SPECIAL REPORT ON PRIVATE EDUCATION Keeping cool WELLNESS PROGRAMS HELP STUDENTS CONTROL STRESS LEVELS

D e n i s e D e v e au aware of indicators around stress or frustration levels. t’s generally acknow- “We do a lot of breathing exer- ledged that today’s kids cises and start the day with a are under a tremen- mindful meditation moment dous amount of stress. to prepare them for their day. IMuch of that is rooted in the Students learn at an early age demands and hectic pace of that they need to find mo- their lives relating to school ments of quiet and calm in an and extra-curricular activ- increasingly busy world.” ities, says Todd Cunningham, Susan Elliott, executive dir- assistant professor and clin- ector of the learning forum, ical psychologist at OISE (On- the support services depart- tario Institute for Studies in ment at TFS in Toronto, says Education) in Toronto. another contributor to stress “There are lots of general is the barrage of digital infor- stressors in their lives. But as mation kids have to process kids go higher up in school, today. “Sometimes they have demands from parents, teach- to sit and process that infor- ers and peers for high per- mation to sort out what’s real formance increases. There is or not real.” a lot of pressure being put on She says health and well- teens to compete at such a ness is a core pillar of the high level to get 80s and 90s school’s programs. “Kids all the time. Then there is the learn about the brain, what peer effect. They will text each stress is and how to process other to see who is staying up emotions before they act. the latest on a project. It’s a It’s complex for them. Some social status thing.” stress is good, like when you Private schools can in- are getting ready for a basket- crease the pressure because ball game. But you need to the benchmarks are that know what the optimum level much higher, he adds. “Every- of stress is, and how to man- one is at a super high level. age stress overload.” If you are at the lower end Part of the wellness tool kit of distribution at a private is teaching kids at all levels school, in any other context mindfulness and breathing you would be an A student. exercises. Many activities are But now you’re being com- also built into the classroom pared to more A students so so they can pace their day. kids feel they have to do more On Fridays, younger kids and work harder. I hear that end the week doing activities every day.” like origami or yoga. Senior Ultimately, he says, this school students get longer is not a healthy way of life. lunches so they can take part “Kids don’t have a chance to in clubs and activities. “By decompress. They literally building these into the sched- don’t know what it feels like ule, they don’t have such a to be relaxed. They don’t long day,” Elliott says. know what a calm state is any J.T. MCVEIGH / POSTMEDIA Another tool is a men- more.” From meditation to dance, private schools are offering more ways for children to toring program in which a Cunningham believes well- relieve the stresses posed by a busy day of classes. small group of students get ness programs in schools are together to talk about issues vital. “It’s not worth pushing tional well-being in the earlier They need to understand high school years. “Knowing and work through them with to be at these levels if there years. who they are as people, what someone is advocating for a designated mentor. “This are long-term health implica- “Universities are really matters to them, and what them, and they are account- is all part of what they need tions. You don’t want them to struggling to cope with the are their strengths and weak- able to that person, gives to do when they leave here,” get to Harvard and burn out number of students experi- nesses so they can become them opportunities to ad- Elliott says. “They have to the first year because they encing mental health chal- good self-advocates. They dress a whole range of well- learn that you can’t solve pushed so hard.” lenges. We now recognize learn that asking for help can ness initiatives,” Kline-Beber problems in a minute.” The York School in Toronto that we have an opportunity be a sign of strength. It’s the says. “Through regular group David Hanna, director is one of many that has put to have a positive impact on way to assert what you need meetings they learn that it’s of university counselling at student wellness front and mental health at the junior, in this world and making sure okay to slow down a bit, and The York School, says cop- centre. Its director of well- middle and high school lev- you know how to get that.” that time spent talking with ing with stress and anxiety is

PRIVATE SCHOOLS PRIVATE ness, Elissa Kline-Beber, is els.” Among a number of in- each other and not doing is part of life. “We can’t protect playing a key role in helping That means creating a nur- itiatives, York has a formal- also valuable.” kids from reality. Kids need to students, teachers and par- turing environment in which ized adviser program to en- Even in junior grades, learn, communicate and be ents recognize the need for students can develop coping sure that every student has there is a focus on equipping flexible. If that starts in child- support for their children’s skills, Kline-Beber says. “Kids a specific adult who is their children with problem-solv- hood, they can do anything physical, mental and emo- need to know themselves. go-to person throughout their ing skills and learning to be they want.”

tool, seeing it as a resource rather than a distraction. nationalpost.com For students, cellphone “Cellphones have some fantastic applications in the classroom. We have the plan has a nice ring to it power to teach students how to use them properly to be- K at h ry n B o o t h b y in a host of ways, says Keith come disciplined technology Townend, the school’s direc- consumers. The students of As the debate over the use of tor of IT. In math class, for today are the professionals cellphones in the classroom example, quadratic equations of tomorrow. They need to continues, some private are taught using collabora- learn the life skills of resisting schools have found a way to tive tools and annotation soft- distraction, being productive incorporate them into the ware. “Students are invited to and multi-tasking without the learning environment while contribute steps in the prob- device taking over. This is the upping the engagement quo- lem-solving process using critical learning now,” he says. tient of their students. their own connected technol- “In my opinion, to ignore Take Robert Constanzo, ogy,” he says. “The annotated the technology for the sake an English teacher at Cres- pdf can then be saved, posted of classroom management cent School for boys in North to the school’s digital learn- would be irresponsible. It is York, Ont. Constanzo piloted ing systems, and used as a about exciting students and a bring-your-own-technology future resource.” Gamifica- opening them to new oppor- CRESCENT SCHOOL PHOTOGRAPH (BYOT) project in class eight tion, coding and hackathons tunities that lie ahead. With Crescent School is among those incorporating cellphones years ago. “The best way to also contribute to learning discipline, balance and care- into daily class routines. nurture better writers and in fun and engaging ways, ful pedagogy they can have readers is to expose them Townend adds. “Additionally, an environment in which to swer questions about socio- who bring new technology to to more,” he says. “I needed anonymous polling software become deeply engrossed in economic differences and the school, says Townend. quick access to a diverse used with BYOT devices helps their work and reading.” post photos and videos while “It is a two-way street as range of literature without teachers immediately gauge It is not only inside the studying various neigh- to what technology lands in having to photocopy pages the level of understanding of classroom environment in bourhoods. We use this as the classroom,” he says. “If and pages of documents; for a topic as lessons proceed.” which students can benefit evidence of learning, under- a student comes up with a students to be able to edit However, as cellphones from the use of cellphones, standing and engagement valuable idea we act on it, their own writing and that have become ubiquitous however. “We are at a level with key concepts.” because that is what motiv- of their classmates using a some teachers are, once of sophistication in digital When it comes to BYOD, ates them to come forward shared platform; and the abil- again, becoming technology technology that gives us a “the power available in the with more.” ity to manipulate, annotate wary. In some instances this learning environment where learning environment, from How do teachers ensure and synthesize the multiple has meant a ban on class- teacher and students can an acquisition point of view, students stay focused on pieces we were working on. room use. synchronize and collaborate is formidable,” adds Char- classwork rather than check- Connectivity in the classroom “The current dichotomy is in real-time,” adds Haver- lotte Youngson, parent of ing social media accounts or and BYOT allowed all of those stark. Cellphones have polar- gal’s technology integrator three Crescent School boys. playing with their devices? things. It made English and ized classroom management Paul Shuebrook, citing a re- “When our eldest, who is now “The work has to be so com- writing about the students situations and in some cases cent field trip involving stu- 21 and at university, began pelling that they put them and material, not about me.” have made difficult classes dents. The girls were looking at the school it was all about away on their own,” says Cos- Since that time, Constanzo even more challenging. Cell- at architecture and public penmanship. As the younger tanzo. “It goes back to teach- and his peers have found phones can also make bully- spaces across the city. The children move through the ing discipline and accepting more and more ways to incor- ing and cheating easier for teacher wanted each group approach has changed. Tech- varied approaches. If a teach- porate BYOT into learning for those inclined to do so,” says to record their thoughts and nology is an integral part of er brings technology into the the benefit of both teachers Constanzo. ideas in a central way and the learning experience. The classroom yet fails to change and students. That said, he and others comment on each other’s challenge for any school now their teaching methods, it is At Havergal College for have looked for, and found, ideas, he says. “Using the is what to bring on board and a recipe for disaster. If you are girls, also in North York, more ways to harness the school’s social media feeds, what not to.” going to embrace technology, technology is used to help en- power of the cellphone as a students were able to use It is important to note that you have to embrace it lock, hance and deepen learning learning and engagement their smart phones to an- it is not always the teachers stock and barrel.”

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IT WAS THE MOST AMAZING EXPERIENCE OF MY LIFE AND I WOULD DO IT AGAIN IN A HEARTBEAT. THERE IS SOMETHING TO BE SAID ABOUT LEARNING ABOUT DIFFERENT PARTS OF THE WORLD AND TRAVELLING ABROAD WHEN YOU ARE YOUNG. — ALEXANDRIA DECARLO Vital first step: Know the OUTWARD BOUND cost of private education D e n i s e D e v e au firm what is expected of the K at h ry n B o o t h b y ondary school, not because it parents in terms of involve- is especially challenging but Many parents new to the pri- ment and time.” From tropical journeys because it can be dry,” says vate school scene understand of discovery to high-seas Sargon. “We bring the course the importance of making BEFORE- AND adventures on a tall ship, to life during a week-long, the right choice from the AFTER-SCHOOL educational travel has three-city tour with stops in start. There are the obvious CARE/EXTRA HELP brought a whole new level of Ottawa, Montreal and New questions that come to mind: experiential learning — and York.” co-ed or all-boy/all-girl, Fees and services can vary extra credit — to high school The Spirit of America location, curriculum, extra- from school to school. Some students. grade 11/12 English program curricular programs and will include both before- and When Alexandria DeCar- takes students along Amer- course tuition fees. after-school care in tuition; lo was looking for a way to ica’s east coast with visits to But there are other things others will include only be- accelerate her studies to the Smithsonian, Brooklyn, to consider that may not be fore-school care; still others make room for competitive Harlem and Greenwich Vil- top of mind, especially when will charge for both. That swim training, she looked lage while they read The it comes to costs. For some also goes for lunch programs. to a variety of summer Crucible, The Handmaid’s parents, additional fees for “Some are not covered, so school programs. What she Tale and Catcher in the Rye. transportation, activities or you need to confirm,” Danson embarked upon was a life- “We adapt each course so the other sundries may not be notes. changing experience study- study of literature is relevant a stretch. For others, the tu- While many private ing biology in Fiji. to place,” notes Sargon. ition fee alone may represent schools will offer some sup- Biology in Fiji is a grade For those with a hanker- the maximum amount they port for students interested in 11 credit program offered by ing for seafaring, Lunen- can manage. So it’s especially special projects or who need Ontario-based Edu Travel burg, N.S.’s Class Afloat gives important to consider all the extra help to keep pace, par- Inc. The three-week travel senior students (grades 11 costs and financing options ents may have to foot the bill itinerary includes a snor- and 12 plus first-year uni- available before applying. for tutoring costs. kel tour of a coral reef and versity) a year of high-seas “There are plenty of things Parents of children with participation in a replant- study and adventure aboard parents simply don’t think behavioural or learning chal- ing project, conservation EDU TRAVEL INC. PHOTOGRAPH a tall ship. Each year-long to ask,” says Elaine Danson, lenges should also inquire activities such as turtle tag- Students visiting Fiji get up close with a banded iguana excursion includes stops at of Elaine Danson & Associ- about what support is avail- ging, and cultural and scien- during a biology credit program. over 20 ports of call along ates, an educational consult- able on campus, and if they tific excursions of discovery, the route including Nether- ant in Toronto. “But fees are allow experts into the class- all from an off-the-grid applications and learn of very appealing. The learning lands, Portugal, U.K., Sen- not a neat package. You have room for observation should eco-friendly base on Leleuvia their importance. There model is so different from egal, Brazil, South Africa and to figure out what that pack- the need arise. Island. are some things you simply the traditional classroom, Bermuda, to name just a few. age is and how much you can DeCarlo, now 22, trav- cannot conceptualize in the and that is a huge part of the Formal study takes place support it. Families have to EXTRA-CURRICULAR/ eled to Fiji in the summer classroom. Being in the field draw,” he says. every day during sailing on a be cognizant of what exactly CO-CURRICULAR of 2013. “It was the most brings a huge benefit.” Edu Travel does not limit deck divided into four class- tuition covers and what it PROGRAM FEES amazing experience of my For students who have its credit programs to biol- rooms with white boards, doesn’t.” life and I would do it again constraints on their time, ogy in Fiji (and more recent- lab equipment and project- Often, when going through Extra- and co-curricular in a heartbeat,” she says. reaching for credit in the ly Sri Lanka), however. ors, says David Jones, Class costs, the first thing parents activities such as clubs and “There is something to be summer has become com- The organization’s most Afloat’s president. “We often see is the tuition, says Teo sports is another area to con- said about learning about mon, says Ari Sargon, Edu popular offering is civics work in conjunction with the Salgado, principal and owner sider. Again, some of these different parts of the world Travel’s owner and director. and careers — a compulsory ship so it is not uncommon of VerveSmith educational may have activity fees. “Some- and travelling abroad when “Sacrificing the summer to course for every high school for a physics class to be held counselling in Toronto. “But times a school will bring in a you are young. You gain in- broaden horizons and see student in Ontario. “This is on the bridge where we may they don’t realize that on top four-week session on robotics, dependence, see real-world other parts of the world is the most failed course in sec- study vectors in a real-life of tuition there are added but that may not be covered. situation, such as using wind costs for uniforms, comput- It’s important to dig deep into direction and forward pro- ers or software. Some of those what clubs and athletics ac- pulsion as we travel through tivities are covered and which the Strait of Gibraltar, where are not,” Danson says. currents are against us.” She notes that while some At each port there is a PARENTS co-curricular activities are four-day layover where pro- run by teachers, others re- grams are integrated into NEED TO quire bringing someone in the curriculum. That can from the outside. “If that’s the mean catching tuna off the KNOW WHAT case, the school has to pay. coast of Africa, visiting the THEY ARE UP If you really want to have a discover telescope complex in the robotics lab or theatre club, discover Canary Islands or spending AGAINST they don’t always have the time with a family in Dakar, teaching staff to do it.” Senegal working in the hos- Technology may also be an pital garden and learning costs are optional, but we all added expense. In some cases, about the local commun- know the social pressures stu- schools will charge a surplus ity. “For most students this dents feel and how important for computers or other tech- is their first exposure to a it is for them to participate nology needs. severely lesser-developed in what their friends are do- country. They will discuss ing. It can be difficult to opt PAYMENT AND the experience both before out, so I encourage parents to EXIT TERMS and after the port call. They think about those things be- might also spend a day fore deciding whether to pro- Payment terms are also eating only the diet of the ceed with their application.” an important consideration, local people, such as rice The upside: Schools are Salgado says. “Sometimes, a develop with beans, and try to better happy to provide answers substantial deposit might be understand how people live to those questions and are required at the outset.” in many other areas of the willing to help walk parents On rare occasions, things world.” through the process. So while simply don’t work out. Per- Curriculum study is not it may sound overwhelming, haps the student is unhappy the only on-board educa- Danson says it doesn’t have in his/her environment, or tion that is happening, how- to be. “You will probably be the family has to move out ever. “Students are learning pleasantly surprised by the of the area. Parents are often to sail a pretty complicated supportive attitude of the afraid to discuss exit clauses ship. That takes a great school and the different op- in the early stages, thinking it deal of teamwork and disci- tions available. You may think may harm their child’s chan- pline, and students begin to you are being harsh, but par- ces of being accepted. But as understand the importance ents need to know what they Danson says, these are ques- of making a full contribu- are up against.” tions that admissions people tion,” notes Jones. “Yes, we When speaking to admis- expect to answer. are visiting exotic places and sions about annual fees, these thr ve sailing the seas but it’s about are some important questions BURSARIES AND more than that. It’s about the to consider. SCHOLARSHIPS small things, especially com- munity — the close quarters TRANSPORTATION One way to mitigate addi- in which we are living and tional fees is with bursar- our role in the places we Many private schools will ies and scholarships offered visit. How to be respectful offer before- and after-school through the school or other to both shipmates and the busing services, but these sources. Many have a robust people we connect with.” come at a cost. “I have never bursary and/or scholarship For students looking to seen it included in tuition program but that may not be broaden their horizons and fees,” Danson says. “In some the case for smaller schools, academic standing, DeCarlo cases, it can be very costly.” Danson cautions. “Different advises, “don’t limit your- That even goes for school schools offer different levels self. See what’s out there and field trips. Be sure to clarify of support. Look carefully Montcrest travel abroad. You will learn if transportation costs are at the website for potential Montcrest new concepts, grow as a per- included, she adds. “Some scholarships and bursaries, son, make lifelong friends schools will say tuition in- because that is something along the way and gain an cludes all field trips but it that many parents miss. Also experience like none other.” does not include busing.” be clear on what a scholarship Edu Travel programs Also inquire about inter- covers — it could be uniforms, School range in cost from $1,700 national junkets. It’s best to or a school trip, for example.” to $5,900 depending on find out how many trips are Ultimately, parents should School duration and locale. Class offered, if they are part of the never be afraid to ask the Afloat fees for Canadian stu- curriculum or during March hard questions in the early dents are $52,000 for a full break, and what portion par- stages, Salgado says. “Gener- www.montcrest.on.ca year or $36,000 for a single ents are expected to pay. “Do ally, staff understand how www.montcrest.on.ca semester aboard ship. Pre- you have a choice?” Danson important the decision is requisites and/or academic says. “If not, does the school for parents and that they qualification apply to all host fundraisers to offset the are trying to make the right programs. costs? If that is the case, con- decisions for the children.” NNP00512119_1_1 Now SECOND accepting FOR JK CLA applicationsSEPTEMBER! SS ADDED

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THE ABILITY TO WRITE CODE IN THE FUTURE IS SEEN TO BE AS MUCH A PART OF LITERACY AS GRAMMAR. WE ALREADY HAVE COME TO THAT LEVEL AND HAVE A PROGRAMMER DEDICATED TO IT AT OUR SCHOOL. — ANJULI AHOOJA, APPLEBY COLLEGE PHYSICS TEACHER Getting with the program

D e n i s e D e v e au and six students from public private schools have been schools who visit UCC once a particularly progressive in or decades, the three week. In working with those launching pilot projects. “If Rs have been ac- students, he says he has been you introduce coding to girls knowledged as the pleasantly surprised by the at an early stage, around fundamentals of skill levels of the girls. “A lot grade five or six, they are still Flearning. But we may soon see of girls are really, really smart. open-minded and curious a C added to that equation, as Younger ones in the program and will want to explore it the need for coding skills is in are much better than the further,” Ho says. increasingly high demand at boys, to be honest, because Not only do hackathons all levels of education. they concentrate more and provide an interesting and If in doubt, you only need get things really quickly.” unique learning experience, to speak to coding (computer Guo’s is one of many cod- they allow participants to programming) experts like ing-related stories happening explore different careers Simon Guo, who says learn- in schools across the coun- and how technology applies ing to code has been a part of try. Cameron Smith, senior to their everyday lives, she his life since he was building product manager and spokes- stresses. “In the future, every Lego robots in grade three person, Microsoft Education single industry will be using in Shanghai. Now a grade 11 for Canada, notes that IT technology to solve real prob- student at UCC, he is act- companies as well as different lems.” ively involved in learning organizations such as Code. Havergal was one of the advanced coding as well org have been working with first to pilot a program, as teaching coding skills to schools to ignite a passion she reports. “Other private younger students. and curiosity for coding. schools have jumped on In 2016, his coding skills “Hackathons are also board with one-day hacka- jumped to an entirely new growing across the board at COLE BURSTON / POSTMEDIA thons, including Bishop level when he went to his first all types and levels of schools. Simon Guo, left, and Douglas Byers are part of the new wave of youth devoted to the Strachan, Branksome Hall, hackathon. “A friend of mine They’re a great way for stu- increasingly integral skills of coding. The Country Day School and from UCC took me to an event dents to showcase their skill UTS [University of Toronto where we spent 36 hours de- sets. In these events, a core foundation in learning. Com- integrate into the classroom coding-based projects can Schools]. Private schools veloping a ‘smart’ t-shirt that group of individuals is tasked puter science is transforming moving forward.” be used for many areas, in- tend to have a lot of resour- could measure and adjust with creating a solution to the entire industry and our Anjuli Ahooja, a physics cluding STEM learning, de- ces that bring those ideas push-up and sit-up positions,” a problem using coding,” he world, and we need people teacher at Appleby College sign projects or robotics, she into the classroom with he explains. Since then he explains, adding that kids as with the right skill sets to fit in Oakville, also believes adds. “The ability to write extra-curricular activities has participated in or organ- young as grade three can par- those jobs and understand that coding and computer code in the future is seen to like coding clubs and build- ized 17 coding competitions ticipate in coding events. that language. It is estimated science in general are now be as much a part of literacy ing drones.” around the world. It is encouraging for indus- that 65 per cent of jobs will re- integral to any students’ edu- as grammar. We have already While coding and com- Guo believes coding has try to see the “really, really quire computational thinking cation —and their day-to-day come to that level and have a puter science are considered value for everyone, and is large increases” in coding ability.” life for that matter. “Compu- programmer dedicated to it at electives for the most part, quick to encourage students as part of STEM (science, Smith says he is especially tational thinking should be a our school.” some provinces are already to join in the school’s various technology, engineering and impressed by what schools life skill as the world moves Lucy Ho, managing direc- moving to making it man- computer science activities. mathematics) learning, he are doing to ignite students’ towards digital literacy, tor and co-founder of Hack- datory, although Ontario is He also participates in the adds. “Some feel it’s more im- interest in coding and com- whether you are a user or a ergal in Toronto, has worked not one of them yet, she says. school’s Horizons program, portant to know coding than puter science. “Many are now programmer.” with both private and public “They are building skills so where he helps teach coding a second language because looking to the future and how Coding in particular helps school boards to promote they can change the way of and robotics to grades five it is becoming an essential coding in the curriculum will students think logically, and coding activities, noting that industry in the future.”

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Linda White We want Postmedia Content Works to support When Hanna Henderson broke the record for most students medals won by an athlete at “ a single Canada Games with as they 11, her school was among those cheering her on. In strive for turn, the swimmer credits Holy Name of Mary College excellence School (HNMCS) with giving her the support needed to be in their successful both in the water and in the classroom. athletic Hanna’s intense training and competitions proved a and artistic challenge when she attend- passions. ed public school, where she struggled under the weight of uncompromising dead- management and confidence lines. She transferred to that will help them success- HNMCS, where she is thriv- fully transition to university ing in an innovative Elite and beyond. Athlete/Artist Programme. “We want students to be “We want to support stu- able to achieve their personal dents as they strive for ex- best,” says Tesoro. “As a uni- cellence in their athletic and versity preparatory school, artistic passions outside of we know that gives them school, while allowing them more opportunities to meet to achieve strong academic the criteria of prestigious grades and personal bal- programs at revered univer- ance,” says Marilena Tesoro, sities and on scholarships.” Head of School. Thanks to that innovative Under a personalized aca- philosophy, HNMCS attracts demic system, advisors work students who excel in every- with students’ coaches, fami- thing from dance and other lies and teachers to sched- performing arts to hockey, ule tests and assignments basketball, rowing and soc- around training, rehearsals cer. Maddy O’Brien, for ex- and competitions, alleviating ample, was able to play on the pressure of expectations one of Canada’s U14 teams and deadlines. “We’re very at the World Select Invita- adaptable in helping them tional, held in Finland last meet all of the expectations Hanna Henderson (inset) won two gold medals at the Pan Am Pool in Winnipeg in August to break the record for most medals spring. In addition to play- they need to achieve at a high won by an athlete at a single Canada Games with 11 She represents one of HNMCS’s many elite athletes, much like Emily Roman, ing with girls from across level of rigour – project-based HNMCS elite artist (main). SUPPLIED Canada, she experienced and personalized learning is Nordic culture and cuisine. tailored to their individual begin high school at HNMCS. person is the biggest benefit day. For her to contact eight dents should have to choose “It was so great to get to needs to optimize their full “We wanted to make sure I so far, outside the flexibility different teachers would be between academics and play with people from all potential,” Tesoro says. was going to a school that of needing to move a test or challenging. Her teachers are athletic or artistic passions. over the world,” Maddy says. Emily Roman dances 25 to understands how busy I am,” an assignment,” she says. “It very supportive.” Often, those passions give “To be around girls who love 30 hours a week and appre- she says. gets down to minutes when The private Catholic girls’ them direction while helping hockey as much as I do was ciates her weekly meetings Her mom, Lori Ann, Emily’s schedule gets busy school for students in Grades them develop valuable life a highlight of my hockey ca- with her advisor. She chose to agrees. “Having one point and it can also be day by 5 to 12 doesn’t believe its stu- skills, such as stamina, time reer so far.”

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SPONSORED BY ST. MILDRED’S-LIGHTBOURN SCHOOL Innovation, tradition: future of education at SMLS Academic excellence, enrichment opportunities help ensure ‘Millies’ are well equipped to succeed

LINDA WHITE Postmedia Content Works As As Amanda Adam pre- educators, pares to graduate St. Mil- dred’s-Lightbourn School we must (SMLS), she feels nostalgic “equip our about leaving its “close-knit family environment.” But students thanks to experiences that include leading an award- with the winning robotics program and completing a biomedi- tools they cal engineering internship, need to she’s excited and confident about her future. thrive in “My robotics experience helped me discover my pas- this [age of sion for STEM (science, innovation]. technology, engineering and math),” says the Grade 12 student. In addition to the FIRST competition. learning how to code using Through the school’s JavaScript, design robotic Global Studies program, parts using computer-aided each student has the op- design software and build a portunity to explore and robot, Amanda learned how connect with local and to manage a team, write an global communities through award-winning business experiential learning trips, plan and make successful community service, cultural sponsorship pitches. exchanges and international A global studies trip leadership opportunities. to China helped Amanda As part of its Professional discover a unique culture Internship program, every while developing valuable Grade 11 student partici- skills in self-reliance and pates in a month-long work- independence. Other SMLS place experience custom- students have travelled to With her school’s support and encouragement, Amanda Adam achieved gold in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, a program de- ized to her personal career Bhutan (which measures signed to empower, challenge and recognize young people through service, skill and physical recreation. SUPPLIED interests. National Gross Happiness Outdoor education, physi- instead of National Gross cal fi tness, creative expres- Product), India, Singapore able to know myself well equip our students with the ‘Millies’ are well equipped include robotics and STEM. sion and spiritual refl ection and Australia, among other enough to figure out what tools they need to thrive in to succeed in the real world Through the school’s award- underscore the school’s fo- countries. I want to do with my life,” this new era,” says Nancy and global community. winning FIRST (For Inspi- cus on the ‘whole girl.’ With her school’s sup- says Amanda, who plans to Richards, Head of School. Educational initiatives are ration and Recognition of Students also enjoy a wide port and encouragement, complete an undergradu- “Schools need to be vigilant guided by the underlying Science & Technology) Ro- range of experiences in the Amanda achieved gold in ate degree in engineering about the changing educa- values of personalization, botics program, girls from arts, including dramatic and the Duke of Edinburgh’s before pursuing law. tion landscape and the ideas the inquiry approach and Grades 1 to 12 compete in theatre arts, instrumental Award, a program designed SMLS, an independent that are shaping it, while the 21st-century learning STEM challenges. Its senior and vocal music, visual art to empower, challenge and school in Oakville for girls maintaining valued tradi- competencies of resilience, robotics team holds the dis- and communication tech- recognize young people in preschool to Grade 12, tional approaches.” critical thinking, creativ- tinction of being the fi rst nology, which helps de- through service, skill and recognizes the importance The unique combination ity, communication and Canadian all-girls team and velop critical thinking and physical recreation. of helping students navi- of academic excellence and problem solving, Richards only Canadian team to date problem-solving skills, in- “Through these experi- gate the ‘age of innovation.’ academic enrichment op- explains. to win the prestigious Re- novative thinking and self- ences and others, I’ve been “As educators, we must portunities helps ensure Signature SMLS programs gional Chairman’s Award in discovery.

THIS STORY WAS CREATED BY CONTENT WORKS, POSTMEDIA’S COMMERCIAL CONTENT DIVISION, ON BEHALF OF ST. MILDRED’S-LIGHTBOURN SCHOOL.

We believe courageous girls WE DELIVER can challenge and change Academic Excellence the world. REAL WORLD LEARNING Global Citizenship Designed for Girls.

She’s a Millie.ie.

Visit our Winter Open Houses to discover how your daughter will benefit from an SMLS education: Saturday, February 3, 10am - 2pm | Tuesday, February 6, 9am - 11am ST. MILDRED'S-LIGHTBOURN SCHOOL A Premier School for Girls Preschool to Grade 12 1080 Linbrook Road Oakville, ON L6J 2L1 | 905-845-2386 www.smls.on.ca

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