Philosophy & Staff

Philosophy
“Language is one of the most important means of self-expression”.
At Canadian Island, our aim is to enrich the language acquisition of our students by implementing a real world curriculum. We give our students the opportunities to apply their English through games, action songs, jazz chants, art, role play and story telling.
The teachers at Canadian Island interact with their students in a personal and professional way. Learning is fun, interactive and individualized at Canadian Island. In the words of the students ...“Canadian Island is like a big family, everyone knows your name.”

Staff
All of our classes have a maximum of eight students, therefore the teacher builds a rapport with the students and a nurturing atmosphere is created. Students grow to love their teachers and Canadian Island becomes a second home for so many.
The teachers at Canadian Island are native English speakers, university graduates and Certified ESL instructors specializing in the education of children.
Our mentor and Director, Maria Rocco was born and raised in Toronto, Canada. She is the rock upon which Canadian Island was built. Her enthusiasm and charisma in teaching children is like no other. She earned herself two university degrees in Canada and participated in several English as a Second Language Workshops in Toronto.

Canada is renowned for its teaching methods, especially in the area of ESL and Maria has very successfully introduced some of those innovative teaching techniques to children in Florence.

Charlotte Duclaux, was born and raised in Ohio, USA. She’s been with Canadian Island year round now since 2002 and she’s been at our summer camps since 1998. Charlotte has a degree in Education as well as a Masters in ESL Teaching. She has been fundamental in creating Canadian Island’s curriculum and continues to be a fountain of inspiration for the entire staff.

Christine Wentzell has been on board since 1999 and still has the same enthusiasm and energy in teaching pre-schoolers!! Born and raised in Nova Scotia on the east coast of Canada, her small town spirit has found its haven in this family-sized nest that is Canadian Island. Christine has her degree in English and Certification in ESL.

Natasha Dougan is our latest entry to the team. She is one fun-loving Australian full of creative energy and activity ideas. Natasha is Canadian Island’s in-house artist, creating lots of exciting workshops and learning experiences for the children. Her degrees include Elementary Education and Fine Arts.