Inter-A Students Society

The Inter-A Students Society is a Canadian nonprofit organization incorporated under the Society Act on April 21, 1989. It operates primarily in support of the Inter-A Program, an alternative high school educational initiative situated within Queen Elizabeth Secondary School in Surrey, British Columbia. The Society’s principal mission is to enhance and promote educational opportunities for students enrolled in the Inter-A Program through fundraising and community engagement activities[1].

History and Purpose

The Society was established with a constitution that emphasizes raising funds to support unique learning experiences for Inter-A students, particularly those outside traditional classroom settings. Over the years, it has helped finance diverse programs such as the Marine Studies and Training Program, Outdoor Leadership Training, annual retreats, and multicultural field trips. These initiatives aim to provide students with leadership development, experiential learning, and engagement in community and cultural activities[1].

Structure and Membership

Membership in the Inter-A Students Society includes parents or guardians of students, students themselves, and the teaching staff involved in the Inter-A Program. The Society is governed by a Board of Directors who are elected and appointed at the Annual General Meeting held each June. Regular meetings occur monthly, where Directors, student executive members, and teaching representatives convene to discuss fundraising and other activities that benefit Inter-A students and their families. These meetings are open to all Society members, fostering a community-oriented approach to enhancing the educational environment[1].

In addition to its own governance, the Society works closely with the Inter-A Executive Council—comprised of student leaders—and the teaching team to coordinate events and initiatives. Collaboration extends to involvement with the Queen Elizabeth Secondary Parent Advisory Committee, allowing parent members to contribute to broader school activities, including graduation events and school-wide volunteer efforts[1][2].

Activities and Impact

The Inter-A Students Society plays a pivotal role in supporting leadership development, community service, and academic enrichment within the Inter-A Program. Fundraising efforts largely focus on creating opportunities for experiential learning outside the classroom, reflecting the program’s commitment to fostering leadership, personal responsibility, and community engagement among its students.

Through its funding and organizational support, the Society enables:

• Outdoor education and leadership training programs
• Annual retreats and multicultural celebrations
• Community service projects and volunteer initiatives

These activities align with the Inter-A Program's core values of learning, leading, and engaging—preparing students for post-secondary education and active citizenship[1][3][5].

Relationship with the Inter-A Program

The Inter-A Program itself is an educational model designed as a "school within a school," offering a challenging alternative high school experience for approximately 130 to 170 students. It emphasizes cooperative learning, student leadership, personal responsibility, and diverse opportunities for service and peer tutoring. The Society supports this educational philosophy by facilitating resources and community involvement necessary to maintain the program's distinctive environment[3][5].

This nonprofit organization continues to serve as a vital link between the students, families, educators, and the wider community, fostering a collaborative environment focused on educational excellence and leadership development for youth in Surrey, BC.