Beyond the Classroom
Laureate College takes pride in providing a diverse range of co-curricular, extracurricular, and leadership opportunities that cater to students’ unique interests and talents while leveraging the natural beauty and resources of the local environment. These programs complement academic learning and promote creativity, teamwork, and personal growth.
LC After School Clubs
- LC boarding students must sign up for 1 activity each day from Monday to Thursday.
- Day students may participate in however many they would like.
- After school clubs always operate from Monday to Thursday 3:30pm-4:30pm.
- There will be a space on each report card for student’s participation level and attendance
Visual Arts Club: Unleash your creativity in our vibrant visual arts club! Experiment with various mediums, from painting to sculpting, and express your unique vision. Develop your technical skills and artistic voice under the guidance of experienced instructors.
Piano Lessons: Master the keys and melodies with our expert piano lessons. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced player, our personalized instruction will help you grow. Learn to read music, develop finger dexterity, and perform with confidence.
Choir: Sing your heart out in our harmonious choir! Join a diverse group of vocalists and blend your voice with others in beautiful arrangements. Develop your vocal range, pitch, and breath control under the direction of a skilled conductor.
Table Tennis: Practice playing table tennis including serve, rally, smash and basic rules. Each time we also will organize a mini match.
Boxing and Fitness: Students will learn the basic skills of the sport of boxing. All students in the boxing club must fill out the parent/student permission form that the rules must be followed for health and safety. Students who wish to use the Fitness Studio to exercise on their own may also use the studio and equipment. Basic orientation and training will be provided before they can work on their own.
Yoga: Find inner peace and flexibility with our yoga classes. Join us for a serene session that combines breath control, meditation, and physical poses. Strengthen your body, calm your mind, and connect with your inner self.
Golf: Perfect your swing and master the hugegreens around LC campus with our golf program. Learn the fundamentals of this elegant sport, from gripping the club to aiming for that perfect hole-in-one. Improve your focus, patience, and hand-eye coordination.
Hiking: Explore the great outdoors with our school bruce trail hiking adventures. Trek through scenic trails, breathe in fresh air, and soak in breathtaking views. Connect with nature, challenge yourself, and make memories with every step.
Volunteer: Earn your mandatory forty hours of volunteer work in the kitchen, working with Mark in maintenance or other tasks that help improve the school or building
English Literacy: Study and improve your English doing writing, reading, and speaking exercises.
Debate: Join our dynamic debate team and sharpen your critical thinking, public speaking, and persuasive skills! Engage in thrilling discussions on topics ranging from current events to philosophical dilemmas. Learn to articulate your thoughts with clarity and confidence, while respecting and challenging differing viewpoints. Our experienced coaches will guide you through the art of debate, helping you become a formidable speaker and a keen listener. Whether you’re a seasoned debater or a beginner, the debate team is your platform to excel and make your voice heard.
Anime Club: Watch, discuss and create various anime with Ms. Olana
Film: Students will watch and critically analyze movies and television shows.
Board Games: Learning strategies for each board games. Learning cooperation among the schoolmates.
Chess: Each week the chess club learns about the game and plays matches in a term-long tournament.
Leadership Programs
Student Council
The student council serves as a representative body that voices students’ concerns, opinions, and needs to school administration and staff. It advocates for the interests and rights of students, working to ensure their perspectives are considered in school decisions.
Initiatives: The council will initiate, and lead projects and activities aimed at improving the school and student experience.
Feedback: Gather feedback from students on various aspects of school life, such as facilities, policies, and social events.
Event Planning: The council will organize school events, such as fundraisers, house competitions, and other events designed to improve school spirit
Inclusivity: It will promote an inclusive environment by ensuring diverse student voices and interests are represented and addressed.
Communication: The council will allow students a peer-to-peer dialogue between students and school administration.
President:
- Leads the student council and represents the student body.
- Oversees meetings, sets agendas, and ensures that council decisions are implemented.
- Acts as a liaison between students and school administration.
Secretary:
- Keeps detailed minutes of meetings.
- Manages emails and maintains records.
- Keeps track of deadlines and ensures that information is communicated to the council and student body.
Treasurer:
- Manages the council’s budget and financial transactions.
- Keeps track of funds and oversees fundraising efforts
- Works with the administration to ensure proper handling of money
Event Coordinator:
- Plans and executes school events such as sports competitions, cultural festivals, concerts, and science fairs.
- Coordinates volunteers
- Ensures events run smoothly.
Learning Manager:
- Collaborate with teachers to organize study groups, review sessions, and workshops that assist students in mastering challenging subjects.
- Sharing exam preparation strategies, including mock tests, study tips, and time management workshops.
- Gather feedback from students regarding academic issues and communicate them to the faculty and administration for improvement.
Life liaison:
- Ensure the overall well-being of students by addressing concerns related to mental health, physical health, and social integration.
- Foster a sense of community by encouraging student participation in volunteer work, charity drives, and environmental initiatives.
- Oversee the residential program, resolve dormitory issues, and promote a positive living environment.
Application and Nomination Period:
- A one-week period (September 16th – September 21st) where students can nominate themselves or others for positions by submitting an application and nomination form along with a brief statement outlining their vision and plan for the role.
- Nominations must be accompanied by a teacher’s signature as a reference.
Campaigning:
- A one-week campaign period (Sep.23rd-Sep.28th.) follows the application and nomination deadline, allowing candidates to present their platforms through speeches, posters, social media, and class visits.
- Candidates must adhere to a code of conduct, promoting positive campaigning and respecting all competitors.
Election Day:
- Results will be announced at a school assembly on September 30th.
- During the assembly, student council nominees will have the opportunity to give individual public speeches and perform a skit or talent to set yourself apart.
- Promoting Awareness for marketing and admission purposes: Utilize school announcements, social media, and posters to keep internal students, parents, staff and prospective parents and students aware of the election process.
- Interview and video the new LC student council with formal suits and various public social media
Student Ambassadors
At Laureate College, we believe in empowering our students to become active participants in our vibrant community. Our Student Ambassadors program is a cornerstone of this vision, fostering leadership, communication skills, and a deep sense of school spirit among our student representatives. These ambassadors serve as the face of Laureate, playing pivotal roles in various events and activities.
On Parent Open Days, they warmly welcome parents, guiding them through campus tours with insightful commentary, showcasing our facilities and academic life. At external exhibitions, they proudly represent Laureate, sharing our unique educational offerings and answering questions with confidence and enthusiasm.
During Buddy Day and orientation for new students, Student Ambassadors are on hand to assist, facilitating smooth transitions and fostering a sense of belonging. Their involvement in these and many other activities underscores their indispensable contribution to the school’s operations.
The Student Ambassadors program is not just a policy or a system; it’s a dynamic platform for student growth and a testament to our commitment to nurturing future leaders. By participating, students gain invaluable leadership experience and provide invaluable support to the school, embodying the spirit of collaboration and excellence that defines Laureate College.
Art Council
The Laureate College Arts Council is dedicated to promoting the performing, visual, and literary arts within Ontario. It is an arts organization that supports a variety of artistic fields, including creative placemaking, dance, design, folk and traditional arts, literary arts, multidisciplinary arts, music, media arts, theatre, and visual arts. The council primarily achieves this by funding local artists, awarding prizes, and organizing events during weekly meetings.
The purpose of the Arts Council at Laureate College is to lead a team of volunteer board members and partner organizations in creating opportunities for the local creative and cultural community to perform, exhibit, and share their work. Students involved in the Arts Council will gain valuable experience in arts administration, community engagement, fundraising, marketing, legal affairs, and finance. Under the guidance of Ixchel Suarez and Lina Li, the Arts Council offers an excellent opportunity for students to develop leadership skills and creative and analytical thinking abilities.
Annual School Event
The Candlelight Concert and Mother’s Day Concert are the two largest musical events held at LC each year. These concerts feature gifted young musicians from LC, as well as talented performers from the surrounding regions of Burlington, Hamilton, Oakville, and Toronto. Both events showcase a variety of musical genres, ranging from instrumental to vocal performances, and often incorporate elements of dance and theatre. The concerts receive strong support from the families of LC students and local artists within the community. In addition to raising awareness for the arts and showcasing young talent, the concerts also aim to raise funds to help the school purchase high-quality instruments, ensuring that LC students have an exceptional musical experience. Each year’s themes and programming are determined by the artistic staff at LC, with all young performers receiving coaching and accompaniment from Dr. Lina Li, co-director of the Gifted Arts Program.
The Galleries at Laureate College serve as vibrant creative spaces showcasing the exceptional work of our talented art students alongside inspiring guest artists from the local community. These dynamic spaces also feature exhibitions by established national and international artists, fostering a rich cultural exchange. Running in harmony with our esteemed music programs, the Galleries celebrate the intersection of visual and performing arts, providing students and visitors with an immersive artistic experience. Through these exhibitions, Laureate College highlights the power of art to inspire, connect, and elevate our creative community.
Outdoor Education
Farm-to-table
Laureate College’s Farm to Table program offers a unique educational initiative that connects agriculture with nutrition, sustainability, and experiential learning. During the fall and spring terms, our Farm to Table after-school program gives students an opportunity to take a hands-on approach to learning about the cycle of locally grown food while planting, cultivating, harvesting, and finally serving their own crops.
Our on-campus farm-to-table program offers an engaging way to educate students about the journey of food, from soil to plate, while providing a connection to nature and community.
Bruce Trail
Laureate College’s fifty-acre campus offers direct access to Ontario’s famous 885 km-long Bruce Trail. The school takes full advantage of this unique geographic position by offering multiple ways for students to engage with the trail and all that it entails.
Students can interact with the Bruce Trail both in class and by joining after-school programs. Our biology, environmental science, and physical education classes all utilize our trail access regularly in their lessons. Our hiking club allows them to explore the trails and surrounding woods while earning badges for various accomplishments like learning about local flora and fauna, navigation, distance hikes, geology, photography, and stewardship of the trails. Finally, our boarding students hike the trails during their free time, which is a terrific way to stay in shape while enjoying the outdoors.
Community Programs
Burlington Children's Choir (BCC)
Burlington Children’s Choir is an inclusive and welcoming organization that offers music education to children from kindergarten through Grade 12.
Based at Laureate College, a private K-12 day and boarding school in Burlington, the program provides a fun, safe and educational space for children to receive exceptional music education and develop outstanding leadership skills.
We offer three semesters a school year – September to December (S1), January to March (S2) and April to June (S3). Each semester, the choir groups will accomplish the following goals:
- Individual vocal assessment & recommendations
- Learn 4 – 6 songs per semester, some with choreography
- One performance activity each semester
Lessons include the following and will be adjusted based on each choir group:
- Staff notation reading & theory
- Ear-training and sight-reading
- Singing
- Concert preparation
Contact us: bcc@laureatecollege.ca (attention to Dr. Li).
Little Voices
For children from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 2.
Rehearsal: Monday 4:45– 5:30 pm
An audition is not needed.
Growing Voices
For children from Grade 3 to 7.
Rehearsal: Monday 4:45 – 5:30 pm
An audition is required.
Senior Choir
For children from Grade 8 and up.
Rehearsal: Monday 5:30 – 6:15 pm
An audition is required.
- Registration and Material Fee: $100 per family per year.
- Material includes sheet music and choir folder or binder.
- Program Fee:
• Little Voices Group – $300 per chorister
• Growing Voices Group – $400 per chorister
• Senior Choir Group – $600 per chorister
- The registration fee and material fee are non-refundable.
- Refunds will be made to full-year registrations only, and the terms and conditions are as listed below:
• 100% of the program fee, up to September 1
• 75% up to October 15
• NO REFUND AFTER OCTOBER 15 - No refund for the semester-paid program fee.
Registrations are first-come-first-served and require a minimum of six choristers for each choir group.
Each chorister can register for one semester and up to three semesters (a school year) by completing and submitting the online BCC Registration Form.
Payments can be made by cash, eTransfer (to info@laureatecollege.ca) or credit card (an additional 4% surcharge will apply)
Once a chorister is registered and the full payment has been received, BCC will contact choristers who require an audition to arrange the audition accordingly.
Busing and the dinner meal plan can be arranged upon request. Please indicate your preferences on the registration form, and BCC will provide more information regarding the fees and logistics for these services.
Oak Heights Art Studios
We are thrilled to invite you to explore the exciting new art programs at Laureate College! Discover a vibrant world of creativity with various classes, including Painting, Choir, Pottery, Fine Arts, Fibre Arts (tapestry, needle felting), Fine Art Drawing, Illustration, and more. With morning and afternoon art studios, there’s something for everyone!
Our master instructors are here to guide you on your creative journey and help you unlock your artistic potential. Art is not just a luxury—it’s essential for a healthier, more meaningful life.
International artist Ixchel Suarez, with over 35 years of experience in community and art programs, is leading our department. Join a creative community where expression, growth, and inspiration thrive.
Join us at Laureate College and let THE ARTS enrich your Life!
Students explore a variety of mediums and styles linked to periods of Art History as well as Contemporary Art and the Artists that have led specific movements. Students will consider Elements and Principles of Design in the creation of their own work and learn to analyze other works.
- Piano and Vocal Fine Arts Training
- Ceramics
- Fine Arts
- Sketch
- Portfolio Preparation
- Illustration &Character Design
- Tapestry Weaving and Fibre Arts
On behalf of the Canadian Tapestry and Texture Centre (CTTC), and as the Founder and Director, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to Dr. Shen, Director of Laureate College, a sensitive person who has established a robust network and excellent connections with prestigious independent schools and public school boards through his decade of service in international education, especially for his invitation to collaborate with Laureate College. As the founder of the CTTC, a non-profit educational organization rooted in the rich history of the Oakville Handweavers and Spinners Guild, I am both personally and professionally honoured by this incredible opportunity to merge our arts and culture programs with the dynamic Gifted Arts Programme at Laureate College.
Dr. Shen’s vision for bringing arts into the broader community, beyond the walls of the college, aligns perfectly with our mission of fostering creativity and empowerment through the integration of tradition, culture, and self-expression. At the CTTC, we are dedicated to providing intergenerational, inclusive art-making experiences for kids, women, young adults living with disabilities, youth and older adults. This collaboration will allow us to extend the reach of our programs and help build a stronger, healthier, and more creative community.
As someone who grew up immersed in the arts, I truly believe art is not a luxury but a vital way to understand ourselves and to live healthier, more fulfilling lives. Dr. Shen’s leadership and the robust network you have built within the education sector have created an exciting platform for us to share these values with an even wider audience. Laureate College is a true “gem” in our community, and we are thrilled to be part of this journey together.
Thank you once again for this remarkable opportunity to work together for the sake of a better Community
Ixchel Suarez
Founder and Director, Canadian Tapestry and Texture Centre
Co-Artistic Director of Laureate College
More Student Opportunities
Toronto Youth Volunteer Network
Toronto Youth Volunteer Network TYVN is a platform which provides volunteering opportunities for all the high school students who want to be involved in GTA.
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