Grad Pathways - The Aberdeen Hall Alumni Publication

GRAD PATHWAYS

ABERDEEN HALL From Aberdeen Hall to wherever life takes you, you will always be a part of the family.

Issue 001 / June 2020

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Portrait of an Aberdeen Hall Graduate

In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity 16

Alumni share their stories and messages of support during these unprecedented times.

In this issue 03

Portrait of an Aberdeen Hall Graduate

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Aberdeen Hall Alumni share updates from their post-secondary journeys so far

By Chris Grieve, Head of School

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There’s No Place Like Home

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A Message for our Community

22 Preschool 2023 is now FULL!

Farewell, but Not Goodbye

By Christina Ullyot, Director of Admissions

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COVID Life Alumni Stories Messages of support during these unprecedented times

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Alumni Updates

Looking Ahead Checking in with our 2020 Grads

The Aberdeen Hall Baby Boom

24 Five Tips to Land the Internship of your Dreams

By Dave Ward, CEO of Meticulosity

GRAD PATHWAYS Magazine // June 2020

Portrait of an Aberdeen Hall Graduate A few years ago our Principals and Curriculum Leaders assembled to carry out a long-term strategic planning exercise. We reviewed our school’s vision, mission, programming and unique features.

We discussed our strengths, weaknesses and current trends in education.

We also listed the attributes of an ideal Aberdeen Hall student after the completion of Grades 2, 7 and 12. We considered strategies on how we can provide our students with the required knowledge, skills, and attitudes to have success and become contributing citizens to their respective communities.

An interesting discussion occurred about the tremendous impact the internet and social media has had on our definition of terms such as knowledge and skills. Has the proliferation of information diminished the importance of knowledge? What new skill sets

The challenge today is to leverage the current techniques and technology.

Our new provincial curriculum is a good starting point and has excellent potential.

are required to handle the changing landscape?

at any age. I certainly get anxious at times!

What soft skills are required to flourish in the modern workplace? How can we best outfit our grads with the right balance of tenacity, grit, resilience, compassion and adaptability? Our world is changing at an accelerated rate, and that can be intimidating and challenging

As we look back on the process, one thing was abundantly clear.

In order to achieve optimal growth within each and every student, that child needs to feel connected, safe and secure. This includes being part of a special educational community where there are powerful partnerships and synergies. These are evolutionary factors that have developed over tens of thousands of years and aren’t about to change anytime soon. The challenge today is to leverage the current techniques and technology. Our new provincial curriculum is a good starting point and has excellent potential.

In June we will celebrate our seventh Graduating Class, with most of those students being born in 2002. A number of those grads have now completed university and have begun their careers.

How can we best outfit our grads with the right balance of tenacity, grit, resilience, compassion and adaptability?

It is very satisfying watching these past students developing into fine young adults. We very much enjoy when they remain connected and visit. Due to the current Covid 19 environment , we will be celebrating this year’s cohort a little differently and we’re dedicated to making it very special.

With warmest regards, Chris Grieve Head of School

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There’s No Place Like Home A Message for our Community

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We are in remarkable times, times that our generation, and perhaps even the generation before, has never seen.

GRAD PATHWAYS Magazine // June 2020

linings in some of the things that are happening right now.

From innovation in medicine, education, and remote-work to the global solidarity we’ve all experienced moving through the uncertainty, the potential to come out of this collectively stronger is uplifting.

During this unprecedented time, we first and foremost want our community to know that we are here to support you in whatever way we can.

Here at home, many members of our Aberdeen Hall family were quick to reach out and provide whatever help they could during this time, whether it was helping the school itself, or extending assistance to other families. In this time of crisis, it moves me to see the support we are all prepared to offer each other and makes me so very proud to be part of this school.

We will be sharing information on what services are being offered soon and, in the meantime, if you think you have something you or your family can offer, please contact me. We are going to get through this together, and my confidence in that has been reinforced by the words and deeds already displayed by Aberdeen Hall families.

If you have any questions, please contact me at sean.ayers@aberdeenhall.com

For some of you, you’ve just started your postAberdeen Hall life, for others, you are in the early stages of starting your career. Whether your university graduation was cancelled, or you’ve had to transition to working from home, the onslaught of Covid-19 was a curveball that none of us had anticipated. During this time, maintaining positive connections with your community is essential. Keep up to date with Aberdeen Hall through our emails and social media or email a favourite teacher (they’d love to hear from you!). As an Aberdeen Hall alumni you are an important part of our family, don’t hesitate to connect with us and let us know if we can help.

We recognize that some members of our AHPS family are going to feel the sting of this pandemic for some time, and being mindful of that, we are postponing our planned Athletics and Wellness Centre and the Capital Campaign supporting it. Thank you to everyone who

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contributed to our fundraising efforts. We are looking forward to picking up where we left off sometime in the near future, but during this time we are shifting our focus to ensuring that our community comes through this even stronger than ever before.

Like many of you in university have experienced, our students have moved to an online classroom.

Our teachers are remarkable and, as they do with every new opportunity, have found ways to utilize the available resources and technology to produce some truly exceptional experiences for our students.

Although there are many challenges, there are also sliver

SEAN AYERS Director of Development

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Farewell, but Not Goodbye

By Christina Ullyot, Director of Admissions

Our newest alumna, Mrs. Susanne Raye, a founding member of our community 6

GRAD PATHWAYS Magazine // June 2020

It is very difficult to accurately describe the incredible impact of Mrs. Raye on Aberdeen Hall. Director of Development, Dean of Admissions and most recently, Principal of the Junior School, are just some of the prominent hats she wore while contributing to the amazing school and community that is Aberdeen Hall over the past fourteen years.

Mrs. Raye’s experience in the UK was vast before arriving in Kelowna, BC. She received a Bachelor of Arts Honours, major in Anthropology and a minor in Tribal Art, from the University of East Anglia, UK. Following eight years in human resources and international banking, Mrs. Raye entered the field of education and earned a post-graduate certificate in Secondary Education specializing in Humanities, a diploma in Teaching Support for Special Educational Needs, and a diploma in Early Childhood Education. She worked at Blenheim High School in Epsom, Surrey in the UK for four years before immigrating with her three children (Abi, George and Lizzy) and her husband (David) to embark on an adventurous relocation to Canada.

Legend has it that Mrs. Raye herself convinced the newly appointed Head of School, Chris Grieve, to hire her during his first summer at the school in 2006. Susanne advocated for a position in development to further advance a small schoolhouse of only 70 students in it’s grassroots phase on Acland Road. Together with a team of incredibly dedicated administration, parents and stakeholders, and a generous gift of 19 acres of mountainside property, the vision of Aberdeen Hall became a reality!

Over the next decade, Susanne proved to be a very important ‘building’ member of the school’s administration and has seen Aberdeen Hall’s enrollment grow from 70 to over 700 students. The Aberdeen Hall milestones have been Susanne’s milestones too. From the first building being completed on Academy Way to the first graduating class of Aberdeen Hall, Susanne Raye has been a part of our story.

How lucky (we) are to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard. ~ Winnie the Pooh

Described by Mr Grieve as “steadfast, loyal, committed and an excellent leader,” Susanne Raye will be greatly missed next year. We know that the legacy of firsts she helped pave at Aberdeen Hall has created a stable foundation for 21st century learning that will continue to live on in the Junior School long after her departure. We look forward to wrapping up the 2019-2020 academic year by celebrating the numerous contributions of Mrs. Raye.

It is apparent to everyone that had the pleasure of meeting Susanne Raye on campus that she has a heart of gold.

We reached out to a few Aberdeen Hall community members to share a favourite memory of Mrs. Raye.

My favourite memory with Mrs. Raye is reading Diary of a Wimpy Kid and The Littles with her. She is nice and kind to me.

MALCOLM KUZAK Grade 3

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Ashley Bryden Middle School Principal, on Sabbatical Mrs. Raye. It’s predictable to say, but it’s true; I have so many fond memories to look back on from my time working with her. To be honest, however, my favourite memory is one from the very first time I met her (apart from my hiring interview)!

It was July of 2009, and I was excitedly awaiting the start to the school year...and the start of my new job as a Grade 7 Homeroom and Senior Math Teacher at Aberdeen Hall. Mr. Grieve had put the call out to the Aberdeen Hall community to help build the new playground structure on the lower bench, and I was heading up to the school to pitch in.

It is apparent to everyone that had the pleasure of meeting Susanne Raye on campus that she has a heart of gold.

Upon arrival, as I would soon learn to be very typical, I saw a wonderfully large group of enthusiastic parents, teachers and administrators who had also answered the call and were ready to dedicate their time and expertise to bring the project to life.

Being completely new to the community and wanting to make a good impression, of course, I was admittedly quite nervous to jump in and join the team. Cue Mrs. Raye to the rescue!

Mrs. Raye’s spidey sense for empathetic need must have been tingling, because immediately, in a way that only she can, she sidled up alongside me on the build and started chatting and cracking jokes with her spot-on dry humour.

Before I even realised it, she had introduced me to half of the team and was inviting me to her farm to see the animals and meet her family.

And that’s just so very “Mrs. Raye”. As naturally and seamlessly as could be, she brought me in and made me feel like a valued member of the group; something that I would see her do for countless others, children and adults alike, over the course of my time working with her.

There is no shortage of fond memories that I have of her and admirable qualities that Mrs. Raye possesses, but to me, this memory from the first time I met her, when she shone her light of humour, kindness and compassion on me, is one that stands above the rest.

Lisa White Director Finance & Human Resources I was asked to share my favourite memory of Mrs. Raye.

Oh but where to start? I have so many favourite memories of Mrs. Raye!

Her constant kind-hearted smile, the years and years of her friendly face in the Junior School turning circle when I dropped my children off for school. She always had something nice to say, no matter how cold and blustery it might have been.

I have noticed that Susanne has a different word for a few words than I do (I like them quite a lot!) A parking lot is a car park, a bathing suit is a swim costume, potato chips are crisps – to name just a few.

On a personal note, she freed me from my wardrobe rut!

When I first started working at the school I would wear the same styles and colours day after day and I was nervous to try anything new. So, out we went one Saturday afternoon for shopping (and tea of course). I bought an animal print top that day! Then I actually wore it several times!!! From there the spell was broken and red, stripes, and florals started finding their way into my closet.

It is amazing what a little encouragement from a good friend can do to set you free from your own fears. And what a very good friend Susanne is, always there, always ready to make time to listen non-judgmentally and always willing to lend a hand. Thank you Susanne for your wonderful friendship all these years. I so look forward to continuing to see you as you embark on the next chapter of your life.

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GRAD PATHWAYS Magazine // June 2020

What’s Next for Mrs. Raye?

Mrs. Raye is a true life-long learner and plans to continue to give back to the community of Kelowna next year.

Two passion projects that she is particularly excited about include Project Literary and working with at-youth risk reintegrating into the workplace. Susanne looks forward to spending more quality time with her family on her orchard in South East Kelowna. Horse riding, skiing, tennis, dog walking and travel are also high on her bucket list.

“As naturally and seamlessly as could be, she brought me in and made me feel like a valued member of the group; something that I would see her do for countless others.”

ASHLEY BRYDEN MIDDLE SCHOOL PRINCIPAL ON SABBATICAL

Susanne and her husband David at the “Holzhey Hall” and “Hanlon Senior School” naming celebration on February 15, 2020.

Thank you Mrs. Raye .

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COVID LIFE Alumni Stories From exploring their creative passions, to providing resources and advice to others, these are the stories and messages our alumni wish to share about their Covid experience.

Natalia Carranza AHPS Alumna ‘14 My name is Natalia Carranza and I was the first international student from Latin America to attend Aberdeen Hall, as well as the first international student to graduate from Aberdeen Hall in 2014. I am in the last year of my Biology and Biomedical Ethics degree at the University of Victoria and wanted to share my story.

I work in the healthcare field as a pharmacy assistant. Sadly, I was exposed to COVID-19 at work when one of the pharmacists tested positive for the disease. I then had to self-quarantine, while attempting to finish my classes. It was very difficult because as an international student, I could not apply to most of the government aid programs.

But in the midst of difficulty, I also noticed what strong connections I

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have found in Canada and at Aberdeen Hall since my arrival. I am still extremely close with my former Aberdeen Hall host family and they have honestly become my Canadian family. They have even developed a relationship with my mom in Colombia. She is currently in isolation as she is immunocompromised and they check in with her regularly. My landlords, my boyfriend, and his family also are my biggest pillars in this very complicated time.

What I hope to share with other students is to be grateful for every day and everything you have. I sadly won’t be able to see my family for probably a year due to the current global circumstances.

My country, Colombia, is on lockdown and I can’t see my mom who I miss greatly.

My brother lives abroad in Spain so it is a very complicated time for our family.

Luckily, technology, faith and hope will keep us together in the coming months.

It was challenging to be isolated and I definitely missed my regular structure and routine. My rekindled love for simple activities such as board games, reading, journaling and planning helped get me through. A piece of advice I would give to other students and my past self is to prepare an emergency fund! The two weeks I had to miss work because of self-quarantine, took a toll on my life, and although thankfully everything turned out okay, a small financial safety net would have gone a long way. A backup plan is just as important as having a positive outlook and being grateful.

Nicholas Reitsma AHPS Alumnus ‘16 This whole situation has been pretty crazy for me. There is a lot of uncertainty regarding our UBCO Men’s Soccer season next year so I really hope things begin to turn around and I still get to play. In the first few weeks of Covid-19, I was definitely in a slump. I couldn’t really find any motivation or desire to finish my assignments proactively and was definitely victim to procrastination. That being said, before too long I began to hit my stride not only with school but also with finding things to do in my free time and staying active.

As a goalkeeper, I am not a very good runner and prefer to stay in the gym somehow attached to a barbell but quarantine gave me the opportunity to look at things I wanted to improve. It isn’t much but I did my first 10k and I really loved it. Taking advantage of the outdoors has been a really great way of resetting my mind if I start to get distracted.

I’ve learned the importance of a good routine. Having a purposeful start to the day and a plan for what I want to accomplish took some time to develop but I’m really pleased with how things turned out. Also, I have gotten back into reading instead of mindlessly watching YouTube, Netflix or playing video games so that those things have almost been completely replaced.

I’m pretty sure that it will be awhile before the world is back to “normal” but that just gives me more time to work on some skills that I previously thought I didn’t have time for when really I didn’t prioritize them.

GRAD PATHWAYS Magazine // June 2020

Excerpt from play

Scene 19 EXT. Outside.

Sage: [carrying two full grocery bags in one hand, headphones on] Elderly 1: [struggle with a large sack of flour, repeatedly setting it down as she continues her walk] Sage: [pauses] Hi there, sorry. I know we’re not supposed to touch each other but do need some help carrying that home?

Elderly 1: Oh dear, that would be nice. [Sage takes the sack and they walk]

Katie Van Kampen AHPS Alumna ‘17

Sage: No worries, times like this I want to be able to help as much as possible.

Elderly 1: I don’t think people think about the elderly that much now. We seem so disposable in the media.

Sage: I know. This disease is going to affect more than just elderly people and even then, you deserve to be taken care of too. [They exit and re-enter from the other side]

I created two song covers during the pandemic and I wrote a play entitled ‘5+1 Stages of a Pandemic’.

I’ve also secured an interview with McMaster University to attend the Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine .

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Sage: You should probably wipe this down, just in case.

Elderly 1: Oh you’re right, thank you again. Just leave it on the curb.

Sage: You sure?

Elderly: Yes, you’ve done enough. Thank you so much, stay safe.

Sage exits.

Elderly: [Leaving offstage] Darling, the most wonderful thing happened today, this young lady… [her voice trails off as she exits]

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This will be remembered as a historical tragedy, but also as a test of leadership and human selflessness.

Cate Hanlon AHPS Alumna ‘17 I’m still in St Andrews, where I finished the school year remotely.

All of my exams were replaced with essays - and I had over 12,000 words due within the course of 3 weeks which certainly kept me busy.

With the cancellation of the Edinburgh Fringe and relatively extreme lockdown over here (only grocery stores and pharmacies are open) my summer plans are really up in the air, but then, so are everyones’. Most of my university friends had internships lined up in London or New York, all of which have been cancelled or reduced to limited online work.

With all of my extracurricular work (theatre, mostly) grinding to a halt, I find I have the time to get excited about my academics.

When I’m not reading or writing furiously, we’ve been going for lots of long walks down by the sea, spending more time cooking,

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playing lots of cards, and have planted a little garden of peas and carrots out on the balcony. It’s a really beautiful time of year in this uncharacteristically sunny corner of the UK, and I find that, amidst all of the fear and uncertainty, I’m really…happy.

We are living through extraordinary times. This will be remembered as a historical tragedy, but also as a test of leadership and human selflessness. We are in the middle of a terrible thought experiment how to maximize survival, which lives are worth saving and at what cost. I catch myself, in frustration over a cancelled event I was looking forward to or my ruined summer plans, losing sight of my extraordinary privilege - being young, healthy, in a country with fantastic medical care and a guaranteed roof over my head.

get caught up in our own little tragedies (valid though they may be). This is a time when hope is paramount. This is a time, cliché though it may sound, for slowing down and appreciating the fact that we have nowhere to go, no plans to make. Joy can be found in an old favourite book, or a long, light spring evening, or a single pea shoot poking through fresh earth.

This is a time when we cannot

GRAD PATHWAYS Magazine // June 2020

Lukas Haberman AHPS Alumnus ‘19 In mid-March, I was forced to move out of my dorm in Edmonton. So I packed up my truck and drove back to Kelowna. I am doing well, my family and I all have our health and each other so I can’t really complain. I would gladly share my experience.

Haylee Hastings AHPS Alumna ‘15 To all reading this, hello! I hope you are staying safe and healthy during this time. My name is Haylee, I was a member of the 2015 Aberdeen Hall graduating class, and last year I graduated with a degree in Computer Engineering from Queen’s University. Since then, I have been working in big data and recently got a job with Postmedia in Toronto. I had planned on moving there at the beginning of May, but of course due to COVID-19, that plan changed. I have started my new job remotely and will move east when it is safe.

Although I postponed my move, I am grateful to be in the position I am, safe, healthy, and surrounded by my family.

As I think about what life will be like after this, it’s surreal, and honestly, I am unsure of what to expect when that time comes.

While trying to remain positive, it’s undoubtedly a stressful time.

I wanted to share one way that I have been managing my stress, in hopes that it might be able to help others.

I have been using SilverCloud – a mental and behavioural health platform. Shoppers Drug Mart has partnered with them to provide an online stress management

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program during this time, the link is on the Shoppers’ website, and it’s free through June 15. The program is eight modules and is a blend of cognitive-behavioral therapy, positive psychology, and mindfulness. The process is straightforward and interactive, allowing the user to engage in the discussion. The modules cover a variety of topics such as: educating about what stress is, what causes it, how to manage it, how it affects day to day life, lifestyle choices that can change it, and coping concepts that are useful now and in the future. For me, this has been something that I can sit down and go through as a check-in for my mental health whenever I’m feeling stressed.

It has helped me work on being mindful of what I’m feeling and how to help myself cope.

Here’s what I would tell my future children about my experience during this time: My experience during the COVID-19 Pandemic was certainly not as eventful as other times in my life. However, it was an interesting time. All my classes moved online which made me realize how much I actually liked in-class learning and that I won’t be taking it for granted when things go back to normal.

Another thing this situation has taught me is not to take time with people you would normally see all the time for granted, especially my friends. I have also learned that my house has 112 corners if you count all the door edges (yes I have had that much time, and yes I am bored). Besides doing finals online, spending almost all my time indoors, this experience has been manageable.

I wanted to share my experience because I believe we should be not only mindful of physical health but also mental health. Even if you don’t find yourself struggling, others around you might be, so reach out to a friend, call your grandparents, check-in with someone new every day. And remember that people can come together, even while being apart.

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Charting the Course Aberdeen Hall Alumni share their post-secondary journeys

Jennifer Werner AHPS Alumna ‘19 In all honesty, I did not expect myself to end up where I am. I applied to the University of Alberta as a back-up and was never actually planning to attend.

By the end of Grade 12, I had been accepted into all my top choices, but the University of Alberta was still in the back of my mind. I have to say, I’m so glad I accepted.

There were some difficult times during my first semester. I’m enrolled in the Honours Sciences program, which is intensive and right off the bat I had 3 lab classes to juggle. I struggled finding balance within my routines and I had to determine how best to excel in this new academic environment. That said, this has been one of the best years of my life, full of endless opportunities, irreplaceable experiences and immense growth.

I’ve developed a strong support system and have formed some incredible relationships. I live in Lister Residence which has been an absolute blast. It’s full of incredible and kind people, we have made some of the best memories together and experienced some hilarious firsts. I also joined a sorority, Kappa Alpha Theta. I wanted to join Theta to help keep my academics in check, to gain exposure to various volunteer opportunities, and to hone my leadership skills.

What I discovered is that a sorority is a family that helps you develop into the best version of yourself, they push you in ways that make you grow as a person.

During the school year I’m also working as the campus representative at the University of Alberta for The Princeton Review, a service that offers tutoring, test-prep, and admissions products and services to help students achieve their academic goals. As a campus representative, it is my role to advertise, organize and host campus events that are geared toward helping students prepare for (and ace) upcoming tests.

“I’ve set my sights on making Team Canada once again.”

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In the summer I will be working for Student Works, a student painting company.

There are two ways for students to participate in Student Works. They can choose to paint for a summer or actually run a Student Works business that employs other students. I’ll be running a Student Works painting business and I’m really looking forward to this unique opportunity.

To balance it all out, I’ve joined the Lister Dodgeball League and have continued my Karate training. Lister Dodgeball is surprisingly competitive and completely different from the dodgeball I remember from Gym class! With karate, I’m on the path to making both the junior and senior divisions of Team Alberta and I’ve set my sights on making Team Canada once again for both the senior and junior teams. My goal is to medal higher than the last time I attended nationals, and become national champion.

GRAD PATHWAYS Magazine // June 2020

Rita Lam AHPS Alumna ‘16 My name is Rita Lam and I was in the Class of 2016 and one of the first international students to graduate from Aberdeen Hall. I am currently completing my final year of university at UBCO and excited to graduate with a BSc this year. My major is in Microbiology, which is the study of the causes of disease in humans, plants and animals - but also the basis for the production of wine, beer and cheese which I find fascinating!

I’ve had the opportunity to work as a Research Assistant in an Environmental Engineering Bio Solutions Lab at UBCO for the past three years.

Our research projects include using microbial fuel cell to generate electricity from winery wastewater and using bacteria to treat metal contaminated mine wastewater. The realization of how powerful and important technology is to our life is one of the main reasons I chose to study in the field of Science.

I have a passionate interest in the wine industry and was fortunate to gain work experience in a local winery last summer. I have completed Level 1 and Level 2 of the WSET (Wine & Spirit Education Trust) to increase my knowledge of viticulture. I had planned to travel to Europe after graduation to indulge in wine tours and although the trip was canceled because of the pandemic, I am enjoying sampling local and international wines on my balcony with the beautiful Okanagan view.

I have been accepted into the Master of Applied Science (MASc) in the Mechanical Engineering program at UBCO. For the next

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three years, I will be working closely with researchers and leaders in the industry to develop cutting edge technology. I am excited about this new journey and looking forward to being a part of bringing about change in the world.

The realization of how powerful and important technology is to our life is one of the main reasons I chose to study in the field of Science.

Another passion is music and after an unforgettable experience performing with the Okanagan Youth Symphony, I am continuing my studies to complete Grade 10 in violin.

I have enjoyed helping plan and organize a volunteer-run water station at the annual BMO Marathon. It began as a volunteer initiative for AH international students and I’ve continued 5 years later; it feels good to give back to the community that has welcomed me. Thank you Kelowna!

“

I had so many amazing experiences while attending Aberdeen Hall, all of which shaped the journey I am now on and I am grateful.”

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Sylvia Lam AHPS Alumna ‘16

Upon graduating from Aberdeen Hall I was honored to receive a Major 4 year UBC Scholarship. I have completed 3 years toward a degree in Mechanical Engineering at UBCO and am currently on a one year co-op work term with Agility Fuel Solutions in Kelowna.

My work is focused on design engineering using 3-D models to create prototypes from which to build energy efficient automobiles.

I work with engineering modelling software to apply theories into realworld designs and am involved in the design and production of electrical circuits. I’ve been actively involved in campus events and was the Faculty of Engineering representative on the Student Leadership Committee; organizing graduation events and presenting Leadership workshops across campus.

In the future, I want to pursue work on zero emission electrical vehicles and be actively involved in promoting increased awareness for environmentally responsible transportation applications. I plan to work and gain practical experience before embarking on a research-based Master’s degree in Engineering.

Sylvia Lam on her first day of work at her co-op placement.

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I plan to work and gain practical experience before embarking on a research-based Master’s degree in Engineering.

I was a member of the Okanagan Symphony Youth Orchestra during Gr. 11 and Gr. 12 and continue to play the violin for pleasure. I’ve also enjoyed organizing and participating as a volunteer at the BMO Marathon for the past 5 years.

I am grateful for the opportunity to have attended Aberdeen Hall as an international student; the academic, music, athletic, volunteer and host family opportunities all contributed to my cultural awareness and appreciation of the warm Canadian welcome I received. Thank you.

GRAD PATHWAYS Magazine // June 2020

During my tenure at Aberdeen Hall I participated in a variety of sports, and my time spent on teams and building friendships with my teammates had a lasting impact on my life.

Toby Harper AHPS Alumnus ‘17 After taking a year off after my 2017 graduation, I am currently in my second year at UBCO in the Business Management program. My first year was awesome, meeting new people and making new friends was the highlight, and learning how to adapt to the university standards and course load was my biggest challenge. During my second year I am enjoying more interesting classes, which has resulted in improved grades and overall performance. I’ve also improved my time management skills, and now balance my social life and school life much more effectively.

The past empowers the present, and the sweeping footprints leading to this present, mark the pathways to the future.

Mary Catherine Bateson

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Toby Harper (far right) with members of the 2018-2019 Senior Basketball Team at last year’s Athletic Awards

This year I also returned to Aberdeen Hall as an assistant coach on the Senior Boys Basketball Team.

There were two reasons I wanted to return to Aberdeen Hall as a coach; the first was to give back to the school and the athletics programs.

During my tenure at Aberdeen Hall I participated in a variety of sports, and my time spent on teams and building friendships with my teammates had a lasting impact on my life. The second reason I wanted to come back and coach basketball was that as a player, I didn’t have the chance to achieve the same ‘big wins’ as I did on the Aberdeen Hall soccer and rugby teams. So having the opportunity to come back and coach, thanks to Coach Hooper, has given me the ability to continue to pursue my goal to achieve collective success with a basketball team at Aberdeen Hall, but as a coach not player.

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Looking ahead to next year Grad 2020 In “normal times” - which will undoubtedly be referred to as “precovid” in years to come - Grade 12 can be a stressful year and the Covid-19 pandemic, simply speaking, complicates things.

Despite the uncertainty, our Grade 12 students are navigating this unprecedented time just as we would expect, with resilience and maturity.

We want to take this space to celebrate some of our grads and their future plans! We are so proud of your success and can’t wait to celebrate with you all in person.

Emma Bulawka UBC Okanagan Next year, I will be attending the University of British Columbia right here in my beautiful hometown of Kelowna. I will be studying Biological Sciences. I am beyond excited to begin post-secondary school. These last couple of months, I have been spending a lot of time with my family. I have kept myself busy going mountain biking with my brothers and sister, going on morning jogs with my mom, taking our dog, Roxy, for long walks, participating in living room yoga classes, making silly TikToks, cooking new plantbased dishes, and taking part in family Scrabble nights. Instead of worrying about what is out of our control in the world currently, make the choice to embrace this time as a blessing in disguise.

Stay in the present and cherish these precious moments you have been gifted.

Stay present and cherish these precious moments you have been gifted.

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GRAD PATHWAYS Magazine // June 2020

Kristian Isa UBC Okanagan It’s unfortunate about my grad year but as it’s out of my control, I’ve been doing my best to stay positive. As for next year, my plans have changed slightly. Originally I was debating between UBCO and UBC Vancouver. However, due to Covid-19 and the chance that there will be a second wave of the virus in the fall my parents

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and I think that it’s best for me to stay home and go to UBCO, where I will do an Applied Science degree, followed by a biomedical engineering specialization. Staying in Kelowna will also allow me to play for the UBCO golf team - I’ve already met the team and am very close with the coach.

I will do an Applied Science degree, followed by a biomedical engineering specialization.

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Kaley Krivoshein University of Victoria

I am going into Social Sciences at at the University of Victoria, then transferring into Nursing for my second year. I will also be playing on the women’s soccer team.

This is a huge accomplishment for me as I have overcome a major knee surgery last year, and have managed to get back on the soccer pitch ready for the upcoming season.

Jonathan Etheridge University of Calgary Next year I will be attending University of Calgary, and will be doing my first year of a Bachelor of Commerce degree at the U of C Haskayne School of Business.

Ben Zhang

Ken Anderson

UBC Okanagan for Applied Sciences

UBC Okanagan Computer Science

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GRAD PATHWAYS Magazine // June 2020

Chantel Bennett

Annika Bester

Piper Kinnear

Brandon University Bachelor of Music - Voice

University of Toronto - Life Sciences

Vancouver Film School

“You’re off to Great Places!

Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting. So... get on your way!”

- Dr. Suess

Josh Merrifield LaSalle College - Bachelor of Science in Game Programming

Braeden Ozechowski

Photos by Mr. Acree

Ava Peacock UBC Vancouver Applied Sciences

UBC Okanagan Applied Sciences

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Preschool 2023 is now FULL! The Aberdeen Hall Baby Boom

Before Group shot of the AH staff moms-to-be taken in December 2019 (L to R): Mrs. Neathway, Mrs. Robinson, Mrs. Niles, Mrs. Williams and Mrs. Twigg.

We’re only joking about the Preschool Program being full but in all seriousness check out these adorable additions to the Aberdeen Hall staff family this year!

Congratulations to Mrs. Neathway, Mrs. Robinson, Mrs. Niles, Mrs. Williams, Mr. & Mrs. Twigg, Mr. Signoroni and Mrs. Walker who all welcomed babies in the 2019-2020 school year!

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The Future Alumni...

GRAD PATHWAYS Magazine // June 2020

After

Jude Miller Mervin

Van Stacey Williams

Elyse Katherine Louise Neathway

Born: October 5th, 2019; 10:51am Weight : 8lbs 12oz Length: 21.85 inches

Born: February 5, 2020; 4:06pm Weight : 8lbs 9oz Length: 22 inches

Born: April 2, 2020; 1:05am Weight: 6lbs 15oz

Atlas Rhodes Twigg

Camilla Alejandra

Leandro Julian

Born: December 31, 2019 (on Mrs. Twigg’s birthday!)

Weight: 8lbs

Born: March 12, 2020, 12:06am Weight: 7lbs 6oz

Born: March 7, 2020; 3:09 am.

Weight: 7lbs 14oz Length: 21 inches

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Signoroni Acevedo

BerdĂłn

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Five Tips to Land the Internship of your Dreams.

One of the biggest things that employers will look at when you’re applying for entry-level positions is how much experience you have in the workplace.

By Dave Ward, CEO of Meticulosity, Aberdeen Hall Parent to Brandon (K) and Emmett (Pre-K) You’ve probably already heard (at least a hundred times) that participation in internships will help you stand out when applying for university, but it will also help you stand out once you graduate and begin the next phase of your life - your career!

be the most fun. When your first real prospective employer is scanning your resume in a few years, it’s the recognized names that will impress them.

One of the biggest things that employers will look at when you’re applying for entry-level positions is how much experience you have in the workplace. We’ll understand if you don’t have direct experience in the role we hire you for, but knowing you’re familiar with the day-to-day of professional environments will put us at ease.

Here’s some tips to help you rise above other applicants and land the internship of your dreams this summer:

Meticulosity CEO, Dave Ward

When choosing where to apply - it may sound shallow, but consider prioritizing opportunities at well known brands or employers over what might

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GRAD PATHWAYS Magazine // June 2020

#1 A modern resume layout or design is ok, but don’t overdo it.

Sure, don’t give employers a Times New Roman resume your mom gave you, but don’t get too crazy with overly-designed templates or resume art. Clean, professional, and no spelling mistakes will get you farther than gimmicks.

#2 Cover letter, cover letter, cover letter.

Employers will see hundreds of resumes just like yours, and unless you worked at Google, it will probably look just like everyone else’s. A cover letter is your only way to truly stand out. your intelligence, attention to detail, and is the best opportunity you will have to tell employers why they should interview you. Ensure you take the time to write something about their company - a copy/paste cover letter can be seen a mile away and will show no effort.

#3 Dress for success.

Wear appropriate business attire such as a suit and tie etc. with a pair of quality dress shoes even if it’s not a job where you’d wear that every day. Dressing well shows respect and that you care about their impression of you.

Meticulosity is a Kelowna-based, end-to-end inbound marketing and web development company and one of Canada’s only Platinum Hubspot Agency Partners.

Meticulosity CEO, Dave Ward, is a lifelong serial entrepreneur and technologist, who has spent his 20+ year professional career as an agency owner in digital marketing and web development space.

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Learning what you don’t want to do after college can be even more valuable than having the time of your life.

#4 Be responsive and timely.

It doesn’t matter if it’s by phone, email, or text - make sure you respond to communication in a timely fashion even if you’re on vacation or it’s the weekend. It shows you’re attentive and excited to work for them. When it comes time for an interview, on-time is late. Be there early.

#5 Keep all communication professional.

Always use proper spelling, grammar, and punctuation like you’re writing an academic paper no matter the medium. Acronyms like IDK or LOL, missing punctuation, or bad grammar is a big turn-off for employers and shows a lack of professionalism or respect.

So what if these tips help you land the dream job, and it turns out to be a nightmare? Believe it or not, there’s no such thing as a bad internship. Learning what you don’t want to do after college can be even more valuable than having the time of your life. What if the bad experience saves you four years majoring in a subject in college, only to find out after graduation that it’s a field you really aren’t suited to. Test the waters now to get a better idea of what you’ll want in the future.

Either way, have a fantastic summer, work hard and enjoy as much sun as you can on the weekends! Just remember to listen to your mom and wear sunscreen!

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Creating a Legacy Do not go where the path may lead; go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

“Every building

Ted and Linda Hanlon

on our campus was funded by our community of parents and grandparents.

If you’ve been to campus this year, you may have noticed some new names on our Senior School buildings. On February 15, 2020 we paid tribute to two families that have been transformative in the development of our school, the Holzheys and the Hanlons.

In an intimate celebration, we honoured these prominent donors and supporters of our community in a building naming ceremony. We are pleased to introduce Holzhey Hall (formerly the Great Hall) and Hanlon Senior School.

Thank you Michael and Nadia Holzhey and Ted and Linda Hanlon. We literally would not be here without you.

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From Aberdeen Hall’s early days when parents painted walls and drove school buses to the construction of the inspiring campus that we have today, our school is truly a school built by us and those who came before us.

Michael and Nadia Holzhey

Together, we create a legacy for our children and those who will come after.”

Chris Grieve Head of School

GRAD PATHWAYS Magazine // June 2020

Congratulations Class of

2020 Ken Anderson Chantel Bennett Annika Bester Alisha Bhullar Adam Bsat Emma Bulawka Benjamin Byrne Lucas Cleve Joel Comfort Aiden Cousins Clara Dickieson Kescia Doyle Jonathan Etheridge Liam Herbert Kristian Isa Piper Kinnear Kaley Krivoshein Coral Kroeker Sheyanne Lawrence Mark Li

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08/11/2002 14/07/2002 29/01/2002 16/05/2002 12/08/2002 10/04/2003 09/10/2002 17/07/2002 16/09/2002 24/05/2002 03/11/2002 20/01/2002 04/04/2002 08/09/2002 27/01/2002 17/12/2001 02/10/2002 01/09/2002 23/09/2002 05/06/2002

Adam Locke Joshua Merrifield Skye Neale Luke Ovenden Emmeline Oxtoby Braeden Ozechowski Ava Peacock Adrian Price-Roberts Kayur Ranchod Ethan Reiber Matthew Shenher Noah Sicotte Torre Undseth Daniel Wang Keran Wang Tony Wang Hugh Yang Hayley Zandee Ben Zhang

05/03/2002 28/06/2002 24/01/2002 06/08/2002 11/03/2002 18/02/2002 10/04/2002 13/02/2003 24/02/2002 23/03/2002 15/04/2002 23/07/2002 25/01/2002 21/12/2001 18/01/2002 20/09/2001 28/06/2001 05/08/2002 15/10/2001

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GREAT THINGS ARE HAPPENING HERE

TEACHING EXCELLENCE | INSPIRING FUTURES | SHAPING CHARACTER

aberdeenhall.com