Gratitude: THE LIU FAMILY
For the past 14 years, being part of Crofton House has meant connection and a sense of belonging for the Liu family.
“ We came to Vancouver in 2006 and didn’ t know many people here. The School gave us a platform, a community, to make friends and feel supported,” Felix Liu said.“ We made a lot of friends here, and very good friends for years. This is not just a school for your daughter, but for your family.”
Felix Liu, his wife Kelly Li, and their daughter Christine Liu’ 25 joined Crofton House in 2011 as part of the first-ever Junior Kindergarten class. Initially drawn by the School’ s legacy in Vancouver and its commitment to girl-centred education, it was Christine’ s happiness throughout the application process that solidified their choice of school.“ When Christine came back from visiting the Early Childhood Education Centre during the application process, she was smiling! That’ s all we could hope for,” Felix said.
Over the years, the Liu family’ s involvement with the School has taken many forms, including day-to-day volunteering on campus, event leadership and support, and governance roles.
In the Junior School, Kelly became an enthusiastic lunch duty volunteer, enjoying the opportunity to spend time with Christine, her friends, and other parents during the school day.“ I remember not knowing when she would show up, but whenever I saw her, I got so excited, and all my friends would get excited too. They would all run over and hug her!” Christine recalled.
Kelly and Felix have taken advantage of the many ways, from big to small, that parents can get involved in the School, and they have felt the positive impact that being actively involved in the community brings. They have supported various school events as members of organizing committees and as volunteers for traditions such as the Year-End BBQ, the Winter Bazaar, and the CHS Golf Classic, among others. As Christine transitioned to the Senior School, Felix served on the CHS Board of Governors, contributing to the Nomination & Governance and the Building & Grounds Committees since 2019.
“ I am very proud of Crofton House, the facilities, the whole School. What motivated me to contribute is to ensure CHS continues to be a place of pride for the next generations,” Felix said.“ Other families have built what CHS is today— we wanted to help shape what CHS is tomorrow.”
For Christine, being a CHS student meant more than just academics. She benefited from strong friendships, a variety of co-curricular activities, and countless opportunities for personal growth.
“ CHS is almost a second home, because we have such a close-knit community. The School does such a great job of forming a sense of place for everyone. That’ s what makes it unique— the School cares about the experience, not just the learning.”
In particular, she fondly remembers her time playing Junior School basketball.“ Basketball was one of those co-curricular activities that helped me make so many friends, because we all shared a strong passion for the same thing,” she said.
“ In Junior School basketball, you just have fun!” Felix added.“ Everyone— parents and students— felt like one big family.”
As Christine prepares to start the Interactive Media Arts program at New York University this fall, she carries with her valuable lessons from Ms Hutchison, former Director, Junior School. These lessons— also remembered by her parents from assemblies!— taught her to openly express her emotions( the rotten potatoes story) and to seek help when needed( the stick story).
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