September 01 1997

WV preschool celebrates 50 years

By Jocelyn Purcell
Contributing Writer (original archived article)

WHILE the average age of the revelers at most preschool parties is somewhere around four years old, Inglewood Parent Participation Preschool expects to increase that statistic by two or three decades at a special celebration next spring.

The school is inviting everyone who has been involved with the school to join them in a fiftieth-anniversary reunion, tentatively planned for April, 1998. More than 700 West Vancouver children and their families have been a part of Inglewood Preschool over the years, and the Fiftieth Anniversary Committee hopes to reach as many of the school's alumni as possible.

In the fall of 1947, Inglewood Preschool was held in the homes of the participating families. For most of its existence, however, it has been located in St. Christopher's Anglican Church, 1068 Inglewood, where it operates today. By word of mouth, the school has carried on for half a century, and survived through amazing social changes.

The most significant change is the shift to two income households. While parent participation preschools have traditionally been the domain of stay-at-home moms, many companies now recognize the benefits of giving their employees flexible schedules so that they, too, can take part.

There are a number of parent participation preschools located in North Vancouver, but Inglewood is the only preschool of its kind operating in West Vancouver.

Inglewood's current president, Karen Plesner, first became involved with Inglewood seven years ago when her eldest son, Thomas, was three years old. Living in West Vancouver and working in Burnaby, Plesner did not know anyone with children in her neighborhood until she had a chance encounter at a local park with another young mother, Linda Hamata.

Impressed with Hamata's deft management of three energetic young boys, Plesner learned a lot from her new friend -- including her choice of preschools. Since that first meeting, Plesner and her husband William Stridsland have enrolled all three of their sons at Inglewood. Seven-year-old Andreas and three-year-old Mathias have also attended the preschool, following in their elder brother's footsteps.

While the parent participation approach may not be everyone's choice, it is the perfect fit for many families. "Being a part of Inglewood Preschool has been wonderful for my family. My children have had the opportunity to meet children their own age, and to begin their formal education in a very family-oriented, nurturing environment. I've also learned a great deal about parenting from the guest lecturers, and many of the mothers that I have met through the school have become very close friends. And of course, the children love Frankie," explains Plesner.

While the family's involvement with the school ends after their child reaches kindergarten, Inglewood's prized teacher, Frankie Cameron, has been the common thread from year to year since 1989.

In addition to teaching the "Threes" in the morning, and "Fours" in the afternoon with the help of the duty parents, Cameron works on special projects throughout the school year.

The care taken by Inglewood families in the past is evident throughout the school today. From the finished woodwork to the hand-sewn, imaginative dress ups, and carefully maintained garden playground, the school and its gleaming facilities and equipment are testament to the caring families who have been an important part of the school's history.

Past teachers, as well as students and their families, are invited to call Inglewood Preschool at 925-1888 to register for the fiftieth reunion. Inquiries about the upcoming school year are also welcome.