Expand Your World Diane and Sandy Shindleman didn’t plan on having any more kids. With their daughter, Annie, and a successful real estate business, they thought their lives were complete. But when an opportunity came up with Gray Academy’s International Student Homestay Program, the Shindlemans reconsidered their decision. Gray Academy’s International Program offers high school students from abroad an opportunity to study at the school and live in the homes of Gray families. Students come from countries like Brazil, the USA, and Mexico, and stay with their host family for a semester or a full year. This unique program is the only one of its kind in North America. “Unlike a traditional boarding school, our students don’t live on campus or in dorms,” says Lori Binder, Head of School and CEO. “Being in the home of a Gray
family enables the international student to live just like their classmates and further integrates them with their peers. Our program gives students something so special, the opportunity to immerse themselves in Canadian life and culture.” While the program gives students a Gray Academy education and lifelong social bonds, it also gives host families an incredibly fulfilling experience. They see the students experience high school and get to watch them grow into young adults, all within their own home. “After hosting three girls over the past five years, we’ve really felt a sense of pride in watching them succeed at Gray,” says Sandy Shindleman. “I know that we contributed to that success, and that is the best gift you can get.” When the students left Winnipeg, two returned to Brazil, and one is now studying in Israel, preparing to make Aliyah. For the Shindlemans, their host kids will always be part of their family.
They Couldn’t Stay Away
the student makes me a better teacher, and working with my Grade 3 teacher [Na’ama] gave us an ease and familiarity that benefited our students.”
High school graduates often toss their caps in the air, grab their diplomas, and never look back. But at Gray, alumni can’t wait to get back in the yearbook.
Based on the numbers, it's possible that a future colleague is sitting right in front of her. "I can't wait to see which student of mine will eventually join us in the staff room," says Gabi.
Out of the school’s 80 staff members, 16 are graduates. That means one in five educators at Gray once sat in the same seats as their students. The fact that so many former students are now on staff is a testament to the community that Gray creates. “When I was teaching in Toronto, none of the schools had the feeling that Gray does,” says Gabi Winestock (’07). “I can go into the staffroom and have instant connections to my colleagues.” A particularly special moment for Gabi was in the 2017-18 school year when she taught Grade 3 in the same room that she was a student in. She also worked with her Grade 3 teacher, Na’ama Miller (’85). “I could relate to both my students and my teaching partner,” says Gabi. “Knowing the experience of Alumni staff range from the class of ’69 to the class of ’11.