Beachcombers News
Bouquet of Sunflowers, Comox Valley Echo - October 16, 2015
"I would like to send out a bouquet of beautiful sunflowers to all the teachers and staff at Fanny Bay's Beachcombers Academy. My children....are thriving. Best decision I made was to send them there. So grateful for the love and support of this fantastic place."
Grand Opening of New Little Oysters Preschool - August 25, 2015

Beachcombers Academy is in the completion stage of its new Little Oysters Preschool and playground. Beachcombers Education Society was awarded a $219,000 Capital Funding grant from the Ministry of Children and Family Development.
Beachcombers Academy has transformed an uninsulated storage area into a beautiful new preschool. “With the exception of the exterior walls, we really started from the ground up with new foundation and beautiful finishing. We are very excited with the results,” said Executive Coordinator Zoe Lambert.
As part of the project, the Academy received an extraordinary donation of a work of art by stained-glass Master Ted Goodden. It has been installed in the preschool with support from the Comox Valley Regional District and Mac’s Oysters. In addition to the beautiful stained glass that measures 40 sq ft, the preschool has ocean views and opens onto an ocean-view deck.
A new play structure has also been installed with the help of HomeDepot who gave $2,600 worth of materials for the project. “We are grateful for the wonderful support our school has received from the community; we truly would not be here today otherwise,” said Principal Wendy Preston.
Beachcombers Academy & Little Oysters Preschool is operated by a non-profit society for the benefit of providing a high-quality education for Comox Valley children. It offers an enriched nature-inspired program with a focus on small class sizes, teaching respect, and quality academics.
“As part of the many changes, we have also changed the name of the school from Beachcombers Community School to Beachcombers Academy. This better reflects the academic strengths of the school, although we will continue to embrace our sense of shared community,” said Preston.
The Academy offers an optional bus service and serves students from Courteny, Comox, Cumberland, Royston, Denman Island and Fanny Bay.
The Little Oysters Preschool Grand Opening will be in conjunction with an Open House for Beachcombers Academy and an art opening for the beautiful stained glass by Goodden and his apprentice, artist Nicole Tritter.
The Grand Opening will be held on Thursday September 3rd from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. Families who are not able to attend, are welcome to book an individualized appointment with Preston by emailing [email protected].
Beachcombers Academy has transformed an uninsulated storage area into a beautiful new preschool. “With the exception of the exterior walls, we really started from the ground up with new foundation and beautiful finishing. We are very excited with the results,” said Executive Coordinator Zoe Lambert.
As part of the project, the Academy received an extraordinary donation of a work of art by stained-glass Master Ted Goodden. It has been installed in the preschool with support from the Comox Valley Regional District and Mac’s Oysters. In addition to the beautiful stained glass that measures 40 sq ft, the preschool has ocean views and opens onto an ocean-view deck.
A new play structure has also been installed with the help of HomeDepot who gave $2,600 worth of materials for the project. “We are grateful for the wonderful support our school has received from the community; we truly would not be here today otherwise,” said Principal Wendy Preston.
Beachcombers Academy & Little Oysters Preschool is operated by a non-profit society for the benefit of providing a high-quality education for Comox Valley children. It offers an enriched nature-inspired program with a focus on small class sizes, teaching respect, and quality academics.
“As part of the many changes, we have also changed the name of the school from Beachcombers Community School to Beachcombers Academy. This better reflects the academic strengths of the school, although we will continue to embrace our sense of shared community,” said Preston.
The Academy offers an optional bus service and serves students from Courteny, Comox, Cumberland, Royston, Denman Island and Fanny Bay.
The Little Oysters Preschool Grand Opening will be in conjunction with an Open House for Beachcombers Academy and an art opening for the beautiful stained glass by Goodden and his apprentice, artist Nicole Tritter.
The Grand Opening will be held on Thursday September 3rd from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. Families who are not able to attend, are welcome to book an individualized appointment with Preston by emailing [email protected].
Extraordinary Stained Glass Donation to Beachcombers - May 26, 2015

Beachcombers School & Little Oysters Preschool has received an extraordinary art donation by contemporary artist and stained glass master Ted Goodden. The work is two panels totalling 40 square feet and is valued at $18,000.
Imagine looking into a coast forest through an opalescent oyster-white lattice, evocative of venetian blinds. Huge cedars are stirred by a swirling sun, evoking trees swaying in a rhythmic dance reminiscent of the paintings of Emily Carr. The work is stunning.
The stained glass is being installed in Beachcombers School’s new preschool, the Little Oysters Preschool. “We have been renovating a large ocean view classroom for our Little Oysters Preschool. The stained glass is just lovely and is perfect for our nature-inspired program. Our future preschool children will remember the stained glass as one of their first and treasured memories of school,” said Wendy Preston, Beachcombers School Principal. The new preschool facility is planned to open in September. “We are absolutely thrilled with this donation,” said Preston.
Ted Goodden moved to Hornby Island in 2012 from Ontario. When he left, The London Free Press lamented, “it is a huge loss for London,” quoting Al Stewart, Director of London’s Art Exchange Gallery. “He’s known as one of the finest stained glass artists in the country.”
“After speaking with Ted, I was really astounded when I realized that this extraordinary donation might actually happen. It is such a gracious way for Ted to ‘arrive’ on the West Coast,” said Zoe Lambert, Executive Coordinator of Beachcombers School. “I wish to give a huge heart-felt thanks to Ted Goodden and his apprentice, artist Nicole Tritter, who spent three months creating this work. And a big thank you to the Comox Valley Regional District and Mac’s Oysters for their donation towards installation costs.”
There is over $3,000 worth of materials and manufacture costs, in addition to expensive installation costs, for which the school is currently fundraising. If you wish to add your name or business to the donation plaque, please contact Beachcombers School. Any donation will be greatly appreciated. “It is a financial stretch for the school, but we believe in the value of public art and the importance of art for children,” said Lambert.
Goodden trained under two of the last remaining European stained glass masters. In Canada he apprenticed with Dutch master Theo Lubbers (1931-1990) and in the U.K. under renowned British artist Patrick Reynties (b. 1925). Impressive cathedrals and public buildings in Europe, Canada and the US bear their work.
Goodden has worked for the venerable British Victoria & Albert Museum restoring Medieval stained glass; has produced new works for a 16th century building in Wales, completed a $100,000 public art project in London, Ontario, to mention just a few of his works. He has over 75 exhibits and installations in Europe, Australia and North America to his name.
Beachcombers School and Little Oysters preschool will be hosting a Grand Opening of the new preschool space in early September. Preschool registration is now taking place for September so you may also book a tour of the school at any time by emailing [email protected]. Beachcombers School & Little Oysters Preschool have an excellent program that includes nature and coastal studies, visual arts and music.
Imagine looking into a coast forest through an opalescent oyster-white lattice, evocative of venetian blinds. Huge cedars are stirred by a swirling sun, evoking trees swaying in a rhythmic dance reminiscent of the paintings of Emily Carr. The work is stunning.
The stained glass is being installed in Beachcombers School’s new preschool, the Little Oysters Preschool. “We have been renovating a large ocean view classroom for our Little Oysters Preschool. The stained glass is just lovely and is perfect for our nature-inspired program. Our future preschool children will remember the stained glass as one of their first and treasured memories of school,” said Wendy Preston, Beachcombers School Principal. The new preschool facility is planned to open in September. “We are absolutely thrilled with this donation,” said Preston.
Ted Goodden moved to Hornby Island in 2012 from Ontario. When he left, The London Free Press lamented, “it is a huge loss for London,” quoting Al Stewart, Director of London’s Art Exchange Gallery. “He’s known as one of the finest stained glass artists in the country.”
“After speaking with Ted, I was really astounded when I realized that this extraordinary donation might actually happen. It is such a gracious way for Ted to ‘arrive’ on the West Coast,” said Zoe Lambert, Executive Coordinator of Beachcombers School. “I wish to give a huge heart-felt thanks to Ted Goodden and his apprentice, artist Nicole Tritter, who spent three months creating this work. And a big thank you to the Comox Valley Regional District and Mac’s Oysters for their donation towards installation costs.”
There is over $3,000 worth of materials and manufacture costs, in addition to expensive installation costs, for which the school is currently fundraising. If you wish to add your name or business to the donation plaque, please contact Beachcombers School. Any donation will be greatly appreciated. “It is a financial stretch for the school, but we believe in the value of public art and the importance of art for children,” said Lambert.
Goodden trained under two of the last remaining European stained glass masters. In Canada he apprenticed with Dutch master Theo Lubbers (1931-1990) and in the U.K. under renowned British artist Patrick Reynties (b. 1925). Impressive cathedrals and public buildings in Europe, Canada and the US bear their work.
Goodden has worked for the venerable British Victoria & Albert Museum restoring Medieval stained glass; has produced new works for a 16th century building in Wales, completed a $100,000 public art project in London, Ontario, to mention just a few of his works. He has over 75 exhibits and installations in Europe, Australia and North America to his name.
Beachcombers School and Little Oysters preschool will be hosting a Grand Opening of the new preschool space in early September. Preschool registration is now taking place for September so you may also book a tour of the school at any time by emailing [email protected]. Beachcombers School & Little Oysters Preschool have an excellent program that includes nature and coastal studies, visual arts and music.
Beachcombers Students Participate in Shoreline Project - 2015 release
The Shoreline Project is an international documentary project that tells the story of local action around the issue of sea level rise. Beachcombers students, and teacher Elke van Breeman, were pleased to participate with documentation of a lesson at Beachcombers. Please see this lovely video of Beachcombers students on a Coastal Science field trip. A special thank you to Ms van Breeman who organized Beachcombers involvement, and for the wonderful programming she provides.
Quality Academics in an Inspired Learning Environment - May 25, 2012

Beachcombers Community School is offering a wonderful and dynamic learning environment for students.
“Beachcombers is the whole package. Wonderful staff. Great location. Good policies. It is the whole package. I believe that my children would not be doing so well at any other school!” said a Beachcombers parent who has two children in the school.
By combining Montessori-inspired academics, small class sizes, and a warm and positive learning environment, Beachcombers students have a wonderful opportunity to excel. “It is exciting to see our students grow and thrive. We have a number of students who have advanced through our math curriculum and are a year ahead of their grade level or have skipped an entire academic grade including science and language arts. We don’t hold students back, but rather believe in supporting students to excel and shine in their areas of interest,” said Principal, Wendy Preston.
“We also have students who are very talented in the arts. With dedicated arts and music teachers, we are offering a wonderful arts program this year,” said Preston. The school also includes a languages program, providing French and Spanish, as well as Coastal Studies which includes coastal science and organic gardening. Currently students are kayaking and embarking on sailing. “We are very proud of the quality programming the school is offering,”says Preston. “It is really a joy to come to work in the morning, with the sun flooding in the windows, and the sound of the sea lions over the water.Beachcombers is a happy place to be.”
Beachcombers students are excelling and enjoying wonderful programming. “Our ocean-side location allows us to easily take students to the beach or estuary. We are really very fortunate at what we can offer our students,” said Executive Coordinator Zoe Lambert.
For more information about Beachcombers Community School please visit the website at BeachcombersSchool.ca or contact the school directly at 778-427-4007.
“Beachcombers is the whole package. Wonderful staff. Great location. Good policies. It is the whole package. I believe that my children would not be doing so well at any other school!” said a Beachcombers parent who has two children in the school.
By combining Montessori-inspired academics, small class sizes, and a warm and positive learning environment, Beachcombers students have a wonderful opportunity to excel. “It is exciting to see our students grow and thrive. We have a number of students who have advanced through our math curriculum and are a year ahead of their grade level or have skipped an entire academic grade including science and language arts. We don’t hold students back, but rather believe in supporting students to excel and shine in their areas of interest,” said Principal, Wendy Preston.
“We also have students who are very talented in the arts. With dedicated arts and music teachers, we are offering a wonderful arts program this year,” said Preston. The school also includes a languages program, providing French and Spanish, as well as Coastal Studies which includes coastal science and organic gardening. Currently students are kayaking and embarking on sailing. “We are very proud of the quality programming the school is offering,”says Preston. “It is really a joy to come to work in the morning, with the sun flooding in the windows, and the sound of the sea lions over the water.Beachcombers is a happy place to be.”
Beachcombers students are excelling and enjoying wonderful programming. “Our ocean-side location allows us to easily take students to the beach or estuary. We are really very fortunate at what we can offer our students,” said Executive Coordinator Zoe Lambert.
For more information about Beachcombers Community School please visit the website at BeachcombersSchool.ca or contact the school directly at 778-427-4007.
Beachcombers Field Trip on CTV News - April 2012
Watch this wonderful CTV News video taken at the Deep Bay Marine Field Station, Shellfish Research Centre.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z-ipRQxB6y8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z-ipRQxB6y8
Beachcombers School Wins - November 18, 2011
$500 for trees,and an iPad, thanks to Majesta Competition; and $800 from Baynes Sound Lions

Beachcombers’ families and friends made an extraordinary attempt to win a $20,000 outdoor classroom in the nation-wide Majesta Trees of Knowledge Competition that was won through on-line voting. Beachcombers School made it as a finalist, but was not able to garner enough votes to win. Beachcombers Community School mustered 9081 votes;an extraordinary number relative to Beachcombers student numbers.
As a finalist, Beachcombers Community School was awarded a $500 tree donation, and also won an iPad as part of the application process.
As our Pricipal Wendy Preston aptly commented “We are very proud to have been a finalist in the Majesta Competition, and are pleased with the tree donation and iPad. We just couldn’t compete against schools with more than ten times our student numbers. In the big picture, having small student numbers and small class sizes is a huge win for our students and something we celebrate!”
The competition is sponsored by Majesta, in partnership with TreeCanada and Focus on Forests.
Beachcombers Community School is continuing to work towards development of the organic garden, composting centre, and in the long-term, a further out-door classroom. Baynes Sound Lions has donated $800 which has enabled us to started on our organic garden and put in a natural play area. We are very grateful to Baynes Sound Lions Club for all their support!
Beachcombers wishes to thank everyone in the community who has supported out goals for our students. It is wonderful to be able to offer children an opportunity to dig in the garden, especially one that has such stunning ocean views!
As a finalist, Beachcombers Community School was awarded a $500 tree donation, and also won an iPad as part of the application process.
As our Pricipal Wendy Preston aptly commented “We are very proud to have been a finalist in the Majesta Competition, and are pleased with the tree donation and iPad. We just couldn’t compete against schools with more than ten times our student numbers. In the big picture, having small student numbers and small class sizes is a huge win for our students and something we celebrate!”
The competition is sponsored by Majesta, in partnership with TreeCanada and Focus on Forests.
Beachcombers Community School is continuing to work towards development of the organic garden, composting centre, and in the long-term, a further out-door classroom. Baynes Sound Lions has donated $800 which has enabled us to started on our organic garden and put in a natural play area. We are very grateful to Baynes Sound Lions Club for all their support!
Beachcombers wishes to thank everyone in the community who has supported out goals for our students. It is wonderful to be able to offer children an opportunity to dig in the garden, especially one that has such stunning ocean views!
Beachcombers Opening Celebration - May 5, 2011

Our Opening Celebration of our new school house was a joyous and sweet occasion. We welcomed community members, and Beachcombes families. Photographs by Karen Pantuso Photography.

Bruce Joliffe, Comox Valley Regional District Director, helped cut the ribbon along with Beachcombers youngest student Taija Graham of Comox, and oldest student Aiden Stuart also of Comox. Bruce Joliffe joined in drumming with our students during this happy celebration.
Beachcombers’ Ocean view Schoolhouse Opens - April 27, 2011

Students watch a fishing boat go by on the first day of classes.
Beachcombers Community School is pleased to announce that classes started this week at their newly renovated Schoolhouse. “Students and staff are thrilled,” said Principal Wendy Preston. “With natural building materials and beautiful ocean views from every classroom, this is a charming and lovely environment for our students. We are all very happy.”
The schoolhouse was renovated using healthy and “green” options. Beachcombers Education Society President, Zoe Lambert, spent several years informally researching green building products. “Our solid wood floors are finished with one of the world’s top eco floor finishes that is recommended by the burgeoning green building movement. We have used zero-VOC paints and 70% recycled insulation.” The school also has a state-of-the-art air exchange system which continually pumps pre-heated fresh air into the classrooms. “Poor indoor air quality has been identified as one of the top health hazards of our time.” Said Lambert. “We have put special attention into ensuring a healthy environment for our school, both in terms of our physical building and in terms of creating a respectful and emotionally healthy environment for our students.”
Beachcombers offers a Montessori-style academic program with an emphasis on coastal science and peace-building. “Small class sizes is an ideal that we are committed to. Our class sizes for next school year will be 12 to 14 students.” says Wendy Preston. “This allows teachers to give individualized attention to each student.” Currently the school offers kindergarten to grade 7. Next September will be the inaugural year for Beachcombers Montessori Pre-school.
The schoolhouse was renovated using healthy and “green” options. Beachcombers Education Society President, Zoe Lambert, spent several years informally researching green building products. “Our solid wood floors are finished with one of the world’s top eco floor finishes that is recommended by the burgeoning green building movement. We have used zero-VOC paints and 70% recycled insulation.” The school also has a state-of-the-art air exchange system which continually pumps pre-heated fresh air into the classrooms. “Poor indoor air quality has been identified as one of the top health hazards of our time.” Said Lambert. “We have put special attention into ensuring a healthy environment for our school, both in terms of our physical building and in terms of creating a respectful and emotionally healthy environment for our students.”
Beachcombers offers a Montessori-style academic program with an emphasis on coastal science and peace-building. “Small class sizes is an ideal that we are committed to. Our class sizes for next school year will be 12 to 14 students.” says Wendy Preston. “This allows teachers to give individualized attention to each student.” Currently the school offers kindergarten to grade 7. Next September will be the inaugural year for Beachcombers Montessori Pre-school.
First Day of School - September 7, 2010

Beachcombers Community School first day of school in our inaugural year! Kindergarten students pose with welcome sign at the Fanny Bay Hall, our temporary location. Beachcombers is grateful to the Fanny Bay Hall Committee and the Community of Fanny Bay for their support. The Fanny Bay Hall is a wonderful start-up location for our school.
Fist Open House - September 2, 2010

Beachcombers Community School
Welcomes you to an Open House
Thursday September 2nd, Noon to 4:00pm
Fanny Bay Hall
Welcomes you to an Open House
Thursday September 2nd, Noon to 4:00pm
Fanny Bay Hall
Staff Fieldtrip - July 23, 2010

Lucky Teachers attend Bamfield Marine Science Centre
Two lucky teachers had the chance to comb the beaches on the rugged west coast near Bamfield this month. Ms Baron, Beachcombers new intermediate teacher (grade 5- 7), and Ms Boswell the new primary teacher (grades 2-4) attended a three-day workshop at the world renowned Bamfield Marine Science Centre (BMSC) on Vancouver Island's rugged west coast.
Ten teachers from all over Western Canada attended the event. It was an opportunity for learning, sharing ideas and networking. “The workshop was everything it advertised to be!” Ms Baron exclaimed. It was a spectacular location with a range of opportunities to explore varied ecosystems & their inhabitants from microscopic organisms to intertidal & terrestrial invertebrates to leviathans of the ocean.
The group hiked part of the West Coast trail to learn about features of the temperate rainforest. They came out on Pachena Bay to collect & identify specimens of a sandy shore. They also hiked over to Aguilar Point & Brady’s Beach to explore rocky shore intertidal zones; identifying the diverse variety of kelps & viewing the life in the tide pools.
Two lucky teachers had the chance to comb the beaches on the rugged west coast near Bamfield this month. Ms Baron, Beachcombers new intermediate teacher (grade 5- 7), and Ms Boswell the new primary teacher (grades 2-4) attended a three-day workshop at the world renowned Bamfield Marine Science Centre (BMSC) on Vancouver Island's rugged west coast.
Ten teachers from all over Western Canada attended the event. It was an opportunity for learning, sharing ideas and networking. “The workshop was everything it advertised to be!” Ms Baron exclaimed. It was a spectacular location with a range of opportunities to explore varied ecosystems & their inhabitants from microscopic organisms to intertidal & terrestrial invertebrates to leviathans of the ocean.
The group hiked part of the West Coast trail to learn about features of the temperate rainforest. They came out on Pachena Bay to collect & identify specimens of a sandy shore. They also hiked over to Aguilar Point & Brady’s Beach to explore rocky shore intertidal zones; identifying the diverse variety of kelps & viewing the life in the tide pools.
The first boat trip they learned about oceanography, collected some plankton samples and did some data collection. Later in the lab the samples were viewed under the microscope revealing an abundance of organisms. On the second boat excursion out in the Barkley Star they were fortunate enough to see marine mammals such as: humpback whales, gray whales, sea lions as well as harbour seals.
Another highlight of the program was BMSC’s Live Dive pilot program. While the teachers sat warm and dry in the lab, they were able to watch and talk with a scuba diver via a live feed as she interacted with underwater organisms, demonstrated the effect of pressure on a diver, and visibility levels for the colour spectrum. They left the program with an amazing resource package: “I can’t wait to bring some of these activities into the classroom at Beachcombers School” Ms Boswell enthused. |
Ms Boswell and Ms Baron would like to thank Beachcombers Community School for sponsoring them. The teachers were also selected to receive a bursary from the Bamfield Marine Science Centre.
January 22, 2010
It has been an exciting couple of months! Beachcombers Community School has continued to have a tremendous response. We now have waiting lists for most classes and we are also considering a grade 5 to 7 class. Despite the wonderful response, we remain committed to our vision of a small rural school and small class sizes.
Recently, we have posted two job positions for teachers. If you know of anyone who may be interested, it is posted on our website under “Contact Us/Employment”. We think it is an exciting opportunity for an energetic teacher with a holistic approach to learning and a willingness to do what it takes to help set up a new school!
As always, if you have any ideas, suggestions, or comments do let us know! As a parent-driven community school we welcome parent and community involvement. All the best, Zoe.
Zoe Lambert, Executive Coordinator
Recently, we have posted two job positions for teachers. If you know of anyone who may be interested, it is posted on our website under “Contact Us/Employment”. We think it is an exciting opportunity for an energetic teacher with a holistic approach to learning and a willingness to do what it takes to help set up a new school!
As always, if you have any ideas, suggestions, or comments do let us know! As a parent-driven community school we welcome parent and community involvement. All the best, Zoe.
Zoe Lambert, Executive Coordinator
December 17, 2009
Thank you to everyone in our community for your enthusiastic support for Beachcombers Community School! The response has been tremendous.
We currently have enough children pre-registered to support 3 classes in 2010. We intend to offer pre-school, half-day kindergarten, full-day kindergarten, and grades 1 to 4. A parent has also asked if we will consider offering grades 5 to 7, if there is enough interest.
It is exciting! We welcome parent involvement, so if you have any time, skills, comments or suggestions, we would be pleased to hear from you!
Thanks again to everyone for your warm wishes and to the many families who have pre-registered. Wishing everyone joy and peace over the holidays, Zoe.
Zoe Lambert, Executive Coordinator
We currently have enough children pre-registered to support 3 classes in 2010. We intend to offer pre-school, half-day kindergarten, full-day kindergarten, and grades 1 to 4. A parent has also asked if we will consider offering grades 5 to 7, if there is enough interest.
It is exciting! We welcome parent involvement, so if you have any time, skills, comments or suggestions, we would be pleased to hear from you!
Thanks again to everyone for your warm wishes and to the many families who have pre-registered. Wishing everyone joy and peace over the holidays, Zoe.
Zoe Lambert, Executive Coordinator