St. George’s Community and PAC Support Global Families

Moving to a new country is an adventure, and it comes with plenty to discover. There’s a new education system to understand and a new city to call home. For international families who choose St. George’s, the school quickly becomes more than a place their children learn. It becomes the community that helps them settle in and find their place.

Settling Into Family Life in Montreal

At St. George’s, supporting families is something the whole community takes part in. Teachers, staff, parents, and guardians all play a role, and one group of families has made it a particular focus. The Parent Activities Committee (PAC) is a team of parent volunteers who work closely with the school to create meaningful ways for every family to connect and contribute. That work matters most for families building a new circle in Montreal.

“Every year, families join us from all over the world. Our role is to make sure no one has to figure things out alone. We want every parent to feel that St. George’s is their community too, not just their child’s school.”

— Joelle Krasny, Chairperson, Parent Activities Committee (PAC)

For international families, that kind of support can change the whole experience. A new school is only one part of the move. Families are also learning a new city’s rhythms and finding their place in a culture that may feel different from home.

How the PAC Supports Families

The PAC’s support takes several practical forms. Its welcome initiatives for new families help them meet other school families early. Through the Parent-to-Parent (P2P) Program, volunteer parents are matched with incoming families before the school year begins, ready to answer questions about school life. No question is too small, whether it’s about the school day or where to find good winter boots.

“P2P volunteers reached out early. We were very lucky to meet four families through the program. Each had amazing insight. We received the expat perspective, the local perspective, and they were so accommodating and made us feel welcome. Most importantly, they helped our children make social connections before starting school, which helped them feel comfortable and connected.”

— Raghdah Alnamrooti, International Parent

The PAC’s calendar is full, with Halloween activities, the annual Bake Sale, Field Day and Carnival, and faculty appreciation initiatives. These events are about more than a good time. For international families, they’re where support networks take shape and where parents and guardians come to feel part of the school community.

A Guide From Families Who’ve Been There

St. George’s families have put together a guide especially for new international families. Those who created it went through the same transition themselves, and they wanted to make it a little easier for those who follow. It’s designed to be returned to throughout the year, with advice on healthcare in Québec, winter clothing, summer camps, and seasonal traditions.

The guide also points families to practical tools that make everyday life easier, such as Québec’s 811 nurse line and the Westmount Public Library, which every St. George’s student can use. And in a city where French and English are both part of daily life, families settle in comfortably in whichever language they know best.

Access the family guide >

A Community That Grows With You

For many international families, the biggest surprise is how connected the St. George’s community feels. Parents and guardians share recommendations, organize playdates, volunteer at events and look out for one another. Over time, the friendships families build through the school often become one of the most meaningful parts of their life in Montreal.

“When I speak with families considering a move to Montreal, their questions are rarely just about school. They want to know whether they’ll find where they truly belong. I’m always glad to share that our community extends well beyond the classroom. Families support each other in ways that make a new city feel familiar much sooner than they expect.”

— Nathalie Hitimana Guerma, International Enrolment Coordinator

As children move through the grades, the community grows alongside them. Many international families arrive with a lot still to discover. Before long, they’re the ones offering advice and support to the families who come after them.

Thinking About St. George’s?
If your family is considering a move to Montreal, we’d love to help you picture life at St. George’s. Nathalie works with international families throughout the admissions process and is happy to answer your questions.

Nathalie Hitimana Guerma, International Enrolment Coordinator
514-937-9289 x 235

Learn more about admissions >