Spring 2025 Update

Mini Interview Day
March brought nervous excitement as we held Mini Interview Day for prospective students hoping to join the Class of 2030. Our current Minis stepped up to help run everything from registration to campus tours, ensuring our guests felt welcomed and encouraged. Interview panels featuring staff and senior students asked thoughtful, reflective questions to get to know each applicant beyond their grades. A big thank you to everyone who helped with logistics and made the day feel warm and inspiring—thanks to your efforts, the next generation is so eager to join!

Vancouver District Science Fair (VDSF) and Greater Vancouver Regional Science Fair (GVRSF)
After our in-school Science Fair, a select group of Grade 8s and 9s advanced to the Vancouver District Science Fair, proudly representing the Mini. Their projects—ranging from sustainable tech innovations to experimental insulation solutions—demonstrated curiosity, critical thinking, and real-world impact. The judges were blown away by the clarity and creativity in each presentation, and several students received commendations. Congrats to all our scientists! From there, a few exceptional students earned spots at the Greater Vancouver Regional Science Fair, where competition stepped up another level. It was an amazing experience to connect with like-minded young researchers and receive expert feedback. Whether or not medals were earned, the experience broadened horizons and strengthened scientific confidence. We’re so proud of how you represented our school on a regional platform!

Mini Class of 2030 Selected
After a competitive and heartwarming application season, we’re thrilled to announce the Mini Class of 2030 has officially been selected! Each student brings something special to the table, and we can’t wait to welcome them in September. We’re already imagining how they’ll shape our community in the years to come. Welcome to the Mini family!

Waterloo Math Contests
Students from various grade levels participated in this year’s Waterloo Math Contests, including the Pascal, Cayley, and Fermat challenges. These nationally recognized competitions are designed to assess advanced problem-solving skills, logical reasoning, and mathematical insight. Several participants earned distinction rankings, with a number achieving placement within the top percentiles nationwide—an impressive reflection of the strength and dedication of our school’s mathematics community.

Ethics Bowl
Prince of Wales Mini School’s Ethics Bowl team engaged with some of today’s most pressing moral and philosophical questions at this year’s regional tournament. Competing against other schools, the team demonstrated thoughtful analysis, respectful dialogue, and a deep understanding of topics ranging from artificial intelligence and climate justice to medical ethics. Their ability to approach disagreement with empathy and intellectual rigor was a hallmark of their performance, reflecting both academic maturity and the value of constructive discourse in navigating complex issues.

Grade 10 Cinematheque Documentaries
The Grade 10 Cinematheque project returned this year with a new wave of powerful student-made Public service announcement films, under the guidance of Mr. Lee. Topics ranged from suicide awareness to fast fashion, and even tackling social media addiction. Each film reflected months of research, interviews, and storytelling finesse. Stay tuned—we’re hoping to feature some of these online!

Reach for the Top
The Reach for the Top trivia team represented our school in a series of fast-paced, intellectually demanding matches that tested their knowledge across a broad spectrum—from world geography and history to literature and pop culture. Their dedication was evident through consistent preparation, including lunchtime and FIT time buzzer practice, which contributed to several impressive victories. The competition highlighted not only their academic breadth but also their collaboration and quick thinking under pressure.

Manning Park Trip
The annual Mini School retreat to Manning Park was a memorable highlight of the spring term. Over the course of three days, students participated in a range of outdoor activities—including alpine and cross-country skiing—under the guidance of instructors and parent chaperones. Evenings were spent preparing meals together, engaging in group games, and taking part in leadership challenges that fostered collaboration and school spirit. With limited cell service, the retreat offered a rare opportunity for students to disconnect from daily routines and build deeper connections with peers. A spirited round of Stella Stella Ola, moments of lighthearted drama, and the ever-energetic cabin atmosphere added to the experience. Special thanks to the dedicated teachers and parent chaperones for their time, energy, and support throughout the trip.

Vancouver Sun Run
Mini runners took to the streets for the Vancouver Sun Run in late April, joining thousands in this iconic city-wide 10K event. For many students, it was their first race of this distance, while others brought back experience from previous years. Whether chasing a personal best or running alongside friends, every participant contributed to the spirit of community, wellness, and determination. Congratulations to all who took part!

Arts Night
Mini Arts Night, held on May 7th in the school auditorium, was a vibrant celebration of creativity and talent. Mini students took to the stage with music, dance, skits, and theatre, captivating the audience with their originality and heart. Notable performances included Magnus and Arjan’s powerful rendition of Shallow, the Grade 10 parents' lively music mashup, and the heartfelt farewell performance by the Grade 12s featuring Love Is an Open Door and Good Riddance (Time of Your Life) by Green Day. Weeks of preparation culminated in an evening filled with energy, emotion, and lasting memories. A sincere thank-you goes out to all performers, organizers, and supporters who brought the night to life.

Mini 12s Deciding on Universities
Grade 12 students are deep into decision season, navigating university offers from institutions such as UBC, McGill, NYU, UC Berkeley, and Waterloo. It’s been impressive to witness the range of opportunities available and the thoughtful consideration each student is giving to their next steps. Conversations have shifted toward academic programs, campus life, and long-term goals, reflecting the maturity with which this cohort is approaching a pivotal moment. A notable point of interest has been Johnny’s ongoing deliberation, which has sparked lively discussion among classmates—an unexpected but fitting reflection of the significance these decisions hold.

Roll on Mini!

— Osmond & Michael