Realize your potential. Change the world. For more than 100 years, Victoria’s Glenlyon Norfolk School has been challenging and supporting students to live these words through truth and courage in learning and in life.
GNS has a long history of offering the full continuum of International Baccalaureate (IB) programs to its 750 JK–12 students. This year, the school is launching a new home-style boarding program that completes the circle in preparing students for independence and success in university and beyond.
The Gryphon House boarding program will house 24 students from grades 8-12 along with two teachers in a fully renovated historical bed and breakfast in Oak Bay, just steps from the ocean. Its construction in 1912 means the building’s architecture fits seamlessly with the school’s heritage, while recent updates make the facility state-of-the-art.
“It is well positioned between our two campuses but also well positioned for students living throughout B.C. who want the flexibility to travel home on weekends,” says Chad Holtum, head of school at GNS. “Wherever they live in B.C.—Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands, or in the Vancouver area—our partnership with Harbour Air helps students stay connected with their families.”
Gryphon House is located in a residential neighbourhood and includes multiple common areas, a family-style dining room and beautiful gardens.
“Students will be living in a tight-knit community with their 23 ‘siblings’ and live-in house parents,” says Trevor Mannion, director of enrolment. “The smaller, hybrid style of boarding fits nicely with the school’s ethos. Right now, we have seven countries represented in addition to some local students for September.”
Most importantly, the program will help set students up for long-term success. “Our academic program is well known for being rigorous, and offering that kind of learning alongside the boarding program helps prepare students for university in an environment where they can grow, become independent and realize the best version of themselves,” Holtum says. The strong academic program is complemented by robust co-curricular opportunities in athletics, arts, personal interests and service.
In 2021, the graduating class of 63 students was collectively offered over $1.6 million in scholarship awards and an average of four post-secondary acceptances per student to post-secondary institutions around the globe. They also demonstrated a commitment to the community over their four years in the Senior School by performing 8,053 hours of community service during this time with 2,243 hours occurring during their Grade 12 year alone.
“We welcome families to arrange a visit to spend some time with us to see for themselves what makes our school and our programs so special,” Mannion says.
To find out more, visit the school’s website at www.mygns.ca to connect with the Admissions Team and learn more about what GNS has to offer.
