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WINDERMERE LEADERSHIP

WINDERMERE LEADERSHIP

Application Process

Curious about the program but not exactly sure how to apply? 
Here's what to do, step by step: 

1. Come to our Leadership INFORMATION NIGHT - November 6, 2025 @6pm​

  • This event will give you better insight about the program and the learning environment we are trying to build. More importantly, the Info Night will allow you to meet current Leadership students and staff!  

  • For more information, click our info night page here

Missed it?  No worries! Here's a video version from 2020-21 with similar information

​2.  Complete the 2025 Application digitally  - Due December 15, 2025

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  • Step A:  Register at the VSB's centralized mini-school site

    • ​Please click here  

    • Dates: between November 10 - December 15 

    • Register EVEN IF you are only applying for the Leadership program.  

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  • Step B:  PREPARE your answers in advance

    • The  secure "VSB Survey" software used for our digital application does not allow you to save partway through the application and therefore it must be completed in one sitting

    • We recommend copying the following long answer questions and answering them on a separate document before you fill out the digital application (in step E below). ​

      1. Interests, Involvement, and Values

        What are you currently interested in, and what activities are you involved in at school or in your community? We’re also curious to know if you’ve been involved in anything related to helping others or caring for the environment—two values that matter a lot in our program. (Max 250 words)

      2. Personal Growth

        Tell us about an experience (in or outside of school) that taught you something important about yourself or the world.

        (Max 200 words)

      3. Challenge and Resilience

        Tell us about a time when you faced a big challenge or setback. How did you respond, and what did you learn from it?

        (Max 200 words)

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  • Step C:  Scan Report cards

    • ​Please digitize your your end of year Grade 6 & most recent Grade 7 report card (with teacher comments)

    • scan and create a .pdf file or take  digital photos in .jpeg or .png formats

    • You will need to upload these into your application. ​

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  • Step D: Develop ONE original work - your personal representation

    • This work acts as a personal demonstration of how you fit our program values of social responsibility, environmental stewardship, outdoor education, and community engagement. 

    • This can be in the form of

      • a 1-2 minute video about you. (If the file is too large to upload in your application, please include a link to where you have posted it online or email it to efoster@vsb.bc.ca)  Please keep the video files to a 2 minute maximum.

      • a poster, piece of art, or some other visual work (upload a photograph in .jpeg or .png format) with a brief written explanation

      • a 1-2 minute song (upload lyrics and song file)

      • a piece of writing

      • something else that makes sense for you - be creative!

      • Please note that we are NOT assessing the artistic merit of your work but instead are looking for evidence that you have thought about how you are a good fit for the Leadership program 

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  • Step E: Submit a completed digital application! It is due Dec. 15th!  Click here  for our digital application 

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Application prepared? Click here!

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  • If you have limited online access and need a physical copy of the application, please EMAIL our program coordinator, Jordan Al-Assadi. 

 

  • The Leadership team will use these applications to select a shortlist of applicants we feel are potentially  a good fit for the Leadership program.  These shortlisted applicants will then be invited to attend our Leadership Assessment Event. Successful applicants will be notified via email. ​

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3. If selected, attend the LEADERSHIP ASSESSMENT EVENT  - January 27, 2025

  • Congratulations, you have made it this far! Unlike programs with an academic mandate, we do not use academic tests as part of our assessment night.  With Leadership, you won't be writing a math test or an essay, but instead you will be interacting with other people! We will be looking for evidence that your interpersonal skills and communication styles are a good fit for our program. 

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  • The shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend  our assessment event.  

    • This will be an in person event at Windermere Secondary school 

    • Students will participate in large group and small group activities in which they will be able to showcase interpersonal skills like initiative, active listening, teamwork, and collaboration. The selection committee will be using behavioral observations and data to develop our final shortlist. 

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  • Successful applicants will be emailed with information on when to attend and what to expect. 

  • Based on this assessment event we will develop a final shortlist of about 40 candidates.  We will then use a lottery system to select who receives offers to the program. 

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4.  OFFERS to the Program

  • All mini schools (choice programs) give out first offers at the same time: February 11th, 2026.  Be on the lookout for a phone call or email.  You will have 48 hours to accept or decline. Your acceptance must be received by noon on February 13th, 2026.

  • Second offers are made on February 18th, 2026.  You have 24 hours to accept or decline. 

  • Third offers (if there are any) are made on Feb. 20th, 2026

More questions?

  • Please check out our list of Frequently Asked Questions here!  

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  • Can’t find what you looking for? Please email the program coordinator, Jordan Al-Assadi. Click HERE to access his email. 

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IMPORTANT DATES

November 6th, 2025 

  • Leadership Information Night from 6 -7:30 pm.  

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November 10th, 2025 --> December 15, 2025

  • VSB District Mini-School General Registry open and closes.  You MUST register with the VSB if you intend to apply to any mini-school (choice program). Please do so here when link is available​​

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December 15th, 2025

  • Applications for Leadership and all district choice programs are due.

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January 27th, 2026

  • We will email students who submitted a complete, on-time, and strong application an invitation to attend our mandatory  Leadership Assessment Event on January 27th, 2026.  

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February 11th, 2026

  • First Offers are sent out by all programs. Students have 48 hours to accept or decline (deadline is Feb 13). 

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February 18th, 2026

  • Second Offers sent out by all programs. Students have 24 hours to accept or decline (deadline is Feb. 19th). 

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February 20th, 2026

  • Third Offers sent out (if needed).

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© 2025 by Windermere Leadership Program. 

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