September in Review

September sets the tone for everything that follows, and this year, that tone was connection. Our families filled classrooms for Curriculum Nights on both campuses, and prospective families got their first look at St. George’s during our High School Open House. Along the way, students learned from one another, and our Elementary School hosted future educators from McGill. We closed the month by coming together to honour the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

Curriculum Night: A Year of Belonging

At the Elementary School, families met their children’s teachers, who walked them through the year’s learning. At the High School, Head of School Michael O’Connor opened the evening by calling the work of school and home a 50-50 partnership and thanking parents for their part in it. In his 20 years at St. George’s, he said, this start to the year has felt exceptional.

“Because how we show up, and how we treat one another, is central to how learning happens.”

— Michael O’Connor, Head of School

Director of High School Teaching and Learning, Dani Jansen shared this year’s school-wide focus: belonging. Students who feel they belong feel safe enough to take chances, and that is where growth begins. Borrowing an image from this summer’s World Cup, she invited every family to join our crew.

Families then met their children’s advisors and visited teachers in every subject for a closer look at the year ahead. Grade 10 families also heard from Melissa Dair, High School Learning Enrichment Coordinator, about a year that brings credits and ministry exams for the first time. Students need 54 credits across Grades 10 and 11 to graduate, and St. George’s students typically finish well above that. Her reminder to families: there is almost always more than one path to where a student wants to go.

High School Open House: Our Students Lead the Way

The bike race may have slowed traffic across the island, but nothing slowed down our High School Open House. Visitors left with a clear sense of who we are: a warm, engaged community that balances strong academics with student wellbeing.

Many families praised our student tour guides. They were especially struck by our Grade 7 guides, who had joined St. George’s only three weeks earlier and led tours with confidence. Thank you to the large number of student ambassadors who gave their time, and to every parent ambassador, and faculty and staff member who made both days possible.

“This year was the first time that I toured the High School campus as a parent. It was a really enriching experience as a dad and a professional. Our student ambassadors were friendly, knowledgeable, and engaging.”

— Employee and St. George’s Parent

Kindergarten and Grade 3: Partners in Nature

Every year, our Kindergarten and Grade 3 classes pair up for a monthly activity. For Grade 3 students, it’s a chance to lead. For Kindergartners, it’s a first real connection to the wider school and a helpful step toward Grade 1.

This month’s first partner activity was a Sit Spot. Grade 3 students chose a place to sit with their Kindergarten partners. Together, each pair kept a shared journal about what they saw, felt, heard, and smelled around them. A fall-themed activity is planned for October, with a Remembrance Day activity in November.

Helping Shape McGill’s Future Teachers

This fall, St. George’s Elementary School is one of three host schools in a new pilot project with McGill University’s Faculty of Education. Thirteen third-year B.Ed. students, led by Professor Lynn Butler-Kisber, are taking their professional seminar inside schools.

On September 28, the group made its first visit. Head Michael O’Connor spoke about the school’s history and our two pillars, learning and environment. Director of Teaching and Learning, Elementary School, Laura Officer shared how learning by doing shapes the experience of students and faculty alike. Elementary School Principal Aidan de Jean then led a reflective discussion and tour.

The McGill students return on November 2 to observe in our classrooms. On November 23, one of our teachers will present a unit to the group.

First Flag Football Game, First Win

A big shout-out to our Juvenile Boys Flag Football team, who opened the season with a 13–8 win over Kells Academy. What a way to start. We can’t wait to cheer on all of our Dragons teams this season.

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

On September 30, guests and students shared their testimonials, songs and dances, along with the stories behind them. We are deeply grateful.

Corleigh Iorihwiioston Beauvais ’04, a St. George’s alum and mother of two current students, spoke about the impact of residential schools and the resilience of Indigenous peoples. She also helped our youngest listeners understand what reconciliation asks of each of us.

“This is an important day. It’s a day to learn. It’s a day to remember. And you may have heard the word reconciliation before. It’s a big word, but the idea behind it is something we can all understand. Reconciliation means acknowledging the harm that happened in the past, listening to one another, learning from our mistakes and working together to build better relationships for the future.”

— Corleigh Iorihwiioston Beauvais, St. George’s Alumna and Parent

Niá:wen to: Corleigh Iorihwiioston Beauvais, Owen Skahionwiio Mayo and dancers Laila Ken’niwakera:sa M., Isabella Karonhia:’a C., Nash Thonien’karenien M., and Kwena Mayo, Grade 6 student Shawn Q.I. and his father, Shawn Iserhoff, and Singers Isabella Karonhia:’a C., Kwena Mayo, Megan Kanerahtenháwi Whyte, and Kahnawiiostha W.

Every day, we keep learning.