⚠️Please note that our Outdoor Pursuits program is currently not offered.
Dan Norman
Mathematics Teacher; Outdoor Pursuits Coach
B.Ed. (Uof O), B.Sc. (Western)
Dan Norman was born and raised in Toronto, but quickly left. He studied mathematics at the University of Western Ontario and education at the University of Ottawa. During this time, he trained and competed in the sport of whitewater canoe slalom, first qualifying for the Canadian National Team in 1988. In 1992, he represented Canada at the Barcelona Olympic Games. His involvement in competitive kayaking brought him to British Columbia and his interest in the outdoors became a cornerstone of his personal and professional life.Since 2001, in addition to mathematics, Mr. Norman has taught the Outdoor Pursuits Program at Brentwood College School. His passion for the west coast environment drives him to take students to beautiful places all over Vancouver Island. His preferred modes of transportation are human-powered and include skis, snowboards, sea kayaks, canoes, bicycles, and hiking boots.Mr. Norman likes very few things more than goofing around in paddle-powered boats—canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards. His current challenges include developing and delivering outdoor and experiential education at Brentwood. In his leisure, he and his family spend as much time as possible in remote wilderness locations, and work hard to minimize their footprint on this beautiful island they call home.
Sarah Wolinsky
Assistant Houseparent (Privett House); Math Teacher; Outdoor Pursuits Coach
B.A. (History & Math), B.Ed. (Intermediate/Senior), M.A. (History) (Queen’s University)
Originally from Ontario, Sarah spent her early adulthood chasing a variety of threads as any millennial did in the mid-2000s—academia, backcountry canoe guiding, and teaching—before finally finding a middle ground in outdoor education and independent boarding schools. The Master’s of History, on transculturation in the early internet, was what the youth might refer to as a ‘side quest’; the monochromatic wardrobe was more intentional. She now teaches Pre-Calculus, is an assistant coach of the Outdoor Pursuits Program, is Assistant Houseparent in Privett House, and dabbles in running Brentwood’s D&D Club when time allows.
Outdoor Pursuits
Students in the Outdoor Pursuits (ODP) program will cultivate a gentle footprint on the natural environment—a holistic stewardship concept that starts on our beautiful oceanfront campus and extends into the most stunning locales that Vancouver Island has to offer.
ODP opens the door to a range of kayaking, hiking, and camping adventures … some that launch straight off of the Brentwood docks. Fall term teaches kayak wet exits and basic safety, followed by proper forward stroke technique, basic handling of the kayak, and care of the equipment. Parallel with this, students in the fall term learn to use camping equipment such as camp stoves, tarps, and tents. A highlight of the fall term is the multi-day circumnavigation of Salt Spring Island, where senior students camp at majestic beaches in between paddling the coastal waters of BC’s famed Gulf Islands.
In the winter term, experienced Grade 11 and 12 students can become student leaders for the younger grades—supporting kayak and camping skills development, while enjoying day hikes, paddles on the bay, and even canoe polo. Our spring term is open to all students and offers a special focus in whitewater kayaking, culminating in a regional kayak event on the Cowichan River.
Where Students Choose To Be
+1 (250) 743-5521
admissions@brentwood.ca
info@brentwood.ca
2735 Mount Baker Road
Mill Bay, BC, Canada V8H 1K8