Selwyn House School 95, chemin de la Côte-Saint-Antoine Westmount (Québec) H3Y 2H8 514-931-9481 | www.selwyn.ca communications@selwyn.ca
Editors: Sharon Cozens, Elizabeth Davis, Stefania Montuoro (lead), J-P Trudeau
Contributors: Mary Ann Cloherty, Sharon Cozens, Elizabeth Davis, Stephanie Lynam, Carol Manning, Joyce McCauley, Stefania Montuoro, Laura Osborne, Rafaela Petel Ruiz, Jennifer Peterman, Courtney Prieur, Carissa Springer, Jennifer Torry, J-P Trudeau
Special thanks to all staff members who contributed stories throughout the year.
Photography: Sharon Cozens, Elizabeth Davis, Thomas Königsthal ’74, Rafaela Petel Ruiz, Olivier Séguin-Leduc, J-P Trudeau
Proofreaders: Sharon Cozens, Elizabeth Davis, Carol Manning, Stefania Montuoro, J-P Trudeau
The Cover: A Perfect Balance - Selwyn Boys to Men
Photographer: Thomas Königsthal ’74
Featuring: Massimo Lorenzetti ’23, Pre-U ’24, Gwenaël M. Grade 1
Contributor: Helene Troubetzkoy
Selwyn House School Social Media
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Design: Karine Bernier, Rafaela Petel Ruiz
Printing: Data Resolutions
Publications Mail Agreement No. 0040026379 Printed on recycled paper
MESSAGE FROM THE EDITORS
As we turn the pages of this issue of Veritas, we're excited to guide you through a new chapter of growth and expansion for Selwyn House School. Reflecting on our rich history and the promising future ahead, we find inspiration in the perfect balance of tradition and progress. Each story and achievement showcased here is a testament to the vibrant spirit of our community.
A huge thank you to everyone who has contributed to these memorable moments and to the talented photographers who have captured them so beautifully. Join us as we celebrate the past, embrace the present, and look forward to the exciting times to come.
Onward and Upward!
Sharon Cozens, Elizabeth Davis, Stefania Montuoro, J-P Trudeau
MESSAGE FROM THE SHA BOARD CHAIR
EXPANDING HORIZONS
It was my great privilege this November to take over the chairmanship of the Selwyn House Association Board from Michael Avedesian (AKA Avo). Avo steered the association through the challenges of COVID, established a new strategic plan, championed the privatization of the school, helped establish a new Grade 12 and successfully completed the search and replacement of a new headmaster. We are grateful to Avo for his selfless and substantial contribution to the school.
I am also pleased to be working closely with our headmaster (and my former chemistry teacher), Michael Downey. Under his leadership, the school is poised to meet the challenges of the next decade, as one of Canada’s premier private boys schools. This year, Mike presented the board with an ambitious plan to grow the school while maintaining its commitment to academic and athletic excellence. This is evidenced by the exceptional success of our first-ever cohort of Grade 12 graduates and the caliber of this year’s greatly expanded class. With the addition of our new Grade 7 class, we have broken enrollment records for the school and greatly increased the quality of students on our waiting list. With respect to its athletic offering, the school has won championships in football and basketball, while significantly expanding its hockey program. We are particularly excited to announce that our juvenile team will be playing in the elite CSSHL hockey league this coming season. In short, the Selwyn experience is in high demand, and we cannot take our foot off the gas.
The school must expand to keep costs down, improve its facilities, hire the best teachers and prepare itself for an unpredictable future – and that can only happen with the generous support
of its families. While Selwyn’s success relies on the exceptional skill, dedication and hard work of its faculty and staff, it still takes involved parents to make Selwyn a home for our boys. It is imperative that as the school expands, we do not lose the small school feel that we have all come to know and love.
This year, the school will wrap up its Path Forward campaign, which has helped keep tuition costs down through its privatization funding, despite unprecedented inflationary pressure. We have also launched a new Gryphon Fund to help improve our athletic facilities, while keeping our athletic programs affordable. Lastly, the school will shortly launch a capital campaign to expand our Grade 12 facilities. Make no mistake, the quality of our programs is directly tied to the success of these fundraising initiatives. We are going to need your time and financial support more than ever at this critical moment in the school’s history.
I hope you are as excited as I am to be part of the school’s ongoing success. It is a great time to be part of our growing community, and I welcome you to what should be an exciting year.
Tom Pitfield '93 Chair, Selwyn House Association Board
2023-2024 SHA Board of Directors
Thomas Pitfield '93, Chair
Michael Avedesian '88
Courtney Beckerleg
Yan Besner '96
Randall Birks '88
Marie-Josée Boivin
Caroline Deitcher
Philippe Desmarais '03
Nadia Giannetti
Vincenzo Guzzo '86
François Hudon
Marie-Pier Lauzon-Laprise
Sean McKinnon '98
Alan Rossy '79
Ben Spencer '00
Jason Tsadilas '88
MESSAGE FROM THE HEADMASTER
GROWING TOGETHER
Dear Selwyn House School Community,
As I look back on the past year, I'm filled with gratitude and excitement for the journey we've embarked upon together. It's been a year of growth and expansion for our community, offering our students a wealth of new opportunities in which to flourish and thrive.
Our staff's dedication to fostering the character development of our boys stands strong. This year has been a testament to the richness and diversity of experiences offered on and off campus, from academic pursuits to extracurricular activities, community service initiatives to leadership opportunities. The pages that follow will give you an idea of how our boys have embraced these options with enthusiasm and determination, embodying the values of integrity, resilience, and compassion that lie at the heart of our school. Our graduates leave equipped with the knowledge, skills, and values to thrive in the world beyond our walls.
The atmosphere at SHS is buzzing with excitement as we find ourselves in a time of unprecedented growth. Our enrolment this year was at it's highest ever at 581. With the addition of new students next year, we are looking to expand our physical space to accommodate their needs. This includes the creation of new classrooms, the installation of new lockers, and the enhancement of our facilities to ensure that every student has access to the resources they need to succeed. I am pleased to announce the graduation of Selwyn House School's first cohort of Grade 12 students.
Looking ahead, I am thrilled to share that our Pre-U program is set to grow even further, with over 30 students already enrolled for the coming year. Our graduates have secured placements in exceptional university programs, a testament to the excellence of their education at SHS , their hard work, and the dedication of their teachers.
But our growth extends beyond our Pre-University program, as we welcome a new cohort of Grade 7 students into our community. The expansion of our Grade 7 program reflects the growing demand for a Selwyn House education, with the admissions department seeing quality students on the waitlist eager to join our ranks. This growth has been made possible through privatization, allowing us to open doors to new students and further grow our high school. As we prepare to welcome more boys into our community, we're committed to ensuring that every student has the opportunity to thrive and succeed, both academically and personally.
None of this would be possible without the vision, dedication, and support of our entire community. From the Board to our staff, students, parents, and Old Boys, each and every one of you plays a vital role in the continued success of Selwyn House School. On behalf of the entire community, thank you for your commitment and support.
As we continue to grow and expand, let's do so with a sense of gratitude for how far we've come and a commitment to the journey that lies ahead. Together, there's no limit to what we can achieve!
With warmest regards,
Headmaster
SELWYN HOUSE SCHOOL'S PRE-UNIVERSITY PROGRAM
YEAR ONE IN REVIEW
The Pre-University program was launched on August 24, with Headmaster Michael Downey welcoming twenty Grade 12 students, parents, staff, community members, and guests. He acknowledged the team behind the program, including Neil Banerjee, Stephanie Lynam, Mike Maurovich, and Brenda Montgomery, emphasising its significance: "You, the young men in this room, are a page in our history book." The year commenced with a two-day leadership retreat led by Ms. Torry, where students delved into various leadership styles and participated in team-building activities. Individual meetings with the PreUniversity Coordinator, Outdoor Education team, and teachers monitored student progress. Ms. Peterman, College & University Advisor, connected students with diverse post-graduation options, holding visits from university representatives and an international post-secondary school fair, as well as organising a
After the Winter Break, the Grade 12 boys embraced Selwyn’s core values, engaging in heartwarming mentorship with their younger peers during a special X-Day skate session. On the following X-Day, they acquired essential kitchen skills, cultivating practical life skills and fostering a sense of community.
The cohort's academic journey included an array of enriching experiences. Some notable moments include the Science class attending a Mechanical Engineering lecture at McGill, taught by Grade 12 student Owen Higgins’s father, Professor Andrew Higgins. Commerce students participated in a Calculus lecture at McGill, and the Canadian Literature class explored works by Leonard Cohen and various Canada Reads books.
Winter brought an opportunity to strengthen bonds and foster independence with an overnight retreat. Organised by the
Outdoor Education team and Pre-University staff, the retreat featured dog sledding, and thoughtful reflection around a firepit offering a chance to reconnect and rejuvenate for the remainder of the academic year.
Students dogsled at Les Aventures Liguoriennes (L). Grade 12 teams up with Elementary students on the Westmount Recreation Centre rink (R).
Spring highlights included visits from criminal defence lawyer Eric Sutton '72 and Judge Christian Immer for the Law class as well as a Biology class trip to Concordia University's Clinical Analysis Suite. Students also eagerly submitted their final applications to universities and colleges.
Eric Sutton '72 (L) speaks to Law students. (R) Biology students gets hands-on experience at Concordia University.
The cohort celebrated their successful year and university acceptances with a graduation ceremony and dinner on June 6, recognizing the achievements of the twenty graduates.
The inaugural Pre-University program was marked by leadership development, university exploration, academic rigour, and practical life skills training. The school eagerly anticipates continuing the journey of Grade 12 next year, fostering knowledge, growth, and unforgettable experiences for its students.
THE VERITAS TREE
PRE-UNIVERSITY INAUGURAL GRADUATION
"This is not just a school. To me, it's a part of my identity. The experiences of these past few years, especially this last one, have laid the groundwork for the rest of my life."
- Salutatorian, and the first 13year lifer at Selwyn House School, Massimo Lorenzetti.
Four new prizes were unveiled to commemorate the inaugural class, bearing the names of the recipients, a heartwarming lasting legacy for the Pre-University program.
Joseph J. Belland ’23, Pre-U ’24 Award Academic Distinction in PreUniversity. Awarded to the Grade 12 student with the highest academic average.
David Ihaza Pre-U ’24 Award Awarded to the Grade 12 student that demonstrates a distinction in effort and commitment to learning.
Thomas W. Christoforou ’23, Pre-U ’24 Award. Awarded to the Grade 12 student that demonstrated perseverance and resilience in his academic journey.
Lambros Papadopoulos ’23, Pre-U ’24 Award. Awarded to the Grade 12 student that embraces and demonstrates the values of community within the Pre-U program.
"As the acclaimed Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, it's the journey, not the destination. It was the journey that made us who we are and what made this year so special. I'm reminded of one certainty: we face this adventure together in Selwyn’s inaugural Grade 12 class. As we move forward, let us carry the lessons we've learned already fortified in the new ones we've forged."
- Valedictorian Joseph Belland
Four students joined their peers as they were inducted into the Old Boys' Association: David Ihaza, Christopher Byrne, Owen Higgins, Gabriel Kertesz
LIST OF DESTINATIONS
Joseph Belland : Double degree in Faculty of Engineering and Advanced Entry Option to Ivey School of Business (5 year program), Honours Business Administration and Bachelors of Engineering Science. Awarded National Merit Scholarship.
: Bachelor of Science (Honours), Major Psychology (Concentration in Forensic Psychology), Awarded Entrance Scholarship and Faculty of Science Entrance Scholarship.
Thomas Christoforou: John Molson School of Business, Bachelor of Commerce, Major in International Management.
Jonah Levitan: Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics, Bachelor of Sport Management.
Timothy Lewis-Jeremiah: Faculty of Arts and Science, Bachelor of Arts, Major Recreation and Leisure Studies.
Massimo Lorenzetti: College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, Bachelor of Arts, Major in Economics.
Adam Cohen: Faculty of Arts (Honours), Bachelor of Arts, Major in Economics.
Elishay Dayan: John Molson School of Business, Bachelor of Commerce, Major in Finance.
Owen Higgins: Okanagan Campus, Bachelor of Applied Science, Major in Mechanical Engineering.
David Ihaza: Schulich School of Engineering, Bachelor of Science, Major in Mechanical Engineering.
Gabriel Kertesz: Bachelor of Management and Organisational Studies with Advanced Entry Option Ivey School of Business.
Andreas Lazaris: John Molson School of Business, Bachelor of Commerce, Major in Finance.
Beck Majdell: Faculty of Social Science, Bachelor of Arts, Major in History with Advanced Entry Option Ivey School of Business. : Bachelor in Hospitality and Tourism Management, Major Restaurant and Service Operations.
Nathaniel Mitelman: College of Literature, Science, and the Arts; Bachelor of Arts Degree, Majoring in Economics or Mathematics.
Bachelor of Global and International Studies (Honours).
Yanting Pan: Faculty of Science, Bachelor of Science in Major Mathematics.
Lambros Papadopoulos: Bachelor of Kinesiology.
Ioannis Pliagas: John Molson School of Business, Bachelor of Commerce, Major in Finance.
Alexander Teryazos: Huron University College at Western University, Bachelor of Arts, Major in Governance, Leadership and Ethics.
Veritas 2023-2024
LAUNCH OF THE 190 8 LEGACY CIRCLE
Portals to Knowledge – Pathways to Truth
Did you know that you could leave a legacy to Selwyn House School through as simple an action as creating a gift in your will? A number of visionary Old Boys have taken this significant decision. Through their legacy gifts, they aim to create new leaders and empower the next generation of boys to succeed in learning and in life.
MEET OUR FOUNDING MEMBERS
Pay it forward
Michael Whitehead ’78 is grateful for what he learned and experienced at SHS. “My personal value system dates from my time at Selwyn and the examples that were set for me. I want to pay it forward to honour the gifts and good experiences that people gave me.”
In gratitude
Chris Eich ’97 cherishes his experience at Selwyn House. “I’m grateful for the life lessons I was given and for the friends I still have to this day, the lifelong connection to a community.” He has made the Veritas Fund a beneficiary in his will and hopes that others will be motivated to do the same. “The amount doesn’t matter - the action is significant.”
The 1908 Legacy Circle is named for the year of the founding of Selwyn House School by Algernon Lucas, the first headmaster.
A way to give more
Making the school the beneficiary of a gift in your will is an effective means of making a larger gift than would be possible during your lifetime. It has no impact on your current assets, cash flow or your lifestyle. It can also reduce or even eliminate the tax burden on your beneficiaries, since your estate will receive a tax receipt for your gift. There are other ways to leave a legacy such as making us beneficiary of a life insurance policy or, in most provinces, the beneficiary of all, or a percentage of, your RRSP/RRIF or TFSA.
Join the Circle
Chris and Michael are our first founding members: we invite you to join them! For more information on these kinds of gifts, or to let us know if you have already made a legacy gift to Selwyn House School, please contact Sharon Cozens, Director of Advancement at 514-931-9481 x 2269 or email her at cozenss@selwyn.ca. Our goal is to have 70 legacy donors to celebrate the next 70 years of the Old Boys’ Association.
Download information for bequest wording here >>>
or visit our website at selwyn.ca/giving/legacy-giving
Portals to Knowledge and Pathways to Truth are words taken from the school’s hymn.
We are thrilled to share the progress and achievements of our ongoing “The Path Forward” fundraising campaign. Your generous contributions have played a vital role in advancing Selwyn House School's vision (becoming fully private in 2021) and ensuring a brighter future for our school. We are pleased to announce that, to date, we have raised an incredible $9.8 million. This impressive achievement brings us closer to our $12 million goal, and we extend our gratitude to all who have contributed. Your generosity has made a tremendous impact, and we deeply appreciate your support.
Our school's vision, to operate without reliance on government grants, has been a cornerstone for our growth. Embracing privatization has allowed us to take control of our future and set a foundation for lasting success. At the heart of our mission is the education of boys, and Selwyn House continues to lead the way in this field. Selwyn House is now proudly open to all, embracing diverse cultures and languages, which makes our school a richer and more vibrant place. This inclusivity strengthens our community and enhances the educational experience for all students.
As the school embarks on new campus expansion projects, it is crucial to complete this fundraising campaign. The continued support of our community is essential. Endowed bursaries enable the school to provide opportunities to talented students from various backgrounds. Donations to the privatization effort are helping to keep tuition manageable, making Selwyn House accessible to more families. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all our donors. Your commitment and generosity are deeply appreciated. Together, we are making Selwyn a better place and paving the way for future generations of students.
With gratitude,
A few decades ago, Selwyn House twice helped my family with financial support, for which I remain grateful to this day. I wouldn’t have attended without the aid of a seventh grade entrance scholarship. Then later, when my father unexpectedly passed away, my brother Eric couldn’t have completed his education without tuition assistance. My intention is for this contribution to the Path Forward Campaign, and endowment of a bursary, to similarly benefit future generations of Selwyn families.
Selwyn House taught me to embrace new experiences, and push the boundaries of my abilities. I remember how physics teacher Brad Moffat nurtured my curiosity, even arranging an unforgettable opportunity to use a powerful computer at McGill, coach Peter Govan relentlessly demanded nothing less than my best effort, and Headmaster Alexis Troubetzkoy taught me that actions have consequences. Selwyn prepared me for an eventful journey that has taken me to Marianopolis, Waterloo Engineering, Harvard Business School, and Silicon Valley, where I now live with my partner Kristin, and our boys.
I recognize the importance of Selwyn's alumni in its success as a bold and resilient institution, and I look forward to watching the school’s continued growth, positive transformation of lives, and the preservation of its cherished legacy.
Patrick Jabal '85 (R) is pictured with brother Eric '89 (L)
As parents of two boys who have greatly benefited from their years at Selwyn House, we have witnessed firsthand the dedication and passion of the educators at the school and the positive impact they have had on our children’s growth, both educationally and as individuals. Azra, who works in academia, and I deeply value education and wholeheartedly believe in the transformative power it holds for young people.
Supporting this privatization initiative and bursary program is our way of investing in the future of our children and our society. It is about providing opportunities for deserving children to pursue their dreams, regardless of their financial or linguistic circumstances. The intent is that boys from diverse walks of life have access to quality education, the chance to excel academically and personally and perhaps most importantly, the opportunity to learn from one another’s experiences.
By contributing to this fund, we hope to encourage and support the next generation of leaders, thinkers, and innovators, wherever they may be from. It is a privilege to be part of a community that will afford opportunities to children to live and learn the Selwyn House values.
Thank you for the opportunity to contribute to such a meaningful cause. We look forward to seeing the positive impact of this program on the students and the school.
Marc Mizrahi and Azra Khan with Aiden ’22 (L) and Taryn ’25 (R)
Co-Chairs Mark Smith and Vincenzo Guzzo '86
THANK YOU! / MERCI!
The list that follows recognizes all donors and their Path Forward Campaign gifts and pledges to date (June 30, 2024).
NOTE: All efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy of this list. Kindly notify the Advancement Office of any errors or omissions at cozenss@selwyn.ca or 514-931-9481 x2269. Our apologies in advance for any inaccuracies.
Veritas $1,000,000 and above
Marie-Michelle and Paul Pathy ’88
True to Your World $500,000 and above
Jonathan ’92 and Brian Aune
Jess and Mark Pathy ’86
Power Corporation of Canada
Mark L. Smith and Family
Marie-Christine Thibault and Rody Yared
True to Your School $100,000 and above
Anonymous (3)
The Argyle Shop
Courtney and Matthew Beckerleg ’94
The Birks Family Foundation
Jonathan Blanshay ’84
Claudine & Stephen Bronfman Family Foundation
The Denham Family
France Chrétien-Desmarais & André Desmarais ’73
Sophie Desmarais
Amanda Furfaro and Philippe Desmarais ’03
The John Dobson Foundation
Christopher Hoffmann ’64
Rosemary Hoppenheim and Family
Jabal Family
Sophie and Scott Jones
Alexandra Gosselin and Sebastien Kaine ’03
Wei Lu and Zhong Li
The Li-Yuan Family
John R. McConnell Foundation
Vanessa Germain and Maxime Ménard
Mierins Family Foundation
The Molson Foundation
Peartree Securities Inc.
Anna Gainey and Thomas Pitfield ’93
Jade Raymond and Daniel Velan
R. Howard Webster Foundation
True to Others $50,000 and above
Mary Leslie and Ian Aitken '81
Paul Capombassis '86 & Michael Capombassis ’84
Shirley Carreiro
Mary Dailey Desmarais and Paul Desmarais lll
Adriana Embiricos and Olivier Desmarais '99
The Marchab Foundation
The Jean C. Monty Family
Annie Cardin and Sean O’Donnell
Nicole and Marc Schaffer ’94
True to Yourself $25,000 and above
Maryse Bertrand, William Brock and Philippe Brock ’12
Heather Sokoloff and Lev Bukhman
Krystal DuBose and Nicolas Ellis
The Fernandes Family Foundation
Natacha and Jean-François Marcoux
Carolina Vera and Liborio Piazza
Eric Stevenson ’75
The Wearing Family
Known & Loved Up to $25,000
Anonymous (10)
Thomas Antony ’83
Caroline Deitcher and Marcel Aulls
Michèle and James Beckerleg
Marie-Josée Boivin and Jean-Marc Bougie
Richard Brooks ’92
The Brosseau Family
Anne-Marie Canakis & John-Paul Capolicchio
Michael Carreiro ’92
Lee Tidmarsh and John Carsley '67
Beverly and Timothy Carsley ’52
Sharon Cozens
Dawn and Peter Cruchet
Jane and Peter Darling ’52
Dianne and Jonathan Deitcher
Michael Dorfman ’94
Kathy McKnight and Geoffrey Dowd
Laura and Michael Downey
Amanda Jelowicki and Adrian Dunn
Lloyd, Rosanne, Joshua ’19 and Michael ’21
Feldman
Leslie Silver and Laurent Ferreira
Nancy and Bryan Fitzpatrick ’74
Charles Frosst ’51
Eric Goldwarg ’95
The Late Michael Gwinnell '59
Karma and John Hallward ’78
The Late Conrad F. Harrington 1926
Charles M. Hart ’56
Shen, Maryse and François Hudon
Anita Brown-Johnson and Dexter Johnson
Jamin Kerner ’94
Heather and Robert Kugler
Catherine and George Lackenbauer
Probal Lala ’83
Elizabeth Steele and Martin Landry
Barry Lazar ’67
Mark Lazar '68
The LeMessurier Foundation
Sophie Donelson and Greg Lindsay
Lihua Liu and Bin Lu
Marian MacFarlane and Family
The Madsen Family
Stephen Mashaal '08
John Mingay
Véronique and Marc Minogue ’07
William Mitchell
Azra Khan and Marc Mizrahi
Krista and Geoffrey Moore ’83
Vanessa and Mark Mulroney ’96
Matthew Munzar ’00
The Niro Family Foundation
Elizabeth Edmiston and Jordan Padgett
La Fondation Polykar
Les Industries Polykar Inc.
Shiyi Fang and Chen Qu
The late Élisabeth Lapointe and Herbert Ratsch
Emily Beckerleg Ritchie & Jamieson Ritchie '88
Daniel Roiter ’94
Athina Papanagiotou and Antonio Salvatore
Grace and Helmut Schauer
Richard Schwartz ’88
Christine Legler and Kevin Schwartzman
Grace and Andy Shatilla
Minna Shulman
Theresa Song
Abby Lai and James Soutar ’83
Barry Stevens
Timothy Stewart ’59
Linda Stodola
Robert Tennant ’66
Andrey Hollinger and Robert Torralbo
David Turetsky ’94
Iris Unger
Brigitte Fortin and Guy Vadish
Samantha Mintz and Justin Vineberg ’88
Samuel Walker ’99
Dan Ping Shi and Chao Wang
Joseph Wearing
Sandra Parrott and Rick Wearing Family
Bradley White ’94
Michael Whitehead ’78
Brenda and David Wisenthal
Minmin Xiao and Ting Yu
Hongying Gao and Xin Zhang
IN HONOUR OF
Jacob Bukhman '25
Owen Frankel '21
Peter Govan
Ollie Robinson '25
Richard RuiXuan Li ’24
IN MEMORY OF
Thomas Darling 1918
Michael Hoffmann ’67, “from his brother, Chris”
Cindy Morton
Michael Ogilvie '49
Robin (Rob) Wearing
GIFTS IN KIND
Anonymous
MATCHING GIFTS
Goldman, Sachs & Co. LLC
Google
CAMPAIGN
CABINET
Honorary Co-Chairs
France Chrétien-Desmarais
André Desmarais ’73
Co-Chairs
Vincenzo Guzzo ’86
Mark L. Smith
Cabinet Members
Ian Aitken ’81, Michael Avedesian '88
Caroline Deitcher, Michael Denham
Philippe Desmarais ’03, Lloyd Feldman
Anna Gainey, Conrad Harrington ’00
Jean-François Marcoux, Rody Yared
Jason Tsadilas ’88, Justin Vineberg ’88
Headmaster
Michael Downey
Director of Advancement
Sharon Cozens
THE VERITAS TREE
supported it for over a century. Our commemoration offered a chance to reflect on the theme of Connecting to Kindness, a core value of the school since 1908.
Students, staff and guests, were given the opportunity to honour our past, present and future together as they experienced the "Connecting to Kindness" exhibit. The event highlighted memories of acts of kindness within our community and beyond, featuring special projects such as The Garage Sale, preparing food for soup kitchens, and much more. The theme aligned perfectly with the values of this year's Speirs honourees, Roula and Alan Rossy ’79.
Alan Rossy ’79 was influenced by former Headmaster Dr. Speirs, who instilled values such as sincerity and moral character. His family's connection to Selwyn House School runs deep — Alan joined Selwyn House in Grade 6, and sons, William ’16 and Christopher ’22, were "lifers" at the school. Roula and Alan donated the Agora space in 2003, and have since been actively involved with the school's board of directors and fundraising campaigns. Roula has chaired fundraising events and was awarded the Nancy Pitfield Award for her dedication to Selwyn House. They have demonstrated their commitment to mental health and wellness initiatives and also establishing the Student Success Centre in 2019.
Selwyn House School kicked off its celebration of special honourees with
2023 SPEIRS MEDALISTS ROULA & ALAN ROSSY ’79
two student assemblies and an evening reception. During the assemblies, students viewed short videos featuring their peers sharing what kindness means to them. Retired school receptionist, Annie Snabl, shared several memories of how the school has displayed kindness over the years. Students were also introduced to the 2023 Nancy Pitfield Volunteer Award recipient, Anne Garschagen, current parent of Harry Garschagen, who was recognized for her dedication to the school community. Additionally, Grade 6 student Ryan Pitfield was featured in a short clip where he spoke about his grandmother, for whom the award is named, describing her as "kind of a super volunteer when my father (Tom Pitfield ’93) was a student at Selwyn."
Over 200 guests gathered in Coristine Hall in the evening to celebrate the award recipients of 2023. Headmaster Mike Downey, gave a touching speech, expressing his gratitude and appreciation for the “outstanding, incredibly kind, generous and hardworking people who devote their time to the school and the community.” Laura Osborne, Co-Chair of the Parent Volunteer Association, then introduced honouree Anne Garschagen to the evening’s guests, while Brad White ’94, Vice-President of the Old Boys' Association, recognized former staff members Kathy Funamoto, Brenda Montgomery, Jean Pruneau, and the late Jack Martin, presenting Honorary Old Boy pins. Portraits were unveiled of five Selwyn staff members who were honoured for their service of 25 years or more: Kathy Funamoto (44 years), Brenda Montgomery (34 years), Rob Moore (33 years), Jean Pruneau (31
years) and Chantal Simard (27 years). Retired Headmaster, Hal Hannaford and his wife Susan presented Roula and Alan, the guests of honour, with the Speirs Medal for their numerous contributions to the school over the years. Mr. Rossy expressed his appreciation, stating, “After a long, heartfelt association with Selwyn House, we value this award and are honoured to have been chosen. It means a lot, especially to an Old Boy [...] Since my Selwyn school years, I can attest that this school, our school, is a much better institution. I see a better generation, smarter, more educated, more exposed, more diverse, more environmentallyconscious, and a community that embraces its values of Veritas and kindness.” It was a night to remember, one that truly embodied the spirit of the SHS community.
L to R: Brad White ’94, OBA Vice-President, Alasdair Martin ’89, Kathy Funamoto, Brenda Montgomery, Jean Pruneau
L to R: Anne Garschagen, Tom Pitfield ’93
HEADMASTER'S TRIBUTES
The Selwyn House School community had the opportunity to express their gratitude to retiring and departing staff members for all they have done during their years at Selwyn House. Over 150 people attended a cocktail reception on June 5, 2024.
DEBBIE DRAGONE, BUSINESS OFFICE ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT - 34 YEARS
Ms. Dragone has been the welcoming face of the Business Office for over three decades. She served as the Accounts Payable Clerk and, for a time, was the Athletics Department Administrative Assistant. Debbie’s desk was always the hub for staff to meet to process payments, to have a coffee and to enjoy a treat from her candy jar. Debbie frequently assisted at Old Boys’ reunions and Founder’s Day events, welcoming our Selwyn family back home. We wish Debbie a very happy retirement!
APRIL WONG, SENIOR SCHOOL ASSISTANT - 27 YEARS OF SERVICE
Ms. Wong joined the Selwyn House School staff in 1997 as the Senior School Assistant. For almost three decades, April kept track of the comings and goings of Grade 9-11 boys, their schedules, their teachers, and communications with parents. Her daily presence was a constant strength for Senior School families, as well as for the four Senior School Directors and staff she supported over her tenure. April’s calm demeanour and caring nature will be missed. We wish her well on the next chapter…retirement!
CLAUDINE MARTEL, ENSEIGNANTE DE FRANÇAIS À L'ÉCOLE PRIMAIRE - 34 ANS DE SERVICE
Après avoir consacré 34 ans à l'École Selwyn House, Mme Martel a pris sa retraite en décembre 2023. Tout au long de son mandat, Claudine a eu un impact significatif. L'une de ses réalisations les plus remarquables a été le lancement de la Maternelle de l'école en 1993. En tant que Chef du département de français de l'école primaire, pendant plusieurs années, elle s'est attachée à soutenir son développement et le développement de ses collègues. L'influence de Claudine s'est étendue au-delà de l'enseignement, puisqu'elle a également joué un rôle clé dans l'organisation d'événements scolaires et de réunions mensuelles permettant aux nouveaux enseignants de nouer des relations. Sa passion pour la nature, la langue française et l'éducation des enfants fût présente dans tout ce qu'elle faisait, inspirant tous ceux qui ont eu le plaisir de la connaître et de travailler avec elle. Félicitations pour cette retraite bien méritée !
SHARON WALKER, EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO THE HEADMASTER - 20 YEARS OF SERVICE
Sharon Walker retires after 20 years of service, having supported three headmasters, as well as serving as Secretary to the SHA Board. Her dedication and unwavering commitment to running the school efficiently made us all wonder who really was in charge! Sharon will be remembered for her enthusiasm and involvement in every school event. Whether dressing up for Halloween or greeting guests at the welcome table, she could be counted on to go above and beyond for every occasion. Retirement calls for Ms. Walker, and we wish her all the best.
Mary Ann Cloherty
16 years of service Director of Annual Giving & Old Boy Relations
Svjetlana Kukrika Ignjatovic
12 years of service
Senior School Math Teacher
Irina Kondratieva
15 years of service
Archives & Argyle Shop Coordinator
Jennifer Nantel
4 years of service
Senior School English Teacher
Cory Deegan 13 years of service
Outdoor Education Coordinator
Jennifer Torry 3 years of service
Student Life & Leadership Coordinator
ACADEMICS
Congratulations to the many students in Elementary School, Middle School, and Senior School who represented Selwyn House School provincially, nationally, and internationally, bringing recognition to their school. Below are just a few of the accolades these talented students received.
SENIOR SCHOOL ACADEMIC AWARDS FOR 2022-23
On September 19, the entire Senior School, along with staff and parent guests, gathered together to celebrate the achievements of our Grade 9 and 10 students for the 2022-23 academic school year. Boys were recognized for attaining High Honours, achievement in a variety of subjects, being elected to the Cum Laude Society, or receiving namesake awards.
Le 30 janvier dernier, l'École Selwyn House a brillé de toute sa passion pour la science lors de la finale locale d'Expo-sciences. Félicitations à tous les garçons du primaire qui ont présenté des projets exemplaires. Ils peuvent être fiers du chemin parcouru et des réalisations accomplies. Que cette expérience les inspire et qu'ils continuent à explorer les merveilles de la science avec passion.
Selwyn House School had an impressive showing at the 2023 World Scholar's Cup in London, with Grade 10 student Shen H. representing Selwyn House in the senior category alongside Anya F-G. from Royal West Academy and Yuxuan Cathy Z. from The Study. Their team performed exceptionally well, placing 3rd among over 500 teams. Shen H. also earned an impressive 14 medals and ranked 26th overall, placing him in the top 2% of
The 2024 Montreal Regional Round of the World Scholar's Cup in February saw a record number of Selwyn House School students participate. Over the course of two days, students showcased their intelligence and courage through four academic events, earning numerous trophies and medals. Shen H. stood out in the senior division, while Matej B. excelled in the junior division, highlighting the strength of Selwyn House School's scholars.
A MATHEMATICAL RENAISSANCE
On May 15, Ms. Sayegh, the Senior School Mathematics Department Head, acknowledged our students' achievements in various math competitions held during the latter half of the school year. She highlighted the school's renaissance in mathematical competitiveness. Thanks to the students' motivation and enthusiasm, they participated in three additional contests not usually part of the curriculum, detailed below. These contests were offered alongside the Grade 8 Math Olympics with ECS, the Middle School Canadian National Mathematics League Contest, the Grade 7 and 8 Gauss Mathematics Competition, the Canadian Team Math Competition at St. George's School, the Inter-House Math Competition, the Grade 11 Euclid Contest, and the Fermat Contest. In the Grade 9 Pascal Contest, Selwyn ranked 5th in our zone and 14th in Quebec. Notable top 25% scorers in Canada included Vojtech B., Nathan C., William L., Lanq Q., Adam S., and Oli M.
In the Cayley Contest, written by Grade 10 students, Selwyn ranked first in the province out of over 50 schools, making us the Provincial Champions, a prestigious recognition not achieved since 2014! Nicholas C., Jerry H., Shen H., Ken G., Thomas X., and Ziye Z. all scored in the top 25% in Canada, with Ziye earning the top spot.
In the Galois and Hypatia Contests, Ken G., Thomas X., Ziye Z., Jerry C., and Leon Z. scored in the top 25% in Canada, earning Certificates of Distinction. Congratulations to all participants! Your efforts have truly pushed mathematics at Selwyn House to the next level, and your passion for more opportunities to compete in math challenges exemplifies the Veritas values of being true to yourself and to your school.
FÉDÉRATION CANADIENNE DES DÉBATS D’ÉTUDIANTS
Du 20 au 22 avril, l'équipe de débat de Selwyn House a participé pour la première fois au championnat national de débat française. Des débatteurs de tout le Canada sont venus concourir au Lower Canada College. Selwyn House a envoyé trois équipes en compétition : Ed K. et Augusto L., Joseph B. et Max A., en plus d'une équipe combinée composée de Shen H. de Selwyn et d'Anya F-G de Royal West. Les trois équipes se sont très bien comportées dans le tournoi, et l'équipe de Shen et Anya est allée jusqu'à la grande finale pour prendre la 2e place du pays !
COMPÉTITION
ROBOTIQUE 2024
Lors de la compétition de robotique Zone 01 qui s'est déroulée le 3 mai au Collège Reine-Marie, Kai M., Steven Z., Logan C., Jerry L., Thomas L., Ruichen Y., Liam S., Abner H., Léon J., et Edi O., élèves de 5e et 6e année de l'école primaire, se sont affrontés contre des équipes d'écoles à travers Montréal. Tous ont atteint la finale de Sumo, avec l'équipe de Kai, Steven et Logan remportant la médaille de bronze.
Cayley Mathematics Competition
Canadian Team Math Competition
ARTS
Throughout the school year at Selwyn House, students eagerly embrace various opportunities to sing, act, and create, weaving a rich tapestry of artistic expression that spans every grade level. From the very start of the academic year, preparations for the holiday concert season begin in earnest, setting the stage for a series of memorable performances.
KINDERGARTEN SPREADS HOLIDAY CHEER
On December 18, under the direction of Elementary School music teacher Mr. Ryan Kennedy, the Kindergarten class delighted everyone with their annual holiday concert, spreading cheer in festive attire with their wonderful performance.
MASCOT MAYHEM IN MIDDLE SCHOOL COMEDY
After the December break, the focus shifted towards theatrical productions across all levels. The Middle School's production of Mascots took the stage in mid-January, under the direction of Ms. Lucy Martin, Drama teacher. The comedic hit, focused on Drysdale High School's quest to replace their beloved yet problematic mascot, Cujo, showcasing the students' talent and comedic abilities.
MIDDLE SCHOOL JAZZ BANDS DAZZLE WITH FESTIVE CLASSICS
CONTACTIVITY INTERGENERATIONAL CONCERT
This festive joy was sustained with the Middle School Jazz Bands showcasing their talent and dedication by performing a selection of classic holiday tunes. The Grade 7 band enchanted the audience with renditions of "Good King Wenceslas" and "Jingle Bells," while the Grade 8 band charmed listeners with "Jolly Old St. Nicholas" and other beloved classics.
GRADE 12 HIGHLIGHTS THE POWER OF MUSIC
Continuing a cherished tradition, students joined Contactivity members to sing "Jingle Bell Rock," exemplifying the spirit of intergenerational programming and community connection.
SENIOR SCHOOL PLAYERS PRESENT DOUBLE- FEATURE
As the semester came to an end the Pre-University cohort explored gender and masculinity in their World Issues Class. Christopher Byrne capped off the students’ projects with a presentation on Music and Mental Health, culminating in a powerful sing-along, breaking the taboo around mental health issues through the universal language of music.
The comedic theme continued with the Senior School Players' double feature of Superheroes and Will You Be My Nemesis? The former explored the lives of superheroes when they're off duty, while the latter followed Captain Battle and Dr. Nightmare's quest to find their perfect nemesis. Both plays received standing ovations at the evening performances on April 5, highlighting the strength of the students' comedic timing and dedicated acting.
THE VERITAS TREE
MUSIC TRIP TO NEW YORK CITY WITH ECS
The Senior Jazz Band, in collaboration with the ECS Jazz Band, went to New York City for four days to take part in the annual Heritage Music Festival taking place at the famous Riverside Church in Harlem. The 40 member mixed jazz band was put through a high-paced rehearsal on the first day before significantly raising their level of play the next day with an energetic set of three songs for their main Festival performances. The students also got to visit the Empire State Building, Times Square, Grand Central Station, and most importantly, they were able to see the famous musical Hamilton on Broadway!
BOILING RED ROOM DJ LIVESTREAM
As part of Arts Week, on April 30, five students from Grades 9 to 11 DJed for over two hours. Inspired by the popular “Boiler Room” series, the performances were livestreamed to Coristine Hall and the wider Selwyn community, providing a captivated audience to celebrate the students' hours spent DJing in the Speirs Music Studio.
The Art Fair also included a Vernissage evening on May 1 that showcased student creativity and commitment of our Middle and Senior School students. Displays included innovative projects using interactive Makey Makey boards, impressive digital art objects like laseretched coasters, and 3D-printed chess pieces. The fair highlighted the diverse talents of our students. In Elementary School, students explored media such as modelling clay, cardboard, and plastic to make sculptures, and delved into the tradition of self-portraiture through coloured pencil crayons, paint, and pastels.
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PLAY: THE JUNGLE BOOK - THE MUSICAL
During the Art Fair, the annual Music Cabaret concert on May 2 took place and was a spectacular night, featuring over 100 student performers from Selwyn House School bands (Grades 6-11). Highlights included the Senior Jazz Band's collaboration with ECS' Jazz Band and the Grade 6 concert band’s rendition of "Sultans of Swing." The Grade 7 and 8 jazz bands performed both individually and as the Jr. Jazz Band, covering pop, rock, and jazz classics. Student-led rock bands and soloists added to the musical variety. The Sr. Jazz Band wrapped up the night with impressive solos and tight performances of jazz standards such as "Bud’s Blues" and "Manteca."
INTERGENERATIONAL CHOIR PERFORMS AT TEA PARTY
From May 7 to 10, Coristine Hall held its last major artistic performance of the school year with 70 Elementary School students bringing The Jungle Book - The Musical to life. Thirty-one actors from Grades 5 and 6 portrayed jungle animals and villagers, while thirty-nine students from Kindergarten to Grade 5 formed a choir of animals. Their combined efforts resulted in an exceptional performance filled with music, song, and dance.
Selwyn House School students and staff came together with members from the Contactivity Centre on June 3 to celebrate the end of another year with an Intergenerational Tea Party. Attendees were entertained by the Intergenerational Choir, who sang a rendition of “Sing” by The Carpenters, complete with choreography.
THE VERITAS TREE
ATHLETICS
medal, and our senior team, made up of Ollie R., Ethan W., and Ethan P. came in second place overall, missing out on the title by just three strokes.
10TH CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIP BANNER WIN
Fifteen Grade 5 and 6 boys represented Selwyn House School and ran their hearts out at Mount Royal at the RSEQ Cross Country Championship. Our team was honoured as Co-Champions alongside Edinburgh Elementary School, securing their 10th championship banner in a highly competitive race.
Selwyn House School's athletics program achieved remarkable success this year. Our Gryphons excelled in various competitions, winning many banners, and the school hosted a national competition. Our student-athletes have made us proud, reflecting our dedication to fostering excellence in athletics and building character in our students.
GRYPHONS CADET D3 FOOTBALL WIN - RSEQ
On November 9, the Cadet Football Team brought home the banner for the RSEQ Championship! It was on a cold, wet, snowy and slushy field that the boys went up against Citée-des-Jeunes on their home field in Vaudreuil-Dorion. After a tight first half, 7-7, the boys rallied and scored two touchdowns, ultimately winning 19-7. Head Coach Matt Addona, reflecting on the season, wrote: "I’m extremely proud of our players for their hard work and dedication. We battled a tough team in tough conditions and showed tremendous character.”
BENJAMIN BASKETBALL CONTINUES CHAMPIONSHIP STREAK
In March, the Benjamin Basketball team, made up of Grade 7 and 8 boys, capped their 11-1 season with a comfortable victory in the championship game against École de l’Altitude, 59-49. With this win, the Gryphons captured their third RESQ Championship banner in as many years. The team was coached by Oliver Maurovich '09.
During the weekend of April 12-14, Selwyn House School's basketball teams demonstrated their prowess in divisional championship games. While Selwyn hosted the RESQ Juvenile D3 Provincial Basketball Championships, welcoming over 16 teams from Quebec, the Cadet D3 team ventured to Trois-Rivières to compete.
The Juvenile D3 Basketball team exhibited intensity and focus throughout the Provincial Basketball Championships. Coach Jon Merritt '04, expressed immense pride in the players' determination and cohesion. Despite not clinching the championship title, they all received silver medals thanks to their resilience in facing adversity and their unity on and off the court, leaving a lasting impression.
Meanwhile, in Trois-Rivières, the Cadet D3 Basketball team, led by Coach Kevin Boyle '97, emerged victorious in the RESQ Quebec Provincial Championship, triumphing over 15 other regional contenders. Their victory marked Selwyn House School's first Cadet D3 provincial basketball banner since 1995, a monumental achievement for the team and the school community.
Veritas 2023-2024
THE VERITAS TREE
GOLD AND SILVER AT THE 2024 GMAA WRESTLING CHAMPIONSHIP
ROWING TEAM MAKES A SPLASH AT CHALLENGE
School wrestlers participated in the GMAA Wrestling Championship hosted by Howard S. Billings High School. The Gryphon wrestlers competed admirably, with many achieving success throughout the day. Ben W. (103 pounds) and Ethan N. (138 pounds) fought their way through highly competitive weight categories to reach the finals, both earning silver medals in their respective age categories. A special shoutout, goes to Gabriel L. (87 pounds), pictured with coaches and Olympian Alex Moore '14, who defeated all other wrestlers in his weight class to claim the gold medal.
DAVID IHAZA, PRE-U ‘24 SIGNED TO CALGARY DINOS
on being signed to the University of Cal gary football team! On May 17, Calgary Dinos coaches flew from Calgary to Mon treal for the official commitment signing.
triumph again against Westmount High School with a final score of 25-4. Under the direction of Coach Youssy Pierre, the team proudly brought home gold medals and the championship banner to Selwyn.
On May 26, the rowing team competed at the Aviron Quebec Lachine Canal Challenge and performed excellently. The Novice 8+ excelled in their heat, passing five boats and holding off senior men, showing great potential for moving to the open 8+ category. The Junior Men 4+ with Phil B. won their race, setting themselves up for a strong Fall season, with sights on NY Saratoga next year. In the Singles category, Alex Q. and Phil B. represented the school well in a tough heat.
BANTAMS SECURE RUGBY 7S GMAA BANNER
On May 30, 2024 the Bantam D3 Rugby team, made up of Grade 7s went undefeated during the regular season also winning the GMAA Rugby 7's Championship. Facing Chateauguay Valley Regional High School in the finals, they played a very tight game right until the end. The Gryphons emerged victorious with a 28-21 win!
ACTIVITIES
BEYOND THE CLASSROOM
GRADE 6 ADVENTURE AT PARC DES ÎLES-DEBOUCHERVILLE
In late September, both Grade 6 classes spent an overnight trip at Parc des Iles-de-Boucherville. Students were introduced to many skills such as fire starting, knot tying, how to collaborate in groups, taking turns leading, and following tasks in food prep and clean up. All of these skills will be put to use in future years at Selwyn House in the Outdoor Education program.
TERRY FOX RUN 2023
On September 15, students from Kindergarten to Grade 12 participated in the annual Terry Fox Run held at Westmount Park. The Grade 12 students organised games in the in-field, while the cheers from the various Houses echoed through the air. Each year, we foster a spirit of friendly competition among the different houses to encourage fund raising for cancer research. This year was no different with $12 881 being raised for cancer research, which is above and beyond their initial goal of $6 155.
At Selwyn House, we believe in providing our students with a wide array of activities that foster personal growth, community involvement, and experiential learning. From adventurous outdoor excursions to meaningful community service projects, our students engage in a variety of events designed to enhance their skills, broaden their perspectives, and reinforce our core Veritas values. Here is a glimpse into some of the enriching activities our students have participated in recently.
MIDDLE SCHOOL INTENSIVE WEEK
24 HOURS FOR THE UNHOUSED
In October, the Middle School held an Intensive week. Activities included: Exploring the Art of Photography, Découvrez Montréal (Sortez de chez vous et venez chez nous!), Painting Basics, Living & Learning Through Medicine Wheel Teachings, Discovering Montreal Museums, Fashion, Styling & Cyclical Economy in Montreal, It’s Children’s Lit, and Fear Factor!
MOVEMBER INITIATIVES
On November 14, 27 members of the Selwyn House community, including 23 students and one alumnus, slept in the West Yard in solidarity with the unhoused. They partnered with the NGO "Bread and Beyond" to make over 600 sandwiches. Later, they enjoyed hot dogs and hot chocolate from "Dans la rue," whose volunteers shared their experiences of living on the street.
Throughout November, our school engaged in Movember initiatives to raise awareness about men's health. Middle School students, with their teachers, organised an assembly, a men's health Kahoot game day, and fun contests, culminating in a Mustache and House T-shirt Day. In the Senior School, students gave an assembly to support men's mental health, encouraging peers to seek help if needed. Additionally, 18 staff and students completed a 5km run in freezing rain to highlight issues like prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and suicide prevention.
In March, 26 students from Grade 9 to 12 and three accompanying staff members travelled to Japan. The March Break trip was more than just a journey—it was an immersive cultural exchange that left a lasting impact on everyone involved. From Hiroshima's poignant Peace Memorial Museum to Kyoto's iconic Kinkakuji Temple, every moment was filled with cultural immersion.
Le traditionnel Francoparty de Selwyn s’est tenu la semaine du 19 au 22 mars 2024 ce qui coïncide avec le mois de la Francophonie célébré partout dans le monde. Le thème de cette année: l’humour! Ainsi, tous les élèves ont eu la chance de participer à des ateliers donnés par des animateurs de l’École nationale de l’humour afin d’en apprendre plus sur l’art de faire rire. Diverses activités étaient proposées, comme le concours de blagues et celui du meilleur accent québécois.
Students in Middle and Senior School initiated an assembly and an exhibit in commemoration of Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Memorial Day in the Jewish calendar. Two Holocaust survivors, Mera and Andy Sebestyen, spoke to the students about their experiences surviving the Holocaust. In addition to the assembly, the boys created an exhibit and led guided tours so that students and staff could explore interactively.
VOIX ÉMERGENTES: UN APPEL À L'ACTION CLIMATIQUE
L'École Selwyn House est fière d'avoir joué un rôle dans la manifestation du 16 mai intitulée «Voix émergentes: Un appel à l'action climatique.» Les élèves de L'École St-George de Montréal, ECS, The Study et L'École primaire Roslyn se sont rassemblées au King George Park pour prononcer des discours percutants soulignant l'importance cruciale de la gestion de l'environnement, tant au niveau local, provincial et fédéral.
For the fifth year in a row, a group of Asian students in Middle and Senior Schools organised a Lunar New Year assembly. This year's celebration followed the theme of the Year of the Dragon. Not only did the boys teach the school community about the cultural traditions surrounding the holiday, they also led a calligraphy workshop and a culinary dumpling-making workshop throughout the week. In Elementary School, parents brought Lunar New Year to life by reading books, singing songs and providing traditional snacks to the boys. En première année, les élèves ont créé de magnifiques dragons inspirés des légendes lues en classe et de danses pratiquées lors de ces fêtes!
GRADE 10 EXPERIENCES LACHINE RAPIDS
On August 28-29, Grade 10 students learned to swim and kayak in the Lachine Rapids, guided by Boreal River Rescue experts. They gained skills in river safety and communication, embracing the mantra: "Just go with the flow."
SUPPORTING STUDENTS, STAFF AND PARENTS
Building upon the foundational work of previous years, the Department of Student Wellness remains dedicated in its commitment to addressing the social, emotional, and educational needs of our students. We proudly continue to foster a holistic approach to student wellness, offering both tailored support to individuals and implementing universal interventions in the classroom. Additionally, we conduct professional development workshops for staff to further enhance our impact.
Throughout the year, our community has enthusiastically embraced a range of programs and activities that underscore the vital link between overall wellness and academic achievement. At the start of the year, a group of staff engaged in Mental Health First Aid training, and Elementary School staff attended a workshop on supporting students with ASD in the classroom. Mid-year, guest-speaker, Dr. Alissa Sklar, delivered a presentation to Grades 5-12 parents on the importance of promoting safe digital habits. Students from Grades 3 to 5 were offered in-class workshops focusing on social-emotional learning objectives. Middle School students participated in the Hors-Piste program for a second year in a row — Grade 8s joined for the first time with five new workshops tailored to their specific grade level and building on their Grade 7 experience in the program.
In Senior School, the Study Skills Course continued to help Grade 9 students learn the skills necessary to function at their best in and outside of the classroom environment. Students
also participated in numerous wellness workshops during the staggered start in September. These workshops explored topics related to setting goals for a successful school year, managing conflict appropriately and effectively, and exploring significant events in their past that influence their chosen path for the future. Finally, as the year was coming to a close, our ES learning strategists facilitated an immersive workshop for a group of staff. The workshop offered insight into the neurodiverse student experience within the classroom. Strategies were presented to help educators create an inclusive learning environment, as well as tips for faculty to use when working or interacting with neurodivergent students.
Our efforts to enhance student wellness will further expand next year as we transform one of the school’s current spaces into a sensory room designed to support students in crisis or those requiring a calm, safe environment. This new space will complement the Student Success Centre which continues to be pivotal in ensuring all students have a safe and adaptive space for their particular learning needs. Finally, we continue to explore ways to leverage assistive educational technology to ensure equitable access to learning resources for all students. This includes access to assistive software for students struggling in reading and/or writing, as well as physical resources such as C-Pens, if students prefer. Through innovative tools and tailored support, we continue to empower our students to reach their potential. Together, we are committed to prioritizing student well-being in all aspects of our programming. STUDENT
CULTURAL PROGRAMMING HIGHLIGHTS
Supporting students in their commitment to sharing about who they are and what matters to them.
On March 18, all staff members experienced an in-house conference during which various teachers and staff prepared workshops for their colleagues. Two of the conference strands reflected our school-wide commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and Indigenization. The following workshops explored just some of the work that is going on in our classrooms thanks to our ongoing engagement in professional development and growth.
BOOK TALK: VALLEY OF THE BIRDTAIL
On June 4, a crowd of over 60 Selwyn House community members and friends of the school gathered to reflect and learn from the book Valley of the Birdtail: an Indian Reserve, a White Town, and the Road to Reconciliation, co-authored by Andrew Stobo Sniderman ‘01, and Douglas Sanderson (Amo Binashii). The conversation with the authors was moderated by Wahiakatste Diome-Deer, the school’s Indigenization Process consultant, and Kawisente McGregor blessed us with the opening Ohèn:ton Karihwatéhkwen (Thanksgiving Address).
It was a pleasure to see Andrew’s classmates and former teachers at the book talk, including Andrew’s former History teacher Tom Nicoll (now retired). Tom was the first teacher Andrew reached out to when his book was published…a fullcircle moment.
We are excited to continue our DEI and Indigenization programming under the leadership of Ms. Schwartz, our new Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Global Education Coordinator, for the 2024-2025 school year.
TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION WEEK
Selwyn House continued the tradition of learning about the history of residential schools during the last week of September in honour of Truth & Reconciliation Day on September 30. Dylan Montour, Grade 10 student and member of the Indigenous Student Committee (ISC) spoke at the Middle and Senior School assembly.
Elementary School students read stories throughout the week and were privileged to learn about traditions, song and dance from guests Owen Mayo (Kanien’kehá:ka) and Kwena Bellemare-Boivin (Atikamekw)
BLACK HISTORY MONTH
Black History Month was a vibrant celebration filled with educational and enriching experiences with students being treated to engaging presentations by prominent figures in the Black community. One such guest speaker was Omari Newton from Overture with the Arts who visited Middle School students. DJ Malik Shaheed also engaged Middle and Senior School students with an energetic exploration of the legacy of Little Burgundy. The culmination of the month’s celebration ended with a vibrant presentation by renowned dancer and choreographer, Melo Omat, founder of Uplift514 Studios. Melo shared the significance of Afro-dance moves, leaving a lasting impact on our Elementary School students.
CLASS OF GRADUATION PRIZEWINNERS
The Grade 11 Graduation Ceremony took place on June 19 and was an exciting evening filled with jubilant celebrations and heartfelt recognition. With yellow calla lilies affixed to their Selwyn House blazers, the Graduating Class of 2024 processed into Coristine Hall after a traditional bagpipe opening. The ceremony was presided over by Headmaster Mr. Downey, who read the names of the boys who attained awards for high academic achievement and other distinctions. Members of the platform party that handed out prizes to the graduates were Board Members Mr. Avedesian ’88, Mme Boivin, Ms. Beckerleg, Mr. Birks ’88, Mr. Guzzo ’86, and Mr. Pitfield ’93, Chairman of the Board, along with Mr. Lajoie, Head of Middle School. Mr. Banerjee, Head of Senior School, acted as MC for the diploma distribution, calling up each boy to receive their diploma.
Co-Head Prefects Luca Kestenband and Crosby Wise 24 acted as the CoValedictorians and spoke from their heart when they said: "These bonds and memories are what create what all of you know as the Selwyn brotherhood. Every single one of you graduates, who carries the Gryphon logo, will forever be a part of the Selwyn brotherhood. It doesn't matter who you are, if you go to this school, you bleed black and yellow."
Graduation is always a bittersweet occasion as graduates say goodbye to some of their peers but also look forward to their next steps, whether that be attending CEGEP, Selwyn's Pre-University Program, or Prep School. However, the sense of camaraderie among the boys was palpable, and it was clear they had forged bonds that will last a lifetime. Following the ceremony, there was a reception for the graduates, their families, staff, and friends. We look forward to seeing how their journey continues as Old Boys.
DISTINCTION AWARDS
The Kai McCall ’85 Prize for Art: Dongqu Liu
The Patricia Marsh Drama Prize: Eric Parodi
Music: Andrei Marentette
The G.C. Ian Burgess Award for Distinction in Creative Writing: Kiran Keleny
The Byron W. Harker Prize for Literature: Nicolas Capolicchio
Le prix de distinction en français:
Français Plus: Philippe Ghoche
Français Enrichi: Benjamin Vineberg
Français Régulier: Zijun Zhang
Moodey prize for distinction in math:
CST: Ely Louis Stern, Liam Roston Schwisberg
SN: Pasquale Presti, Samuel Philippe Gendron
Calculus: How Kang Chaw
Chemistry: How Kang Chaw, Mark Kapusta
Physics: How Kang Chaw
Yearbook: Ian Yoon
Vincent Prager ’59 Law Award: Logan Veltman
The D. W. Christie History Prize: Dongqu Liu
Contemporary World: Pasquale Presti
Monde Contemporain: Nicolas Capolicchio
Economics: Jordan Singer
Political Science: Samson Steinberg
Troubetzkoy Prize for Social Studies: Soren Matossian
SPECIAL AWARDS
Thomas Henry Pentland Molson ’11 Prize forgeneralexcellence:NicolasCapolicchio
The Governor General’s Bronze Medal for academic distinction in the Secondary School:KiranKeleny
TheCarolManning“TruetoOthers”Award for exemplifying selflessness, humility, and a giving spirit: Philip Baltuch & Mark Austin Kapusta
The Massi ’97 Prize for Effort: Lukas Lalli, MarcoLalli
The Millennium Prize donated by the Class of 1999 for demonstrating tolerance, compassion, generosity of spirit, kindness andconcernforothers:RobertAvedesian
The Thomas Chalmers Brainerd ’28 Memorial Award for demonstrating a generous concern for the welfare of others andenthusiasmforschoollife:JackSalkovitz
Read full speech here:
The Jeffrey Russel ’10 Prize for demonstrating values of Selwyn House through academic success, good sportsmanship, superior effort, citizenship and leadership: BenicioMcCauley
The Lucas Memorial Medal for best representing the values of Selwyn House through academic success, good sportsmanship, superior effort, citizenship andleadership:NicolasCapolicchio
GRADE 11
CLASS OF 2024 ACADEMIC DESTINATIONS
Rayan Ahdab: Marianopolis College - Commerce
Alistair Alloucherie - Conover: Marianopolis College- Social Science
with Math: Law, Society and Justice
Robert Avedesian: Selwyn Pre-U - Commerce
Philip Baltuch: Marianopolis College - Honours Health Science
Alec Barin: Marianopolis - Health Science
Luka Bienvenue: Dawson College - Social Science: Law, Justice and Society
Yulen Billy: Selwyn Pre-U - Science
Marc-Antoine Bougie: Selwyn Pre-U - Commerce
Jason Bundalian: Dawson College - Social Sciences: General Studies
Nicolas Capolicchio: Selwyn Pre-U - Science
How Kang Chaw: Selwyn Pre-U - Science
Matthew Dennis: Marianopolis College - Commerce
Liam Dobey: Selwyn Pre-U - Liberal Arts
Jonah Edghill: Champlain St. Lambert - Social Sciences
Luca Franco: Bishop's College School - Grade 12
Jack Fraser: Norwich Free Academy, Connecticut, Grade 12
Adam Freedin: Marianopolis College - Commerce
Samuel Gendron: Collège Brébeuf - Baccalauréat International en Sciences de la nature
Philippe Ghoche: Collège Brébeuf - Sciences de la nature - Sciences
Pures et Appliquées
Julian Harroch: Selwyn Pre-U - Science
John Kalliabetsos: Marianopolis College - Commerce
Nicholas Kalushny: Selwyn Pre-U - Science
Mark Kapusta: Selwyn Pre-U - Science
Kiran Keleny: Marianopolis College - Health Sciences
Luca Kestenband: Exeter Academy
Eunjun Ko: Marianopolis: College - Honours Health Science
Owen Kugler: Selwyn Pre-U - Science
Lukas Lalli: Kuper Grade 12
Marco Lalli: Kuper Grade 12
Olivier Li: Dawson College - Social Sciences: Psychology
Richard Li: Selwyn Pre-U - Commerce
Tony Liu: Marianopolis College - Arts, Literature and Communication
Gaohaiyang Ma: Marianopolis College - Commerce
Andrei Marentette: Marianopolis College - Core Social Science
Soren Matossian: Selwyn Pre-U - Commerce
Benicio McCauley: Kents Hill School
Philippe Ménard: Selwyn Pre U - Commerce
Ethan Nisbet: Dawson College - Social Sciences
Eric Parodi: Selwyn Pre-U: Commerce
Loïc Petrecca: Selwyn Pre-U Science
Roman Pietracupa: Marianopolis College - Commerce
Pasquale Presti: Selwyn Pre-U - Science
Lelin Qin: Dawson College - Social Sciences
Philippe Rivard: Selwyn Pre-U - Liberal Arts
Jack Salkovitz: Dawson College - Health Sciences
Mason Salloum: Dawson College - Commerce
Nicolas Charles-Edouard Savard: Trinity College School
Liam Schwisberg: Vanier College - General Social Sciences
Jiachen Shi: Selwyn Pre-U - Commerce
Jordan Singer: Marianopolis College - Commerce
Winter Sontag: Marianopolis College- Social Science with Math: Law, Society and Justice
Markos Soussani: Selwyn Pre-U - Commerce
Samson Steinberg: Selwyn Pre-U - Commerce
Ely Stern: Selwyn Pre-U - Liberal Arts
Noah Svetna: Selwyn Pre-U - Commerce
Oscar Ho Hin Tsang: Selwyn Pre-U - Science
Nathan Twik: Marianopolis College - Pure and Applied Science
Logan Veltman: CEGEP St. Laurent
Benjamin Vineberg: Selwyn Pre-U - Science
Adam Vinh: Oyster River High School, Grade 12
Thomas Vinh: Vanier College - Commerce
Benjamin Walker: Marianopolis College - Pure and Applied Science
Crosby Wise: Selwyn Pre-U - Science
Ian Yoon: Selwyn Pre-U - Science
Zijun Zhang: Selwyn Pre-U - Science
Lucas Medal winner Nicolas Capolicchio, SHA Board Chair Tom Pitfield ’93 and Head of Senior School Neil Banerjee
The Carol Manning “True to Others” Award winners Philip Baltuch and Mark Kapusta
Ms. Marie-Josée Boivin with Governor General’s Bronze Medal winner Kiran Keleny
SELWYN HOUSE SCHOOL JOINS CANADIAN SPORT SCHOOL ANNOUNCING
excel both on and off the ice," said Headmaster Mike Downey. "The CSSHL offers an unmatched opportunity for our student-athletes to refine their skills, compete at a national level, and pursue their athletic aspirations."
By joining the CSSHL, Selwyn further elevates its commitment to providing student-athletes with access to advanced training, experienced coaches, and a chance to showcase their talent on the national stage.
School followed by Dawson College. From 2002-2004 he attended Pensacola and then the University of Las Vegas Nevada (UNLV) from 2004-2007. He is the only SHS Old Boy to have played in the NBA, playing for the Miami Heat, Boston Celtics, Detroit Pistons, and San Antonio Spurs over a 13-year career. He won two NBA championships with the Heat in 2012 and 2013 and is a former member of the Canada Basketball Team. Following his NBA career, he played two seasons in Argentina, signing with San Lorenzo of Argentina's Liga Nacional de Básquetbol (LNB). In December of 2021, Joel was named the first General Manager of the Montreal Alliance, a Canadian professional basketball team that competes in the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL).
Angelo Esposito attended Selwyn House from 2001-2003. He then attended Shattuck-St. Mary's School from 2003-2006. He competed for the Quebec Remparts in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL), winning the Memorial Cup in 2006 with legendary former Montreal Canadiens goalie Patrick Roy as head coach. He also competed in the 2009 World Junior Championships in Ottawa, winning gold. He was drafted 20th overall in the 2007 NHL Draft by the Pittsburgh Penguins before embarking on a nine-year playing career in the American Hockey League (AHL), the QMJHL, the Finnish Elite League, the Italian Hockey League - Serie A, and the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL). Angelo is a Player Development Specialist at Hockey Etcetera and has played a key role in developing Selwyn House School's hockey program.
THE GRYPHON FUND: SUPPORTING ATHLETIC EXCELLENCE
Selwyn House School has long held a strong commitment to physical education and athletics, recognizing their crucial role in a student's comprehensive educational development. Our Athletics Depart-ment offers a diverse range of opportunities tailored to meet the varied interests and ambitions of our students.
Funding Goals and Leadership
Our goal is to raise $2 million over the next 10 years, providing an annual allocation of $150,000 to support our athletics programs. Selwyn House Old Boy Tim Fleiszer, Class of ’92, will serve as the first Chair of the Gryphon Fund Committee, spearheading this vital initiative. By providing a dedicated source of funding, we can ensure the sustainability and growth of these programs without imposing additional financial burdens on our students and their families.
JOIN US IN SUPPORTING THE GRYPHON FUND
We invite the Selwyn House School community to celebrate and contribute to this exciting new venture. The Gryphon Fund is not just an investment in our athletic programs; it is an investment in the future of our students, teaching them the values of discipline, teamwork, and perseverance that will serve them throughout their lives. Together, we can ensure that Selwyn House School remains a beacon of excellence in both academics and athletics.
ATHLETIC AWARD WINNERS 202
FALL
Cross-Country Running SS
Mind, Matter and Endurance
Award: Julien Sauvageau-Jaar
Mind, Matter and Endurance
Award: Gabriel Van Sperano
Golf Team
Pat Shannon MVP Award: Ethan Park
MPP: Harley Minzberg
MIP: Ethan Wang
Cadet Soccer
MVP: Gianluca Cecere
Offensive MVP: Gabriel Da Silva-Rosa
Defensive MVP: Valentino Salvatore
MIP: Joseph Agozzino
Juvenile Soccer
MVP:
Andrew Carvalho-Guertin
Defensive MVP: Pasquale Presti
MIP: Lukas Lalli
MIP: Winter Sontag
Cadet Football
MVP: Amani Ho Sang
Offensive MVP: Izzy Ullah
Offensive MVP: Liam Bundalian
Defensive MVP: Jackson Pitfield
MPP: Ezekiel Ifejeh
MIP: Eli Raisman
Juvenile Football
MVP: David Ihaza
Bob Anderson Award Offensive Lineman: Jonah Edghill
Molson Cup Offensive MVP: Timothy Lewis-Jeremiah
Rob Wearing Award Defensive
MVP: Adam Cohen
Coaches' Award: Philippe Rivard
MPP: Owen Azoulay
WINTER
SS Fencing
MVP: Shen Hudon
MIP: Platon Kotkovskyy
Curling
The Jack Martin Memorial
Curling Award : Oscar Yan
MIP: Phil Gao
Cadet Futsal
MVP: Valentino Salvatore
MIP: Dimitri Kiliaris
MIP: Leo Smilow
Juvenile Futsal
MVP: Marc-Antoine Bougie
MVP: Augusto Liberatore
Morandi
Wrestling
Rob Moore Most Outstanding
Wrestler Award:Thomas Vinh
MPP: Gabriel Lazanis
MIP: Benjamin Walker
Most Dedicated: Ethan Nisbet
Cadet D3 Basketball
MVP: Jai-Len Chopra
MVP: Liam Bundalian
Offensive MVP: Izzy Ullah
Defensive MVP:
Amani Ho Sang
MIP: Vojtech Blasch
MIP: Max Arbour
Juvenile D4.1 Basketball
MVP: Léon Dupuis
Juvenile D3 Basketball
Alfie Paoletti MVP Award:
Timothy Lewis-Jeremiah
Alfie Paoletti MVP Award:
Jason-Vergel Bundalian
MIP: Paul Evans
Bantam Hockey D1 RSEQ
Team MVP: Jackson Pitfield
Offensive MVP: Isaac Huberman
Defensive MVP: Luca Macri
MPP: Benjamin Carreno
GMAA U14/U15 Hockey
MVP: Max Kapusta
MIP: Henry Carsley
Sportsmanship:
Zachary Kiriazidis
Juvenile D2 Hockey RSEQ
MVP: Evan Un Yi
MIP: Jordan Singer
Most Reliable Player: Andrew Carsley
Coaches’ Award: John Chatzis Coaches’ Award: Elio Mendolia
Juvenile D1 Hockey RSEQ
MVP: Nicolas Capolicchio
Top Forward: Lynden Larsen
Top Defenseman: Logan Veltman
Coaches' Award:
Lambros Papadopoulos
MPP: Julian Harroch
MIP: Pasquale Presti
Legend:
MVP: Most Valuable
MPP: Most Promising
MIP: Most Improved
SPRING
Track & Field - SS - Juvenile
MVP: Paul Evans
MVP: Marc-Antoine Bougie
MPP: Maher Chaban
MIP: Alek Asatoorian
Cadet Tennis
MVP: Mateo Novak
Juvenile Tennis
MVP: Julian Harasymowycz
Badminton Team
MVP Cadet: Shen Hudon
MVP Cadet: Can Gu
MVP Juvenile: Jerry Chaw
MIP Cadet: Olivier Morin
MIP Juvenile: Tony Liu
Baseball SS
MVP: Logan Veltman
MPP: Joel Downey
MPP: Laurent Mayer
Best Pitcher: Ollie Robinson
Rowing
Brad Moffat Crew Award:
Alex Qin
MIP: Adam Freedin
MIP: William Li
Best Teammate:
Jasper Oldland
Most Dedicated Rower: Philip Baltuch
Boot Camp
Spartan Award: Thomas Vinh
MIP: Dovid Knopf
Cadet Rugby
MVP: Eli Raisman
MVP: Gianluca Cecere
MPP: David Vu
MIP: James Leber
Juvenile Rugby
MPP: Soren Matossian
Best Forward: Lambros
Papadopoulos
Best Back: David Ihaza
Peter Govan Coaches' Award: Nicholas Cesta
SPECIAL RECOGNITION
Cassils Memorial Trophy
Middle School Athlete of the Year: Ezekiel Ifejeh
McMaster Memorial
Sportsman Cup
Senior School Athlete of the Year: Pasquale Presti
The Alumni Award
Grade 9 Athletic Achievement: Highest Level of Achievement in 3 Seasons: Liam Bundalian and Jackson Pitfield
The Comeback Award
Student(s) who successfully recovered from a serious injury while maintaining their commitment to SHS athletics. Jaxson Edghill / Elio Mendolia
Selwyn House Athletic Department Award
Student(s) who have contributed their time to assist the coaches and teachers of the Athletic Department.
Owen Kugler
The Michael Downey Pre-U Athletic Distinction Award
Established in 2024 and presented annually to the Grade 12 student who has demonstrated a high level of skill, leadership, commitment, and sportsmanship at the varsity sport level: David Ihaza
David Tobias Memorial Cup Team of the Year: Cadet
Division 3 Basketball: GMAA & Provincial Champions
Coaches: Kevin Boyle ’97, Brendan Munzar ’05
SPORTSMAN'S GUILD:
Grade 10
Paul Evans
Andrew Carvalho-Guertin
Grade 11 Re-elected
Benicio McCauley
Grade 11
Bobby Avedesian
Yulen Billy
Marc-Antoine Bougie
Julian Harroch
Luca Kestenband
Soren Matossian
Pasquale Presti
Sammy Steinberg
Logan Veltman
Staff:
Neil Banerjee
Lenny Dion
Phil Okounam
PVA YEAR IN REVIEW: FROM A SPIRITED START TO MAGICAL CELEBRATIONS
On the heels of the well-attended annual back-to-school coffee, the PVA started the year off with a fun-filled Spirit Day—a multi-generational celebration of community co-organized by Selwyn’s student leaders, featuring carnival games, an ice cream truck and a plate-spinning comedic juggler. In October, we decorated the school to celebrate Chinese Lunar New Year, and transformed Coristine Hall into Hogwarts, resulting in a magical Halloween everyone will remember for years! We showed our appreciation for our stellar Selwyn House staff in December by hosting a holiday coffee morning with homemade treats, followed by our (possibly) best-ever staff appreciation week—the Selwyn Rocks theme brought local Selwyn talent to the karaoke forefront, along with many smiles and so much laughter. Our Gryphon Sales brought in record amounts for
Kim Muchantef, Leila Roiter, Sharifa van Gelderen, Carla Bogdaneris, Lolita Ricci, Joyce McCauley, Laura Osborne, Anne Garschagen, Dan Ping Shi, Anne-Valérie
Selwyn Rocks Staff Appreciation Event
Lunar New Year Decorating Team
PVA Magic transformed Coristine Hall into Hogwarts!
SCHOOL NEWS
MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR OF THE VERITAS FUND
Being part of the Selwyn House community, you certainly know “Veritas” and its meaning but many may not be clear of the role and function of the Veritas Fund.
· The Veritas Fund is the school’s foundation's registered charitable fund. It is endowed with an investment portfolio. Its initial capital originates from Selwyn House community donations and support to Capital Campaigns.
· The Veritas Fund Board is responsible for the Endowment investment growth and preservation.
· The Board annually grants a percentage of the investment growth towards student bursaries, grants and the school’s strategic visions and needs.
· The grants and bursaries provide financial assistance to deserving students while concurrently enriching our student body diversity.
· Strategically, the Veritas Fund Board has supported the introduction of Grade 12 and has aided in funding the shortfall from the school’s decision to forgo Provincial Government grants – now making Selwyn House a truly independent school in Quebec.
The Veritas Fund currently has an Endowment of $22 million. Our intentions are to double the Fund so that we can grant new opportunities for growth and welcome a larger, more diverse student population. By growing our charitable fund to $50 million, we can ensure a source of stability, “a foundation”, for the school, for generations to come.
Donations to Selwyn House School are placed in the Veritas Fund and charitable tax deduction receipts are issued. In the majority of cases, the capital is not touched. A percentage of the investment income is disbursed allowing the capital to continue to grow.
At certain times in the year, the Veritas Fund will hold donations from Capital Campaigns and Annual Giving until such time they are needed by the school. Donations may be designated for certain priorities, needs and objectives as per the donor’s request.
For the Veritas Fund to maintain its invaluable support to Selwyn House School whilst it perpetually offers a highquality independent boy’s education, we depend on the school community’s generous contributions. You can assist by making a multi-year pledge for the school's Endowment. Your support is truly valuable and we thank you for keeping the school financially strong and for making a Selwyn House education possible for future generations.
Our journey ahead is a bright one and we look towards growing our programs, facilities and bursaries.
Join our significant donors and leave your own footprint at Selwyn House for decades to come.
Alan Rossy ’79
2023-2024
VERITAS FUND TRUSTEES 2023-2024
Alan Rossy ’79, Chair
Edward Claxton ’73, Vice-Chair
Charles-Alexandre Vennat ’05, Secretary
Ian Aitken ’81
Timothy Carsley ’52
Prosanto Chaudhury ’91
William Daly ’52
John Hallward ’78
Andrew Johnston ’99
Geoffrey Moore ’83
Thomas Pitfield ’93
Mark Smith
Rody Yared
ENDOWMENT FUNDS
Selwyn's $22M Endowment provides bursary support to deserving students and to programs. These funds continue to grow through individual named funds, the Old Boys' Endowment Fund and the school's general endowment.
In 2023-2024, over $2M was disbursed as financial assistance to 25% of students in Grades 7-12.
to continue to offer quality education and access to the Selwyn House experience. Through your generosity, over $2M in gifts were received overall to benefit a variety of school fundraising campaigns. The majority
of funds were designated to The Path Forward Campaign (see page 9). $74,000 was raised through the Old Boys and Friends’ Golf Tournament, and $475,000 was raised through the True to our Roots Annual Giving Campaign, graduations, and other efforts, as well as pledge payments
The school depends on annual gifts, and we are thankful for the broad participation and generosity of our donors. When parents, alumni, staff and friends combine efforts, we do make a difference! The chart below shows where donors are making an annual impact.
Financial donations can be made via the Annual Giving section on the website or by contacting Sharon Cozens, in the Advancement Office.
IT FEELS GOOD TO GIVE!
Congratulations to the 78 new donors who contributed for the first time!
WE APPRECIATE YOUR SUPPORT!
Financial donations can be made via the Giving section on the website or by contacting Sharon Cozens, Director of Advancement at 514931-9481, x 2269.
GIFTABULATOR
This year we shared Giftabulator®, an app designed to instantly illustrate how giving from stocks, mutual funds, and registered accounts like RRIFs can create significant donations where taxable capital gains come into play. With basic facts and a few keystrokes, this eye-opening tool shows you donation scenarios that can lower your capital gains taxes, income taxes, and estate capital gains taxes. You’ll see tax-efficient ways to donate more than you may have thought possible beyond your wallet or cheque book. Click here to see what Giftabulator® can show you.
LEADERSHIP DONORS
The list that follows recognizes all donors and their cumulative gifts for the year given between July 1, 2023 and June 30, 2024. Gifts given after this date will appear in next year’s report. See page 9 for recognition of The Path Forward Campaign donors who are listed separately to the list below.
VERITAS CIRCLE
$5,000 AND ABOVE
Anonymous (2)
Mary Leslie and Ian Aitken '81
Aqueduct Foundation
Amanda Jelowicki and Adrian Dunn
Leslie Silver and Laurent Ferreira
The Kececi Family
Sabrina and Tyler Kim
The Krieble Foundation
The Madsen Family
Mitzi & Mel Dobrin Family Foundation
Naami Group - Sotheby's International
Realty
Tobias No '97
The Penner Family
Deirdre Stevenson
Stella Chatzidakis and Hagop Soussani
LEGACY CIRCLE
$50,000 AND ABOVE
Alan and Roula Rossy Family Foundation
BENEFACTORS CIRCLE
$25,000 AND ABOVE
Anonymous (1)
Jonathan Aune ’92 (11:11 Charitable Foundation)
Isabelle Chartrand and Martin Gauthier
HEADMASTER'S CIRCLE
$1,000 AND ABOVE
Anonymous (4)
Allô Mon Coco
Marie Turgeon and Evik Asatoorian
Avidbots Kitchener (Headquarters)
Stephanie Garrow and Patrick Belland
The Berthelet Family
John A. Berton '80
Marie-Josée Boivin and Jean-Marc
Bougie
Boucherie Chartier
James Brooks '97
Heather Sokoloff and Lev Bukhman
Bulletproof Logistics
Calo Real Estate Development
Canso Investment Counsel Ltd.
Anne-Marie Canakis and John-Paul
Capolicchio
John Cleghorn '57
Carole and James Coristine '66
Jane and Peter Darling '52
Brenda Puchinger and Serge Depatie
Dic Ann's Foundation
FOUNDERS CIRCLE
$10,000 AND ABOVE
The Beckerleg Family
Dorot Foundation
Dianne and Jonathan Deitcher
Anna Gainey and Thomas Pitfield '93
Laura and Michael Downey
Encotec Construction Inc.
Entreprise GreenMax International Inc.
Nancy and Bryan Fitzpatrick '74
Martha Legge and Timothy Fitzpatrick '77
Kathy and Glenn Funamoto
Viviane Croux and Patrick Ghoche
Golf 1600 Inc.
Joyce McCauley and Ricardo Gonzalez
Anthony Graham '73
Vincenzo Guzzo '86
The Hallward Family
The Hay Foundation
The Labib Family
Ying Jin and Gang Liu
Emily, Henry '27, Andrea and Robert '98
Krieble
Heather and Robert Kugler
Karyn and Andrew Lassner '95
The LeMessurier Foundation
Margaret Lynn
Andrew MacKay '82
Tania Pannunzio and Patrick Mattei
Anson McKim '49
DONOR REPORT
Michael A. Meighen '53
Christopher Nacos '01
The Niro Family Foundation
OuiPay Payroll Services Inc
Ruth Chaytor and James Parkyn
Helena and Paul-Gilles Parodi
PBY Capital
Pembroke Management Ltd.
Barbara Klassen and Dereck Phundstein
Karin Bjornson and Roberto Pietracupa
Giuliana Maglione and Paolo Presti
Psycho Bunny
Robco Inc.
Colin Ross '51
Maria Licursi and Richard Sabbagh '90
Christina Mallios and George Saltos
Shadley Knerr, s.e.n.c.r.l.
Kristin and Craig Shannon '71
Parastoo and Farhad Shayesteh
Sodexo
Yueqi Dong and Wei Sun
Karima Bachene and Barwir Tashdjian
Robert Tennant '66
Natacha Michaud and Mario Therrien
TullTrans Global Logistics
Charles-Alexandre Vennat '05
Michael Wexler '88
The Wisenthal Family
Maria and Alex Zammit
Jing Zhang
Hongying Gao and Xin Zhang
GRYPHON CIRCLE
$500 AND ABOVE
Anonymous (31)
Clifford Adelman '98
Erica Pimentel and Ben Albright '04
Rochelle and Joshua Auerbach
Jonathan Aune '92
The Avedesian Family
Duncan Baird '80
Michael Baratta
Michael Bastian '59
Alex Becker
Michèle and James Beckerleg
Lisa Gregory and Bill Bedard
Valerie Beech
Stephanie Garrow and Patrick Belland
The late Richard J. Bennetts '51
Karin Oliver and Pierre-Luc Bernier
Kim Snabl and Joffrey Bienvenue
Charles Bierbrier '93
Jeniene and Randall Birks '88
Kyle Blasi '18
Eric-James Boffey '12
Stephen Bonnycastle '58
Justin Borntraeger '96
Gabriel Brassard '15
Christopher Bruneau '87
Erin Egan and Kirk Brydges
Matthew Busbridge '99
James Cameron '98
Robert Campbell '02
Taylor Carlin '52
Michael Carreiro '92
Shirley Carreiro
Laura Osborne and William Carsley '89
Morgan Carter '88
Antonia Timotheatos and Constantinos Chatzis
Prosanto Chaudhury '91
Chia Yi Su and Po Hsun Chien
Young-Sup and Inhi Chung
Christopher Clark '86
Philip Clark '05
Edward B. Claxton ‘73
Mary Ann Cloherty
Gregory Cook '88
Timothy Coristine '59
Sharon Cozens
Charles Culver '18
Noah Daoust '12
Data Resolutions Inc.
Patricia Deer and Kyle Delisle
Jamie Denham '14
Ying Hua Qu and Steve Di Fruscia
Shana Diamond and Maxime Turcotte
Robert Diez d'Aux '64
Meagan Paracholski and Lenny Dion
Colin Dobell '53
Michael Dorfman '94
Joanne Sutherland and Robert Douglas
Martha and Peter Duffield '53
Antoine Duong '12
Camilo Durana '98
Derek Eaton '83
Christopher Eich '97
Eldee Foundation
Lloyd, Rosanne, Joshua '19 and Michael '21 Feldman
Gregory Fergus '86
Keith Fischer '97
Irene Bass and Michael Frankel
Carolyn and Billy Freedin
Friends of Independent Schools and Better Education (FRISBE)
Catherine Gagnon
Qiang Ma and Lei Gao
Gail Gavan
Alison Derry and Michel Gendron
Nathalie Gervais
Sean Gilman '90
Globec Investments Inc.
Justin Goodman '18
Bryan Gorski '08
Peter Govan
Francesco Grassi '09
Groupe Astoria
Michael Grover '03
Rish Handa '97
Mirella Rover and Patrick Harroch
Mary Ellen Kenny and Fred Headon
Hermanovitch-Cadot Notaire Inc.
Matthew Homa '21
Anna Romano and Theodore J. Homa '82
Juan Hu and Yi Huang
Douglas W. Huestis '39
Christopher Hyde '57
Peter Hyde '53
Sebastian Johnson '21
John Kardos
Brigitte Ramaseder and Douglas
Karpman
Paris Kalantari and Ray Kazemi
Brendan Keefe '10
Kestenband & Buhl Inc.
Aria Khiabani '18
Alexander Kippen '78
Patrick Kishfy '04
Kum and Kok Kong
Thomas Konigsthal '74
Nina Silverstone and Robert Korne
Rory Krnjevic '20
Justin Kuzmicki '05
Sebastien Lajoie
John Lamont
Elizabeth Steele and Martin Landry
Mark Lazar '68
Anthony Le Moine '53
Nicholas LeMoine '56
Jonah Levitan '23
The Family of the Late C. Robin Molson '44
Colleen Wei and Quan Li
DONOR REPORT
Matthew A. Lindsay '16
Xinyi Dong and Zeng Liu
Melissa Fleming and Leonard Lotuche
John Louson '55
Lihua Liu and Bin Lu
Timothy Lymberiou '98
Connor Lynch-Staunton '13
Thomas MacKay '90
Sean Maislin '03
Susan and Anthony Mann
Christopher Mann '92
Martha and Nicolas Matossian
Jennifer Manal and Michael Maurovich
Oliver Maurovich '09
Ann McCall
Sean McKinnon '98
David McLeod '08
William McLernon '17
Hagen Mehnert
Jordan Melnik '22
Jing Wang and Wei Meng
Cary Miller '67
David Mills '67
William Mitchell
Rodney Moore '58
Susan Klein and Matthew Nadler '85
Lisa Marler Nelson
Corey Nicholson '73
Ian Ogilvie '83
Glenys and Apostolos Papageorgiou
Luka Pavlovic '03
George Perlman '13
Gordon Peters '58
William Petrecca-Berthelet '19
Corey Pinard
Ellen R. Pinchuk
Plomberie Parenti Inc.
Nicole Small and Charles Porteous '84
Courtney Prieur
Jean Pruneau
Ian Ratzer '98
Emily Beckerleg Ritchie and Jamieson
Ritchie '88
Edouard Robert-Morin '00
Laura and Ante Rokov
Patricia Romanovici
Mark Roper '73
John Rudel '67
Brandon M. Rudolph '14
Erin Russett
Nancy and Allan Samberg
Amy Jeris and Franco San Gregorio '95
Stéphanie Lagassé and David Savard
Christine Legler and Kevin
Schwartzman
Alexandre Scott
Evan Sequeira '08
The Sequeira Family
Nicholas Sergerie
Serruriers Vachon-Bouffard Inc.
David Seymour '51
Grace and Andy Shatilla
Peter Shatilla '86
Kyam Shell-Schnitzer '01
Yajing Li and Wenping Shi
Minna Shulman
Alisa Soukhodolskaia
Abby Lai and James Soutar '83
Paul Spaniel '84
Murray Stark '74
Vanessa Starnino
Timothy Stewart '59
Damion Stodola '91
Linda Stodola
Jean and John Strom-Olsen
Jacky Sun '23
Christopher Teryazos '94
William Timmins '52
Timothy Utting '82
Amanda Blatt and Jonathan Victor
Sylvie Turcotte and Alain Villemure
Angela Lehrer and Michael Vineberg
Lawlor Wakem '55
Sharon Walker
Haichao Sha and Yu Wang
Nancy and Lee Watchorn '59
Katherine Palesch and Mark Watson
Judith and Philip Webster '61
Bradley White '94
Michael Whitehead '78
Barbara and Darren Whitfield
Jeremy Whitworth '01
Barry Williams
George Windsor '56
Joshua Wisenthal '99
Heyang Xu '22
Michael Zackon
Haizhen Bai and Lei Zhao
GIFTS IN KIND
Louise St-Jacques and Douglas Boffey
Cabot Citrus Farms
Liseanne Gillham and Paul Cirka
Chantal Marquis and Mark Culver '74
Kanawaki Golf Club
The Macri Family
Mandy's Gourmet Salads
Anthea Dawson and Jeremy Oldland
Gillian LeMessurier and James Robinson
Selwyn House School
Andrew Sniderman '01
Erin Michaels and Ayal Twik
IN HONOUR OF
Luca Baratta-Matheus '23
Pablo Baratta-Matheus '22
Luka Bienvenue '24
Nahshon Da Silva '20
Owen Frankel '21
Kathy Funamoto
Samuel Gendron '24
Carol Manning
David de M. Marler '70
Joan M. McKim
Youqi Meng '26
Tom Nicoll
Vincent Prager '59
Ollie Robinson '25
Nicolas Savard '24
Jiachen Shi '24
Ocean Tsang '27
Oscar Tsang '24
Bradley White '94
Lewis Zhang '25
Runyu Zhang '33
IN MEMORY OF Spencer Jojich-White '14
Hon. G. Miller Hyde 1917
John de M. Marler '21
Jack Martin
Lorayne Winn
NOTE: All efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy of this list. Kindly notify the Advancement Office of any errors or omissions at cozenss@selwyn.ca or 514-931-9481 x2269. Our apologies in advance for any inaccuracies.
The following are just some of the opportunities made possible through donations to the "True to our Roots" Annual Giving Campaign.
THE GRYPHON SALE!
Thanks to generous uniform donations and to all those who made purchases, $14,252 was raised through three Gryphon Sales this year. Proceeds benefit the Nancy Pitfield Endowment Fund providing a one-year partial bursary for a qualifying student in Grade 7. Thanks to our wonderful volunteers for making this happen!
GRADUATION 2024!
Parents and families of our graduating class make this event so very special. Thank you for your kind and generous donations in celebration of our graduates!
NIKE POP-UP SALE!
Selwyn House School once again teamed up with Nike and Innovation Sport to provide a line of SHS-branded athleticwear to sell to the SHS community. A portion of sales was directed to the Endowment Fund. This year, $2,421 was raised through the initiative.
The Independent Schools Experiential Education Network (ISEEN) Winter Institute was attended by several Selwyn House School staff members from January 23-26. Ms. Schwartz, Community Engagement Coordinator, shared, "At this year’s conference we focused on the theme Rooted in Experiential Education: Finding Our Places to Flourish. We connected with peers in Experiential Education and learned about other schools' successes and challenges." Ms. Torry, Student Life and Leadership Coordinator, echoed these sentiments adding, “This conference gave us the opportunity to dive deep into both experiential activities and area-specific conversations. This annual conference provided us with new ideas and connections so we can continue evolving our student programming and experiential opportunities!"
Twelve students and two staff members attended the Ontario Student Leadership Conference from November 5-7 in Niagara Falls, Ontario. The conference had over 2,000 student leaders in attendance and is the largest leadership conference in the country. Students listened to keynote speakers who spoke about resilience, balance, and school spirit, and they attended workshops focused on specific areas of school life and leadership, such as developing engagement in student-led events, understanding leadership strengths, and building strong and effective student councils. Most importantly, they networked with students from other schools to learn new ideas and build connections.
From October 11 to 14, five students in Grades 10 and 11 attended the Canadian Student Leadership Conference in St. John, New Brunswick. Students took part in various workshops and listened to keynote speakers Orlando Bowen, Drew Dudley, Jam Gamble, and Bean Gill. The students discussed different approaches to leadership, how to use their voices for change, and made friends from across the country.
Ontario Student Leadership Conference
Canadian Student Leadership Conference
JOIN US IN CELEBRATING 70 YEARS OF THE OLD BOYS’ ASSOCIATION
Picture this: it's 1953, and a group of 80 Old Boys gather for a reunion dinner. Amidst the laughter and camaraderie, a visionary idea is put forth. Dr. Speirs, the former Headmaster, proposes the creation of an Old Boys’ Association (OBA), and The Hon. G. Miller Hyde ’17 , esteemed chairman of the school’s board of directors, gives it his seal of approval. With unanimous support, the committee tasked with organizing the reunion takes on the monumental task of drafting the association's constitution. Thus, the legacy of the OBA begins.
Fast forward 10 years, and the OBA is already making waves. In the 1963-1964 school year, a scholarship fund was established, providing two deserving students a Selwyn House education. Since then, the OBA's mission has only grown, encompassing initiatives like the Old Boys’ Endowment Fund, the Old Boys’ Trip Fund, and the Old Boys’ Speaker Series Fund. But it's not just about fundraising; it's about fostering connections and building a community.
Across the globe, Old Boys stay linked through SelwynConnect, sharing stories of success, family, and adventure. They're not just passive observers; they're actively involved in school life, from mentorship programs to sports events. And when it's time to reconnect in person, chapter reunions in cities such as Ottawa, Toronto, Boston, New York, Vancouver, Los Angeles, and London provide the perfect opportunity to reminisce and forge new memories.
But the heart of the OBA beats strongest in Montreal, where the executive board orchestrates a symphony of alumni events in conjunction with the Advancement Office. From thrilling hockey, basketball and tennis tournaments to soulful Old Boys’ Band music concerts, there's something for everyone. And let's not forget the crown jewel: the annual Old Boys and Friends’ Golf Tournament. This event doesn't just tee off fun; it drives support for key OBA initiatives.
The OBA's commitment to supporting students extends beyond financial aid. Old Boys actively collaborate with senior students, preparing them for their future roles as alumni. Through events like the Old Boys’ Induction Dinner, graduating classes (Grades 11 & 12) are warmly welcomed into the alumni network, fostering a sense of belonging and continuity within the Selwyn House community. Old Boys volunteer throughout the year to share their skills and knowledge with current students. They serve on the school’s board and on the school’s foundations.
As the OBA’s Vision and Mission statements proclaim: “The Selwyn House Old Boys’ Association is more than an alumni organization. We are a family whose shared experience and collective memory has forged a love for our school and a continuing concern for one another.”
“We honour VERITAS by serving as an enduring bridge from the traditions of the past to the promise of the future. We foster an inclusive, compassionate and dynamic sense of home and place.”
With a strong legacy of alumni engagement and philanthropy, the Old Boys’ Association continues to uphold its values of connection, support, and contribution to the enduring spirit of Selwyn House School.
Veritas 2023-2024
70 YEARS STRONG: A YEAR OF MILESTONES AND CONNECTIONS
Another great year at Selwyn House has passed and it has been a pleasure to serve as the Old Boys’ Association (OBA) President alongside a great team of directors. It's wonderful to see that the OBA has just celebrated its 70th anniversary, showcasing its incredible longevity. The OBA represents over 3500 members worldwide and now includes members of the first Grade 12 class to graduate from SHS, another incredible milestone in the school’s history.
The OBA, in collaboration with the Advancement Office, has successfully organized 16 events this year, aiming to strengthen the enduring bond among Selwyn House School alumni. The Old Boys network remains a distinctive feature of the Selwyn House School experience, and its ongoing enhancement is a top priority for the OBA Board. We are dedicated to developing meaningful programs and activities for our alumni, fostering connections and providing opportunities for Old Boys to reconnect with their peers. The OBA network serves as a valuable resource for the entire Selwyn community. We encourage everyone to stay engaged through SelwynConnect (selwynoldboys.ca) and explore the latest updates on the Old Boys’ News page at selwyn.ca.
We have also strengthened our collaboration with current students to enrich their educational experiences. Old Boys have taken on roles such as mentors at the Grade 9 Workshops, guest speakers across all grades, Science Fair judges, panel participants in discussions on visual and dramatic arts and mathematics, and so much more.
Finally, I’d like to highlight the importance of giving back to the school, whether through volunteering or by providing financial support, as the school continues to rely on OBA members for their help. Through alumni donations and events, the OBA continues to fund the Old Boys’ Speaker Series, the Old Boys’ Trip Fund, the Old Boys Endowment Fund and others, all important programs that help the school continue to thrive.
I’d like to congratulate all the new grads and officially welcome them to the OBA. We look forward to meeting Old Boys, new and not so new, next year.
Sean McKinnon '98 OBA
President
2023-2024 OBA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
SEAN A. MCKINNON '98 President 2023
BRADLEY WHITE '94 Vice-President 2023
ERIC-JAMES (EJ) BOFFEY '12 Secretary 2023
THOMAS KÖNIGSTHAL JR. '74
JUSTIN KUZMICKI '05
since 2020
RODNEY MOORE '58
since 2021
JOSH WISENTHAL '99 Past-President 2023
EVREN BOISJOLI '08 Director since 2012
ARIA KHIABANI '18 Director since 2019
EVAN SEQUEIRA '08
since 2020
KYAM SHELL-SCHNITZER '01
since 2008
JASON TSOUKAS '99 Director since 2015
Director since 2004
Director
Director
Director
Director
OLD BOYS’ ASSOCIATION
The 26th Annual Old Boys and Friends' Golf Tournament that took place on May 27 was a resounding success, despite the unpredictable weather. Morning and evening rain showers bookended the event, with the skies clearing just in time for the tournament itself, allowing all 143 golfers to enjoy a perfect day on the green.
This year's tournament set an ambitious goal of raising $70,000 in honour of the Old Boys' Association's 70th anniversary. Thanks to the overwhelming generosity of participants and sponsors, a total of $74,000 was raised, exceeding this target. The funds raised will significantly impact the Old Boys' Endowment Fund, the Old Boys' Trip Fund, and the Old Boys' Speaker Series Fund. The additional $4,000 will be directed to the newly - established Gryphon Fund, Selwyn House's first fund dedicated to athletics.
The day began with a warm welcome by Headmaster Michael Downey, tournament founder William Daly '52, and Golf Committee Chair EJ Boffey '12 who participated in a celebratory tee-off enjoyed by all.
The success of the tournament would not have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors, patron donors, prize and auction donors, and online auction bidders. We would like to give heartfelt thanks to Cocktail and Dinner Sponsor 11:11 Charitable Foundation, who stepped up during the event to become the Title Sponsor with an additional generous donation. A special thank you to the Parent Volunteer Association for providing delicious baked goods that added a personal touch to the event.
While no Hole-In-One prizes were claimed this year, several notable awards were presented during the cocktail hour. The Tim Shorter '81 Down Under Trophy, awarded to the team with the lowest gross score, went to Beck Majdell ’22, Pre-U ’24, Alex Henderson ’22, Joseph Belland ’23, Pre-U ’24, and Nate Mitelman ’23, Pre-U ’24. The Men's (Guest) MVP, which includes the honour of wearing the one-of-a-kind plaid jacket for the evening, was presented to Anthony Barrette. Matt Shadley '05 was named the Old Boy Champion, donning the coveted yellow jacket and received the William Daly '52 Cup. As we reflect on the memories created and the bonds strengthened, we are reminded of the incredible power of coming together for a shared cause. Your enthusiasm and support have not only made this event memorable but have also inspired us to strive for even greater heights.
2024 GOLF COMMITTEE
Old Boys: EJ Boffey ‘12, William Daly ‘52, Vittorio Guzzo ‘17, Justin Kuzmicki ‘05, Fernand LeFèvre ‘11, Jack Little ‘16, Sean McKinnon ‘98, Brad White ‘94, Josh Wisenthal ‘99 Parent: James Robinson
SHS Staff: Kim Auclair, Marty Boyle, Mary Ann Cloherty, Sharon Cozens,
SPONSORS:
Golf Cart Sponsors
We look forward to welcoming you back next year with new additions, more fun, and the same unwavering spirit that defines our community.
AWARDS OF THE DAY
Men's Closest to the Pin: Mike Avedesian '88 Ladies Longest Drive: Paula Shannon Men's Longest Drive: Lee Gregory Beat the Pros: Justin Belland '19 and Michal Kuzmicki Gryphon Ball Contest: Tommy Geary Best Dressed (Mens): Josh Naimer '17 Best Dressed (Ladies): Sugra Malek and Jackie Patel Best Old Boys' Team: Beck Majdell ’22, Pre-U ’24, Alex Henderson ’22, Joseph Belland ’23, Pre-U ’24, Nate Mitelman ’23, Pre-U ’24 Men's Guest MVP: Anthony Barrette Old Boy MVP: Matt Shadley '05
“The Ritz” Snack Bar Sponsor
We are grateful to our generous donors whose names are printed in the Donor Report on page 29, and to our corporate sponsors above.
OLD BOYS’ ASSOCIATION
24TH ANNUAL YOUNG
We were delighted to welcome back 56 guests to the 24th Annual Young Old Boys' BBQ on August 24 including younger Old Boys, former and current staff members, a Selwyn dad and Max, the dog. Discussions of summer vacations and upcoming school plans flowed as the Old Boys from the classes of 2017-2023 reunited with their former classmates and teachers. It was interesting to hear about new experiences and future school plans: David was back from Hotel Institute Montreux in Switzerland, studying the fine art of butchering; Jacob parachuted with the cadets, and Vito was off to NYU in film. Coristine Hall was brimming with familiar sounds of laughter and applause as several surprise guests dropped in to enjoy hamburgers and refreshments. Many took part in tours of the new Grade 12 facilities, enthused to see first-hand this new piece of Selwyn history.
Attendees: 2017 David Charette 2018 Kyle Blasi, Luke Kalaydjian, Andrew PetreccaBerthelet, Miller Woodward 2019 Marco Ingelmo, Harry Maurovich, Jake Torralbo 2020 Enoch Tamale 2021 Kai Beerworth, Aaron Fu, Ethan Hodgson 2022 Cole Bonnell, Vito Guzzo, Kevin Hu, Jordy Melnik, Philipp Mueller, Ray Qiu, Christopher Rossy, Jacob Schwisberg, Thomas Tretiak, Heyang Xu, Benjamin Yedid 2023 William Carvalho-Guertin, Zachary Chomski, Thomas Christoforou, Adam Cohen, Max Depatie, Alec Hodgson, Ethan Kimmel, Jonah Levitan, Lorenzo Manini-Vanasse, James Martin, Michael Papaspyros, Conrad, Porteous, Félix Sebag, Charles Seitz Alumni Parent Alain Charette Staff Kimberly Auclair, Neil Banerjee, Kirk Brydges, Mary Ann Cloherty, Sharon Cozens, Headmaster Mike Downey, Isabelle Faulkner, Pete Govan, Scott Macdonell, Stefania Montuoro, Olivier Séguin-Leduc, J.P. Trudeau, Mark Watson Former Staff Carol Manning
NEW YORK CITY CHAPTER REUNION
Reunion on November 10. Eleven Old Boys made the lively atmosphere even more lively. Alex Kippen '78 still feels the SHS connection, even though he moved away after Grade 7. Reid Hannaford '14 was a lucky winner of a door prize - a vintage tuque - a fashion statement for NYC to be sure!
Attendees: 1978 Alexander Kippen 1994 Chris Teryazos 2001 Adam Rozencwajg, Shawn Trudeau 2005 Mani Alaei, Aaron Besner 2010 George Henderson 2012 Reid Hannaford 2014 Jamie Denham, Karl Valentini 2016 Michael Cristiano Current Staff Headmaster Mike Downey, Sharon Cozens
OLD BOYS IN THE ARTS VIRTUAL PANEL: FILM AND TELEVISION
On October 11, the Old Boys' Association rolled out the virtual red carpet for the second of their virtual panel series, spotlighting the arts. OBA board member Evan Sequeira ’08 took the stage to emcee. Five Old Boy panelists stole the show, including Anders Bard ’86, a film producer based in LA who recently shot "French Girl" in Montreal; Michael Kronish ’86, an Emmy-nominated producer in Montreal; Rob Vroom ’97, an MFA graduate from the American Film Institute with 25 years of industry experience, also in Montreal; Rob Worsoff ’92, the LA television director and producer behind hits like "Duck Dynasty" and "The Millionaire Matchmaker"; and Devon Soltendieck ’02, Toronto TV host-turned-Managing Director of Salt Studios. This star-studded event had Senior School students, Old Boys, and SHS staff hooked as they discussed everything from their arts journey at Selwyn House, to how they navigated their way to their current careers.
VANCOUVER CHAPTER REUNION
The fall Vancouver Chapter Reunion at Five Sails Restaurant on October 17 saw a variety of SHS family members - 22 attendees in all - each with their own story and connection to the school, as well as personal connections beyond Selwyn House. Old Boys of all vintages were pleased to meet one another for the first time; school chums Laura Downey and Andrea Price enjoyed their time together; and the Advancement Staff had its own mini-reunion with former staff members Jaime and Beth McMillan and Maureen Mackell. All were happy to hear about Selwyn's new Grade 12 and plans for the future.
Attendees: 1952 Michael Alexandor 1967 John Carsley 1980 David Miller 1983 Bryan Price 1994 Mark Belanger 1996 Noah Bloom, Graham Colby, Matthew Singerman 2019 Christophe Charbonneau 2020 Enoch Tamale Alumni Parents Steve Di Fruscia, Lee Tidmarsh, Beth McMillan, James McMillan Current Staff Headmaster Michael Downey, Mary Ann Cloherty, Sharon Cozens, Mike Maurovich Former Staff Maureen Mackell Guests Laura Downey, Andrea Price
September 29-30. Old Boys from classes ending in 3 and 8, as well as years in between, had a lot to celebrate. It is clear that friendships and school ties have remained strong throughout the years, from the most senior Old Boy, William Daly ’52, to the youngest, Jacky Sun ’23. Newly-minted OBA President Sean McKinnon ’98 acted as emcee for the evening welcoming back eight decades of alumni who traveled from India (Zubin Mirchandani ’98), New York, Oklahoma, Illinois, Connecticut, Virginia, Washington, California, BC, Ontario and Quebec. He recognized Headmaster Downey and wife Laura, and current and former staff at the party, including Geoffrey Dowd, Kathy McKnight, Andy Lumsden, Tom Nicoll, Pat Shannon, Barry Stevens, and Barry Williams, who gave grace prior to a delicious dinner.
The Class of ’53, celebrating 70 years, was represented by then Head Prefect Anthony Le Moine, Assistant Head Prefect Stanley Winton, and Prefects Peter Hyde and Tony Wait. Anthony, one of three generations of his Selwyn House family, gave the toast to the School noting that “friendships first formed at Selwyn House have endured for years.” He described how exciting a time it is at Selwyn House, largely as a result of going private and being able to grow. In August, the school officially opened our Grade 12 with 20 students. Mr. Downey reflected on 2023 also being an anniversary year for past milestones of the school–the 30th anniversary of the Maternelle class that began in 1993, and the 60th anniversary of Selwyn’s opening of a Grade 11 class in 1963.
Chair of the SHA Board, Michael Avedesian ’88, celebrating his own 35th reunion with the Class of 1988, thanked Mr. Downey and
the board for their hard work. “All eyes are on the future!” he said. "We're always looking out for other ways to expand and offer the best programs possible.”
Jason Tsadilas ’88, member of the Path Forward Campaign cabinet, took a moment to update everyone on the fundraising that is helping the school to bridge the gap due to the Board’s decision to refuse government funding. “I'm really excited to announce that the campaign has raised $9.5M towards our $12M goal for privatization and endowment.” He thanked those who have supported it thus far and encouraged others to give back to the school, saying, “I believe that all of us can agree that attending SHS contributed in some way to our life today and/or to our success.”
Sean McKinnon ’98 called Past President Josh Wisenthal ’99 to the stage to present him with a parting gift for his four years of service as President of the OBA Board. OBA Board member Justin Kuzmicki ’05 spoke about the “Tales of Perseverance” project. During dessert, OBA Board member EJ Boffey ’12 introduced the anniversary year speakers. Mark Roper ’73, celebrating 50 years with the Class of 1973, shared an entertaining anecdote about school life “back in the day,” complete with stories of shenanigans of those who “shall not be named.” Sean McKinnon ’98 traveled back in time with the Class of ’98, celebrating 25 years. Anecdotes, inside jokes and comparisons of technology, then and now, drew laughs from the crowd. Evan Sequeira ’08 ran an octane-charged raffle, with Carl Brabander ’88 winning the big prize, a limited edition print initiated by the Class of 2021. Proceeds supported their bursary as well as the Rob Wearing Bursary Fund.
So many wonderful stories were told at the Pub which closed out the night. Malcolm Nobbs ’88, Charles Porteous ’84 and Peter Hyde ’53 found commonality in their family trees. Malcolm and Charles’ being one of three generations of Selwyn Old Boys. All three gentlemen have a family connection to the original founders of the Selwyn House Association. Malcolm even brought his tie from Grade 2 which is still in good shape. Ian Ratzer ’98, from San Francisco, gave an impromptu piano concert while group photos were taken. Saturday’s Homecoming football games gave Old Boys another opportunity to connect and meet teachers and current families at a full-on tailgate party. Our Cadet and Juvenile teams won their games vs Collège Ste-Anne, capping off an amazing weekend! A big thank you to everyone who made this event possible and thanks to all those who were able to come back for the festivities!
Class of 1998
Class of 2008
Class of 2013
OLD BOYS’ ASSOCIATION
OTTAWA CHAPTER REUNION
Eighteen Old Boys ranging from the Class of 1953 to the Class of 2017 (representing seven decades!), and two former staff joined Headmaster Michael Downey, Director of Athletics Mike Maurovich, and Director of Advancement Sharon Cozens at the Ottawa Chapter Reunion on November 8 at LUXE Bistro. OBA Board Director Rodney Moore '58 welcomed our guests and introduced the Honourable Greg Fergus, Class of 1986, and Speaker of the House of Commons of Canada, who spoke about the importance of coming together in support of Selwyn House. Anthony LeMoine '53 shared his father's story. John LeMoine served on the first board of Selwyn House Association established in 1945 which raised capital to acquire the school from the late Headmaster Wanstall's heirs. Thus was a new beginning for the school. All were interested to hear about this chapter in our history and excited about the new Grade 12 and future plans for Selwyn.
Attendees: 1953 Anthony Le Moine 1957 George Windsor 1958 Rodney Moore 1966 Robert Tennant 1976 Scott Sullivan 1980 Duncan Baird, Jonathan Herman 1986 Greg Fergus 1990 Jeff Hill, Thomas MacKay 1995 Durwin Mok 2008 Mark Haichin, David McLeod 2009 Tim Hadjis 2012 Zissis Hadjis 2017 Vittorio Guzzo, Jake Star Current Staff Headmaster Mike Downey, Sharon Cozens, Mike Maurovich Former Staff Gail Gavan, Brenda Papp
TORONTO CHAPTER REUNION
Twenty Old Boys from the Toronto area joined SHS staff at Jump Restaurant on November 9th. Old Boys from over four decades attended, including all four Toronto-based OBA Board members. Kyam Shell-Schnitzer '01 arrived in style wearing his vintage football jacket. A great choice, as everyone followed the livestream Cadet Football Championship game (The Gryphons were victorious). Speirs medalist and former Board Chair Craig Shannon '71 shared some of the school's history with the younger crowd. Arne Peterson '04 volunteered to seek out future venues for the Toronto Chapter. The evening went on into the night except for the few who headed out early to play hockey for SHS in a local league, including goalie Brendan Keefe '11. It was great to see the Selwyn spirit in Ontario!
Attendees: 1971 Craig Shannon 1978 Michael Whitehead 1991 Charles Tingley 1992 Otto Mok 1998 Sean McKinnon 1999 Matthew Busbridge, Sam Carsley, Jason Tsoukas 2001 Kyam ShellSchnitzer 2002 Stéphane Côté 2003 Matthew Firestone, Sean Maislin 2004 Michael Bowey, Max Graham, Arne Peterson, Paul Tsoukas 2005 Vicar Rizvi 2008 Evan Sequeira 2010 Brendan Keefe 2011 Jesse Kaminski Current Staff Headmaster Mike Downey, Sharon Cozens, Mike Maurovich
MENTORSHIP ACTIVITIES
Ten Old Boys returned to Selwyn House School to participate in a breakfast mentoring session with Grade 9 students. During the event, students engaged in discussions with each alumnus, inquiring about their academic and career paths. Additionally, they completed questionnaires provided by Ms. Peterman, College and University Advisor, to guide future advising sessions. This marks the initial phase of the students' exploration into life beyond Selwyn House, and they were grateful to the Old Boys for generously investing their time to contribute to their growth. The second part of the day was a blend of fun and learning, focused on team-building exercises that fostered camaraderie and collaboration between the students. School counselors Ms. Brianna and Ms. Springer also led a workshop on conflict resolution so students could practice ways to resolve common conflicts in their lives in healthy ways. This workshop day was one of two experiences the students had this year to help explore their post-secondary interests and further develop their connections with their peers and staff.
Participants: 1965 Bruce Gill 1997 Ian Marquis 2002 Tim Rossy 2005 Camille Hamel, Charles Vennat 2011 Justin Tabah 2012 Nick Salbaing, Eric-James (EJ) Boffey 2017 Jesse Caruso 2018 Elijah Nuez
OLD BOYS’ BAND SHOWCASE
On November 30th, Alex Becker, music teacher and Head of the Arts Department, made magic happen by bringing together the Old Boys' Band once again for the first time since 2018. The Band showcased their musical versatility playing jazz, latin, blues and rock hits and left the audience with an unforgettable experience. This year, the group welcomed two new members, Imtiyaz Bandali '20 and Sam Gold '78, who invited his friend Bonnie to perform with the already talented group. Together, they rocked out to classic covers like “The Thrill is Gone” by B.B. King and “Whole Lotta Love” by Led Zeppelin with the accompaniment of Old Boy Band members. The addition of a vocalist offered a unique spin on the evening, providing a variety of music genres in one show. The performance also featured Gael, a current student and Sr. Jazz band member, who played drums on a few songs including “The Chicken” by Pee Wee Ellis, alongside his older brother Luca Parnas-Zver ‘21 on bass guitar. Retired headmaster and Honorary Old Boy Hal Hannaford also joined in on the fun, rocking the drums. It was not only a night of fantastic music but also a celebration of the school's community spirit.
Participants: 1978 Sam Gold 1993 Charles Bierbrier 2009 Ben Palevsky 2012 Daniel Rosenthal 2013 Jordan Kruger 2014 Jeffrey Lehberg 2020 Imtiyaz Bandali 2021 Luca Parnas-Zver Former Staff Retired Headmaster Hal Hannaford 2025 Gael Band Leader Alex Becker
20TH ANNUAL COLIN NO ’97 BASKETBALL CLASSIC
The 20th annual Colin No ’97 Memorial Tournament was a great success, with over 35 alumni, staff and friends coming together to play basketball, catch up on old times and enjoy post-game food and drinks. The tournament saw four teams compete in a round robin format, with three alumni teams and one staff team. The youngest alums, led by Marcus Lynch ’20, provided the night's best highlights, while the oldest alums did their best not to pull a muscle. Victory ultimately went to the staff team, anchored by the veteran leadership of Matt McCarney and some backdoor dealings (also orchestrated by McCarney) that saw former McGill captain Noah Daoust ’12 promoted to a temporary staff job. Despite the controversy, when the final whistle was blown, the Selwyn community came together as it always does, sharing beer and laughs and toasting the continued success of the tournament and the bursary endowed in Colin's honour. - Phil Clark '05, OBA Basketball Rep.
Attendees: 1994 Bradley White 1997 Toby No 2004 Patrick Kishfy 2005 Philip Clark, Brendan Munzar 2008 Kevin Paul 2009 Michael Cohen, Francesco Grassi, Oliver Maurovich 2012 Noah Daoust, Antoine Duong 2013 George Loutochin, George Perlman 2014 Brandon Rudolph 2016 William Anderson, Matthew Lindsay 2017 William McLernon 2018 Matthew Caponi, Joseph Chalhoub, Rocco Christiano, Kieran Hamilton 2019 Harrison Maurovich, Alexandros Varvarigos 2020 Marcus Lynch 2023 Jonah Levitan Staff: Kimberly Auclair, Kevin Boyle ’97, Marty Boyle, Mary Ann Cloherty, Sharon Cozens, Headmaster Michael Downey, Peter Govan, Michael Maurovich, Matthew McCarney, Jonathan Merritt ’04, Stefania Montuoro, Jean-Pierre Trudeau Guests Nick Dion, Sam Keleny
25TH ANNUAL OLD BOYS’
Fourteen Old Boys and staff hit the ice at the 25th Annual Old Boys' Hockey event and nine fans enjoyed seeing that the SHS spirit was alive and well. The traditional tournament, originally set for December, was rescheduled and took place on February 29 as a shinny game. The two teams, sporting the Selwyn House black or gold colours, showcased their skills in a friendly pick-up game. One highlight was the unique way of determining the winner of the NicollMitchell Trophy (featuring the actual childhood skate of Old Boy and former NHL-er Torrey Mitchell '02). Nick Kaulbach ’94 of the Gold Team called "tails" in a coin toss, giving the game to the Black Team.
The awards ceremony, led by tournament namesakes retired teacher Tom Nicoll and retired Athletics Director Steve Mitchell, brought lots of laughs as various Old Boys were recognized for their contributions and for some interesting skills. One of the most coveted prizes was the senior alumnus award for spirit, youthfulness, and enthusiasm presented to the player "who will need a month to recover." This year's proud recipient was Geoff Moore ’83. The post-game gathering over pizza provided the perfect setting for reconnecting and reminiscing about the good old days.
Participants: 1983 Geoff Moore 1990 Christian Matossian 1994 Dave Haber, Nick Kaulbach, Louis Pearson, Ben Wearing 2005 Charles Fortin 2007 Nathaniel Blumer 2018 Luke Avedesian, Justin Goodman 2019 Nikolas Korderas 2020 Matt Avedesian, Jet Astrologo Coaches Steve Mitchell, Tom Nicoll Fans Friends of Astrologo, Tristan K. '27 Staff Kim Auclair, Sharon Cozens, Peter Govan, Alexandre Marcoux, Stefania Montuoro, Olivier Séguin-Leduc
OLD BOYS’ ASSOCIATION
OLD BOYS & FRIENDS' BAND - SPRING PERFORMANCE
On April 25, the Rossy Agora came alive as the Old Boys & Friends' Band took center stage for their second performance of the year. Led by music teacher and Head of the Arts Department, Alex Becker, the evening promised not only great music but also a celebration of community and support for the performing arts at SHS.
The Old Boys & Friends' Band, demonstrated their musical prowess with a diverse repertoire spanning three captivating sets. In the second set, Sam Gold ’78 graced the stage with his guitar skills, complemented by the compelling vocals of friend Bonnie. Adding to the magic of the night, retired headmaster and Honorary Old Boy, Hal Hannaford showcased his drumming skills, contributing his rhythm to all three sets.
Participants: Sam Gold '78, Charles Bierbrier '93, Jordan Kruger '13, Jeffrey Lehberg '14, David Charette '17, Sam Charette '19, Luca Parnas-Zver '21, Anthony Keramarios '22, Retired Headmaster Hal Hannaford, Alex Becker, Guest: Bonnie
OBA INDUCTION DINNER
The OBA Induction Dinner took place on June 17, welcoming 64 members of the graduating Class of 2024. This event allowed graduates to invite influential Old Boys, with ten attending, including Honourary Old Boy Anne-Marie Snabl, SHS receptionist from 1983 to 2015.
The evening featured a delicious dinner, with attendees sharing memories from their time at Selwyn House and offering guidance for the journey ahead. OBA Board Member Aria Khiabani ’18 delivered an inspiring speech,
OLD BOYS IN THE ARTS VIRTUAL PANEL: VISUAL ARTS
The Old Boys in the Arts Virtual Panel: Visual Arts hosted by OBA Board Member Evan Sequeira '08 on May 8, featured Kai McCall '85, Sywa Sung '87, and Malcolm Pinnell '10. Kai, renowned for blending contemporary figures with art history, stressed internal validation over external opinions. "It’s healthy to have doubt, but actually, you can overcome it," Kai remarked. "The answer is to have that sense of internal validation about what you do." Sywa, a Creative Director with clients such as Pixar, emphasized openness to new experiences, advising, "Treat life as a buffet because you don’t know what’s out there that you haven’t been exposed to. Be open-minded because that’s when magic things happen." Malcolm, a tattoo artist, highlighted adaptability as crucial for a creative career. "Success to me is to continue to do something that I just think is really fun and always be ready to adapt to learn" he remarked. Their collective wisdom offers inspiration for aspiring artists.
highlighting the profound impact SHS has had on his life and career. He emphasized the value of the OBA Network's brotherhood and the importance of staying connected. Aria also played a pivotal role in the festivities, presenting each graduate with an Old Boy tie, symbolizing their induction into the Old Boys’ Association.
Graduates Bobby Avedesian, Yulen Billy, Nicolas Capolicchio, Philippe Ménard, and Philippe Rivard volunteered as class representatives.
The Class of 2024 announced their gift: a Work and Lounge space in the Macauley
OBA TENNIS TOURNAMENT
The 20th Annual Old Boys' Tennis Tournament on June 7, at the Mount Royal Tennis Club faced an unexpected downpour, allowing for only a brief practice round. However, the evening was far from a washout! Old Boys and staff turned it into a memorable event with a delightful dinner, sharing stories of life after Selwyn. Among the highlights, the youngest Old Boy in attendance, Thomas Tretiak '22, shared his excitement about playing rugby at McGill next year. Keeyan Ravanshid '15 traveled all the way from Miami and entertained us with tales of the many Old Boys thriving in Florida. Could a Miami reunion be on the horizon? Despite the weather, the camaraderie and shared memories made the evening a true success.
Attendees: 1968 Mark Lazar 1973 William Turner 1978 Sam Gold 1984 Charles Porteous 1988 Jason Tsadilas 1994 Matthew Beckerleg, Nicholas Kaulbach 1999 Christopher Politis 2005 Jordan Altman 2012 EJ Boffey 2014 Thomas WoodfineMacPherson 2015 Keeyan Ravanshid 2022 Thomas Tretiak Staff Kim Auclair, Sharon Cozens, Headmaster Mike Downey, Stefania Montuoro, JP Trudeau
basement. Funds raised will create café-style counter desks and charging stations, offering students flexible spaces for group and independent work.
Guests: William Carsley '89, Tiga Sontag '90, Aria Khiabani '18, Matt Avedesian '20, Jaeden Edghill '21, Max Steinberg '21, Matthew Kapusta '22, Jacob Schwisberg '22, Jacob Vineberg '23, Honourary Old Boy Anne-Marie Snabl
Staff: Kim Auclair, Neil Banerjee, Sharon Cozens, Mary Ann Cloherty, Headmaster Mike Downey, Mike Maurovich, Stefania Montuoro, JP Trudeau
1940s
At the April 25 Atwater Library book launch of Montreal Expos, A Cartoonist's Love Affair, The Montreal Gazette's editorial cartoonist, Terry Mosher (AKA Aislin), was joined by Expo's pitcher Bill Lee. The forward, written by Expos owner Charles Bronfman ’46, says the book is a "must read," as it recounts the history and some behindthe-scenes-stories of the iconic Montreal Expos baseball team.
Speirs medalist Jonathan Goldbloom '72, elected chair of Hockey Canada's Board of Directors
Jonathan Goldbloom '72 was elected as the new chair of the Hockey Canada Board of Directors on November 18. A former Selwyn House Association Board Chair and Speirs medalist, Mr. Goldbloom was among two other individuals who were reelected after serving on Hockey Canada's transition board of directors. He will serve in the role for a three-year term. In a statement on Hockey Canada's web page, Jonathan said, “I am very proud of the meaningful progress that our transition board of directors made in leadership renewal, sport safety, good governance and financial transparency and accountability for Hockey Canada...We have a strong foundation to build upon, and I am eager to work with my new colleagues and Hockey Canada’s leadership team to continue to advance the sport that we love as Canadians.”
In February 2024, Jonathan kicked off the "Power Play" event (launching Selwyn’s acceptance into the Canadian Sports School Hockey League (CSSHL)) remarking that hockey has certainly changed since he wore the Selwyn House jersey. Jonathan said he was inspired by this new venture, especially as the CSSHL shares the same values as Selwyn House School–participation, academic excellence and citizenship. He encouraged the students to continue to have fun in this sport, one of Hockey Canada's goals for youth.
An article in The Gazette March 18, "Why HIV cases — and syphilis — have risen sharply in Montreal" references the late journalist David Shannon '79, a pioneer and spokes- person for the gayrights movement. Brothers Craig Shannon '71, Chris Shannon '75 and sister-in-law Kristin Shannon also talk about the role David played and his leadership. David died in 2018. SHS Old Boys' Board Members Kyam Shell-Schnitzer '01 and Evan Sequeira '08 attended David's Disco, a fundraiser in Toronto on March 22.
1980s
Alexander Gault ’80 was recently honoured with the Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation. He is a passionate supporter veteran and their families, volunteering countless hours to the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry Foundation and the For the Soldier Institute.
In April, Ian Aitken ’81 and son Angus ’17 skied through the Strand Pass on Axel Heiberg Island in the Canadian Arctic. During their 14-day expedition, they were awed by the epic scenery, encountered wolves and muskoxen, visited the mummified forest, and faced challenges from the wind, cold, and terrain. They covered 253 km, pulling their gear on sleds, and were only the third group to complete the crossing. “I have been a keen crosscountry skier since I skied with Mr. Moffat and Mr. Kershaw at Selwyn House,” said Ian.
OLD BOYS' ASSOCIATION - CLASS NEWS
Eduardo Neuenschwander ’85 and Adam Bruun ’85 reunited in Geneva in February. It’s so nice to see Old Boys connecting worldwide!
The New York City based architecture firm nARCHITECTS, co-founded by Eric Bunge '84, was awarded the 2023 National Design Award in Architecture by Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian National Design Museum. Bunge’s firm, co-founded with his wife and partner Mimi Hoang in 1999, designs civic buildings, public spaces, affordable housing, and private houses.
Dr. Talat Chughtai '85 returned to Selwyn House School for the Senior School Academic Awards on September 19 to present the award in his name to Shen H., a Grade 10 student who showed exceptional effort, achievement and passion for the Health Sciences
It was a star-studded evening at the Montreal première of "French Girl" on March 6 at Place des Arts. Executive Producer Anders Bard '86 walked the red carpet and Selwyn House friends from Montreal, Toronto and beyond were there to celebrate his achievement. "French Girl" stars Evelyne Brochu, Zach Braff and Vanessa Hudgens and opened in theatres March 15.
SPOTLIGHT
Greg Fergus , was elected as the 38th Speaker of the House of Commons in October 2023. Greg is the first person of colour in Canadian history to hold this position. At the November 2023 Ottawa Chapter Reunion, Greg spoke about the importance of coming together in support of Selwyn House. On November 22, 2023, Selwyn teacher Pascal Bureau had the pleasure of meeting Greg while in Ottawa to receive his Governor General’s History Award for Excellence. Greg returned to Selwyn House School in February 2023 in honour of Black History Month. He was then-Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister of Canada and Member of Parliament for Hull-Aylmer.
Congratulations to Mark Pathy ’86 on his appointment as the new Board Chair for Dans la Rue. Mark has been a dedicated member of the Dans la Rue Board of Directors since 2007 and has served as Vice-Chair since 2015.
Old Boys got together for a round of golf and to support the Montreal Oral School for the Deaf Golf Tournament. From left to right: Chris Nacos '01, Hugo Culver '21, Tim Fleiszer '92, Jonathan Aune '92, Honorary Old Boy Judy Martin, William Birks '24, Mike Avedesian '88, Jason Tsadilas '88, Geoff Garbarino '01 and Charles Culver '18. Absent from photo: Randall Birks '88, Paul Pathy '88 and Michael Smith '10.
Ray Ritchie '86 hosted a barbecue for Selwyn friends on Canada Day 2023 in Maine: Bobby Avedesian '24, Jamie Ritchie 88, Ray Ritchie, Mike Avedesian '88, John Mulder '88 and Soren Matossian '24 (son of Christian '90).
Anders Bard '86, pictured here with his former coach, Mike Maurovich (L), and Board Chair and friend Mike Avedesian '88 (R), timed his visit from LA perfectly. He witnessed the official launch of Selwyn's Grade 12 on August 21.
1990s
Congratulations to Dr. Donald Vinh '92 who was named a Fellow by the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA), This is one of the highest honours in his field and was given on September 22, in recognition of his exceptional contributions to the field.
SHS alumni making memories!
Mark LeMoine and John Mulder (top row), Joshua Gillespie, Glenn Mah, and Malcolm Nobbs (bottom row), all Class of 1988, came together for a fantastic reunion in Toronto in April. Thanks to Glenn for spearheading this wonderful gathering!
Randall Birks '88 (second from right) and son William '24 enjoyed a round of golf at the Royal Montreal Golf Club with hosts Justin Kuzmicki '05 (right) and dad Michal (left). The Kuzmickis offered the round as an auction prize at the 2023 Old Boys' and Friends Golf Tournament.
Selwyn House hosted a seminar titled "Your Child's Brain" on October 17 in partnership with Tim Fleiszer '92 and the Concussion Legacy Foundation. The event aimed to educate the community on the latest research and best practices in protecting children's brain health in sports, and featured leading experts from Oxford University. The evening provided a valuable opportunity for the community to gain knowledge and commitment to keeping young athletes safe.
Marc Schaffer '94 (R) stopped by the school from NYC on October 16 and caught up with Director of Athletics Mike Maurovich. It's always great to welcome back our Old Boys!
On September 1, Greg Raikes ’89 completed the CCC race of the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB) World Series. This 100K race of ultra-endurance takes runners on a unique journey of 61.1 miles from Courmayeur to Chamonix, France, at an elevation of over 20,000 feet. This was Greg’s second 100K race in the UTMB series, and he has four 50K UTMB races under his belt.
Members of the Class of '94 recently got together to talk about old times, especially their Gryphons Football Championship win in 1993the first-ever Senior Football Championship for Selwyn House School! Chris Gayton '94, whose four touchdowns contributed to the 37-26 victory over Collège Notre Dame, went on to play Southeastern Conference football. Ben Wearing '94, responsible for the team's other touchdown, went on to play in the CFL for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Current Athletics Director Mike Maurovich was Head Coach of the team, and current Headmaster Mike Downey was the Defensive Coordinator. L to R: Brad White '94, Matt Beckerleg '94, Chris Gayton '94, Nick Kaulbach '94, and Ben Wearing '94
Photo Credit: MUHC
Selwyn House School takes immense pride in the accomplishments of its alumni, and one individual who continues to make waves in the entertainment industry is Ethan Tobman '96. With a career that spans across Hollywood productions, music videos, and international tours, Tobman has established himself as a visionary in the world of production design and creative direction. Ethan recently garnered acclaim by clinching the prestigious Short Format and Music Video award at the 2024 Art Director’s Guild Awards for his work on Taylor Swift's "I Can See You" video, further solidifying his reputation as a trailblazer in his field. His innovative and stunning production designs include placing Beyoncé atop a sinking New Orleans police cruiser in the iconic "Formation" music video to perching Taylor Swift on the roof of her "Folklore" cabin.
Ethan's journey to success began with a passion for film, which led him to study in New York and pursue a career in Hollywood production design. Over the years, he has lent his artistic vision to a diverse range of projects, including acclaimed films like "Room" and "Free Guy," as well as groundbreaking music videos such as Eminem's "Not Afraid." Notably, Ethan served as the creative director for Swift's Eras Tour, a monumental undertaking that saw his visual work travel the globe as part of the tour's immersive experience.
Together with his childhood friend Allison Russell, Ethan aimed for the stars. In his directorial debut for a music video, Tobman crafted a visually striking narrative, guiding Russell to the edge of a cliff where a group of cloaked dancers symbolically submerged her into a computergenerated ocean below. Their collaborative efforts reached a peak at an industry gala, on March 23, as the duo secured a shared Juno award for Music Video of the Year.
Beyond his achievements in film and music, Ethan's influence extends to national commercial campaigns for brands like Target and Cadillac, where his creative flair has left an indelible mark on popular culture. We congratulate Ethan on his recent accolades and look forward to witnessing the continued impact of his work on the world stage. His journey from our halls to the pinnacle of the entertainment industry serves as an inspiration to current and future students, demonstrating the transformative power of passion, dedication, and artistic vision.
2000s
Selwyn House School participated for the first time in the Cedars CanSupport Dragon Boat race on September 9 in Lachine. Alumni parent Gwen Nacos and Old Boy and Board member Ben Spencer '00 introduced the school to the event which raises funds annually for Cedars CanSupport, a vital program at the Cedars Cancer Center providing free psychological, emotional, practical and financial support to cancer patients and their families.
Paddlers: Grade 7: Arvin Grade 8: Tulio, Alex, Rockley Grade 9: Damian, Jonathan Grade 11: Benicio, Jack, Mark, Nic, Luca, Philippe, Luca, Julian, Adam Grade 12: Lambros Old Boy: Jacob Schwisberg '22 Staff: Eden Schwartz, Sharon Cozens, Kelly Donivan, David Grier Current Parents: Melissa Fleming, Wei Luo Alumni Parent: Weiwei Guo Friends: Chao Cheerleaders: Mike Downey, Isabelle Faulkner, Neil Banerjee and dog Max, JP Trudeau and dad Pierre, Ben Spencer and family, as well the paddlers' families, friends and dogs! Seen at the event: Old Boys: Conrad Harrington '00 and family, Patrick Guest '01, Christopher Nacos '01, Christopher Churchill-Smith '01, Christopher Deruchie '04 Alumni Parents: Anna Rochon, Honorary Old Boys Judy Martin and Nori Churchill-Smith, Micki Morton and family Friends: Friends and family of the late Cindy Morton, former staff member
Andrew Sniderman '01, has received two Quebec Writers' Foundation awards for his latest project, Valley of the Birdtail, which he coauthored with Douglas Sanderson. Read more about Andrew’s recent book talk at SHS on page 21.
OBA Board Member Jason Tsoukas ’99 and wife Natalie announced the birth of their daughter Artemis Lily Tsoukas born May 25th, 2023.
Photo Credit: Juno Awards
OLD BOYS’
ASSOCIATION
- CLASS NEWS
Mr. Watson's Entrepreneurship class collaborated with Old Boy Charles Paiement '04, President of Le Within, a company focused on reinventing the student residence experience and ensuring a sense of community. Charles presented his student housing project to the class following a field trip to the building a few weeks prior. On May 2, he came back to hear the students' plans and was highly impressed with the students' emphasis on fostering community to ensure year-round occupancy of the building.
Il y a trente ans, en septembre 1993, l’école Selwyn House ouvrait sa première classe de maternelle, « La Maternelle », offrant dorénavant aux élèves une expérience complète du préscolaire à la onzième année. Claudine Martel et Célina Bérubé Masoud, enseignantes à la Maternelle, et leurs élèves ont coupé 16 rubans, un pour chaque enfant, inaugurant de cette façon la toute première Maternelle.
Le 6 octobre 2023, deux garçons de cette cohorte initiale, Kyle Spiller '05 et Harry Derek Gurberg '05, accompagné de son jeune fils et de sa mère Elaine Gurberg, sont revenus dans cette salle de classe pour célébrer cet événement avec Mme Martel, Mike Downey, directeur général, Isabelle Faulkner, directrice de l’école primaire, M. Geoff Dowd, ancien directeur de l’école primaire, et Sharon Cozens, directrice des admissions à l'époque.
2010s
On February 15, Dr. Ezra Schwartz '10 visited students in the Senior School PreMed Club to discuss his journey into and through medical school. He spoke about the various paths to becoming a medical doctor in Canada and abroad, sharing his valuable experience for any aspiring Selwyn doctors. Special thanks to Grade 10 student Maher C., and Community Engagement Coordinator, Ms. Schwartz, who organized and facilitated this valuable event.
Old Boy Yann-Maurice McNiven '13 returned to SHS as a substitute teacher for his former teacher, Ms. Lindsay Foran, alongside fellow Old Boys and current teachers Jon Merritt '04 and Oliver Maurovich '09. He attended the K-12 assembly on September 11. When asked about their feelings on experiencing these assemblies both as students and now as teachers, they all agreed it was a special experience. Yann-Maurice expressed a newfound appreciation for his SHS teachers, saying, "They taught us well."
Congratulations are in order for Stephen Lighter '14 for his remarkable journey in the world of fine dining. He made his mark in the industry working at The French Laundry in Napa and later went on to revitalize his family's restaurant in Belize. His hard work was recognized by the Belize Tourism Board on October 22, naming his restaurant "Restaurant of the Year" for the entire country.
We're thrilled to announce the incredible achievement of one of our own! Alex Moore '14 has realized his lifelong dream by qualifying for the Olympics, a journey that began with childhood admiration for the games. "It was that little kid in me that would watch the Olympic Games every four years religiously in my living room. I wanted to make that version of myself really, really proud," shared Alex. Alex reminisced about his path to success and the unwavering support from his father, retired Selwyn House teacher and wrestling coach, Rob Moore, who guided him in his early career. Alex shared his journey to the Olympics with SHS this year during several memorable events. He connected with the Selwyn community at the Old Boys and Friends' Golf Tournament, spoke at the Middle School Athletics Assembly where he also presented the wrestling award, and visited the Elementary School in June.
Old Boys Quentin Corning '16, Noah Kidd '16, Gerry Nikolopoulos '16, and Yusuf Afif '23 returned to Selwyn House as judges for the Grade 8 Science Fair, investing their time and offering valuable feedback to our young scientists!
OLD BOYS’ ASSOCIATION - CLASS NEWS
On September 2, a few Old Boys gathered to show their support for fellow classmate Joshua Archibald '15 (BC Lions Defensive Lineman #94), who was playing against the Montreal Alouettes.
Joshua's journey from Selwyn House to the CFL is truly inspirational, and his friends were thrilled to come out and cheer him on!
2015: Daniel Malouf, Ryan Beauchamp, Joshua Archibald, Gabriel Brassard, Kiriakos Primbas, William Malouf
Pre-U physics students had the pleasure of welcoming Conor Shannon '16 to their class. Conor shared his educational journey from Selwyn House School to prep school to university in Scotland. He also talked about his experience as a mechanical engineer working with Aston Martin on the F1 circuit. Father Pat Shannon, former staff, listened in on the conversation
Andrew Mullins Grant'17 and Van Wishart '16 met earlier this year. Both Selwyn House Old Boys play on the Queen's University football team.
SPOTLIGHT
Alex Singer '18 has been recognized as one of the “leaders in technological and artistic innovation” in North America's "Games" category on Forbes' 30 Under 30 list. The annual list begins with public nominations, receiving over 20,000 submissions collectively for the North America, Europe and Asia lists. Forbes' writers and editors evaluate the candidates, seeking recommendations from industry sources, analysts, and venture capitalists, among others. A panel of independent judges assesses the candidates based on various factors, including funding, revenue, and potential, before the list is finalized.
In 2015, while in Grade 8 at Selwyn House School, Alex's entrepreneurial spirit and passion for gaming led him to create Voldex, a company that has become a major player in the world of user-generated content. With a focus on creating fun and engaging games for platforms like Roblox and Fortnite, Voldex has quickly gained a reputation for publishing some of the most popular games on these platforms.
Alex's hard work and dedication has transformed Voldex from a small startup to a thriving company with 60 employees (and growing since the Forbes article was published). The company's impressive portfolio includes over 4.2 billion plays and 20 million monthly active users. Voldex has received investment from renowned venture capital firms such as Andreessen Horowitz.
Izzy Tamale '17 celebrated his graduation from Birmingham Law School, England this summer with family and friends in Montreal. Special guests included Director of Experiential Education
Courtney Prieur and Director of Admissions Nathalie Gervais, who was Izzy's teacher in Maternelle. Izzy's and friend Kaylan Bruno '19 also attended. Next stop for Izzy...the University of Toronto, for his Master of Laws.
Alex's success story is an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs everywhere. He wants students to know that his journey is proof that there are various paths to success after high school. Alex says, “My journey is not standard because I received the Thiel Fellowship and dropped out of university to focus on my company, and that's ok.” His unwavering determination and willingness to take risks have paid off in a big way, and Voldex is sure to continue to make waves in the gaming industry for years to come.
Photo credit: Kiriakos Primba
OLD
- CLASS NEWS
Our Juvenile Football and Soccer teams had the chance to watch a friendly game between the Bishop's University Gaiters and Sherbrooke University's Vert et Or while at their summer training camp in August. They got to see O’Shae Ho Sang '17 in action, playing for the Gaiters. #11.
Luke Avedesian ‘18, Alexei Dikranian '19 and Matt Avedesian '20 represented Armenia in the LATAM Amerigol Cup hockey tournament in Florida in 2023. They defeated Venezuela 7-1 in the men's Division II final. The Armenian team is largely comprised of Americans and Canadians of Armenian heritage.
Justin Belland '19 (R), who attends Middlebury College and plays for their golf team, recently ran into Torrey Mitchell '02 (L) in a parking lot in Vermont. Torrey retired from the NHL after 11 years. He founded ELEV802, a hockey training facility. The two hit it off and talked about all things Selwyn House. It's a small world!
2020s
Congratulations to the University of Michigan Football team and team member Alessandro Lorenzetti '20, defensive lineman. The Wolverines won the CFP National Championship on January 8, in a 34-13 victory over over the University of Washington at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas.
Congratulations to the Old Boys United Football Club on this year's season in the Canadian Corporate Soccer League. They played in the semi-final game on August 20, 2023 at Molson Stadium. Philippe Carvalho-Guertin '20, was the manager.
Team Members: 2020 (full time): Oscar McCavour, Christopher Jari, Rory Krnjevic, Alessandro Lecavalier, Christopher Denham, Philippe Carvalho-Guertin, Xavier Dumas, Simon Trudeau, Carl Heidemann, Adriano Ceccere, Amine Benflis, Enoch Tamale, Matt Avedesian, Malcom Nesbitt, Victor Jamet-Larsen, Johann Tremblay-Kau, (part time): Tomas Dubroca, Jack Leber, Zacharie Bourgeois 2023 (part time): William Carvalho-Guertin, Joseph Belland Concordia Friends: Alexander Issa, Wes Silva, Stephane Hurbe, Ewan McKelvie, Zach Lemann
The entire Selwyn House School rugby program from Grade 7-12 travelled to Ontario between April 14-16 to participate in a pre-season rugby tour. The boys visited Upper Canada College (UCC) where they trained on their field and enjoyed personalized tours of the school by Christopher Rossy '22. On the way back to Montreal, the Gryphons stopped at Trinity College School (TCS) in Port Hope, Ontario, where all three Selwyn teams played exhibition matches versus the Bears team which included Old Boys Matthew Anderson '22 and Jack McLernon '22
« Quelle surprise de rencontrer Jonathan Michaud-Bang '23 et Mackenzie Blaise '22 à l'Omnium Banque Nationale présenté par Rogers ! Eux à travailler dans la vente de souvenirs de TennisCanada et moi, dans l'organisation de la programmation et l'accompagnement aux joueuses!
Toujours ravie de rencontrer des étudiants de Selwyn House partout à Montréal et dans les environs ! » - Claudine Martel
Victor Nicolet '22 started an initiative with Petites-mains after volunteering with them on the Grade 11 Service Day. For his VERITAS diploma, he designed and ordered totes for SHS to sell in the Argyle Shop. Bags were made by women from Petites-mains. Profits benefitted Petites-mains
The Duke of Edinburgh Gold Awards Ceremony took place in Old Montreal. Among the distinguished recipients was James Sabbagh '22 who proudly accepted his gold pin and certificate. James invited Director of Experiential Education Courtney Prieur to join him and witness this momentus achievement. He joins an exclusive group of fewer than 10 Selwyn graduates who have earned the prestigious Gold Award.
It's always wonderful to hear about our Old Boys reconnecting after graduation. Here are some of our 2023 graduates attending prep schools in the United States and competing against each other on opposing sports teams.
First photo: Michael Papaspyros ’23 (Top Left) and Boaz Sochaczevski ’23 (Top Right) reunited on the ice to play against each other in a prep school hockey game. Boaz attends Brewster Academy, while Michael is a student at Choate Rosemary Hall.
Sam Bronfman ’23(Bottom Left) and Matisse (Bottom Right) also reconnected on the field during their prep school football games. Sam attends Trinity-Pawling School, while Matisse is a student at Choate Rosemary Hall.
Nate Mitleman '23, Pre-U '24, Beck Majdell '22, Pre-U '24 accomplished an incredible feat along with Conrad Porteous '23 on June 16. They completed their first ultra marathon in Gaspésie, running 114 kilometres with almost 4000 metres of elevation in just 24 hours. Not bad for some “Old Boys”!
IN MEMORY
Dr. G. Eric Marler ’47
December 10, 2023
Son of the late George C. Marler ’14
Richard J. Bennetts ’51
December 11, 2023
Dr. Stuart J. Connolly ’66
June 2, 2024
Brother of John J. Connolly ’72, Cousin of Dr. W. Edward S. Connolly ’66
Alexander J. Lyons ’92
March 10, 2024
Carlo I. D'Angelo ’15
June 14, 2024
Brother of Luca G. D'Angelo ’14
Jack P. Martin
Honorary Old Boy / Former Staff
October 10, 2023
Father of Alasdair Martin '89
Visit Old Boys' News for full obituaries.
BUREAU RECEIVES PRESTIGIOUS AWARD
Mr. Pascal Bureau was awarded the Governor General's History Awards for Excellence in Teaching - the most prestigious honour in the field of history in Canada. Mr. Bureau was nominated by Mme Marie-Eve Thériault, Head of Senior School Social Studies, for his "engaging and experiential teaching methods that keep his students motivated and eager to learn."
The award ceremony took place on November 22, 2023, when Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary May Simon, Governor General of Canada, presented Mr. Bureau with the medal. The Canada’s History Society also presented the school with a $1000 cheque, which will be directed to Selwyn House School's Social Studies department.
During the ceremony, Mr. Bureau had the pleasure of meeting an Old Boy, the Honourable Greg Fergus ’86, Speaker of the House of Commons, as well as current Selwyn parent and Liberal MP Anna Gainey. The event was a proud moment for the school as it showcased the exceptional talents of Mr. Bureau and the high standard of education offered.
Mr. Bureau delivered a speech at a symposium, where he had the opportunity to share his ideas with various specialists from across the country.
La réussite de M. Bureau témoigne de ses méthodes d'enseignement novatrices et de sa capacité à inciter les élèves à apprécier et à comprendre l'histoire. Sa réussite sera une source d'inspiration pour les élèves et les éducateurs, et l'école est honorée de le compter parmi ses enseignants.
« Je suis très honoré de recevoir ce prix, » a dit M. Bureau. « J'aimerais remercier mes collègues et l'administration de l'école de me soutenir dans mes projets. Je remercie les élèves de me suivre dans mes projets les plus fous. Un grand merci à la Société d'Histoire Canada pour la formidable cérémonie et la très haute reconnaissance. »
THE IMPROVED ARGYLE SHOP
The Argyle Shop has undergone a significant transformation this year. With Ms. Joyce McCauley at the helm in the new position of Admission Assistant / Argyle Shop and Procurement Coordinator, we're committed to sourcing and providing the highest quality merchandise to help you proudly represent your school. Whether you're looking to show off your House pride with new caps for Speirs, Macaulay, Wanstall, or Lucas, or you're in need of some stylish Gryphon gear, we've got something for everyone.
We're excited to introduce new items that go beyond the standard uniform offerings, like our new Gryphon plush toy – a perfect gift for any member of the Selwyn House community, young or old. In 2024-2025 we are also expanding our selection to include more diverse clothing for Old Boys, staff, parents, and friends, allowing them to stylishly support the school like never before. Our revamped collection ensures that every student and Selwyn enthusiast can find the perfect item to showcase their school spirit.
Visit us at www.argyleshop.ca
RECOGNIZING YEARS OF SERVICE
Matt McCarney Director of Academic Innovation & Growth
25 years
UPCOMING OLD BOYS’ ASSOCIATION EVENTS
2024
August 22
25th Annual Young Old Boys’ BBQ
September 18 Old Boys' Wednesday Night Pickup Basketball League begins
September 25
September 27
October 4-5
7pm OBA Virtual Town Hall and AGM
Class of 1974 - 50-Year Dinner
45th Annual Old Boys Montreal Reunion & Homecoming Weekend Friday, October 4
5pm School Tours
6pm Cocktails
7pm Dinner. Pub to follow. Saturday, October 5 10am-2pm SHS Gryphons Football Games and Alumni & Family Tailgate at WAG RSVP/ Tickets Information: selwyn.ca/homecoming Advancement Office - Kim Auclair 514-931-9481 x 2292 auclairk@sewlyn.ca
November 14 Tales of Perseverance - Movie Screening/Cocktail
November 21
Ottawa Chapter Reunion
November 25 Founder’s Day Giving Week begins
November 28 6pm Founder’s Day Cocktail Reception
December 19 26th Annual Old Boys’ Hockey Tournament
2025
January 22
21st Annual Colin No ’97 Basketball Classic
April 8 Toronto Chapter Reunion
April 9 New York Chapter Reunion
May 1-9 Arts Week - OBA Music Night
May OBA Induction
May 22 Athletics Celebration (OBA Hall of Fame Award)
May 26
27th Annual Old Boys & Friends’ Golf Tournament
June 6 21st Annual Old Boys' Tennis Tournament
Contact Stefania Montuoro for more information or scan the QR code: montuoros@selwyn.ca or 514-931-9481 x2277
The Board of Directors and the Headmaster of Selwyn House School invite you to to celebrate the founding of the school and to honour the 2024 Speirs Medal recipient.