About Us
As a result of globalization and educational research, the “image of a child” has changed from that of an empty vessel or thirsty sponge to that of a “competent and unique individual” bringing her own strengths and learning competencies to the table. This in turn has brought about a shift from theories of learning that support the top-down transfer of select information to theories that support the co-construction of knowledge in the classroom and beyond. We believe literature is the best conduit with which to construct such knowledge.
This shift is reflected in the philosophical base of all programs offered at the Lyceum.
At the Lyceum we choose to concentrate on the perceptual dimension of learning in an effort to challenge binary thinking and encourage exploration of “possibilities.” Nurturing a lens through which to view personal, local, and global interactions helps children develop guiding principles when approaching problematic situations inherent in a diverse society.
The Lyceum Explained
The context of the painting, with its classical architecture, high ceiling, open windows and bright light reflect the balance, proportion and clarity of a well-ordered environment. These characteristics are also symbols for the transparency of effective pedagogy: at the Lyceum this is mirrored in the glass offices, library windows, high ceilings and abundant natural light that signify the importance of light in illuminating possibility.
Meet the Team
Christianne Hayward
Founder & Director
Christianne has been educating children and adults for over 35 years. She established her unique parent and youth bookclubs in 1996, and now facilitates 17 bookclubs, 4 writers’ workshops and literature and art classes for young children at the Lyceum. She also teaches at post-secondary institutions, works as a teacher consultant, facilitates parent groups in the ANCHOR Program at the Vancouver Child Study Centre, and is mother of two sons.
Her Ph.D studies in education (UBC, 2000) focused on using select children’s literature to develop socially relevant curriculum in early childhood settings through to high school. Christianne’s M.Ed studies (Bristol, 1982) centered around the use of literary theming in nursery schools and its effect on children’s attitudes toward reading. Christianne completed her B.Ed (U of A, 1978) in Special Education and received her Diploma in Early Childhood Education in the same year. Her first year of study at the U of A was dedicated to Fine Arts which fueled a life-long love of the arts.
Caitlin Ferguson
Program Manager & Systems Coordinator
Having moved to Vancouver from the U.K. almost 6 years ago, Caitlin is now a fully fledged Canadian.
She graduated with an MA (Hons) in English Literature from The University of Dundee in 2015 after taking a some time to travel the world in between. Caitlin spent the year after her degree volunteering for Victim and Witness Support Scotland, a non-profit aiming to provide specialized services for victims and witnesses of violent and non-violent crimes; as well as a two month stint in India as a human rights intern.
The people closest to her know of her insatiable curiosity, desire to collect new skills, and love of donuts.
Kellie Quinn
Volunteer Coordinator, Administrative Assistant & Program Assistant
After moving to Vancouver from Ireland in 2019, Kellie fell completely in love with beautiful British Columbia, and quickly decided to make it her home away from home.
Kellie graduated with a BA in English, Media and Cultural Studies from Dún Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology in 2015, and is a passionate artist and creative writer. In her spare time she enjoys drawing, reading and has recently become fascinated with the art of needle felting.
Before joining the Lyceum team, she worked as a program assistant for a non-profit organization which helped women in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. Here she gained a compassion that we have come to value at the Lyceum very much.
Kellie’s favourite thing about working at the Lyceum is having the opportunity to connect with so many wonderful families, and to contribute to a strong community which celebrates creativity, individuality and socially conscientious behavior.
Charlotte Bisanz
Marketing Manager, Designer & Program Coordinator
Charlotte graduated from McGill in 2020 with a BA in History and Communications. While working towards her degree, she completed an internship working as the communications assistant at a museum focused on the history of the audio industry in Montreal. Her time spent sharing antique radios and gramophones with museum-goers, along with her experience teaching Lego Robotics, has ignited an interest in exploring the spaces where science and the arts intersect and the role of storytelling in making these fields accessible to all.
Charlotte loves that her role at the Lyceum enables her to constantly learn, both from her colleagues and the children. She is passionate about creating an environment where everyone can succeed.
When she’s not at the Lyceum, you can find Charlotte exploring the city, swimming in the summer, snow-shoeing in the winter, and riding her bike year-round.
