyone, in multiple languages, to Columbia International College's Spring Variety Show of 2011.
  
  The show kicked off with a bang and crash with the drum solo provided by the band, under the direction of Mr. Lawlis. The audience was then treated to a medley of different soloists, playing a variety of instruments from around the world. The soaring treble of the flute, low bellows of the clarinet, the flutter of the pipa, the quick flight of fingers on the piano and the soaring vocals of soloists were all heard. They were then rounded out by Mr. Lawlis's vocal class and Dr. Newman's choir singing in both English and Chinese.
  
  The show then stepped up into a higher gear with the emergence of the stepping club, stomping their stuff. This was followed by some wise words from the public speaking club, as they helped us to defy stereotypes by telling us what really lies beneath the surface of the obvious.
  
  Interspersed throughout the program were plenty of laughs, dramatic moments and creativity provided by Ms. Pivniceru's Writer's Craft class's original one act Cinderella play, Ms. Ward's Drama classes's epic retelling of Peter Pan and the complete on the spot randomness of the Improv Club.
  
  To wrap up, we were treated to the sweet moves of Urban Beats by a dance crew, the sweet allure of Red Bull in a random dramatic piece and a final hurrah by Mr. Lawlis's music class.
  
  The 2011 Spring Variety Show showed that Columbia International College is full with talented students with a lot of creativity. A big Thank You goes out to everyone involved, both on stage and off, for making this year's show a great success!
  
  Great job everyone!!!!
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• The York University Celebration of Academic Excellence
  York University and Columbia International College share a long-standing, mutual commitment to academic excellence and on Monday, April 11th, CIC hosted The York ...read more
  The York University Celebration of Academic Excellence
  York University and Columbia International College share a long-standing, mutual commitment to academic excellence and on Monday, April 11th, CIC hosted The York University Celebration of Academic Excellence. York University representatives Neel Joshi and Dean Dr. Narda Razack came to celebrate the 180 CIC students who have been offered admission to York so far and to announce new exclusive scholarships for CIC graduates attending York University.
  
  York and CIC have a strong relationship due to their proven track record for encouraging academic excellence. Columbia International College has a 100% university placement rate, while the average grade of students entering York University is an A. This academic integrity can attribute to the fact that CIC is Canada's largest international boarding school and York is the 3rd largest university in Canada. Along with academic excellence, both schools have a strong commitment to parents and value international diversity. CIC is home to students from 70 nationalities and York has students from over 155 countries. Many CIC alumni attending the University of York state that York in many ways is an extension of the global experience they encountered at CIC. With a 25% increase in CIC applicants to York University this year, we look forward to strengthening this partnership.
  
  The York University Celebration of Academic Excellence was attended by the 180 students offered admission to York, along with Columbia staff. York's International Recruitment Specialist, Neel Joshi started off the presentation by applauding the students for their achievements as well as CIC teachers and administration staff for preparing these students to succeed. Neel enthusiastically stated that over 90% of the 180 students offered admission, will receive entrance scholarships to York. Currently, entrance scholarships that York University offers to CIC students exceed $160,000. Neel Joshi then addressed information that students need to know as they accept their offer to York and plan their move to Toronto this fall.
  
  Before Dr. Narda Razack, Associate Dean, External in the Faculty of Liberal Arts and Professional Studies and Associate Professor in the School of Social Work at York University announced new scholarships between CIC and York she stated " am amazed by the diversity and excellence at Columbia International College." She then announced the highlight of the York University Celebration of Excellence, the presentation of exclusive Scholarships between York University and Columbia International College. These exciting scholarships were presented by both Dr. Razack and CIC Principal Mr. Rambarran.
  
  York University announced four scholarships for CIC students attending York. The CIC Academic and Leadership Excellence Awards of $2,000 were presented to Zhou, Hang, Cuo Chen, Bian, Peigi and Yu, Shuyi. These students each had strong academic results partnered with an outstanding commitment to the CIC community.
  
  Columbia International College announced their CIC Leaders at York Scholarship. Two scholarships for $1,000 each were presented to Wibowo, Winsensius and Hussain, Marhael for their strong commitment to the CIC community, we are confident that the commitment will continue at York University.
  
  The celebration concluded with the distribution of cake for all who attended the event. And as Carrie Charters, CIC's University Placement Officer remarked "What better way to celebrate than with cake!"
  
  Congratulations to all our students who have gained admission to York University as well as received scholarships. We wish you all the best in your future endeavors!
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Listed among the top 20 boarding schools (out of 303 schools) for:

• Bronte College of Canada - 350 students - 26.3 mi. away - view location
• Robert Land Academy - 140 students - 27.6 mi. away - view location
• Ridley College - 636 students - 33.8 mi. away - view location
• The Bishop Strachan School - 898 students - 38.8 mi. away - view location
• Havergal College - 475 students - 40.2 mi. away - view location

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