Grove News 2022/23

Grove News Lakefield College School | 2022/23

INSIDE:

Head of School and Foundation: Lessons from the Keele River

Lakefield’s Sustainability Plan: In Class and On Campus Careers in Business: Women Leaders Look Back

Events 2023/24

Visit www.lcs.on.ca/events for details

NOVEMBER 2023 15

Wolfville, NS Community Social

16

Ottawa, ON Alumni Social

JANUARY 2024 27

London, UK Alumni Social

29

Hamburg, Germany Community Social

31

Frankfurt, Germany Community Social

FEBRUARY 2024 22

Toronto, ON Alumni Social

MAY 2024

Trustees 2023/24 Board Chair Hugh Macdonnell ’85, P ’18 ’27 Joel Allen ’01 Bianca Bell ’06 Tim Bell ’00 Nicole Bendaly ’93 Marilynn Booth P ’98* Carlo Bos ’94 Rose Bouchard ’18 Jennifer Cameron P ’09 ’10 ’15 ’17 ’21 Stephen Coates ’90, P ’19 ’23 ’24 ’27 Tim Cooper ’98 Alison Corner ’07 Allyson Delevadova Chonée Dennis P ’14 ’16 ’19 Peter Dunn ’62, P ’92 Amanda Ethier ’98 Ian Fung ’00 Sue Guest P ’85 ’89, GP ’21 Terry Guest* P ’85 ’89, GP ’21 Wendy Hepburn ’00 James Hicks ’84, P ’17 ’20 Kalen Ingram ’99 Brett Jackman ’03 Warren Jones ’88 Anne-Marie Kee P ’17 ’19 Jai Kim P ’21 ’23 Johanna Kruger ’97 Kelly Leveque P ’22 Nick Lewis ’77 Ross Little ’81, P ’13 ’17 Kevin Malone ’77, P ’22

24-26

Home to The Grove Alumni Reunion, LCS Campus

25

Regatta Day, LCS Campus

LCS Foundation

31

Madrid, Spain Community Dinner with LCS Foundation Trustees

Board Chair Andrew Durnford ’85

JUNE 2024 22

Closing 2024, LCS Campus

FALL 2024 Annual Alumni Dinner, Toronto, ON Our annual alumni dinner has moved from the spring to the fall. Watch for details coming in 2024.

www.lcs.on.ca/events Be sure to regularly visit our events page online to view all upcoming alumni receptions and other events.

Honorary Chair John K. Hepburn ’68 Chair Emeritus Paul Desmarais Jr. ’73, P ’00 ’03 ’03 ’11 Emilio Azcarraga Jean ’87 Marilynn Booth P ’98* Bruce Boren ’87, P ’21 ’23 Michael Cooper P ’07 ’08 ’10 ’12 Sandra Delisle P ’23 ’24 ’25 Paul Desmarais III ’00 Bryce (B.C.) Douglas ’88 Joel Finlayson ’89, P ’24 Jock Fleming ’74, P ’03 ’06 Catherine Gell P ’24 Catherine Hansen P ’23 ’24 ’24 Tim Heeney ’83 Roy Hewson ’79

Patrick Marshall ’90 James Matthews ’58, P ’99 Sarah McCain Coulson ’05 Brian McCaw P ’18 Karen McKnight P ’13 ’16 John McWilliams ’65 David Miller ’77, P ’15 Antoine Mindjimba P ’16 ’19 Luke Newbigging ’24 Kelly Nottage ’00 Jane Orr ’24 Lisa Orr P ’24 ’26 Andrew Parke ’03 Alex Parker ’96 Jonathan Popper ’87 Emmy Pullen ’11 Sean Quinn ’82, P ’26 Heather Ross Cait Sainsbury ’96 Danielle Saputo P ’20 ’22 ’24 Rola Shaheen P ’17 ’21 ’24 Murray Sinclair ’79, P ’11 Scott Smith ’87, P ’23 ’25 John Stelzer ’00 Tom Stevenson ’78 Maurice Switzer ’63 Losel Tethong ’89 Stuart Thompson ’91 Chris Valentine ’86 Cara Westcott P ’14 ’16 Chris White ’90, P ’25 Hilary Windrem ’07 Daniel Woolf Susan Wright Mary Fang Zhou P ’20

Zack Kembar ’87, P ’24 Johanna Kruger ’97 Sarah McCain Coulson ’05 Guy McLean Bill Morris ’70, P ’99 ’02 ’05 Marc Parent P ’15 ’18 ’20 Rosemary Phelan P ’08 Felicia Ross P ’17 Rupel Ruparelia ’89, P ’22 ’23 John Ryder ’77, P ’08 ’13 Tom Ryder ’53, P ’77 ’01 GP ’08 ’13 ’15 ’25 Murray Sinclair ’79, P ’11 Tom Stevenson ’78 David Sword ’88 Alexandra von Rehlingen P ’21 Richard Wernharm P ’06 Katja Wieland-Kaefer P ’21 ’22 ’24 ’27 Directors in Bold P Parent of Alumni (GP Grandparent) *Honorary Alumni

FRONT COVER: LCS farmers Kohl Kuntz and Jade O’Keeffe (coordinator of student curricular farm experiences) exploring Northcote’s flower gardens with Summer Academy students. These gardens were planted to support learning experiences designed to teach students about pollinators, natural dyes, and other green industries. Read more about our sustainabilty initiatives on p.8.

Team Racing (Sailing) on Lake Katchewanooka, Lakefield College School Grove News 2022/23 | i

Save the Date HOME TO THE GROVE

Reunion Weekend Join your classmates for your reunion at The Grove, May 24-26, 2024. We’ll be celebrating milestone reunions for classes ending in ’4 and ’9. Watch for information in the mail and at www.lcs.on.ca/HTTG

We look forward to seeing you!

Table of

CONTENTS 2

Head of School and Foundation: Lessons from The Keele River

8

Lakefield’s Sustainability Plan: In Class and On Campus

18 34

A Message from the LCS Board Chair: New Beginnings

Grade 11 Environmental Science: Fostering Understanding and a Passion for Sustainability

6

14

Closing 2023 and School Highlights Our Best Season Yet: LCS Summer Academy and Programs

32

Nurturing Innovators for the Future: How Lakefield inspires students to pursue Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math • Instilling an Interest and Passion for Science at Lakefield • Computer Science: Authoring Software for Real-World Solutions • Building Thinking Classrooms: Fostering Critical Thinking in Math

39

54 64 67

Careers in Business: Women Leaders Look Back • Meghan Roach ’01: A Global Game • Andrea (Morris) McKay ’99: Getting a Grip • Lea (Hermanns) Mishra ’13: Boarding School for Adults • Ellis Odynn ’12: Leading The Transformation LCS Alumni Class News From LCS to Newfoundland: A Chance Encounter Sparks a New Friendship

61

Alumni by the Numbers Honouring the Journey: The Final Chapter of The Friends of Lakefield College School

65

In Our Memories

Editor: Christine Vogel Editorial Committee: Vicky Boomgaardt P ’25, Dave Darby P ’27, Janice Greenshields ’03, Anne-Marie Kee P ’17 ’19, Tim Rutherford P ’19 ’22 ’23 ’26, Shane Smyth ’96, Dean Van Doleweerd. Photographer: Simon Spivey. Please address correspondence to the Communications Office: communications@lcs.on.ca.

OPPOSITE: (L-R) Top to Bottom: Highlights from Home to the Grove Reunion 2023: Alumni from the Classes of 2018 and 2019 at the waterfront; Members from the Class of 2013 (and guests) at the Saturday evening reunion dinner; and The Class of 1983 group photo.

Grove News 2022/23 | 1

HEAD OF SCHOOL AND FOUNDATION From

THE

2 | Grove News 2022/23

An alumni photo on the Mackenzie River, N.W.T (L-R) Burt Carswell P ’90, Lindsay Carswell ’90, Anne-Marie Kee P ’17 ’19, Jacob Kee ’17, Kathleen Kee ’19, Al Pace ’77, and Kevin Kee P ’17 ’19.

Lessons from the Keele River In 2017, my first year at The Grove, potter Al Pace ’77 gifted me a gorgeous

clock. And yet by the second day, and for the

pottery canoe that has sat on my mantle ever since. He also gave me a

rest of the trip, one of the guides had to do a

Canoe North Adventures brochure featuring spectacular canoe trips on

special wake-up call for our family of

rivers in the Northwest Territories, Yukon, and Nunavut, and that gift

sleepers. By day four, I remember paddling

planted a seed. By 2023, after living through the challenges of the

and thinking that I couldn’t quite remember

pandemic, my family decided it was time and we booked our two-week

the work-related problems that had caused

trip to paddle the Keele River in Canada’s Northwest Territories.

me stress only days before. One of the great

We cannot stop reflecting on our life-changing experience.

surprises of the trip was that we would rest after lunch, and wherever we found

We are a family that has enjoyed a lifetime of outdoor adventures—I grew

ourselves—on a pile of rocks or dry patch of

up hiking on Sunday afternoons after church; in university, I planted trees

sand—we would actually doze. That alone

in Northern Ontario; my husband Kevin and I spent our honeymoon

felt like a bit of heaven.

backcountry camping in Algonquin Park; and our young family camped in parks across the country. And yet, nothing prepared us for this wilderness experience.

One afternoon, I woke up from my nap to see a couple from our group pointing down the river, so I joined them. In the distance, I

According to Aldo Leopold (1921), a wilderness should be “big enough to

could see a bear wandering along the shore. I

absorb a two weeks’ pack trip” and devoid of “roads, artificial trails,

ran back to wake up my family. Soon our

cottages, or other works of man.” By the time we flew to Yellowknife, then

group of 14 took turns with the binoculars

Norman Wells, and then to the base of the Keele River, we had definitely

and revelled in the activities of the bear (who

reached Leopold’s “wilderness”. For eleven days, Kevin, Kathleen ’19 (my

had a leisurely poop in the river!). I felt safe

daughter), Jacob ’17 (my son), Tanya (Jacob’s girlfriend) and I paddled the

in the cluster of people and Al reminded us

Keele and pitched tents along its shore with a small group made up of

that his dog Ranger would protect us from

other adventurers and our guides. We were 14 in total. During that time,

the bear approaching. Except he was a

we saw no other people and had no connection to the outside world,

curious bear who wandered closer and closer

except through a satellite phone that our guide, Al Pace ’77 carried.

until we all made a dash for our boats. As we paddled backwards, we all felt the eyes of the

In Canada’s North, it never gets dark in the summer, but the sun moves,

bear on us, who was now standing just above

and on the first day, I woke up to see the morning light on the side of a

the spot where we had been napping. That

mountain, and it took my breath away. That first day was all about

image—and the accompanying adrenaline

beauty—the colour of the water, the soaring mountains, and the endless

rush—was a moment I will always remember.

sun; even the colourful rocks struck me as beautiful, so much so that I started tucking them away in the bottom of my canoe, until days later

This was a trip full of moments—when Al

when I was discovered and teased relentlessly for the rest of the trip. There

caught a bull trout and Jacob helped to catch

was so much beauty and I worried that photos couldn’t capture it, so

it in the net; that first bite of bull trout

maybe a few rocks would be my permanent reminder—I could conjure up

cooked over an open flame; when all of the

the memories of standing on the beach or high up on the mountain and be

women huddled under a tent to avoid the

reminded of that peace and feeling of awe.

direct sun, swapped stories, and made anklets from beads purchased at the Norman

I wore no watch and by day two, I was not sure what day it was nor did I

Wells museum (I still wear mine as a

care. None of us wore a watch and what we discovered was that time

reminder of that glorious afternoon!); the first

didn’t dictate our days. For years I have risen at 6 am without an alarm

time we went through fast-moving water, or

Grove News 2022/23 | 3

what Al called the “spicy bits” and each time we had to be

three years, we have developed a farm at our Northcote

alert and paddle hard through the rapids; the times we

property, where our students are spending time together

connected our boats and cruised together as a flotilla; the

outdoors, planting, learning about the land, harvesting

laughs we shared as we passed the zip-lock bags of treats

vegetables, and even sweeping the barns, among other

around the circle; every single time someone found

things. When we developed our Campus Master Plan, we

caribou antlers; our daily swims (and yes, the Kees braved

prioritized “sacred views” and green spaces, and chose to

the frigid waters every single day); and the times we

build our new community and dining hall, our largest

would pause to point to yet another beautiful image of

new building—where we will be able to break bread as a

shoreline, trees, the river, or the evening sun on our red

full community of staff and students for the first time in

canoes as we pulled up on the beach.

30 years—right in the heart of our campus, instead of

It was an enormous privilege to make this trip, and part of what made the adventure so special was that Al had led this very journey down the Keele close to 40 times over his career. As we paddled, he would talk about the impact of climate change and point to changes in the shoreline. He would check on the wildfires, too, and navigate our days in an effort to miss the smoke. On our second-to-last day, we did have to paddle through smoke, past the fires. It

creating campus sprawl. And when we determined the four pillars of our strategic direction, we reaffirmed our commitment to the benefits of being outdoors every day.

We know that all schools have programs for wellbeing, and we knew that our THRIVE program had to encourage healthy living and our connection to nature and the outdoors, and inspire our purpose to care for our planet and prioritize sustainability.

was eerie. I had images from news reports of blazing fires

And, of course, we have three outdoor expedition

and yet it was more like little puffs of smoke all over the

opportunities for students: Guest Expedition Ontario

mountain-side, as far as the eye could see. And no one

(GEO), Ondaatje, and Irving Expeditions. The latter was

made a sound. We all understand that wildfires can be a

started in 1988, which allows us to send students to

natural part of the summer season in the North, but 2023

experience the power of Canada’s northern wilderness

was unusually severe, leading to evacuations and

every other summer. Of course in most countries, vast

devastation. We have to ask ourselves: what is our

amounts of untamed land have mostly vanished, so the

responsibility to support northern communities, and

chance to spend time in an area untravelled by most

what can we do to reduce further damage caused by

people is special. This opportunity is unique to schools

climate change?

across the country and is only possible thanks to the

By the end of our trip, I was convinced of the power of the wilderness.

What is that power?

In 1938, Sigurd Olson wrote: “Why wilderness?... Ask those who have known it and who have made it a part of their lives. They might not be able to explain, but your very question will kindle a light in eyes that have reflected the camp fires of a continent, eyes that have known the glory of dawns and sunsets and nights under the stars.

Wilderness to them is real and this they do know; when the pressure becomes more than they can stand, somewhere back of beyond, where roads and steel and towns are still forgotten, they will find release.”

One of the distinguishing features of our school is our passion for experiential learning outdoors. We have always championed experiences like canoeing and cooking over a fire and sleeping in nature, including in sub-zero temperatures in a winter quinzhee. In the past

4 | Grove News 2022/23

generosity of a former parent, Arthur Irving P ’80 ’84, who has completed over 30 similar trips and loves Northern Canada so much that he wanted to give this gift to inspire

others. What I hear from our students and staff who have

power of nature. After spending several months in

made the trip, is that they come back changed. They have

isolation in Alaska, Krakauer comes to the conclusion that

a deeper sense of self-awareness; they realize they had

experiences are better when shared with others.

more courage than they thought possible; they came to appreciate the benefits of the absence of convenience; and they are overwhelmed by the beauty and the memories seared in their minds.

At Lakefield College School, we have long known about the power of learning through relationships and trust— especially while in the wilderness—so it was an honour to paddle an incredible river with my family, experiencing

What is so remarkable about a wilderness trip is all of this

certain challenges, accomplishments, and joys together.

and more. For me, this past summer was also special

We have each made a commitment to plant a seed to

because of the people. Our group was awesome, and I

inspire others to experience the North and we promise to

really valued the time to get to know two alumni—Al

be proactive in preserving the wilderness. As Head of

Pace ’77 and Lindsay Carswell ’90. It is rare in our busy

School, I truly believe that The Grove can do the same as

lives to spend two weeks so intensively together, and I am

a global community, as we strive to inspire teens to care,

struck by how dependent we were on each other to

connect and contribute. Ultimately, our students will go

survive and to experience true joy every single day. For

on to do great things to benefit our country… and our

me, it was an extra treat to enjoy two weeks with Kevin,

world.

Jacob, Tanya and Kathleen. Each evening, after ’camp chores’, we would wander down to the river to brush our teeth and reflect on our day. We did the old camp routine of “Rose, Bud, Thorn” and inevitably, we would end up laughing about something that happened that day. Those times together were so precious and we find ourselves retelling stories and sharing additional memories each

If you are one of the lucky ones who has paddled the Keele or any other Northern Canadian river, please contact me!

I’d love to hear about your experience and talk about Lakefield’s responsibility to sustainability and what each of us can do to support the North—and I can show you my collection of rocks!

time we are together.

In Jon Krakauer’s Into the Wild, he writes about the endless joy that comes from new encounters in nature.

His expedition made him feel more alive than anything else and I felt that feeling many—many!—times on the Keele River. But his main message is not solely about the

BELOW (L-R): Kathleen Kee ’19 sweeping the rear of the group on the family’s paddling trip in the NWT; Jacob Kee ’17 and Anne-Marie Kee P ’17 ’19.

A MESSAGE

from the Lakefield College School Board Chair

Hugh Macdonnell ’85, P ’18 ’27

Hugh Macdonnell ’85, P ’18 ’27 and friend Doug Hewson ’85 at The Grove, 1981

NEW BEGINNINGS In September, I had the chance to get back to The Grove

I could not help but recall my own first experience in

on one of the opening days for the 2023/24 school year.

1979, at the 101st opening of The Grove. While the

It was the 144th opening of Lakefield College School, and

school was still riding high from its recently concluded

it was amazing to be able to go back. It was uplifting to

centennial, it was a more modest program indeed. The

see the cheering students at the top of the hill, the well-

junior school was located in Upper Colebrook. When I

organized teams in branded t-shirts, Lakefield swag

opened the door to my assigned room, there were three

everywhere, banners and balloons outside each house,

bunkbeds with six kids. The housemaster was Mr.

and the schedule bursting with activities to welcome and

Chellew and Mrs. Chellew was to have a baby that year,

engage the new students. At the end of all the opening

which gave the school a half day holiday (I’m glad to

days this year, the community had welcomed 432 kids

hear from Mr. Van Doleweerd that this tradition holds

(boarding and day) from all over the world to our little

today). It was a welcoming and well-run junior school

school. The excitement and the energy was electric; what

program and I felt comfortable from the moment I

a fantastic start to the school year.

arrived.

6 | Grove News 2022/23

Packing lists were a bit scarce in 1979, however, and my

paddled canoes and sung hymns in Chapel. We have all

mother was, at best, a bit disinterested, so we soon

played games and acted in the theatre. We have made

realized that we had some clothing gaps. We made a

lifelong friends and learned about ourselves. We all

quick trip to Peterborough that day for some last minute

experienced Lakefield’s everyday magic.

shopping at Eatons. And with that, I was ready for Expedition Weekend.

This year, I had the chance to address the new parents in A.W. Mackenzie Chapel on behalf of the Lakefield

My other big fear was the swim test, which you had to

College School Board and Trustees, and to extend to

do on arrival day. While I was a good swimmer, I didn’t

them a deep, warm welcome to our school. I told them

know what it would involve. I had overheard that if you

what a special place The Grove is, and I encouraged

didn’t pass the test, you would have to wear a life jacket

them to find their own way to become involved, through

the whole time on Expedition Weekend. I was terrified

the houses, parent events, and school activities like Fall

of the social stigma of being “that guy in the lifejacket”. I

Fair and Regatta Day.

passed the test just fine on opening day, and it was all uphill from there.

I would encourage anyone reading this to come back and visit the school. If it has been months, years, or

Those first few days at the school are etched in my

decades, I know that you will all re-experience some of

memory and so it was amazing to be there to watch the

your Lakefield magic.

Classes of 2024 to 2027 have their first days as well.

Whether your first days were in the 1940s, the 1980s, or the 2020s, we all share the lake and the fields and the wonderful country air of the Kawarthas. We have all

As I walked around in September, and saw the energy and excitement, I realized that the school has a whole new generation of kids to experience The Grove and make their own magic.

Below (L-R) Sitting: James Darling ’85, Hugh Macdonnell ’85, P ’18 ’27, John Guest ’85, P ’21, Chris Dennis ’85, Patrick Zachary ’85, Peter Kendall ’85, James Gordon ’85, John Bourinot ’85, Stephen Smith ’85. (L-R) Standing: James Hyslop ’85, Andrew Weatherill ’85. Chronicle (yearbook) staff, June, 1984.

Grove News 2022/23 | 7

Lakefield’s Sustainability Plan IN CLASS AND ON CAMPUS A Progress Report The team is in place. The roots are in the ground. The plan is

Northcote prompted our school leadership to take our beliefs

becoming reality.

a step further.

From its origins, Lakefield has featured the natural

Global challenges such as climate change, energy efficiency,

environment as the centrepost of everyday life and its larger

soil and water degradation and food equity have brought the

mission. Our location on the edge of a magnificent lake

environment front and centre for every thoughtful

amidst field and forest made camping, hiking, outdoor sports

government, and it is a foremost concern with young people

and winter activities a regular experience for Lakefield

today. Finding sustainable ways of life—finding ways to feed,

students—with the promise of an appreciation of the

heat, cool, manufacture, clean and travel that do not take

outdoors as the anchor for a happy, healthy, fulfilling future

away from the ability of future generations to do the same—is

alongside the best in academic instruction.

going to occupy hearts and minds for generations to come. It

Recently, the school’s extensive outdoor education program has evolved. There is our “Outdoors Every Day” goal and

will also be a centrepiece of many careers, perhaps all of them.

THRIVE physical and mental health initiative, embodying our

Recognizing this reality, school’s leadership and staff set out

belief that a healthy body and healthy mind work together.

on a mission to make sustainability a pivotal feature and

The addition of our on-site agricultural learning farm at

differentiator of a Lakefield education. Under the Outdoors

8 | Grove News 2022/23

Every Day pillar of our Strategic Plan, we set four key goals for

with Bruce, Kohl Kuntz managing farm operations and Jade

our sustainability focus: environmental stewardship in all

O’Keeffe, who also co-ordinates student curricular experiences

academic and supporting programs; awareness and reduction

on the farm. The team is rounded out by Hayden Canning, the

of our ecological footprint; unique curricular and co-curricular

Outdoors Every Day Co-ordinator who facilitates co-curricular

outdoor experiences; and consolidating our reputation as

and house programming, and Garret Hart, the Outdoors Every

Canada’s leading outdoor experiential school.

Day Manager, who runs our maple syrup and apiary

To put these goals into play, we began with a new campus master plan guided by design principles, started an agricultural

operations as well as providing support for the student programs and farm operations.

learning farm based on regenerative practices at Northcote

As a preliminary step to make sure our efforts show

and used it to launch a new summer intensive course, From

measurable results, we undertook an ecological and carbon

Seed to Table: Adventures in Eco-Farming. At the same time, we

footprint study of our 2022 data that provides a baseline

created a new Assistant Head: Sustainability role, bringing

against which progress can be compared. The study provides a

Janice Greenshields ’03 into the fold to spearhead our efforts

numerical count of resources we consume and tonnes of

in January 2022.

carbon dioxide equivalent emissions that we are responsible

Janice has developed the first stage of a Climate Action Plan which highlights themes aligned with the One Planet Living

for. It also shows us where our biggest opportunities to reduce our footprint lie.

framework that include focused, measurable objectives. Its 10

These developments place Lakefield well along the road to the

principles for sustainable organizations were originally

position that we envisioned for environmental education and

developed by the non-profits, Bioregional and the World

sustainable living. The Northcote farm is already an important

Wildlife Fund.

hub in our mission, but as our Outdoors Every Day goals make

Alongside a strategy for integrating sustainability into school curriculum, the plan was presented to our Future of Learning and Sustainability Task Force, where we also had the benefit of input from parents, alumni, and expert advisors.

Janice now leads a passionate and student-learning-focused team dedicated to the school’s sustainability programs and development. These team members include Bruce McMahon P ’12, the Director of Northcote, two full-time farmers working

clear, our intention is to ensure sustainability is a central defining feature throughout the campus, in curricula, on campus, and in everyday life.

Already, students, staff and visitors are starting to see concrete changes as these plans take shape. Grade 9 students this year are piloting what will be a new Green Industries course that introduces students to various “green” industries: agriculture, forestry, horticulture, floristry, and landscaping. As a pilot project, the Green Industries modules are being tied into the

Opposite and Above: Members of the Rugby team planting raspberry bushes at Lakefield College School’s one acre learning farm at Northcote Campus; Grade 9 science students learning about pollinators and biodiversity while planting perennials at Northcote.

Grove News 2022/23 | 9

mandatory outdoor education credit, but in future years, it

institutions and advice from environmental organizations. It

will be a stand-alone course taken by all Grade 9 students.

recommended engaging with issues that are local and that

Modules bring local experts and practitioners from the community who explain how the industry works sustainably and ethically as well as the skills and education needed for a career in these industries. Grade 9 curriculum co-ordinator Heather Ross says community links will be an important part

address the values of young people. It also recommended teaching actual skills for sustainability success such as design, project management, risk management, teamwork and technological innovation rather than specific sustainability topics.

of Green Industries instruction, both as a source of real-life

In a further analysis of delivery options for sustainability

expertise and as part of Lakefield’s Authentic Learning and

program content, the curriculum report recommended

Community First strategic pillars.

modules integrated into targeted courses—how sustainability

In the first session working with a local florist, students experienced and created an expansive dried floristry

considerations affect the topics under discussion—rather than a dedicated course or dedicated units on sustainability.

installment in the Northcote barn using flowers, grasses and

The manner in which this integration may occur in coming

plants from our own gardens and woodlands at Northcote.

years is still under consideration, but the Green Industries

The florist tied the lesson into advice on how to prepare for a

pilot project is our first introduction of cross-curricular

career in any creative industry.

sustainability education. The UofT report recommended a

Again, the Green Industries course initiative is part of a larger plan to integrate sustainability programming into all courses.

In a unique partnership, Lakefield worked with a group of

term-ending cross-curricular project, that could be introduced when sustainability modules are introduced more widely and Green Industries is a full-scale course offering.

students in the University of Toronto’s Masters in Science

An extremely promising development, is a partnership with

and Sustainability Management program to devise a plan to

McGill University’s Faculty of Agriculture and Environmental

incorporate sustainability curriculum across all curricular

Science that in the future, and perhaps as early as 2025, will

program areas and years of study at Lakefield.

bring Green Industry students to McGill’s Macdonald

In collaboration with Janice Greenshields ’03 and Associate Head: Learning Dean Van Doleweerd, the resulting report carefully analyzed the literature, best practices of other

10 | Grove News 2022/23

Campus in Montreal to further their sustainability experiences. This collaboration will also lead to Lakefield and McGill co-hosting an annual national student summit

focusing on sustainability and the future of food and bringing

at Northcote. Every student visits the farm with their term

together a wide range of schools. This will provide an

co-curricular group where they support our farmers, Kohl

unmatched opportunity to consolidate our students’ learning

and Jade, tending and harvesting produce that feeds both our

and also to make connections with other students,

dining hall and local community members.

academics, government and green industry leaders nationwide

Other clubs have leaned into their own projects at the farm.

Nature Art, for example, created hand painted signs to

Meanwhile, as a precursor to putting a sustainability lens on

identify crops. Wellness Club used beets from the farm to

virtually all courses, Lakefield teachers are already

bake beet brownies, and the Lakefield Environmental Action

incorporating the theme of food systems this year into all

Force helped to feed and provide winter protection for our

courses as they relate to social, environmental and economic

bees.

impacts.

Throughout the year, all students will experience a fun,

As a result, this year, students have been taking part in

casual and connective dinner at the farm where they will

projects and discussions ranging from regenerative

harvest vegetables, make pizzas and sit down to break bread

agriculture and climate change (Gr. 9 and 10 Science), nature

as a house community under our new barn expansion—a

printmaking (Gr. 10 Visual Arts), food security, impacts on

classroom that is not a classroom.

Indigenous communities and how climate change has impacted prices (Gr. 9 Math), sustainable food systems (Gr. 11 Science) and delving into the book Hope Matters, a proposal of ways to think positively about and solve the environmental crisis and defeat eco-anxiety (Gr. 12 English).

Many of these discussions take place at the heart of our sustainability focus, at Northcote. So far, more than 22 classes have spent time at Northcote just this season alone.

Meanwhile, through our co-curricular programming (athletics, arts and clubs), students have been experiencing other unique eco-centred learning and service opportunities

(L-R) Northcote Farm: Grove Prep for Grades 7/8 students learning about honey bees at the school’s apiary, Lakefield Environmental Action Force (LEAF) students after feeding and providing winter protection for our bees; Memorial House students harvesting flowers

In total, there have been more than 3,200 student visits to Northcote Farm since last spring and our students already feel the positive impacts of this wide variety of experiences.

It’s important to note that community connections are a critical part of sustainability education, as noted by the sustainability curriculum plan. With the help of our students, Northcote harvested over 10,000 lbs. of vegetables throughout the past season, with 6,200 lbs. of that produce donated to food and meal programs for those in need, namely Lakefield Food Bank, Kawartha Food Share and

Grove News 2022/23 | 11

Nourish. The rest, of course, was enjoyed by our

underlines the relevancy of our initiatives and the

community in the dining hall.

overarching sustainability themes.

What we have discussed so far are our plans for classrooms, curricula, and co-curriculars. What’s also important is what we see and do for sustainability around campus in everyday life and services. These are our whole-school initiatives. Our ecological and carbon footprint study, for example, identified transportation as an area where we could reduce our carbon footprint. As a result, we partnered with Attridge Transportation to exchanged one of our combustion-engine buses for

Valuable partnerships that LCS has already begun: LEAVE NO TRACE CANADA: Promotes responsible outdoor recreation. LCS has incorporated Leave No Trace’s seven principles for outdoor recreation into our outdoor education program to reduce or eliminate impact on the environment.

KAWARTHA LAND TRUST: A land conservation charity that cares for 5,350 acres of ecologically diverse land in the

Electric Vehicle technology, which is also used to

Kawarthas. A representative from KLT sits on our Northcote

transport students to and from Northcote Campus.

Operations Committee to offer advice and identify

Finally, we are also continuing our house composting program and with the integration of organics into Peterborough’s waste collection services, we expect to expand the program further this year.

Our broad-based and comprehensive plan to engage sustainability as one important piece of our curriculum and our school’s identity puts Lakefield at the forefront of environmental education. Issues surrounding climate change, food, and the planet’s finite resources make it imperative for schools to educate and provide leadership in this area.

We are pledging to seize this pivotal moment. There isn’t anything more important that we could be doing than to put environmental responsibility—caring for each other and our planet—as a top priority in the minds of our students. We believe that with this initiative, we are providing the basis for their health, happiness and careers, and for them to make a better world when they leave our school.

opportunities for collaboration. For example, LCS did a collaborative tree-planting and invasive species management project with KLT for Earth Day. KLT also created a Northcote Stewardship Guide to help with conservation, learning opportunities and connection with the land.

UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO MASTERS IN SCIENCE AND SUSTAINABILITY MANAGEMENT: Researched and produced our Sustainability Curriculum Proposal, a strategic plan for implementing a sustainability curriculum. This plan was formulated based on best practices in sustainability education gathered from academic and grey literature, LCS stakeholders and experts in the field.

MCGILL UNIVERSITY: Through the faculty of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences and in partnership with LCS, McGill will host the first national student summit focussing on sustainability and the future of food. In future, the summit will be held annually and alternate each year between the McGill and LCS campuses.

ATTRIDGE TRANSPORTATION: Exchanged one of our three day-student combustion-engine buses to Electric Vehicle

Partners in Sustainability Lakefield College School’s Sustainability Curriculum study conducted with the University of Toronto’s Masters in Science and Sustainability Management program identified “citizenship-based” approaches

technology. This bus is also used as much as possible to transport students to and from the Northcote farm.

Transportation is one of the most important targets for carbon emissions reduction.

TRENT UNIVERSITY: Share in research conducted by Dr. Lisa Nisbet, former associate professor of psychology, who

emphasizing solutions-oriented results as among the

focuses on connectedness with nature (nature relatedness)

best practices for sustainability education.

and the links with health, well-being (happiness) and

This means teaming up with other organizations dedicated to sustainability, especially locally. Doing so brings additional knowledge and approaches to problems that are visible and real to students. It also

12 | Grove News 2022/23

environmentally sustainable behaviour. Our farm also consults with Trent’s Department of Environmental and Life Sciences and participates in Trent’s Tree Swallow Study.

JOHN SOUTHERST

NORTHCOTE CAMPUS

Exemplary Biodiversity As a demonstration to our students of what sustainable farming can be while also protecting a space for untouched hiking and enjoyment of nature, Northcote’s 160-acre profile is a model of biodiversity.

With 6,000 feet of waterfront, there are wetlands, meadows, mixed regenerative forests with five kilometers of trails and a five-acre field of pastoral wheat. The vegetable learning garden is a modest size of one acre with an additional hoop house.

We also undertake pollinator planting, perennial gardens, treeplanting initiatives and invasive species management at Northcote, all with the contribution of our students under the guidance of our full-time farmers.

Within these self-imposed limitations, Northcote generated 10,000 pounds of produce this year, a significant and welcome harvest split between our dining hall and our food donation partners.

Above, Top to Bottom: Northcote Farm—Students learn about sustainable wood harvesting; Head of School Anne-Marie Kee P ’17 ’19 joins Rashleigh House for an outdoor fun-at-the farm pizza-making dinner.

Grove News 2022/23 | 13

The Girls’ Rugby Team visited Northcote Farm and checked in on the chickens that were incubated and hatched in the science classroom.

Grade 11 Environmental Science

Fostering Understanding and a Passion for Sustainability Throughout her childhood, LCS faculty member Allyson Delevadova spent the majority of her leisure time, as well as family time, outdoors. So much so, she says, that her mother developed a habit of inspecting her pockets for rocks, shells, or other natural remnants before putting them in the laundry. These early interests evolved into a profound enthusiasm for environmental education, culminating in summer employment opportunities with various organizations, including the Ministry of Natural Resources, Parks Canada, and a conservation group while pursuing higher education.

Allyson’s commitment to environmental education was a central theme during her teacher training, which she completed through the Trent/Queens Concurrent Education Program. This dedication ultimately formed the foundation of her graduate research in Sustainability Studies at Trent University, where her thesis explored the significance of integrated outdoor and environmental education programs in enhancing student learning and fostering a deeper connection with the natural world. She also earned a continuing education diploma in Culinary Arts, with a focus on sustainable food systems.

Flash forward to today, and Allyson Delevadova is one of many dedicated educators designing and delivering unique, integrated outdoor and environmental education programs to students at Lakefield College School. Allyson was the first to develop and teach Lakefield’s flagship summer intensive course From Seed-to-Table: Adventures in 14 | Grove News 2022/23

“Part of the class experience includes surrounding ourselves with interactive and real life examples of how we, as individuals, can make a positive impact on our environment.”

Eco-farming, and over the 5 years that she has been with Lakefield has also taught Outdoor Education, Environmental Science, Anthropology, Sociology and Psychology.

In the Q&A that follows, highlights from a conversation with Allyson are shared, providing you with insight into some of her experiences and approaches to teaching Grade 11 Environmental Science and the student experience at Lakefield.

Q: In Lakefield’s Environmental Responsibility Value we say: “we believe teaching respect for the Earth and respect for people go hand-in-hand. Our campus ecosystems and programs inspire us to be committed to environmental responsibility and to take care of each other.” Why is this important for every student experience?

A: As an outdoor education, seed-to-table, and environmental science teacher, I often share a David Sobel quote that says, “Give children a chance to love the earth before we ask them to save it.” This became a promise of mine to my students, and what ultimately attracted me to work at Lakefield College School in the first place. Rather than having students read a textbook about why we should care about the environment, we infuse it in our day-to- day life at the school. You can’t teach a student to care about the environment while remaining in the classroom; they need to build an attachment to nature by experiencing it. Through community events outside, encouraging the use of our trails and waterfront, and involvement on our farm, students are exposed to the importance of their natural surroundings on a daily basis (not just during school instruction time). Once they have that connection, learning about the issues confronting it and the solutions that can be put into practice, takes on a whole new meaning. Ultimately, as an institution, we also need to practice what we preach to serve as a model to our students. Doing so can also generate important data for us to use within curricular projects and serve as a learning tool on how individuals and institutions can create change.

Q: How would you say you bring Lakefield’s Environmental value to your Grade 11 Environmental Science Class?

A: A great deal of the Environmental Science course work is project-based, allowing students to gain a deeper understanding of topics they are passionate about. They learn the science behind the issues, as well as the science behind the solutions. From the beginning of the course, I also encourage systems thinking, to recognize the interconnectedness of the complex issues that face the environment and develop a realization that there are consequences to our actions that we may be oblivious to.

As a society, we often make decisions based purely on the economic benefits. Throughout the course, we continuously draw on the Triple Bottom Line approach to sustainability, which recognizes that decisions can also have a social and environmental impact. Relating this to the teenage experience, from the clothes they wear to the food they eat, can make it feel more personal.

Part of the class experience includes surrounding ourselves with interactive and real-life examples of how we, as individuals, can make a positive impact on our environment. During the course, last spring, we incubated chickens in our classroom and learned about the role they could play in regenerative agriculture at Northcote. Students eagerly checked on the eggs each day, and were so excited to hold the newly hatched chicks, and later, to visit them at the farm. We spent time on our school farm learning about soil health and the role that responsibly grown produce can play in both our health and that of the environment. A visit to the local farmers’ market and interaction with customers and farmers created the opportunity to learn why others feel it is important to support our local food system. Students participated in all stages of growing produce using our classroom grow tower in order to learn about a method of growing food indoors, which can be a solution to growing food during the winter in our Canadian climate, as well as to provide an opportunity to increase food security in the far north. We also took Grove News 2022/23 | 15

16 | Grove News 2022/23

part in the Bring Back the Salmon program, which involved

that students make in the projects they choose, and

learning about the factors that led to their decline

critical thinking drives the outcome. The hope is that

(overfishing and environmental degradation), to taking

students take these skills, curiosity and critical thinking

care of a classroom hatchery, and ultimately releasing our

into their everyday lives and actions. They are important

salmon fry to the river system on a field trip.

qualities that will help equip our students with the

As a way to take stock of how Lakefield College School is ’practicing what we preach,’ students had a chance to learn about our waste management practices. They also

confidence and skills they will need to advocate for and create better environments, no matter where they find themselves.

learned about our efforts to use renewable energy, analyze

Q: Why is the following topic important: “Our Changing

the data and provide feedback on how we can improve in

Climate—Designing a Path Forward for Climate

our practices. This led to students designing and creating

Curriculum across disciplines’’? How do you see your

a renewable energy model that they believe should become

course (and others at Lakefield) fitting into this?

more of a focus in our local and global community.

A: I believe that this type of education is integral to

Through a solution-based approach, we spend time

achieving positive change. So often, it’s the negative

outdoors, getting our hands dirty, literally and figuratively,

impacts of our collective actions that create the focus for

to build both a connection to the environment and desire

popular discussion. Preparing students for the future of

to leave it better than we found it.

work (and life) requires innovative and holistic approaches

Q: From what you have learned through working with our students, how do they demonstrate their understanding of our Environmental Value in action?

A: Student reflections are one way. Many of my students really focused on how they enjoyed the hands-on approach to the course, as well as the opportunity to focus on ways that they, as individuals, can positively contribute to solutions. Throughout the year, I also noticed small shifts in behaviours such as how waste generated in the classroom went from contaminated recycling, compost and garbage bins to having waste sorted properly, from single use plastic water bottles turning into more frequent use of reusable water bottles. With case studies focusing on the social and environmental impacts of fast fashion, I’ve had students reflect on how they are paying more attention when choosing new clothing. Time spent on the farm and learning about sustainable food systems has led a number of students to take on projects at home such as plant a vegetable or pollinator garden and focus more on composting. Having students take the initiative to share photos of these personal projects with me is very rewarding as a teacher. The high levels of student engagement and appreciation for field trips were also good indicators of the quality of learning they experienced while working together and spending time outdoors.

Q: What skills/attitudes do you hope students will carry with them into the future?

A:

Environmental issues can feel daunting. The Grade 11

Environmental Science course is designed to empower students as consumers, as future voters, and in the lifestyle choices they embody. Curiosity drives the choice

and experiences that will encourage students to apply resilience when adapting to change, and use their creativity, collaboration and critical thinking skills to discover positive responses to a rapidly changing world.

Through authentic experiences that develop an understanding and love of nature, knowledge about issues, and a desire to create change, our collective action can, and needs to be, the way that we focus on positive change.

Allyson is joined by a team of educators at Lakefield (some of whom you will read about in this magazine) committed to providing students with transformative learning experiences. We can see through her example (and others’) that working with students on topics of environmental sustainability and change is not just about education; it’s about nurturing a generation of responsible global citizens. By fostering their understanding and passion for environmental issues, we empower them to become advocates for positive change. It’s a collaborative journey towards a more sustainable future, and as educators and mentors, our role is to guide and inspire. Together, we can instill in our students the values and knowledge they need to address the pressing environmental challenges of our time. At Lakefield our vision is to continue to cultivate this eco-conscious mindset, encouraging students to be the catalysts for a greener, cleaner, and more harmonious world.

CHRISTINE VOGEL OPPOSITE (L-R) Top to bottom: Grade 11 Environmental Science student Justin Au ’24 presents his renewable energy design to his peers; Ali Abell ’24 harvesting fresh veggies from the class’s grow tower, planted earlier in the year; Alden Desy ’24 and her renewable energy project (a fully functioning model of a solar powered irrigation system designed for agriculture); Charlotte Coates ’24 checking in on the class’s newly hatched chicks.

Grove News 2022/23 | 17

The Class of 2023

ANNE-MARIE KEE P ’17 ’19,

COLONEL JEREMY HANSEN

2022/23 CO-HEAD STUDENTS

HEAD OF SCHOOL AND

P ’23 ’24 ’24, KEYNOTE SPEAKER

ABBY REEDS ’23 AND GRIFFIN

FOUNDATION

“As you go forth, I want you to

MBONDA ’23

“All of you sitting here before me,

think about what you learned

experienced the most unusual four

here. I want you to be immensely

years of high school—at least since

proud of yourself—we are all

the 1940s—and perhaps, ever!

immensely proud of you. I want

You are a class that is resilient, that celebrates others, that works hard, and you are a class that is generous, and understands the need to give back.

In your next steps in life, my hope is that you will continue to be leaders, to take action, and to contribute.”

18 | Grove News 2022/23

you to celebrate this victory. This is a great win, you’ve done something incredible. And I want you to do these 3 things: I want you to build a happy future; I want you to demonstrate gratitude; and I want you to contribute your gifts [to the world].”

“At the start of the school year, when we were the only students on campus, the Grads stood together in the Chapel to light the candles that had been passed to us from last year’s graduates.

This was a truly special moment for us all and a genuine ’passing of the torch’. While this year has been many things we’d hoped it would be—exciting, fun-filled, and memorable—we didn’t expect it to feel quite so short.”

Closing 2023

Highlights

The Lakefield College School community was thrilled to celebrate our 144th Closing. We enjoyed a number of traditions including our Friday night Awards Ceremony, all school photo, Closing Chapel, Celebration of Light, and the Grade 12 Graduation and Closing Ceremony with our full community.

On Saturday, June 17, under the big white tent, the LCS community gathered to witness this momentous occasion, relishing the opportunity to celebrate students across grade levels on another successful school year, full of athletic, academic, and artistic accomplishments. The picturesque backdrop of Lake Katchewanooka with its sparkling waters set the scene for a beautiful day. One of the highlights of the ceremony was the keynote address delivered by LCS parent and Canadian astronaut, Colonel Jeremy Hansen P ’23 ’24 ’24.

Drawing from his own experiences as an astronaut, he shared inspiring insights about pushing the boundaries of human potential and emphasized the importance of perseverance and determination.

Anne-Marie Kee P ’17 ’19 commended all students, from Grade 9s to graduates, for their remarkable achievements and their ability to adapt to unique challenges.

As the LCS community bid farewell to the Class of 2023, the emotions of our students were high and you could sense their anticipation for the future. We await the return of these graduates, hoping that they will bring with them cherished memories and an unwavering commitment to making a profound difference in the world.

308

Post-Secondary Areas of Study Scholars with Distinction

Students with averages of 85% or higher

Class of 2023

22% Business/Commerce

440+ Offers of admission to post-secondary programs around the world were received by our 104 Lakefield College School graduates in 2023.

34% Science/Engineering/Medicine

$2.4M

Over in scholarship and other funding offers received by the Class of 2023 from top post-secondary programs around the world.

33% Humanities/Social Sciences

10% Education/Architecture/Fine Arts

View more Closing highlights including videos at: lcs.on.ca/Closing2023

Grove News 2022/23 | 19

2022/23

Highlights 2022 CISAA Champions Congratulations to all of our CISAA finalists who

recognize artistic talent at LCS by promoting

worked hard for their achievements including the

promising young artists and their future

Jr. Girls’ Field Hockey team, who earned Silver; the

contributions to art in Canada and beyond.

Girls’ Tennis Doubles—Sophie Haber ’25 and Olivia Ambler ’25—who earned Silver; and the 1st Boys’ Volleyball team who won the Championship Gold. Throughout the season, our athletes dedicated themselves to refining their skills, steadily ascending the ranks that led them to secure coveted spots in the semifinals and finals.

Their final achievements marked the culmination of a commendable season, and we extend our sincere congratulations to all our student-athletes.

LCS Students Participate in the Largest-Ever University of Toronto Model UN Conference The University of Toronto Model United Nations Conference (UTMUN) is a dynamic simulation of the United Nations that offers students a platform to discuss global issues and enhance their understanding of international relations and diplomacy. In February 2023, six LCS students

ENCORE! Dance Showcase

joined the largest UTMUN conference yet,

The Lakefield College School Dance Company

During the event, our students adeptly

welcomed over 750 members of The Grove

represented specific countries, engaging in

community—parents, friends, family, faculty, staff,

relevant discussions and forging connections with

and students—to The Bryan Jones Theatre for the

peers from diverse backgrounds. This experience

ENCORE! Dance Showcase. Over 75 students in the

broadened their cultural horizons, honed

Dance Company (curricular classes and

intellectual skills, and fostered empathy. The

co-curriculars) worked on this show from

UTMUN participation enriched our students’

September until the end of November, spending

comprehension of global affairs and equipped

hours learning new choreography, strengthening

them with valuable skills for future pursuits. We

their performance skills, and building their

commend Viviana Aguilar ’26, Ximo Gomez ’24,

confidence to deliver three sold-out shows to our

Angelina Tang ’25, Logan Snopek ’24, Amrit

community. ENCORE! was a resounding success

Garcha ’23, and Yukun Xie ’25 for their excellent

and left the audience in awe of our dancers’ talents.

representation of our school.

Dalglish Art Award 2023

2023 OFSAA Nordic Skiing Championships

Congratulations to Max Wenborne ’23, the Peter

featuring 650 delegates from across Canada.

Dalglish Art Award recipient for 2023. The Peter

On February 23 and 24, we co-hosted the 2023

Dalglish Art Award was established in 2014 by

OFSAA Nordic Skiing Championships with

Geordie Dalglish ’89, P ’25 and Kim (Dalglish)

Kawartha Nordic. Over 700 student-athletes from

Abell P ’24 ’27 in honour of their late father’s

across Ontario came together to compete in this

affection for Lakefield College School and his

thrilling event. The opportunity to host large-

commitment to supporting young artists. The

scale athletic events such as this provides a

purpose of this award is to inspire, encourage, and

wonderful opportunity for students, faculty, and

20 | Grove News 2022/23

Above (L-R) Top to Bottom: 1st Boys’ Volleyball Champions; Encore Dance Showcase; Painting by Peter Dalglish Art Award Recipient Max Wenborne ’23; Sophie Haber ’25 and Olivia Ambler ’25 won CISAA Silver in Girls’ Tennis (Doubles).

See more: www.lcs.on.ca/2022_23

22 | Grove News 2022/23

ABOVE (L-R) Top to Bottom: LCS Students Devon Hansen ’23, Alper Gol ’23, Amrit Garcha ’23, and Vincent He ’23 Win 1st Place in Engineering Challenge; Millie Shadgett ’24; Edna Sung ’25, 2023 at the OFSAA Nordic Skiing Championship at LCS; The Cast of Something Rotten.

OUR PEOPLE LCs staff snapshot

2022/23

Highlights staff from other schools to visit The Grove and see what makes LCS so unique. It also offers our students the chance to engage with athletes from various parts of the province and gain insight into the logistics of organizing and volunteering at sporting events.

Congratulations to the 23 LCS students who competed in the championships!

Millie ’24 Receives 2nd Nomination For Canadian Folk Music Award Millie Shadgett ’24 and her band, “The Receivers” were nominated for the Young Performer of the Year award at the 2023 Canadian Folk Music

Tayler Morencie

Visual Arts Teacher, Advisor Life Before Lcs

Awards. Millie’s second nomination for the award

“I studied at the University of Windsor where I earned

is a testament to her talent and skill level in the

my degree in Fine Art and Art History, my teaching

folk music industry. We are lucky to have Millie

degree, and worked as a teaching and research

share her talents with us at school events, in the

assistant. Throughout my studies, I also participated in

LCS Rock Choir, at our Winter and Spring concerts, and more. We couldn’t be happier for her

visual arts shows and spent my summers working at Windsor Salt as a Bulk Loader.”

to receive this well-deserved nomination.

Something Rotten!

B.A. (Fine Art / Art History), University of Windsor B.Ed., University of Windsor

From the opening number—Welcome to the our students’ performance was a tour de force of

Unique Achievements

singing, dancing, and acting. They brought a high

“I was recently invited to participate as a member of the

level of skill and professionalism to the stage. The

Art Gallery of Peterborough’s Fundraising and

set design and costumes were also noteworthy,

Development committee. I’m excited to experience

with sophisticated details (including Tudor-style

giving back to an important Arts institution in our

buildings with thatched roofs) that brought the

community!”

Renaissance—to the final curtain call—Finale—

production to life. The attention to detail was evident in every aspect of the show, from the props to the lighting, which enhanced the mood and tone of each scene. Our cast and crew’s ability to work together as a team and execute such a complex production was impressive.

Congratulations to everyone involved!

LCS Students Win 1st Place in Engineering Challenge

Current Passion Projects “I look forward to continue developing the new AP Studio Arts course. It’s going to be a unique opportunity for students to explore specific media and develop their artistic voices in a more independent way.”

My LCS Difference

In March 2023, Advanced Placement Physics

“You hear this all the time, but it really is the people. I

students competed in a one-day engineering

am grateful to have worked with, and to currently work

challenge at the Healthy Planet Arena in

with, amazing people, some of whom have become my very close friends. The students are so motivated and invested in the arts and that’s what makes me excited to teach every day.”

OUR PEOPLE LCs staff snapshot

Isaac Eshikaty

Technology Solutions Specialist, Advisor Life Before Lcs “Before LCS, Trent University was my home for 6 years - completing my undergrad in Computer Studies and Mathematics, and working in the IT department. I refer to Trent as ’home’ because this was where I spent my first 6 years in Canada, splitting my time between learning, working, and promoting African and Caribbean cultures through food and performance arts. A bulk of my friends today are the ones I met at Trent University.”

B.Sc., Computer Studies and Mathematics, Trent University

Unique Achievements “Twenty three years on, I still consider my decision to move across the world (to Canada) to begin a life that I have come to love, my biggest achievement. I can only hope to give back as much as I’ve been blessed with. My lifelong love for aviation also makes my pilot’s license another one of those unique achievements in my life, and having added a drone license to it, helps me fulfill my mission of sharing the love of flight.”

My LCS Difference “The Waterfront! In addition to that, LCS has always maintained the mindset of “trying new things” especially when they demonstrate a great potential to diversify the learning experience for our students—and that has never wavered. We recognize passionate educators, and support trials of transformative initiatives.”

24 | Grove News 2022/23 ABOVE (L-R) Top to Bottom: LCS Students participate in Inaugural Chess Tournament; The cast of The Play That Goes Wrong; Students took their Transport Canada exams to obtain their Basic and Advanced Certificate as part of the LCS Drone Program.

2022/23

Highlights Peterborough. Working in teams of four, their

Canada exams—Abdul Khan ’23 with a Basic

challenge was to design and construct a bridge

Certificate and Linus Rybczynski ’24 with an

out of popsicle sticks, glue, tape, wooden dowels,

Advanced Certificate. The LCS Drone Program is a

and other provided materials.

fantastic addition to the school’s offerings and will undoubtedly benefit students interested in

The competition was fierce as teams battled to

pursuing a career in aviation or related fields.

build a bridge that could not only support the

Thank you to Mr. Eshikaty for sharing his passion

weight of a toy car, but also withstand the largest

for aviation with our students.

force possible. And it wasn’t just about building a strong bridge; teams also had to submit a written report that detailed their design and included solutions to torque and static equilibrium questions.

In the end, one team emerged victorious.

Congratulations to Devon Hansen ’23, Alper Gol ’23, Amrit Garcha ’23, and Vincent He ’23 for finishing first overall in the competition. Their bridge withstood a force of 30.2 lbs before breaking, the most of any group in the competition.

LCS Drone Program Takes Flight

The Play That Goes Wrong Laughter filled The Bryan Jones Theatre as our Drama students took the stage in their uproarious production of The Play That Goes Wrong. This comedy, known for its unpredictable mishaps and theatrical mayhem, showcased our dedicated performers’ acting skills and comedic timing.

Under the guidance of our passionate Drama teachers, the cast and crew worked tirelessly to bring this comedic piece to life. From the initial auditions to the final curtain call, students poured their energy into creating a truly memorable theatrical experience.

Lakefield College School launched its new drone program in April 2023, thanks to the generous support of Alexandre Parent ’15 and the expertise of Mr. Eshikaty. The Drone Program began with ground school training to ensure students were familiar with Transport Canada’s knowledge requirements.

LCS Hosts Inaugural Chess Tournament In May, Lakefield College School held its inaugural Chess Tournament, organized and run by the exceptional efforts of Grade 12 student, Amrit Garcha ’23. The tournament brought together

With good weather on their side, students were

students from all grade levels to showcase their

able to test their skills in drone crew management,

strategic thinking and chess skills in a

rotating roles from pilot-in-command to visual

competitive setting. Amrit’s leadership and

observer to mission briefing. The program

dedication made the event a resounding success,

operates under the Canadian Aviation Regulations

fostering a sense of camaraderie and intellectual

(CARs), ensuring that all flight missions are

challenge among the participants. This

conducted in compliance with the law. Through

memorable tournament highlighted the vibrant

frequent outings, students had the opportunity to

chess community at LCS and set the stage for

sharpen their briefing and checklist usage as well

future chess competitions.

as their piloting skills. Before the end of April, two eager students already passed their Transport

View School News and watch our latest videos at lcs.on.ca/News Grove News 2022/23 | 25

2022/23

Highlights Leon Gell ’24 Wins Gold at OFSAA Tennis 2023

recharge and find respite from the demands of

In a show of skill and determination, Leon Gell ’24

provides a sanctuary for personal reflection, or

emerged victorious in the High School Boys’

deep, focussed work.

their academic schedule. For those seeking solace or a moment of introspection, our sound booth

Singles category at the OFSAA Tennis Championships. The tournament, which

The generous donation from the Ruparelia family

showcased the best young tennis talent in Ontario,

that made this exceptional space possible has

took place over several intense days of competitive

transformed it into a campus destination that

matches in Toronto. Leon’s exceptional

appeals to our teens and adults alike.

performance throughout the event led him to the top of the podium, earning him the coveted gold medal.

This achievement is a testament to Leon ’24’s training, dedication, and passion for the sport.

Congratulations, Leon ’24, on this well-deserved triumph.

Congratulations to our 2023/24 Co-Head Students Congratulations to Jane Orr ’24 and Luke Newbigging ’24 who were elected as 2023/24 Co-Head Students by their peers and staff. They are both excited to take on the responsibility of leading the student body this year, and we have no

Introducing Our New Learning Support Classroom

doubt that they will do an exceptional job. We

Thanks to the invaluable contributions of Rupel

LCS Graduates Offered Over $2.3 million in Scholarships and Funding

’89, P ’22 ’23 and Marcy Ruparelia P ’22 ’23, in May 2023, we were proud to unveil our new Learning Support Classroom—a physical representation of our knowledge about how people learn and thrive.

wish them all the best this year.

A Lakefield College School tradition, our Grade 12 students decorated posters with their

Every aspect of the Learning Support Classroom

postsecondary destinations and posed for photos

was meticulously designed with intention and

to celebrate an exciting time in their lives—

purpose. Drawing upon insights from the learning

announcing their postsecondary destinations.

sciences, we made deliberate choices in every

This was just the first of many celebrations for our

corner of the space to optimize the learning

Grads, but it is one they anticipate.

environment for our students and the adults working with them.

The Class of 2023 is to be congratulated on receiving over 440 offers of admission from across

Collaborative group spaces encourage dynamic

Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom,

teamwork and effective communication, fostering

and Europe. Our graduating class was offered

the development of essential interpersonal skills.

scholarships and other awards totalling over $2.3

Quiet testing spaces provide an environment

million—a testament to their strength and

conducive to concentration and performance

academic potential. Learn more at

during assessments.

https://bit.ly/2023LCSGrads.

Additionally, calm decompression spaces offer students a tranquil retreat where they can

26 | Grove News 2022/23

OUR PEOPLE LCs staff snapshot

Greg Adams

Mathematics Teacher, Advisor Life Before Lcs “I began my teaching career overseas at an international school in Bangkok, Thailand. This formative opportunity gave me a deep appreciation for travel and authentic education, and the strengths that diverse student perspectives bring to the classroom. Upon returning to Canada, I taught at an independent IB school in Richmond Hill for eight years. I have long admired LCS’s model of global education and international mindedness, and I was so excited to join the community with my wife in 2021.”

B.Sc., B.Ed., M.Ed. Lakehead University

Unique Achievements “I finished my Master’s in Education while teaching full time, starting a new role as a Head of House and parenting three young children! I feel as though each day is an accomplishment.”

My LCS Difference “It’s hard not to be deeply moved by this school, this community, and this environment. I was raised in a small town on the Bruce Peninsula, where every family tapped trees in the winter to make maple syrup, where many of my friends kept bees to make honey, and where summer camping and canoe trips were regular occurrences. We were outside every day. We didn’t have parks, we had forests, and our neighbours felt more like family. In many ways, teaching at LCS feels like coming home.”

Grove News 2022/23 | 27

ABOVE (L-R) Top to Bottom: Members of the Class of 2023 heading to McMaster University; 2023 Co-Head Students Jane Orr ’24 and Luke Newbigging ’24; OFSAA Tennis Champion Leon Gell ’24; Lakefield’s new Learning Support Classroom.

OUR PEOPLE LCs staff snapshot

2022/23

Highlights Our Grads received offers of admission from top institutions across the globe, including the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Imperial College London in England, and multiple offers from the University of California system. As in past years, most of our Grads have chosen to remain closer to home, with just over 70 percent of the graduating class opting to study within Canada. Half of this group will study at universities located in Ontario,

John Runza P ’17 ’20 Director of School Life Life Before Lcs “I worked as a parish priest at St. John the Evangelist in Peterborough before coming to LCS in September of 1995 as Chaplain. Before that, I worked for the Town of Markham in the roads department and in our family business repairing trucks, while going to university.”

with Queen’s being the top destination overall.

McGill University is the school of choice for eight percent of the Class of 2023, while nine percent are heading to the east coast and four percent are heading to the University of British Columbia on the west coast.

Celebrating our dedicated teachers and their pursuit of positive education!

During summer 2023, twelve LCS educators successfully completed their Certificate in

Bachelor of Arts (Hons.), Religious Studies, Queen’s University Masters of Divinity (M.Div), University of Toronto

unique achievements “I was a competitive equestrian rider and my real passion was Show Jumping.”

Current Passion Project “ I am looking forward to going back into parish

Positive Education through our THRIVE initiative.

This transformative journey was a 64-hour immersive experience, combining synchronous and asynchronous learning. Led by our Director of THRIVE, Libby Dalrymple, our teachers delved deep into the principles and practices of positive education based on curriculum from The Flourishing Center.

Through this program, our educators have gained valuable insights and tools to foster wellbeing, resilience, and flourishing in our school

ministry as I downsize my role and responsibilities at

community. They are equipped with evidence-

LCS. I am on the Board of Directors and Chair of the

based strategies to cultivate a positive classroom

Property Committee for the Morton Medical Centre,

environment, nurture students’ strengths, and

and continue to advocate for increased health care in

promote overall happiness and growth within the

our local area. I am definitely passionate about

LCS community.

this need!”

My LCS Difference “The Chapel has, for me, always been the heart of the school. This is where we celebrate babies being born, where we say goodbye to old friends who pass on, where we sing and laugh and cry. For me, our Chapel experience is what makes LCS special and unique.”

28 | Grove News 2022/23

We are proud of our teachers’ dedication to creating a nurturing and empowering learning space. Their passion and expertise will undoubtedly inspire our students to thrive and reach their full potential.

See more: bit.ly/RegattaDay2023

ABOVE: Regatta Day 2023 highlights. See more online at bit.ly/RegattaDay2023

Grove News 2022/23 | 29

FALL 2023

Highlights Launching the 2023/24 School Year

Field Hockey showed improvement and had strong

The 2023/24 school year at Lakefield College School

Championship win; Junior and Senior Volleyball had

kicked off with zest. Our Grads dove into the annual

strong performances in the playoffs; Senior Boys

Grad Leadership Conference focused on inclusivity

Volleyball and Senior Girls Basketball won the

and personal reflection to help give them the

CISAA Championships; Cross Country Running

confidence to lead their younger peers through

hosted several races and Isabel Gordillo Palacio ’27

opening days and the year ahead. A few weeks after

qualified for OFSAA.

playoff showings, narrowly missing a CISAA

their arrival, our entire student body ventured on grade experiences, many focussed on challenges

Artistic Achievements: Art projects, including

that took them outdoors, including the

campus garden signs, classroom planters, and

quintessential Algonquin Expedition, and other

painted pumpkins decorated the campus, and

grade-based adventures.

Culinary Arts students’ skills shone under Chef Evan

Fall Fair at Our Farm at Northcote On September 30, 2023, the Lakefield College School community enjoyed Fall Fair for the first time ever, at our Northcote Campus. This popular tradition drew over 700 community members for an afternoon of outdoor activities at our farm.

Podd and Mr. Milburn. The LCS Dance Company (70 dancers) have been preparing for the sold-out 20th anniversary showcase “20” at The Bryan Jones Theatre, November 22-24, 2023.

LCS Students Participate in The DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America) Regionals

Students, staff, parents, alumni and their families

Thirteen Lakefield College School students headed

enjoyed inflatable games, pumpkin carving, arts

to Whitby, Ontario, for the prestigious DECA

and crafts, goat-petting, and tours of the farm.

Regionals on November 5, 2023. This event marked a

Heartfelt thanks to our dedicated student and staff volunteers. Gratitude is extended, also, to Hunt the Hare for their live musical entertainment and to the

significant milestone for LCS, with its largest-ever group, highlighting the school’s commitment to business education excellence.

local artisans and vendors for hosting foodtrucks

The journey started with rigorous preparation,

and a marketplace offering handmade jewelry,

including a challenging 70-minute online exam in

macrame, accessories, and other treasures.

October. Armed with knowledge, our students faced

Fall 2023 Co-curricular Awards

in-person events in categories like Business Management, Hospitality, Finance, and

Lakefield College School recently celebrated its Fall

Entrepreneurship, showcasing academic prowess

2023 Co-curricular Awards. Students were

and critical thinking skills.

acknolwedged for their athletic and artistic abilities and also, their dedication, teamwork, and

A special accolade goes to three outstanding

sportspersonship.

individuals—Matias Lopez Hernandez ’27, Cindy Chen ’25, and Leyla Kembar ’24—whose exceptional

Athletic Triumphs: The fall season witnessed

performance has earned them a well-deserved spot

exceptional performances. Our Sailing Team

at the DECA Provincials!

competed in three regattas; Junior and Senior Boys’ Soccer teams reached the semi-final and Senior Boys represented at the CAIS national tournament;

OPPOSITE (L-R) Top to Bottom: Members of the Class of 2024 greet families during opening days; students enjoying Fall Fair festivities; the LCS DECA team at the DECA Regionals in Whitby, ON.

Grove News 2022/23 | 31

OUR BEST SEASON YET LCS Summer Academy and Programs In 2021, Lakefield College School unveiled LCS Summer

turned to adventure-based programming and leadership,

Academy and Programs. It represented the start of a journey

aligning naturally with our ethos as an Outdoors Every Day

to enrich the student experience through summer

school. Some popular programs included Leaders in

enrichment and credit programs tailored for students in

Training: Designing Your Future, Wilderness and Camping

Grades 9-12. Every program is rooted in Lakefield’s deep

Adventures, Climbing Adventures, and Waterfront

connection with the outdoors and an unwavering

Adventures. Through these programs, students not only

commitment to outdoor education for all of our students.

acquired outdoor skills but also cultivated self-confidence,

They are all based on our core values, prioritize community

forged friendships, and embraced nature’s wonders.

and the cultivation of strong relationships, and foster togetherness in diverse ways.

The move to offer in-house summer programming represented a departure from solely hosting third-party summer camps, and LCS continued with this strategic initiative to explore new ways to make the campus available to students year-round for learning and exploration. It seemed fitting that we offer our own summer programs taught by experienced LCS faculty and staff. Our staff not only understand our strategic pillars (Community First, Outdoors Every Day, and Authentic Learning) but they

Summer Academy Quick Facts: 12 programs offered in 2021 13 programs offered in 2022 20 programs offered in 2023 417 students on campus, summer 2023 326 new-to-LCS students on campus in 2023

develop their curriculums with these aspects in mind, ensuring that all learning that takes place at The Grove is

The overwhelming response from both LCS and non-LCS

underscored by the same philosophy and approach.

families underscores the immense value of providing year-

Fast forward to 2023, and building on the success of early pilot programs, such as the Seed-to-Table, English Language Learners outdoor land-based program and Grove Prep for Grade 9, LCS offered a full array of programs to learners ages 6 to 18 in addition to an Alumni Family Camp (p.66) this summer. We also celebrated record-breaking enrolment, welcoming 417 campers to our campus,

round opportunities for students to immerse themselves in nature. As we move forward, our mission remains steadfast—to inspire, educate, and empower the leaders of tomorrow, fostering a lifelong love for learning and nature within each student at The Grove.

Families Love Our Summer Programs

marking a remarkable increase of 90% from 2022 and 135%

“My camper had a wonderful time at LCS, I have

from the inaugural year in 2021.

recommended the program to several other parents. Thank

Today, LCS Summer Academy & Programs offers a breadth of programs designed for students and campers seeking challenging and fun academic and recreational pursuits.

Our offerings cover a variety of unique experiences, seamlessly combining outdoor education with a fun and engaging learning environment. Against the backdrop of our picturesque campus and waterfront, students engage in immersive learning experiences that transcend the

you for giving him such a great experience!”

— Jr. Day Camp Parent

“I found everything to be extremely well organized which reassures us, the parents. Our child came home every day, excited to tell us about everything he did. Every morning, he was excited to get going! [...] Thank you for a great week!”

— Climbing Adventures Parent

boundaries of traditional classrooms.

“My kids had an unforgettable experience in LCS and the With each passing summer, our Summer Academy Team

summer program is unique. They became mature, indepen-

explores new learning avenues that appeal to youth from

dent and happy. They love the school so much.”

the local area and beyond. In the summer of 2023, our focus

— Wilderness & Camping Adventures Parent

32 | Grove News 2022/23

SUMMER ACADEMY & PROGRAMS IN 2024 Ages 4-10 Junior Day Camp: Minis Junior Day Camp

Ages 11-14 Climbing Adventures Waterfront Adventures Bushcraft Adventures Seed to Table: Junior Adventures Wilderness and Camping Adventures Seed to Table: Junior Intensive Waterfront Exploration Intensive Nature Art Adventures Grove Prep for Grades 7 & 8

Ages 13-18 Grade 10 Civics & Careers (online)* Grade 10 Science* Grade 11 Biology: Travel Marine Biology Program* Leaders in Training: Designing Your Future* Grade 12 Advanced Functions (online)* Grade 12 Nutrition & Health (online)* Dance Intensive Culinary Arts Intensive English Language Learners: Outdoor Adventure Course* From Seed to Table: The Future of Food* Grove Prep for Grade 9 Outdoor Adventure Prep *Ontario Secondary School Credit Course

Grove News 2022/23 | 33

NURTURING INNOVATORS

FOR THE FUTURE How Lakefield inspires students to pursue

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math Empowering students with a well-rounded education that extends beyond traditional classroom boundaries is a cornerstone of Lakefield College School’s approach to learning. Many Lakefield alumni speak to the school’s reputation for delivering unique and transformative educational experiences. They can enumerate the real-world challenges and adventures they had that “tested their mettle” both in nature (think Algonquin Park) and within the community (leadership roles, athletic and arts competitions, for example). However, there is an equally impactful, and perhaps less-discussed, element of the LCS experience. It’s the baseline excellence of our academic streams, including Advanced Placement (AP) courses.

At the heart of this endeavour is the development of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) skillsets in our students, fostering a dynamic environment that not only provides students with an enriching high school experience, but also prepares them for the rapidly evolving landscape of the future workforce.

From Business to Accounting, Visual Arts, Biology, Chemistry, and more, our faculty find unique ways to engage students in STEM and help them identify their individual skills, interests, and passions to diversify their understanding of the possibilities that are open to them beyond high school.

Approximately 40% (5-year average) of Lakefield College School students pursue studies in science, engineering, nursing, and medicine, and this trend is consistent. The programs they attend are competitive and include universities around the world. In Canada, LCS graduates are pursuing programs at universities such as Queen’s, Western, U of T, Waterloo, UBC and Dalhousie. They are also going to universities in Europe and the U.K., like Oxford, and some of the more selective schools in the United States like Harvard and the California Institute of Technology. Many Lakefield graduates go into engineering, pursuing different fields of study.

Many are in the health sciences or life sciences, some in neuroscience, or in both science, and applied science engineering programs. Lakefield graduates not only have had a lot of success getting accepted into these programs, they’re well prepared for them. And, when asked, most will tell you, the transition from Lakefield courses (for example in chemistry and physics), to University courses, was “great.”

Within the pages that follow, we highlight some of the ways Lakefield faculty are inspiring and preparing our students for pursuits in science, computer science, and math. As technology continues to shape our world, the emphasis on STEM education in high school not only empowers students with practical skills, but also plays a pivotal role in building a future generation of innovators and problem solvers who can drive progress and competitiveness on a global scale.

34 | Grove News 2022/23

(L-R) LCS Chemistry students and Program Area Leader for Science and Chemistry teacher Dr. Todd Melville P ’21 ’21 ’24

Instilling an Interest and Passion for

SCIENCE AT LAKEFIELD We recently sat down with Dr. Todd Melville P ’21 ’21 ’24,

and strengths to the department, creating a synergistic

Program Area Leader for Sciences, to better understand

team that complements each other. While the common

how the Science team at Lakefield are building students’

threads of chemistry, biology, and physics run throughout

passions and skill sets in the sciences and preparing them

the curriculum, the teaching styles and areas of focus vary,

for university.

ensuring a rich and varied educational experience.

Dr. Melville’s journey into teaching science took an

“The strength of our science faculty is in that we do a really

unconventional path. Initially, he pursued an

good job of getting students interested and prepared to

undergraduate and graduate degree in chemistry,

learn about science. We have an incredibly effective,

eventually landing a postdoctoral research position in high-

diverse group of science teachers from Grade 9 right up

resolution laser spectroscopy. It was pure research and a

through to the Advanced Placement (AP), Grade 12 level.

specialization that he found interesting, but he soon

And, most important, our faculty are very talented at

realized that he had been happiest during his graduate

getting students jazzed about learning,” says Melville.

studies, when he was a teaching assistant in the lab. The

“Even teens that wouldn’t typically see themselves taking

joy, engagement, and the energy he experienced in those

science, will take science courses at Lakefield. A lot of our

teaching roles were unparalleled. After a few months into

students take our Grade 11 science courses. They’re all

his postdoctoral research, Dr. Melville pivoted and returned

electives at that stage. We have, of course, chemistry,

to university to pursue a Bachelor of Education (BEd) with

physics, and biology, and now environmental science as

the aim of becoming an educator. It’s a decision he hasn’t

well, all at the Grade 11 level, and pre-APs for three of

regretted. After 16 years of teaching at Lakefield College

them. A large percentage of our students take one, or more.

School, Dr. Melville continues to find joy through teaching

For example, approximately 75% of our Grade 11 students

and witnessing the excitement of his students as they learn

are taking chemistry. Many of them are taking chemistry

about science.

and physics, or all three sciences.”

One of the pillars of Lakefield’s strong science department

In Grades 9 and 10, the science courses adopt a broad and

is its diversity. In addition to Dr. Melville, there are 11

hands-on approach to capture students’ interest in the

science teachers who bring unique backgrounds, interests,

world of science and build fundamental skills. It Grove News 2022/23 | 35

“I love when parents come to tour our classrooms, because I’m never concerned that a parent will see something in our classes where the students aren’t engaged. I invite them right in. I can tell you 99.9 percent of the time in our science classes, if you walk by, students are engaged in the learning. And that, for me, as a parent and a teacher and a PAL here, that’s the sign of successful classrooms.”

emphasizes collaboration, activity-based learning, and

skills that prepare students for success at the university

engagement. As students progress to the senior years

level. The focus in Grades 9 and 10 is on laying the

(Grade 11 and 12), the emphasis shifts towards

groundwork for this success. Feedback from alumni

lab-based, and Advanced Placement courses where they

attests to the effectiveness of the program, as many

delve deeper into specialized areas.

students go on to excel in science and engineering at

Authentic learning is a core principle across all science courses. This means that students are actively involved in the learning process. For example, in chemistry, students complete labs connected to most key concepts and in physics they explore classical physics through hands-on activities and experiments. In biology students delve into experimental work, including dissections and microscopic investigations. “To provide an idea of what a physics experiment might look like, for example, imagine Mr. Braeckman’s physics class uses a little launcher that shoots a ball-bearing and students must determine the distance and height that it’s gone and then relate it back to the equations that govern the approach there. It’s a very effective and fun way,” says Melville, “to apply scientific applications to real life.”

This approach not only deepens their understanding but also fosters a love for science.

As the Program Area Leader (PAL) of the Science Department, Dr. Melville works with the other science teachers to collaborate on the implementation of team goals across the department. Most recently, discussions have turned to the introduction of sustainability themes across grades and disciplines. For instance, the new Grade 11 Environmental Science class, led by Ms. Delevadova (p.14), brings fresh perspectives to the curriculum, complementing traditional lab-based science courses. Additionally, a new three-week summer intensive travel biology credit course, led by Mrs. Armstrong P ’13 ’15, offers a multidisciplinary experience combining in-person and online learning, including field trips in New Brunswick. In Grades 9 and 10, sustainability is integrated through courses like the Grade 9 Green Industries pilot course and the reworked Grade 9 Ecology and Sustainability unit.

various universities, both in Canada and abroad.

Fostering Intellectual Risk-Taking One of the ways teachers foster intellectual risk-taking is through the intentional integration of lab skills into the curriculum. In Grade 11 and 12 science courses, students engage in various lab experiments throughout the year. At the end of the course, they are presented with lab skills tests, where each student is tasked with a unique experiment. This approach challenges students to independently design and execute experiments. It requires them to make decisions on the fly and adapt to unexpected situations. This promotes intellectual risktaking and builds confidence as students learn to tackle challenges without the constant guidance of a teacher.

This experience instills a sense of responsibility and selfreliance.

Overall, the commitment of the science faculty at Lakefield College School to deliver engaging, diverse, and authentic learning experiences, along with their focus on preparing students for university, sets a strong foundation for success in the world of STEM education.

Dr. Melville’s journey and the school’s approach to science education exemplify a dynamic and effective approach to teaching and learning. “I love when parents come to tour our classrooms, because I’m never concerned that a parent will see something in our classes where the students aren’t engaged. I invite them right in. I can tell you 99.9 percent of the time in our science classes, if you walk by, students are engaged in the learning. And that, for me, as a parent and a teacher and a PAL here, that’s the sign of successful classrooms,” says Melville.

CHRISTINE VOGEL

From a high-level perspective, the overarching goal of the science department is always to build foundational 36 | Grove News 2022/23

LCS Computer Science Teacher Russell Gordon with his class

COMPUTER SCIENCE

Authoring Software for Real-World Solutions With a rich teaching history spanning sixteen years and a

learning by demonstrating that education can transcend

background in software development, Math and Computer

memorization and formulaic application. “I became a

Science teacher, Russell Gordon brings a wealth of

computer science teacher because I had a great computer

experience and passion to his classroom. Mr. Gordon is the

science teacher in high school who showed me that

first to dispel the myth that coding is a simplistic job that

learning could be so much more than regurgitating facts or

requires pressing buttons on a computer to solve

applying formulas on a test. I wanted to pay that forward.”

monotonous math problems. “The reality is that a lot of the

This inspiration led him to embark on a journey of teaching

time, you are talking to people and figuring out what they

where he continuously strives to create an environment

need to solve the problem at hand. It’s then a creative

where students not only learn but also actively contribute

process as you work out what form the software you are

and innovate.

writing must take,” says Gordon. This is something that students learn almost immediately upon taking Mr. Gordon’s class.

Preparation for STEM Fields At LCS, our educators are cognizant of the evolving

Having worked in software development for years, he

demands of STEM fields and ensure that students are

emphasizes the collaborative nature of the process, which

equipped with not only subject-specific knowledge but also

requires interactions with stakeholders to creatively solve

vital collaboration and communication skills. By fostering

problems. It’s this real-world expertise that shapes his

group work, questioning, and independent writing,

teaching philosophy and his commitment to offering

teachers empower students to not just absorb information,

students more than just rote learning.

but to internalize, apply, and articulate it effectively.

Inspired by a Transformative Educator

“Careers in STEM fields require deep subject-specific knowledge, but also highly developed collaboration and

Reflecting on his own high school experience, Mr. Gordon

communication skills. After leaving LCS, students will work

acknowledges the pivotal role played by one of his own

in teams far more often than they realize and our approach

high school teachers, Ms. Keena. She ignited his passion for

to teaching and learning reflects that.”

Grove News 2022/23 | 37

Students in Russell Gordon’s Computer Science class

Recognizing that the modern workforce thrives on

the Grade 11 and 12 Computer Studies programs. With

teamwork and dynamic problem-solving, LCS teachers lay

authentic learning as a strategic pillar of our educational

the foundation for our students to excel in their chosen

philosophy, students are challenged to create software that

paths.

addresses real-world issues in our local and global communities.

The LCS Computer Science Experience

“Authentic learning underscores our approach to

In the Computer Science classroom, students build on

education here at LCS. What better way for students to

their existing knowledge and construct new insights as

experience this than to author software that helps others in

they work together to develop software solutions. This

our local or broader communities by solving a problem for

approach helps them not only master the art of coding, but

them?” asked Gordon.

also hones their communication skills, a vital trait for STEM professionals. Another critical experience our students experience is receiving feedback from their teacher; Mr. Gordon assesses students in a way that better prepares them for the type of performance assessment they’ll receive in the workplace, in a STEM position.

“My students maintain a portfolio populated with evidence of their progress against course learning goals […] Students receive informal feedback from me regarding their progress, both verbally in class and in writing, in their portfolio. And at least once (but ideally twice) within a module, I review each student’s portfolio with them, and through conversation, we determine what numeric grade

This not only imparts technical skills but also teaches attention to detail, feedback integration, and project management—all essential attributes of a successful career in the tech industry.

One of Mr. Gordon’s students, Noah Soubliere ’23 spoke about the project, saying, “It was our first time having our entire class work on a group project. There were around 12 of us all working on the same thing, making it sometimes confusing. But, it helped me learn how to code with others and how to be a part of a team. Also, it was a more realistic simulation of what app developers do for a career because they never solo-code an app, they always work on a team.”

best reflects the level of understanding they have demonstrated.”

Simulating Tech Industry Dynamics The project’s structure closely mirrors the dynamics of the

Building Real-World Solutions An exemplary project within our curriculum involves designing and launching apps, a core component of both 38 | Grove News 2022/23

tech industry, where collaboration is paramount. Just like real-world engineers, students learn to collaborate with peers, clients, and colleagues to improve software

prototypes, gather feedback, and iterate on their creations.

Dellamea ’23 and Noah Soubliere ’23 authored the user

The experience of working as a team, understanding user

interface for a variety of pages within the app. Vincent He

requirements, and managing projects effectively prepares

’23 developed a prototype for a ’carousel’ interface that

them for the realities of a career in software development.

allows for selection of the musical currently being viewed.

Through the app project, students acquire a diverse set of skills. They delve into querying relational databases using Structured Query Language, a universally applicable skill.

They also become proficient in programming languages like Swift and tools like Xcode, while learning the intricacies of project management and source control. By navigating these challenges, our students emerge as adept programmers and well-rounded technologists with a strong foundation in teamwork and problem-solving.

Amy Shin ’23 refined search interfaces that allow users to quickly find the information they want. Nathan Smith ’24 added mapping and navigation to the LCS campus and selected most of the icons used within the app. Logan Snopek ’24 contributed heavily to prototyping the overall look and feel of the user interface. Lillian Yang ’23 selected and cropped images and then identified each subject in the photos. Finally, Judy Yu ’23 researched a method for changing the theme, or visual appearance of the app, based upon what musical production was selected—this has become a significant defining feature of Musicals @ LCS.”

Celebrating Achievements

This collective effort not only led to the creation of a

One remarkable success story from LCS’s app project

practical application, but also boosted students’ confidence

involves the Musicals@LCS app, authored by the Grade 12

in their abilities.

Computer Science class and launched in the Apple App Store in 2023. This complex undertaking demonstrated the power of teamwork, as students collaborated to populate a database with information from recent musical productions. From refining user interfaces to incorporating innovative features, each student made a significant contribution.

“All students in the class helped to populate the database with information—a very time-consuming task. Each student also had specific notable achievements. Jerry Dai ’23, Joyce Tao ’23, and Jacobo de Juan Millon ’23 authored a helper app that made database population for the primary Musicals @ LCS app a less manual process. Madison

Preparing for a Tech-Driven Future As technology continues to shape the workforce, the value of STEM education becomes ever more evident. By immersing students in an environment where they not only grasp technical concepts but also develop essential interpersonal and problem-solving skills, we empower them to remain competitive in an ever-changing job market. Our commitment to integrating STEM principles ensures that LCS graduates are not just equipped to face the future— they are poised to shape it.

ELISE MOORE Grove News 2022/23 | 39

LCS Program Area Leader for Mathematics and Math teacher Beth Nichols with her class.

BUILDING THINKING CLASSROOMS: Fostering Critical Thinking in Math Education Fostering critical thinking in mathematics education is a

school, aligning well with the teaching practices she had

vital goal in today’s educational landscape. To better

been cultivating in her own classroom over the years.

understand how this is being achieved at Lakefield, we spoke to faculty member and Program Area Leader for Math, Beth Nichols who shared insights into her journey

Preparing Students for STEM

and approach. Here’s a glimpse into her thoughts and

When asked about preparing students for STEM fields,

strategies:

Beth highlighted the importance of balancing the teaching of complex mathematical ideas with critical

A Passion for Math Beth’s journey into math education began with a deeprooted passion for the subject. Even in elementary school, she enjoyed helping classmates understand math concepts. This passion led her to become a math tutor in high school, providing early insights into the challenges

thinking. While traditional teaching methods still emphasize important numeracy, algebra, and graphing skills, she stressed the need to explicitly teach problemsolving, creativity, and collaboration. These skills are seen as essential for long-term success in STEM careers and for preparing students for the future.

students face and what hinders their success. While studying to become a teacher, this personal connection with math students shaped her teaching philosophy.

After teaching at various Toronto schools, Beth relocated with her family to join Lakefield College School’s Math department. She was drawn to the idea of working with a team of educators who were enthusiastic about adopting innovative approaches to teaching, distinct from the traditional methods many of us encountered in high 40 | Grove News 2022/23

Goals for the Math Team at Lakefield The primary goals of the math team revolve around enhancing problem-solving and collaboration skills.

Beth discussed the concept of a “Thinking Classroom” where students work in groups and on whiteboards, in a practice rooted in the belief that students think more when they collaborate on challenging problems in this dynamic setting.

Today’s students are finding their footing with innovative

students for dynamic problem-solving and effective

math techniques such as this. However, these approaches,

collaboration in the real world.

while effective, often stand in stark contrast to the traditional methods of previous generations, leading to some apprehension among both students and parents. Naturally, parents are eager to ensure their children receive the best possible education in this evolving landscape.

How do you develop the capacity to tackle any problem, whether in mathematics or life? Beth seeks to expose students to experiences that confront them with problems they may not yet know how to solve, and they may be uncertain about which skills to apply. This mirrors real-life situations where

“For the math teachers at Lakefield, it’s important that we

content knowledge takes a backseat to problem-solving

collectively consider these innovative math approaches. This

abilities. In essence, offering students opportunities to

journey involves assessing the value of research and aligning

grapple with vulnerability as they learn problem-solving,

it with our school-wide educational philosophy. In our role as

teamwork, and leverage each other’s strengths and

educators, we understand the need for a cautious and gradual

knowledge to navigate complex issues.

approach to change. We recognize the importance of introducing new methods thoughtfully over time. Our plan begins in Grade 9, with the intention of progressively enhancing students’ mathematical skills across all grade levels, paving the way for a successful educational journey,” says Beth.

The focus is less on the final outcome, which suggests following a prescribed practice or formulaic process, and more on acquiring the skills to design and develop problemsolving approaches.

“Take tool selection as an example. When studying logarithms, it’s not just about knowing how to execute

Challenges in Math Education The biggest challenge in math education is breaking away from the traditional model of rote learning and repetitive problem-solving. Beth emphasized the importance of allowing students to explore, make mistakes, and engage socially. While this approach may make some students and parents uncomfortable, she suggests it’s vital for preparing

various operations; it’s about mastering the art of choosing the right strategy for a given situation. Each of us possesses an array of skills, and the challenge is to discern which ones are most suited for a particular task. Are you adept at recognizing patterns? Are you aware of your own strengths?”

Beth says, in an attempt to illustrate this skill development, it’s about “Learning what to do when you’re unsure about the next steps.”

Grove News 2022/23 | 41

“One of the things that both the Thinking Classroom and Problem-Based Learning methods share, is the idea of moving away from ’teacher directed’ methods, exclusively, as the only way to learn, and encouraging student-led and studentdirected, collaborative learning.”

Problem-Based Learning and the Thinking Classroom Problem-Based Learning (PBL) and the Thinking Classroom (TC) are two different but related approaches to teaching math. PBL involves teaching through problems and peer discussion. TC, on the other hand, focuses on 14 practices that can be applied flexibly, such

One of the innovative approaches in the Thinking Class curriculum is to initiate learning with non-curricular problems. In this context, the conventional advantage held by students who typically excel in math is minimized. These problems are characterized by their strategic nature, offering a low entry point yet a high potential for complexity.

as group work and starting class with a problem. Beth

One example favoured by Beth, involves a Rubik’s cube

referred to both and emphasized the need to evolve

that’s been dipped in paint. Students are challenged to

teaching methods to align with the changing world,

explore the sub-cubes contained within the larger cube

including the growing influence of artificial intelligence.

and determine how many of their faces are painted.

“One of the things that both the Thinking Classroom and Problem-Based Learning methods share, is the idea of moving away from ’teacher directed’ methods, exclusively, as the only way to learn, and encouraging student-led and student-directed, collaborative learning,” says Beth. “Students learn how to work with each other, and develop the understanding that they are

They must investigate the quantity of sub-cubes with three, two, or one side painted. This problem provides a tangible object for students to analyze, allowing them to count and scale their observations. They can start with a three by three by three cube and then progress to a larger four by four by four cube, continuously expanding their understanding.

not limited to what their own capacity is. They are better

What’s unique about this approach is that it encourages

together. This is important to prepare students for

every student to make educated guesses and explore

university and life. The math skills development piece is

multiple directions without a defined endpoint. It’s not

still there, but with this additional skills development

a race to completion, but rather a journey of discovery

element built into the experience. Over time, we will

and problem-solving. In this approach, students

continue to add practices in, until we have the right

themselves become familiar with the concept that

recipe for our teachers and our students at Lakefield.”

processes hold inherent value. They begin to recognize that individuals possess unique skills. Some excel as

Taking risks and paving the way for fresh perspectives and innovative thinking

visual thinkers, while others are adept at listening and

Encouraging students to take risks in a supportive

This method also encourages students to learn from

community is also important to learning. “We focus on

imperfection and failure, instilling resilience in the

building a classroom culture that supports risk taking

learning process. It also aligns with Lakefield’s emphasis

and being vulnerable. It’s an approach that sees

of Positive Education, which champions a strength-

students going up to white boards and actively solving

based approach to learning. Participants continually

problems by thinking through them together, sharing

reinforce each other’s strengths and contributions to the

approaches and solutions, where everyone can see

learning journey.

them,” says Beth. Using non-permanent surfaces, like whiteboards, allow students to easily erase and revise their work, also, fostering a safe environment for making mistakes and learning from them.

42 | Grove News 2022/23

transcribing. This dynamic fosters an appreciation of diverse strengths within the group.

Through group discussion and shared experiences, the emphasis is placed on the significance of making mistakes. These errors serve as valuable stepping stones and connectors for the group, paving the way for fresh

In late winter and early spring, it is contest season. Lakefield Math Club members of all Grades have the opportunity to check their skills against a worldwide cohort of the most dedicated student mathematicians. LCS students in all grades have participated in these contests to test their knowledge and challenge themselves to grow valuable problem solving skills.

perspectives and innovative thinking. Celebrating these

integrating problem-solving opportunities into classes and

errors becomes a means of unlocking new understandings

engaging in discussions about assessment and problem

and problem-solving methods.

development with educators from other schools.

“It’s an approach that has the added benefit of breaking

To achieve the benefits of fostering critical thinking in

down traditional classroom divisions, eliminating

mathematics education, they acknowledged, involves a

distinctions between those who “get it” and those who do

shift from traditional teaching methods towards a Thinking

not. Instead, everyone collaborates, and the focus is on

Classroom and Problem-Based Learning. These

collective progress rather than reaching a predefined

approaches emphasize problem-solving, creativity, and

endpoint. It can be a transformative and highly effective

collaboration, preparing students for the real world where

teaching approach, especially in the context of

adaptability and critical thinking are key—and essential

mathematics,” says Beth.

characteristics for pursuits in STEM fields. The team also

When asked if she thought Lakefield does a good job of encouraging students to take risks by creating a culture that supports making mistakes, Beth responded with a quick “Yes! …AND, they are still teenagers! It’s something

recognized that the journey of enhancing math education is ongoing, and must focus on incremental changes and the development of a culture that supports risk-taking and learning from mistakes.

that we’re invested in building, and that students leave LCS

“More than any other team I’ve worked with, the math

better at, then when they come.”

teachers at Lakefield are, one hundred percent, people who care deeply that what they do is the best thing for

Key Takeaways: Doing The Best for Our Students Last spring, Beth, accompanied by members of Lakefield’s Math team—Julia McGill, Stephanie Sparkman and Dayna Taylor—attended the Problem Based Learning, Math Teaching Summit in San Jose, California for an enriching experience with math educators from across North America. It was both affirming and inspiring as they found elements of TC and PBL that align with their educational values. As a team, they agreed on the importance of

students,” said Beth. She cites one of her colleagues, Dayna Taylor, as an example. After attending the Problem Based Learning, Math Teaching Summit, Dayna said “I agree with JP Connolly, a Division Head from Avenues: The World School who said, ’Problem solving is an inherently joyful act.’ Often people who don’t enjoy math class misunderstand its purpose, and think of it as boring and repetitive. Bringing more problem solving into math class can help it align much more explicitly with our Lakefield values, and specifically our core school value of Joy.” CHRISTINE VOGEL Grove News 2022/23 | 43

ALUMNI BUSINESS

CAREERS IN

Careers In Business:

Women Leaders Look Back Women are no longer strangers in the upper reaches of major businesses, corporate finance, entrepreneurship and the businesses that build employment and drive the economy.

However, women have unique challenges in building business careers—the demands of motherhood, questions regarding long-term career commitment and vestiges of outmoded attitudes of male peers, to name just a few.

But these barriers are coming down and the women in the pages that follow prove that there are role models in positions that everyone can aspire to, and the stories of their success provide lessons that everyone can learn from.

Meghan Roach ’01

Meghan Roach ’01:

A Global Game

As the president and CEO of Roots Canada, Meghan

employees, and for the benefit of everyone, you have to

Roach ’01 earned her spurs in the world of business not in

grow the business.”

retail, but in finance. As it turned out, finance brought focus to her growing global awareness, and eventually led her to the retail world she now occupies.

Upon leaving LCS in 2001, Meghan pursued a commerce degree at Queen’s University, taking additional courses in the summer and achieving her CA (now called a CPA)

“A financial background is very beneficial” [for a senior-

accounting designation shortly after graduation. “The

level business career], Meghan says, “although the reality

dot-com crash [when public shares in many new

is that you have to understand all aspects of a business.

technology companies of the late 1990s crashed in value]

You need to be able to evaluate how much money to put

had just happened and jobs were scarce, so I focused on

into each aspect of the business and what you will get

accounting and finance. My thought was that I could

back. You have external shareholders, customers and

always be an accountant.”

Grove News 2022/23 | 45

Meghan adds that a financial background doesn’t have to

She worked in London but eventually moved back to

come from accounting. “It could come from

Toronto after the birth of her daughter. As a managing

entrepreneurship, where you learn by doing, or it could

director at Searchlight, one of the companies she had

be banking or another area where you learn how to

acquired was Roots Corporation, and for a couple of

handle a company’s finances. Accounting is probably the

years, as representative of Searchlight as a major investor

most thorough—how the numbers come together, the

in the company, she sat on the Roots board of directors,

importance of cash flow, the implications of debt and how

helping to take the retailer public on the Toronto Stock

to manage it and manage liquidity.”

Exchange in 2017.

She got her start with the KPMG accounting firm, then in

In 2019, when the chief financial officer left, Meghan

2008 took a road that led to more international pursuits.

volunteered to step in as the interim CFO. By January of

Meghan joined the Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan, one

2020, she was appointed CEO.

of the world’s largest pension funds—therefore, one of the largest investors—with vast international holdings, both on the public markets and in private equity investments.

Meghan acknowledges her path to the leadership of a major retail brand “is a bit unique.” While a background in the particular sector is not as much of a necessity as it

It was a time of global investing turmoil with the collapse

once was, and as it still is in such sectors as healthcare or

of the prestigious Lehman Brothers investment bank. “I

natural resources such as oil and gas, she did have

was working in private equity and Teachers’ had given me

experience with retail through her background in private

the opportunity to work on some European projects. I

equity.

built an understanding of how international companies operated, and it showed me the importance of having a global perspective when running a business.”

Businesses with direct consumer contact, such as retailers, must make themselves active and vital parts of their communities and Meghan has worked on enhancing

It was a realization that fit well with Meghan’s ambitions.

Roots’ visibility on major social issues. Among several

She had studied languages at LCS and at Queen’s as an

initiatives, in 2020 she created Roots Cares, a multi-

option, and she wanted global experience. That led to a

faceted community-focused initiative to champion

decision to get more international training. She had

gender and racial equity, sustainability, health and

recently married, and in 2010 both Meghan and her

wellbeing, and inclusivity for 2SLGBTQ+ communities.

husband enrolled in the Saïd Business School’s one-year

Since its inception, Roots Cares has contributed over $3

MBA program at the University of Oxford, UK. “We did

million in funding and in-kind donations to numerous

the program together and it was probably the best

organizations across Canada.

university experience of my life,” Meghan reports. “There was a social entrepreneurial focus as well as an international focus.”

For her inspiration, Meghan looks back on her time at LCS, where she spent her final three years of secondary school after her upbringing in Pembroke, Ont. “I think it

What stood out most was the depth of experience of her

was the global nature of the school,” she says. “There

fellow students. “There were individuals who had been

were international students from all over the world, from

working to support pregnant women and mothers with

Germany to Pakistan. It really crafted my perspective on

AIDs, people working at the Gates Foundation and the

my career. People from different parts of the world see

Clinton Foundation on great social issues, and just a wide

things in different ways, and sometimes it brings valuable

variety of people who had a very different perspective on

insights into how we can view things more productively.”

the important things in life.”

She also credits boarding with giving her the

The year at Oxford led to a position with a new private

independence to feel comfortable in unfamiliar

equity fund, Searchlight Capital, which was just starting

surroundings around new people. “Living independently

up in London, New York and Toronto with the intention

at a young age through the boarding experience, I found it

to build an international portfolio of private investments.

easier to transition to university and to work abroad.

“I liked the idea of being a part of something from the ground up,” Meghan says. “It was global but small, and they hadn’t yet closed their first fund.”

“LCS is a unique experience. You have a very diverse group of students with you. Enjoy that—it may be the most global experience you have at this stage of your life.”

JOHN SOUTHERST

46 | Grove News 2022/23

ALUMNI BUSINESS

CAREERS IN

Andrea (Morris) McKay ’99 with her daughters, Madison (L) and Everly (R).

Andrea (Morris) McKay ’99:

GETTING A GRIP The road to developing a unique yoga mat and running her own yoga and wellness product company took Andrea (Morris)

zone of excellence, but I think my passion carried it through.”

McKay ’99 on a twisted route.

B Yoga and the B MAT, “the world’s grippiest”, launched in 2014

She was an accomplished account director running digital and

positive and I knew I had something,” Andrea says. She ran it as

experiential marketing programs for consumer-packaged goods

a side hustle beside the foam business for three-and-a-half years

manufacturers such as Procter & Gamble before joining her

while it grew mostly through its e-commerce site, especially with

father’s 130-year-old family holding company, where she

yoga and pilates studios.

eventually was put in charge of a foam-products subsidiary. A chance comment in that company’s R&D lab changed

at the Toronto Yoga Conference. “The reviews were remarkably

Until recently, B Yoga sat alongside a sister brand, Halfmoon,

everything, and an entrepreneur was born.

under Andrea’s Mindful Collective Co. marketing yoga,

“We were lagging in new product development, and they were

bolsters, cushions, blankets and sleep masks. Andrea acquired

showing me some prototypes and we stumbled across this really

Halfmoon, a near 35-year-old brand, in 2018 from a friendly

grippy foam,” Andrea recalls. “I said, ’this would make a good

competitor with yoga mats and other lines of related products

yoga mat.’ It was a joke, really, but I couldn’t forget about it. And

when the owner wished to retire.

that’s how it started.”

meditation and wellness products such as bags and totes,

In the summer of 2023, she merged the two brands into a new

The year was 2013. Soon, Andrea was leaving social events early

brand called “b, halfmoon', with the esteemed “b, mat” as a

to work on her business plan. When she presented it to the

subcategory brand. She’ll also be expanding into new categories

parent company’s board of directors, “it was so far from their

such as crystals, essential oils, apparel and even beverage Grove News 2022/23 | 47

carafes, bowls and bento boxes. The new entity already has 48

account manager, however, she “started butting up against the

employees, many located in the Vancouver area.

glass ceiling” and spoke with her father about joining the family

Going back to the beginning, it’s not surprising that it all started

business, The Stewart Group Ltd.

at Lakefield. That’s where Andrea’s friend lent her a yoga pass in

She came aboard as her father’s right-hand advisor on

Peterborough during her final year, sparking the yoga bug. But

marketing and business development. While it was a

there’s more to it, she says.

tremendous opportunity to learn, it presented some challenges.

“Lakefield inspired the values and practices that lend themselves to being an entrepreneur. It’s a breeding ground for trying new things and pushing people out of their comfort zone, and that’s prime training ground for business and

The Stewart Group is an umbrella company with interests in industry and business-to-business technology. Its executives were older men and Andrea was in her twenties and coming into a key position from the business-to-consumer world.

entrepreneurship. I tried field hockey, dog sledding, choir,

“I felt strong pressure to prove myself,” she says. “There was no

camping expeditions—I never would have done those things.

one from my generation. But I am a very hard worker. I put a

There’s also the outdoors. The wellness business is very much

ton of pressure on myself to produce.” Working beside her

linked to nature. There’s a deep subconscious link that for me

father was an unofficial “arm’s-length” mentorship. “I learned a

goes back to LCS.”

lot from him,” she says. However, she also felt the self-imposed

Many other inputs came later, Andrea adds. Business education, for instance. After leaving LCS, she completed a commerce degree with a concentration in international business and marketing at McGill University. Then another LCS friend

challenge of being a young female in a male-centric environment. She laughs in retrospect at the experience of beginning a family, noting that she was six months pregnant when she launched the B Mat.

convinced her to go to Australia. “I wanted to travel and get

“The Stewart Group had never had a maternity leave—ever. I

international experience, but I wanted it to be productive,”

wasn’t someone who wanted an 18-month mat-leave, but they

Andrea says. So she enrolled in the Masters of International

didn’t have any real background or policy. They 100 percent

Business program at Macquarie Graduate School of

supported me to take the time I needed, but the plan was

Management in Sydney.

entirely mine which was both a blessing and a challenge.”

“I was the only Canadian in the program and I worked with

Eventually, the value she was bringing led to the opportunity to

people from all over the globe, which was really challenging but

lead the foam products subsidiary when the incumbent

I learned a lot and really loved it.”

president left. Her side-launch of B Yoga and Halfmoon

She also rediscovered her passion for yoga. “Australia had a true

followed.

wellness culture at the time—everything from healthy eating to

“Being a woman has been both an advantage and a

juice bars, running, surfing, meditation and yoga,” Andrea

disadvantage,” she says. “In the early days, I felt some

explains. She took up yoga again and it has taken a guiding role

frustration and struggled to find my voice. More recently, it has

in both her life and work since then.

become a real strength.”

Pursuing a passion makes sense for any career, Andrea says.

This is especially true in the wellness category in which she

“Our careers consume such a huge part of day-to-day lives, so

operates. “The yoga market skews female—75 percent of the

why not pursue something you’re passionate about? I think

customer base is female,” she notes. “So being a female is

younger generations are actually more aware of this than in the

beneficial to me because I am our customer. I understand what

past.”

resonates with our community. But we don’t necessarily target

But she wasn’t always sure of what she wanted to do. When she

women as our customers—we are wholly inclusive.”

came back to Canada with her business degree, she took the

Andrea’s advice to anyone seeking a career in business is to

first job that came her way, creating digital marketing tools and

listen to your inner voice. “Trust you. Follow your inner voices,

experience-based customer events for sampling and

coupled with hard work. Hard work can’t be under-valued.”

sponsorships. After seven years of accomplishments as an

JOHN SOUTHERST

What is a major challenge the business world is facing?

“Every challenge is actually an opportunity in disguise. If you can learn to look at challenges that way, you will succeed in business. Business is about finding gaps, solving problems and providing creative answers.” ~ Andrea McKay ’99

ALUMNI BUSINESS

CAREERS IN

Lea (Hermanns) Mishra ’13: BOARDING SCHOOL FOR ADULTS Lea (Hermanns) Mishra ’13 has always looked for new

variety of formats in buildings designed to be

experiences, new ways to look at things. It’s hard to

communities, not just compartmentalized slots.

count all the ways in which she is succeeding.

Living in Zurich, Switzerland, she is the co-founder and

Her family has a long history in real estate. At first, she

chief product officer of POHA House, which operates

wanted to do something else—but now she’s a

two flexible co-living and co-working buildings in

co-founder and co-leader in a real estate venture with a

Germany, one in Münster and another in Aachen with

difference, offering shared living and work spaces in a

several more imminent in Aachen, Hamburg and Essen.

Grove News 2022/23 | 49

In 2022, she was selected for the Forbes magazine list of

Upon leaving LCS, Lea did a degree in finance in Milan,

30 Under 30 innovators in Europe.

Italy, before moving to Berlin where she worked for a

The POHA concept targets a young, mobile, networking, innovative demographic in all its complexity. That is, single or partnered, families or no families, working on

market research firm using movement data from sources such as online Bluetooth and cell tower statistics to form regional demographic profiles.

start-ups or working from home, with high aspirations

Why move to Berlin? “The first job is always the toughest

but conscious of controlling expenses, seeking amenities

to get,” she points out. “Start-ups always need people,

and high design at an affordable cost, and looking for a

and Berlin had a lot of start-ups.”

community of like-minded people to share their ideas and spare time.

From her first job, Lea moved on to Yext, the New Yorkbased online marketing and research company that had

The co-living spaces run from a private bedroom with

just opened a Berlin office. “It was my first experience

shared living and kitchen space to a flat-share with a

with sales,” Lea says. “I used to be shy and very timid,

personal bathroom, studio apartments, one- or

and it brought me out of my comfort zone.”

two-bedroom flats and three- or four-bedroom flats for families. Workspaces in the same building—no commute—run from book-able meeting rooms to communal offices and lockable private offices for two to ten people.

But Lea felt she still didn’t have a unique skillset. She also wanted to experience Asia, so she enrolled in a Masters of business analytics program at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. She was immersed in Asian culture and wanted to stay after

Lea was raised primarily in Aachen, Germany, before

graduation, especially after meeting her soon-to-be

coming to LCS. “I was fascinated with boarding

husband, but she found no job opportunities with the

schools,” she says, with her perfect Canadian English

potential to break new ground.

accent. “I romanticized them in a way. They’re not common in Germany. And I really wanted to go further than the UK, where my siblings went. There was a lake, sports, activities—and that’s why I chose it.”

The boarding aspect actually exceeded her expectations.

“It was amazing. There was always something going on—trips, free ice cream, movie nights.” The entire experience of LCS was magical and inspirational, she adds. Through the years, there were educational trips to Peru, South Africa and Mozambique. “What really impressed me, though, was a World War I re-enactment that the staff put on, on campus. It lasted two days, with

That’s when her brother-in-law suggested that they work together full-time on the co-living space venture.

Lea’s siblings had founded a co-living brand much earlier, and hadn’t developed the idea further. But while living in Berlin, Lea had found a co-living building near her workplace and loved the way it allowed her to meet people and develop a neighbourhood bond. So when she moved to Hong Kong, she found another co-living space. “I had told my siblings if they were going to do anything, they should talk to me because I’ve lived in these spaces.”

uniforms and trenches, air raid horns, inspections,

When her brother-in-law suggested they collaborate,

fireworks and teachers on horseback. The intricacies

Lea agreed—with a condition. “The first thing I said was

were astounding. Seeing the detail and how far they

if you’re just creating a new brand but doing what others

went to make it real—it really opened my mind.”

are doing, I’m not interested. I felt we had to free

Then she says something even more interesting. “POHA is kind of a boarding school for adults. A lot more

ourselves from thinking about just living or working in shared spaces. It’s about building communities.”

luxurious, of course. But the idea is to build

Familiar institutions such as churches, libraries and

communities through shared experiences.”

service clubs no longer perform the central community-

It’s a brilliant twist on an old concept. But there was a lot of learning in between inspiration and execution.

50 | Grove News 2022/23

building role, she believes. She felt shared living could fill the gap. “We introduced new ideas of what can be

shared besides living spaces. You can share living rooms,

want to tell the story of a young woman who’s successful

dining rooms and rooftops. We actually have shared

in a male-dominated profession. It’s a good story. My

guest rooms where they only have to pay if they use it.

brother-in-law is the CEO but the media don’t talk to

All of a sudden, when it’s shared, people can afford

him, which is good for him because he can focus on

more. We didn’t invent the wheel, we just took it to

other things. But it’s also good for me and for the

another level.”

company to get our story out there.”

While her brother-in-law provides the real estate

While she doesn’t have a formal mentor, she says that

expertise, Lea drives the design of the buildings and

her brother-in-law’s belief in her ability to contribute

takes charge of sales and marketing, operations and the

gave her great confidence. “I would have thought there

technical requirements. POHA House now employs 37

were zero benefits to me joining so early. I thought my

people in Berlin and Aachen.

contribution would be much later. If he hadn’t believed

“I didn’t have a traditional real estate perspective, and

in me, it would never have occurred to me.”

that really helped me,” she says. But she has had to find

With her history of worldwide travel, living and

her way in a male-dominated industry. “I go to real

education, and her constant desire to do things a little

estate conferences every week—it’s 80 percent men;

differently, Lea thinks back to her days at LCS. “It’s all

that’s an actual statistic. Most are over 40, definitely

the opportunities we had. It inspired my life motto: Try

older than me. It’s hard to be taken seriously and be part

new things. You can learn a new sport every season. I

of the conversation. And they usually assume you’re in a

did dance and a new sport in one season. You learn to

lower position [in the company].”

say yes to things.”

Her solution is to get organizers to schedule her address

Making a Forbes magazine list and being the public face

as early in the proceedings as possible. “I don’t attend

of a rising real estate company is a long way from a girl

until I give my talk, because no one will want to talk to

sharing a room in a residence on the Lakefield campus.

me until they know I’m in charge.”

But there is a connection between the two. Lots of

Being female also has its advantages, she adds. Actually, it’s a big one. “I get a lot of media attention. The media

connections. Just ask Lea. JOHN SOUTHERST

What is a major challenge the business world is facing?

The biggest challenge for us is building a team of people that are driven and have a

”

business mindset. Schools don’t focus enough on teaching entrepreneurship and young people seem to be less and less in touch with how the economy works. On top of that, building a career is becoming less important for many Gen Zs, making it harder for

young businesses like ours to find the people that are needed to really grow and become successful. ~ Lea Mishra ’13

ALUMNI BUSINESS

CAREERS IN

Ellis Odynn ’12:

LEADING THE TRANSFORMATION Ellis Odynn ’12, a tech transformation expert at global

worked to bring the financial technology and AI world

consulting firm EY, sees artificial intelligence as one of the

together in order to position Canada for the future digital

major shifts impacting the world, and believes that much

and economic transformation. In that vein, she developed

work still needs to be done to ensure that the impacts of AI

key relationships with the financial services sector and

are balanced.

other stakeholders, and joined workshops to ensure

In her role at EY, Ellis advises international companies and government agencies on technology and gets to see, and

important dialogs took place. Open banking, for example, is an area in which Ellis took a pioneering role for Canada.

be part of, transformation taking place in real time, and its

Ellis is a well-known leader among women in technology,

impacts not just on organizations but on society at large.

and was one of the first Canadians to call for AI adoption,

Before joining EY, Ellis was the chief AI officer of the Digital Finance Institute, and one of Canada’s first AI

lauding the key role that women play in technology development and acceleration.

officers, where she led international efforts to advocate for

“As technology transforms societies,” Ellis says, “it’s vitally

responsible and inclusive artificial intelligence

important that we include the diversity of our population

transformation in commerce and government. Ellis also

in decisions and in the data sets of machine learning and

52 | Grove News 2022/23

other aspects of AI. Otherwise, we will have technology

Ellis says she prizes these international speaking

that replaces some parts of whole sectors of the economy

engagements as they allow her to interact with the

that eliminate parts of the population and don’t fully

technology community and influence policy. She has

reflect the views, values and experiences of all

spoken at over 40 national and international technology

Canadians.”

and finance events, and credits Lakefield with helping her

Ellis credits her education and the environment at LCS with helping to ground her on the importance of resilience in the business world. She also points to the

develop her speaking and advocacy skills. She says her Grade 12 Lakefield Chapel Talks was one of the first steps she took to hone her speaking skills.

fact that students from all over the world attend Lakefield,

Ellis also credits LCS with giving her the drive to try new

creating an educational environment that fosters an

things and venture into new areas.

open-minded, understanding and humanistic view of the world. “Living, studying and working with students from many other countries gives us a valuable worldview,” says Ellis, “which translates into a significant ability to form

During one of her summer breaks, on the advice of an LCS faculty member, Ellis took a course studying marine biology and ocean science on Canada’s Pacific coast,

relationships anywhere in the business world.”

which involved scuba diving to study the marine

In 2019, the Women’s Executive Network named Ellis as

summer,” she says, “and then pushed myself to become a

one of Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women.

PADI advanced open water diver and certified rescue

Ellis’s leadership in technology and AI is exemplified by her global speaking engagements in technology. She was

ecosystem. “I found a passion for scuba diving that

diver.” The certification means that Ellis is qualified to engage in ocean rescue operations.

invited by the governments of Chile and Canada to

After obtaining a degree in psychology from the

participate at the prestigious Asia Pacific Economic

University of British Columbia, Ellis joined the Digital

Co-operation (APEC) world conference in 2019, where

Finance Institute, becoming an expert in AI and FinTech

she spoke on the nexus of artificial intelligence and the

(financial technology), before getting her MBA at Queen’s

future of digital financial services. She was the youngest

University.

speaker at APEC that year.

A career in business is often enhanced and assisted by the

She was also invited to speak at the Financial Action Task

soft skills that build relationships, she says. In order to

Force, an international policy-setting body, on the topic

stand out early, Ellis recommends that students always

of financial technology. At 22, she was the youngest

continue to learn, take on leadership roles in the

speaker to present at the FATF forum.

community and focus on working well with others—an

Most recently, she has spoken on ways to improve the

area where she highlights activities such as team sports.

digital divide and women’s digital empowerment for the

As such, she acknowledges the role that LCS played for

nations in the Global South at an international event with

her. “So much of my LCS experience—the friendships I

speakers from the United Nations and the US State

made, the collaborative team-building and leadership

Department.

skills I learned—helped me to excel and get to where I am

She has also given talks and presentations in Bulgaria, Australia, Singapore, New York, California, London and

today,” Ellis says.

JOHN SOUTHERST

Beijing, focusing on the development of technology and its global impacts.

What is a major challenge the business world is facing?

“A problem students may face is the increasing use of artificial intelligence in all sectors. Students should take steps to make sure they understand how AI is going to play a future role on our economy. I recommend that students learn to use new AI tools in their day-to-day lives to enhance their careers.”. ~ Ellis Odynn ’12

Grove News 2022/23 | 53

Class News!

Alumni Returned

Home to The Grove Lakefield College School hosted its highly anticipated Home to The Grove Reunion last spring, welcoming back alumni and their families for a weekend filled with nostalgia, laughter, and the joy of reconnecting.

The event, held from May 26-28, 2023, proved to be a memorable experience for all, as old friends reunited and new friendships were formed amidst the familiar surroundings of our beloved campus.

Throughout the weekend, our community had the opportunity to share stories, reminisce about their time at Lakefield, and explore cherished corners of the school that hold special meaning to each individual.

One of the highlights of the reunion was the Regatta Day festivities, where alumni and their families engaged in exciting activities and friendly competitions, enjoying the beauty of Lake Katchewanooka.

The success of the Home to The Grove Reunion would not have been possible without the enthusiastic participation and support of our incredible alumni community. Their presence, along with their unwavering dedication and love for Lakefield College School, truly made this event special. Thank you to everyone who joined us for this memorable weekend!

See more online: https://bit.ly/HTTG2023

54 | Grove News 2022/23

Grove News 2022/23 | 55

LCS ALUMNI

–Class News!

1960s John Fraser ’64 served as the keynote speaker at the 39th annual Award Dinner of the Churchill Society on November 30, 2022. He also published a book, Funeral for a Queen, on December 2, 2022.

1980s David U.K. Knopf ’81 sold his company Cue Digital Media to Ideon Media.

Nicholas Brinckman ’83, his sister Sophie and their families held a celebration of life in Toronto this August for their brother Jon (Sir Theodore Jonathon, 7th Bt) Brinckman ’78. Jon’s classmates and John Fraser ’64 delivering the keynote speech. Photo credit: The Churchill Society

friends Tom Stevenson ’78, John Lyman ’78, Tom Currie ’78, Peter Turner ’78, Hugh Sibbald ’78 and their families listened to many captivating stories of Jon who, it would seem, defied the laws of gravity playing rigging tag on STV Pathfinder and could possibly windsurf, climb a tree, and read a book all at the same time. As a journalist, Jon brought his passionate environmentalism, determination, intellect, and indomitable spirit to his thousands of stories on the environment and was twice short-listed for a Pulitzer Prize. Jon, the rudder to his

Chris Valentine ’86, Tim Boyle ’86, Tim Girling ’86, Tim Bowen ’86, Andre Perey ’86, Chris Bell ’86, Geoff Catto ’86, William “Rusty” Bell ’87, Eric Cerny ’85, Evan Davies ’87, and James Darling ’85.

family and friends, would encourage us to ’do the next thing.’ And indeed, he did. As his Multiple Sclerosis progressed, he found new freedom exploring Buddhism and meditation with wisdom and gratitude. Jon is much missed after his extraordinary life ended suddenly in December 2022.

— submitted by Hugh Sibbald ’78 The Class of ’86, with a sprinkle of ’85 and ’87 alumni, recently gathered for their cherished annual reunion, orchestrated by Chris Valentine ’86. This year, the event welcomed Tim Boyle ’86, Tim Girling ’86, Tim Bowen ’86, Andre Perey ’86, Chris Bell

Duncan McCue ’88, 2023 Jack Matthews Fellow and Professor at Carleton University.

56 | Grove News 2022/23

Hugh Sibbald ’78, Tom Stevenson ’78, John Lyman ’78, and Tom Currie ’78 at a celebration of life for Jon Brinckman ’78.

’86, Geoff Catto ’86, William “Rusty” Bell ’87, Eric Cerny ’85, Evan Davies ’87, and James Darling ’85. The stories, laughter, and cherished friendships shared at these gatherings continue to strengthen the bond among Grove School’s alumni, making each reunion a heartfelt testament to the enduring spirit of their graduating class.

Duncan McCue ’88, longtime Anishinaabe journalist and educator, joined Carleton University’s journalism school full-time in the new post of Indigenous Journalism & (Story)telling professor. He’ll also work with colleagues to create a new journalism skills certificate in Indigenous communities. Duncan was the 2023 Jack Matthews Fellow and delivered keynote addresses at LCS and Trent University (Beyond Land Acknowledgements: A Journalist’s Reflection On Truth And Reconciliation).

1990s Amanda Ethier ’98’s son launched Monck Lake Pizza Company, a woodfired pizza venture operating exclusively for dock pick-up on Fridays during the summer season. Over the past three years, they have donated $4,500 to various charitable causes. In 2021, their contribution went to The Indian Residential Schools Survivors Society. In 2022, they supported The UN High Commission for Refugees, aiding those

Mark Soder ’00 and Rebecca Love were married on October 15, 2022. Many alumni were in attendance.

Meghan Roach ’01 FCPA, FCA, President & CEO of Roots, was recognized as one of Canada’s Most Powerful CEOs by the Women’s Executive Network as part of the Canada’s Most Powerful Women: Top 100 Awards. Additionally, she was honoured as a Fellow (FCPA, FCA) by CPA Ontario.

fleeing Ukraine. And in 2023, they

Nick Caravaggio ’03 celebrates the rich

assisted the Friends of Algonquin Park in

legacy of the Peterborough Petes in his

the aftermath of forest fires. Follow on

book, Petes 101: The Unofficial History,

Instagram (@moncklakepizzaco) and

a captivating dive into the team’s

find them on Facebook.

storied past. The book launch was November 21 in Peterborough.

2000s Kelly Nottage ’00 won Bahamas 2022 Estate & Trust Law Expert of the Year.

Loic Dalle ’03 and Lindsay Parfitt (and big brother Charlie) welcomed baby Samuel (Sam) Louis Dalle on June 4, 2023 in London, U.K. Erin Munro ’03 and André St. Pierre welcomed baby Xavier James St. Pierre on November 1, 2022, in Ottawa, Ontario.

Brendan Fell ’04 was awarded Best Actor at the 2023 Cannes Film Awards for his role in The Lifecycle Challenge.

Sarah (McCain) Coulson ’05 and Mike Coulson welcomed their third baby, Wren Ruby McCain Coulson on September 14, 2023.

Mark Soder ’00 and Rebecca Love were married on October 15, 2022.

Loic Dalle ’03 and Lindsay Parfitt welcomed baby Samuel (Sam) Louis Dalle on June 4, 2023

Erin Munro ’03 and André St. Pierre welcomed baby Xavier James St. Pierre.

Sarah McCain Coulson ’05 and Mike Coulson welcomed Wren Ruby McCain Coulson

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58 | Grove News 2022/23

8

Class News!

Alumni & Community Socials Throughout the year, we’ve embarked on incredible

2

journeys, reconnecting with cherished alumni, friends, and families across the globe.

From the bustling cities of the U.S. to the sunny shores of the Bahamas, the historic charm of Germany to the lively spirit of Mexico, our travels have taken us far and wide. These encounters have been more than just reunions; they’ve been moments of shared laughter, fond reminiscences, and inspiring conversations.

We look forward to fostering even more meaningful connections in the years to come.

Photos: (1) New York Social (2) Stony Lake Social (3) Waterloo Alumni Social (4) Kingston Alumni Social (5)

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London Alumni Social (6) Mexico Community Reception (7) Madrid Community Social (8) Vancouver Community Social (9) Bahamas Community Social (10) Ottawa Alumni Social

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LCS ALUMNI

–Class News!

Bianca Bell ’06, Chris Bocking ’01,

Riley Shier ’07 married Liam James

brand distribution and sales across

and daughter Josie welcomed Win

on October 1, 2022, in Pemberton,

North America. Sophia has been with

Bocking on March 9, 2023.

British Columbia.

CBP since 2016 and started as a

Taylor Pace ’07 married Verena

Alison Cameron ’09 created a digital

Wildenstein on July 31, 2020, in

community (@SeatedPerspectives on

Guelph, Ontario. There were two

Instagram) where she shares about

Alexa Whetung ’14, Zackary Bennett,

belated wedding celebrations in 2022,

her experiences as a wheelchair user,

and daughter Lena Rose Lorraine

atop the Sea to Sky Gondola in

advocate for disability representation

Bennett (born December 24, 2019)

Squamish, BC on August 27 and a

and inclusion, and so much more!

welcomed Gianna Rose Kristine

were Taylor’s parents, Al Pace ’77 and

2010s

Bennett on June 8, 2023 in

Technical Sales Associate. She also ran

second celebration in Hockley Valley, ON on September 3. In attendance

the Boston Marathon in April 2022.

Peterborough, Ontario.

Lin Ward; Uncle John Pace ’72; Matt

Sarah Douglas ’12 was awarded Sail

Casson ’09, Michael Casson ’11; Joel

Grant Tucker ’17 began attending

Canada Athlete of the Year for the 4th

Brennan ’12; David Miller ’77;

medical school in August 2022 at the

year in a row. In October 2023, Sarah

Donald Grant ’77 and Sam Grant ’13;

University of Texas Southwestern

announced that she joined the RBC

Max MacEachern ’13; Nick Lewis ’77;

Medical School. He has also begun

Olympians roster and later, she won

John Greenwood ’77 and Dave and

researching the development of

the Silver Medal at the Pan Am

Schistosomes with the hope that

Games, in Chile.

shedding light on how they develop

Sylvia Hodgetts.

Nicholas Pullen ’07 published a new book, The Black Hunger, which was acquired by Orbit.

Sophia Walter ’12 is now Director of Sales at C.B Powell Ltd. and runs the Powell May International division,

will provide the basis for better pharmaceutical interventions to treat Schistosomiasis.

managing major food ingredient

Bianca Bell ’06 and Chris Bocking ’01 and daughter Josie welcomed baby Win.

Riley Shier ’07 and Liam James wedding.

Alexa Whetung ’14 and Zackary Bennett with Lena Rose Lorraine and Gianna Rose Kirstine.

Taylor Pace ’07 married Verena Wildenstein.

Sarah Douglas ’12, Silver Medalist, 2023 Pan Am Games, and Sail Canada Athlete of the Year. Photo credit: Christian Bender

Grant Tucker ’17

60 | Grove News 2022/23

From LCS to Newfoundland:

A Chance Encounter Sparks a New Friendship We often say that relationships are the cornerstone of

working hard and by building good relationships at LCS,

the LCS experience. Wee were reminded of that saying

just like Drew did.” - Nathan Smith ’24

as we received an email from Nathan Smith ’24 about his summer adventure that led to an unexpected connection with an LCS alumnus.

Nathan embarked on a journey to Saint John’s, Newfoundland, participating in the Shad Canada enrichment program—a program designed to empower

Let’s celebrate the incredible connections that LCS fosters—ones that can be formed anywhere, anytime.

BELOW, Top to Bottom: Drew Crix ’19 and Nathan Smith ’24; Nathan Smith ’24 (third from right) and other high school students participating in the Shad Canada enrichment program in Saint John’s, Newfoundland,

exceptional high school students, giving them the tools to envision their potential as future leaders and changemakers in STEM and entrepreneurship. Although Nathan wasn’t initially set on Memorial University, where the program took place, he was pleasantly surprised by how much he enjoyed the experience.

Upon arriving at Memorial, Nathan connected with Drew Crix ’19, who happened to be one of the program assistants. Drew’s excitement upon hearing that Nathan also hailed from LCS gave them an instant connection and talking point. Conversation flowed as if they had been friends for years, despite never having attended LCS at the same time! They reminisced about shared experiences, fond memories of teachers, and the vibrant LCS community.

This experience highlights the power of the LCS connection, demonstrating that The Grove’s spirit is not bound by the school’s walls. Nathan’s new friendship reminds us that building lasting relationships knows no boundaries—even a chance meeting far from Lakefield can foster connections that feel like family.

“This experience highlighted for me how quickly one can build lasting relationships under the right circumstances, with Lakefield being one of them. It gets me excited for the coming academic year as a boarder.

Drew certainly inspires me as someone who is doing big things since graduating from LCS, and I hope that in the coming year, I can lay the foundations for my future by

Grove News 2022/23 | 61

Class News! Alumni & Community Socials

62 | Grove News 2022/23 62 | Grove News 2021/22

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Photos: (1) Hamilton Alumni Social (2) San Francisco Community Social (3) Bermuda Community Social (4) London Alumni Social (5) Vancouver Community Social (6) Toronto Alumni Social (7) Kingston Alumni Social (8) Tokyo Community Social (9) Grand Cayman Community Social (10) Hamburg Community Social

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Find upcoming events at lcs.on.ca/events

Grove News 2022/23 | 63

THANK YOU Thank you Career Day 2023 speakers! Lakefield College School is so grateful to the LCS alumni, families and friends of the school who

Alumni by the Numbers 14

alumni currently employed at The Grove

750+

alumni returned home to The Grove for alumni events

19

alumni participated as guest speakers for Career Day

41

alumni children attending Lakefield in 2023/24

shared their career paths with our students this past spring, representing their passions and professional fields. Thank you: Jason Ward P ’23, Christina Chan ’12, Peter Kotzeff ’12, Megan Lohmann ’00, Jeff Pestell ’95, Enrique MartinMoreno ’93, Nicholas Pullen ’07, Dave Westwood ’94, Daisy O’Neill ’13, Sarah Richardson P ’24, Jeff Paikin, Christie Blackwell ’02, Anthony Boright ’83, Danielle Nolan ’09, Nick Schofield ’05, Kayden Kaller ’13, Joel Allen ’01, Jennifer McIntyre ’15, Hajni Hos P ’26, Dr. Cam Crawford ’02, Bruce Maxwell ’90, Jordan Detmers ’07, and Jordan Ryder ’13.

64 | Grove News 2022/23

Alumni with Children at LCS in 2023/24 Stacey Morrison Ambler ’93 Livi Ambler ’25

Joel Finlayson ’89 Oliver Finlayson ’24

Jennifer Boyko ’00 Kenzie McIntyre ’26

Dave Bennett ’88 Dallin Bennett ’26 Danica Bennett ’27

Erin Freeland Ballantyne ’99 Uma Freeland Nardone ’24

Jamie McRae ’97 Maddie McRae ’27

John Paul Brock ’91 Emma Brock ’26

Steve Hutchinson ’92 Alex Hutchinson ’27

Tom ’53/Barb Ryder (GP) Harrison Buck ’25

Andrew Johnston ’95 Stella Johnston ’26

Trevor Burgis ’97 Koen Burgis ’26

Zack Kembar ’87 Leyla Kembar ’24

Kari Burgis ’95 Shanen Burgis McFadden ’25 Sadie Burgis McFadden ’27

Josselyn Arsenault ’04 Ari Kennedy ’26

Stephen Coates ’90 Charlotte Coates ’24 Zachary Coates ’27

Bryan Kingdon ’96 Grayden Kingdon ’27 Andreas Lang ’92 Helena Lang ’25

Simon Creasy ’91 Rupert Creasy ’26

Bill Lett ’92 Audrey Lett ’26

Geordie Dalglish ’89 Louisa Dalglish ’25

Hugh Macdonnell ’85 Teddy Macdonnell ’27

Ken Douglas ’91, Jackie Douglas ’93 Natalie Douglas ’24 Jack Douglas ’26

Paula Mbonda ’99 Myers Mbonda ’26

Rebecca Davies-Farrugia ’96 Kaydn Farrugia ’25

Richard McCall ’88 James McCall ’26 Tom McEnery ’95 Tyler McEnery ’27

Darragh Moroney ’94 London Moroney ’27 Hermoso Nocom ’88 Viviana Nocom ’25 Patrick Papageorge ’99 Lily Papageorge ’27 Sean Quinn ’82 Jenna Quinn ’26 Jessica Ridpath ’94 Tavi Ridpath ’27 Scott Smith ’87 Alex Smith ’25 Nadia (Cartwright) Sumner ’98 Aidan Sumner ’25 Ed Taylor ’94 Olivia Taylor ’25 Chris White ’90 Jane White ’25 Steph Wilcox ’03 Kya Wilcox ’27 John Alexander Richardson ’69 (GP) Odinn Young ’25

Honouring the Journey The Final Chapter of The Friends of Lakefield College School LETTER TO THE GROVE COMMUNITY

anywhere and do anything—but scholars had the task of submitting a report of how they had used their time, and

Alas time moves on, and the generation that ran the UK

they joined the conversation at our annual dinners.

charity The Friends of Lakefield College School, is

These were based on the 1950’s autumn Football Supper,

moving on too. The decision to close down was agreed

where senior boys learned to make formal toasts and

unanimously at a meeting with Head of School and

every new boy had to make a two minute speech. The

Foundation Anne-Marie Kee P ’17 ’19, and announced at

Friends’ dinner often involved a strategic update from

our final annual dinner in March 2023 (see picture)

the school by the Head, and uproarious accounts of

where ages ranged from eighteen to eighty.

events long ago that should never have happened.

The new generation, freed from having to administer

Three recent scholarships were interrupted by the

the charity, will still be in touch with the school and

pandemic and are still to be completed. Eventually we

each other. The oldsters will still be glad to join in

will include these with the last dozen or so reports in a

annual gatherings, even with no black tie. Maybe one or

fifth and final book, joining the previous four now in the

two might make it to the 150th anniversary. The Grove

Development Office.

family will of course be welcome if ever you are this side of the pond.

The final gift to LCS from the Friends is the copyright in these books. Some of the accounts are really

The old boys of the wartime and after founded the

outstanding. The collection provides a benchmark, a

Friends to support The Grove in gratitude, a gesture that

sample for review, of where some Grove alumni went on

lasted forty-five years. The Grove had educated some of

leaving school, and what they did, between 1980 and

them without demanding fees.

2025.

In the 1950s Tony Wyand ’62 and Tim Ward ’62 were

TIM WARD ’62

recipients of Memorial Scholarships, established in memory of Grove Alumni who had perished in the war.

We too had reason to be grateful to The Grove, and served as Chair and Secretary of the Friends for many years.

On behalf of the full Lakefield College School community, we extend our heartfelt thanks to all of the members of the Friends of Lakefield College School who, over the years, dedicated their support in so many different ways for the betterment of The Grove and its students.

For the 1979 centenary we gave the school the official grant of arms that introduced the wavy blue line you see on the LCS shield. To mark the occasion two old boys from the 1940’s, Ralph Brocklebank ’44 and John Morrell ’45 (deceased) made a speech at the Closing and later provided a banner and a flagpole.

The same year we sent The Grove twenty-two high quality ashwood flat-pack chairs designed and manufactured by John Gormley ’44 (deceased), Anthony Gormley’s brother. In 1994 we gave the school the Pythagoras Window.

From 1980 to the present we funded fifty-five travelling scholarships. There were few or no rules—they could go

The final Friends of Lakefield College School Black Tie Dinner, March 2023 Grove News 2022/23 | 65

Alumni Family Camp at THE GROVE 2023

An alumni weekend at The Grove full of nostalgia, laughter, fun and family. Thank you to all the alumni families who joined us and made our Alumni Family Camp (July 28-30) an unforgettable weekend! Want to join next summer? Contact summeracademy@lcs.on.ca.

66 | Grove News 2022/23

In Our Memories Ross Hamilton ’68 passed away on January 28, 2019 in

Will (William) Hendrie ’64 passed away on February 26,

Newmarket, ON.

2023 in Toronto, ON. Son of William Hendrie Class of 1913.

Owen Smith ’58 passed away in January 2020.

Aaron Baril ’99 passed away on March 22, 2023, in Sydney,

Richard Collier ’44 passed away on January 15, 2022 in Bramhall, Cheshire, England.

Robert (Bob) Ryley ’55 passed away on July 30, 2022 in Peterborough, ON. Kim (James Henry) Little ’53 passed away on November 5, 2022 in London, ON. Father of Ross Little ’81, Michael Little ’84 and grandfather to Andrew Little ’13 and Kathryn Little ’17 and great uncle to Chris Little ’02.

Mary Soder P ’98 ’00 passed away on Friday, November 11, 2022 in Lakefield, ON. Mother to Amanda (Soder) Ethier ’98 and Mark Soder ’00.

Jon (Sir Theodore Jonathon, 7th Bt) Brinckman ’78. passed away on December 29, 2022 in Portland, Oregon.

Brother of Nicholas Brinckman ’83.

Bill (William) Wilson ’51 passed away on January 26, 2023 in Toronto, ON. Tom Deacon ’52 passed away on February 5, 2023 in Kingston, ON. Brother of John Deacon ’58.

Hugh Lewis, father of Nick Lewis ’77 passed away on February 23, 2023 in Toronto, ON.

Australia.

Bruce (Donald) MacNaughton ’52 passed away on May 5, 2023 in Oakville, ON. Brother of Angus MacNaughton ’48 (predeceased).

Surendra Ruparelia P ’89, GP ’22 ’23 passed away on May 12, 2023, in Ottawa, ON. Father of Rupel Ruparelia ’89 and grandfather of Maya Ruparelia ’22 and Jaden Ruparelia ’23.

Peter Dalglish P ’89, GP ’24 ’25 27 passed away on July 31, 2023 in Grafton, ON. Father of Geordie Dalglish ’89, and grandfather of Louisa Dalglish ’25, Ali Abell ’24 and Ben Abell ’27.

John Stephenson ’66 passed away on August 5, 2023 in Almonte, ON. Alasdair Cayley ’71 passed away on September 3, 2023 in British Columbia.

Bill (William) Gastle ’68, P ’04 passed away on September 6, 2023, in Edmonton, AB. Father of Angus Gastle ’04.

Brother of Tom Gastle ’73 and Charles Gastle ’75.

Jim (James) Wilkes ’50 passed away on October 7, 2023.

Father to John Wilkes ’80.

Grove News 2022/23 | 67

SHARE the MAGIC of THE GROVE •

New students interested in enrolling in 2024/25—Apply Early!

Please help us spread the word.

With demand for an LCS education increasing annually, families are encouraged to apply early each year to avoid possible disappointment.

•

Every year, Lakefield College School distributes over $2.9M in total tuition assistance to one-in-three students.

•

Almost 80% of the students who are accepted to Lakefield, are referred to us through members of our community. Each year, our families and friends connect us with great students considering an independent school experience.

•

For more information, contact our Admissions Team at 705.652.3324 ext. 329 or admissions@lcs.on.ca.

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LEARN MORE The Grove News is published once a year by the Communications Office.

Lakefield College School, 4391 County Road 29, Lakefield, Ontario, Canada K0L 2H0