Jubilate - Fall 2022/Winter 2023

Fall 2022/Winter 2023 A magazine for the SMLS Community • Inspired Girls. Empowered Women.

Achieving, Aspiring, and Advancing A bright future for our students and our school

IN THIS ISSUE: Aligned in Our Work: Principles of Learning Across the Curricula at SMLS Celebrating accomplished SMLS community members Millie changemakers achieve international recognition Millies helping Millies: paying it forward through philanthropy

Our alumnae enjoy a strong connection to SMLS long after they graduate and enjoy coming back for special events like the Alumnae Pub Night held over Thanksgiving weekend.

With strong foundational skills in place, students develop a love for learning, like these Senior School students in Ms. Warner’s MHF4U Advanced Functions class.

Through our Signature Programs students have the opportunity to focus on their overall wellbeing, including athletics and global citizenship experiences to name just two examples.

The Essence of SMLS At SMLS, we engage each girl in a personalized, real-world learning experience, where she explores her unique pathways in a nurturing community. More than a statement of values, our overarching essence describes what it means to be a Millie and to experience all that SMLS has to offer. Our essence is what makes SMLS unique and it’s what drives us each and every day.

Each Girl at the Centre We believe that each girl is creating her own distinct educational pathway, as her interests, strengths and passions emerge. We are committed to co-creating that pathway with her in a personalized learning environment where each girl’s joy, laughter and love of learning belong.

wellbeing. As a school community, we are united by our values and our commitment to building a just and inclusive environment with empathy, integrity and respect. We honour our Anglican heritage and welcome all faiths and cultures, celebrating the diversity reflected by each member of our school community.

Wellbeing and Belonging

Academic Excellence and Innovation

We understand that connectedness to oneself, others and the world around us is fundamental to our students’ learning and

SMLS is grounded in best practices and focused on innovation. We set the highest standards of excellence for our academic

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Table of Contents

Students as young as Junior Kindergarten begin to establish a sense of community when inducted into their Houses.

Message from Head of School Personalized Learning: Our Passion and Our Priority

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Aligned in Our Work: Principles of Learning Across the Curricula at SMLS

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Celebrating Accomplished SMLS Community Members

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Introducing Aspire 2029: The SMLS 2022-2029 Strategic Plan

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curriculum and signature programs as we develop ethical, culturally competent leaders who are catalysts for positive change.

Millie Changemakers Achieve International Recognition

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SMLS: Where the Joy of Learning Emerges

16

Ask a Prefect: What Do You Love About SMLS?

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Millies Helping Millies: Paying it Forward Through Philanthropy

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Thank You, Parent Association

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Class Notes

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Jubilate is published for members of the St. Mildred’s-Lightbourn School community. For inquiries or comments, please contact Amy Clark, Editor, at aclark@smls.on.ca. Digital copies of Jubilate can be found on our website at www.smls.on.ca.

Strength of Spirit We live in a complex world with uncertainty and change. We believe that resilience, courage and commitment are essential for our students and our community to embrace life fully, open ourselves to limitless possibilities, and boldly meet the unknown challenges ahead.

Stay Connected www.smls.on.ca Socialize with SMLS. Friend, Follow, Like & Join

PERSONALIZED LEARNING: OUR PASSION AND OUR PRIORITY

By Nancy Richards, M.Ed., Head of School

Personalized learning has long been an educational priority for SMLS and a key differentiator for our school. It is something we do exceptionally well thanks to our unique understanding of how girls learn, our ability to provide students with an array of opportunities and experiences, and the personal connection students have with our faculty and staff.

Today, as more independent schools see the importance of personalization as an educational direction, SMLS takes pride in the fact that each of our school’s initiatives have been guided by the underlying values of personalization for years. Our reggioinspired and student-centred classrooms in Junior School, our project-based learning opportunities with a dedicated Makerspace in Middle School and our

customized professional internships in Senior School are all examples of SMLS’s dedicated and personalized approach to learning.

In recent years, our faculty and staff have undertaken significant professional development to deepen their understanding of and their skills in personalized learning as we are all aligned in this priority. Our faculty members recognize that girls must be engaged and invested in their own learning, and that no two students learn the same way or at the same pace.

Equally important, they understand that a personalized approach enables girls to better acquire the twentyfirst century competencies of critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, communication, character and citizenship.

In personalized learning, students engage in projectbased, inquiry-based, and constructivist learning.

Students are authentically concerned with real-world issues and there are flexible schedules and flexible spaces. Teachers are seen as mentors, coaches and

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advisors. Our alumnae and the many parents whose daughters have been at the school for a number of years know that personalization is an affirmation of the great things that are already happening in our SMLS highperforming classrooms.

Currently, SMLS students have a number of opportunities to direct their learning, both within and outside of the classroom, and our commitment to personalized learning only stands to grow as we begin to implement the strategic priorities outlined in the school’s new strategic plan. Simply put, empowering women is our history, and it is our future.

In the time ahead, SMLS will play an even more active role in helping students design their own education path while being held increasingly accountable for their own learning success and applying their knowledge in real-world settings.

Academic excellence and personalized learning are the first goal pillar in our Aspire 2029 strategic plan, and as you will read in the pages of this magazine, we are forever committed to finding opportunities to help our students apply their skills and knowledge in new and often interdisciplinary situations.

With each girl at the centre, and supported by our strong community, we are leveraging our current strengths and leaning into an aspirational direction for our school.

Our commitment to a differentiated and personalized learning experience for each Millie is the foundation of empowerment for our students. It is how they will

learn - and become invested in - the value of their own personal goal-setting, begin to investigate and develop solutions for real world problems, and identify and pursue their own unique interests.

Personalized learning is what will foster their love of learning, their ability to learn deeply and their development of critical 21st century skills and competencies. It is also what sets us apart from any other school because we do it well; we do it with passion; and we do it as a matter of priority.

Personalized learning is one of the most important shifts in education within the last decade, and I am extremely proud that SMLS has been a leader in this work for some time already. With our new strategic plan in place - a plan that puts an even sharper focus on education, innovation and empowerment - we are further fulfilling our mission and building a community where young women are empowered to challenge and transform the world.

Personalized learning is what will foster their love of learning, their ability to learn deeply and their development of critical 21st century skills and competencies.

Aligned in Our Work

Principles of Learning Across the Curricula at SMLS

By Brad Read, Associate Head of School, Learning and Innovation

One of the most unique aspects of St. Mildred’s-Lightbourn School is that we have students from Junior Kindergarten all the way through to Grade 12 under the same roof and learning alongside one another. We attend chapels and assemblies together each week on topics related to our values and virtues, or perhaps to reflect on an issue that is important to young women in 2022. We join together to take part in whole-school recognitions like National Day of Truth and Reconciliation, International Women’s Day, Positive Community Awareness Week, or one of the many BigSister/Little-Sister celebrations scheduled to take place each year. We celebrate our community in the knowledge that we remain guided by a shared mission and vision that informs so much of what we do here at SMLS. This alignment is not only evident during those moments when we gather together as a community, but also in the teaching and learning that is taking place across all of our classrooms each and every day. Our teachers share an unwavering commitment to providing the best possible learning environment for our students, and we have much in common in our understanding of how we can achieve this for our Millies. Each year in June, and again in August,

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our teachers take part in a full week of professional development, dialogue and learning. The focus of our time together will vary from year to year, yet is always aligned with current best practices and emerging trends in 21st-century education for girls.

This past summer, our Faculty spent a full day guided by the work of educational consultant and author Jay McTighe to explore and reflect upon the principles of learning that inform our shared approach to teaching and learning here at SMLS. Through collaborative discussion we found that though we may work with students in different divisions, grades and subject areas our core beliefs and understandings about exceptional teaching and learning are remarkably aligned; so much in fact that we were able to distill the contributions of over 70 faculty members into just seven essential principles:

Culture of Collaboration Learning is a social activity where students and teachers engage with each other and make authentic and real world connections, building on past, present and future knowledge.

The Environment Supports Learning The learning environment serves as a co-teacher for our students. Space, place, resources, displays of student work, and the

Photos: Students and teachers from across the school come together in support of our vision for empowered young women challenging and transforming the world.

assets of individual student cultures are valued and support an inclusive learning community experience.

Learning as an Active Process Learning is an active process that encourages learners to seek new understandings through the joy of challenging hands-on, and experiential learning activities that promote meaningful connections to the world around them.

Social Emotional Learning Social and emotional learning provides a foundation for a safe, positive and inclusive learning environment that enhances each student’s agency to add their voice in pursuing their unique pathway.

Feedback and Assessment

Learning requires timely and ongoing feedback and assessment from self, peers, teachers and authentic audiences to support learning that nurtures their growth, Clear Learning Goals personalized goal-setting and self-reflection.

Learning is a process guided by relevant During a follow-up week of professional learning goals that are clear to both teachers development, our faculty and staff and students through shared language excitedly continued their work with Mr. about student learning. Students’ prior McTighe, this time shifting our collective knowledge, diverse backgrounds, and focus to identifying classroom practices personal goals and interests are integrated and strategies that could best enact our as part of the process. identified shared learning principles.

Understanding of Self and Once again, the opportunity to engage in Metacognition collaborative conversations with colleagues Learners become able to bravely take risks from across divisions about how we are all in learning, embrace failure as a necessary delivering on a personalized education for path to learning, develop agency, advocacy girls, proved to be a powerful and affirming and meta-cognitive/self-reflective learning experience. Though we always seek to practices to self-adjust future actions, and recognize and celebrate our differences here regulate their emotions during the active at SMLS, it is certainly nice to be reminded learning process. of just how much we have in common.

SCHOOL NEWS

Celebrating Accomplished SMLS Community Members In recognition of the dedicated service and accomplishments of our community members, SMLS honours members of the school community with three prestigious awards.

2021-22 Life Governor Award recipient Caroline Hogwood.

made a lasting impact on SMLS while also demonstrating leadership in other ways through her work with the Halton Women’s Place and in her professional life. In so many ways, and certainly in her every role and interaction with the school community, Caroline has always demonstrated passion and pride in her work and is a consummate role model for women in leadership.

LIFE GOVERNOR AWARD

NADINE FARRAN-GATTI

The Life Governor Award is the school’s DISTINGUISHED SERVICE most prestigious honour. Awarded AWARD bi-annually, this award honours The Nadine Farran-Gatti Distinguished extraordinary achievements of individuals who have demonstrated the values of SMLS, Service Award is an annual award that recognizes, celebrates and honours SMLS have had a longstanding commitment to the school, are excellent role models and ambassadors for the school, and have made a difference in the lives of others.

The 2021-22 Life Governor Award recipient is Caroline Hogwood. Caroline began her journey at SMLS in 2008 as a parent of Hilary ‘21, taking on a number of varied volunteer positions over her dedicated 13-year affiliation with the school.

A strong supporter of the school, active with the SMLS Parent Association and a longstanding Board Member, Caroline has

volunteers for their significant contribution to our school community.

The 2021-22 Distinguished Service Award recipient is Kenneth Rogerson. Ken has been a dedicated industry mentor to team SWAT 771 for several years. Ken volunteers his time three days a week mentoring the girls of SWAT, specifically on the technical side of the team, teaching them the basics of tool use, safety and robotics as a whole. He puts his all into empowering our robotics team to get students involved in STEM and sharing his expertise as a professional engineer.

Kenneth Rogerson and the SWAT team.

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OUTSTANDING ALUMNA AWARD

created The Baeumler Family Foundation (BFF), which fosters the advancement of children’s emotional and physical care, The Outstanding Alumna Award is research and education in Canada. Since presented annually and recognizes alumnae her graduation, Sarah has remained for significant achievement in their field connected to SMLS and is vocal about and positive impact on the local, national how proud she is to be part of our school or global community while upholding the community. She has served on our Board principles and values of SMLS. of Governors, is a long-time donor, and The 2021-22 recipient is Sarah Baeumler past parent of two Millies (Josephine and ‘95. Sarah is a philanthropist, renowned Charlotte). designer and successful business owner/ entrepreneur. The Sarah Baeumler Brand is about living a life that is inspiring and Sarah Baeumler, fulfilling. In 2012, Sarah and her family 2021-22 Outstanding Alumna.

Introducing

The SMLS 2022-2029 Strategic Plan

drive and guide the processes that will be implemented to achieve our goals over time, which are providing an exceptional education for girls and young women, and advancing SMLS for current and future generations.

The four pillars of the strategic plan are: SMLS has embarked on an exciting journey for the future of the school thanks to its new strategic plan, Aspire 2029 (available on the SMLS homepage or at www.aspire2029.ca). The plan sets out an ambitious, aspirational roadmap to further advance our School’s vision and direction over the next several years.

Featuring a newly refined mission and vision, the strategic plan helps crystalize the work that everyone in the SMLS community sets out to achieve each and every day. Also featured in the strategic plan are finely tuned statements that capture “the Essence of SMLS,” which get to the very heart of all that we do for each and every girl. These are the true differentiators for our school and articulating the essence of SMLS so clearly and distinctly, we are honing in on SMLS’s specialness and its uniqueness against any other educational organization.

Every iconic structure, like our school, begins with a welldesigned blueprint. Our strategic framework serves that same purpose; it is the supporting guide that will inform the overall strategies of Aspire 2029. The framework for the School’s strategic plan is made up of four pillars - the foundational supports that will

I. Academic Excellence and Personalized Learning II. Real-world Learning III. Engaged, Diverse, Inclusive and Supportive Community IV. Sustainable Strategic Vitality Specific action plans will be developed over the duration of the strategic plan’s lifetime to support the goal pillars, and, as always, will involve our strong community.

The initiatives, goals, and some of the priorities outlined in the strategic plan are entirely reflective of the collective hopes, dreams, and aspirations of the SMLS community. We are so grateful to everyone who participated in its development, and we will continue to look to our community and their steadfast support as, together, we work to make our goals a reality.

ALUMNA PROFILE

Be brave.

Try something outside of your comfort zone.

Try something new.

Photo credit: Joel Eckel

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OH, THE PLACES YOU GO ONCE YOU DISCOVER THE LOVE OF LEARNING Dr. Lauren Briens ‘87 Award-winning Engineering Professor & Aspiring Ballet Dancer

The first impression one gets in engaging with SMLS alumna Lauren TRIBE Briens ‘87 is one of high energy, passion and commitment.

That might explain why she is the 2021 recipient of the Western University Engineering’s R. Mohan Mathur Award for Excellence in Teaching. The award is presented annually to an outstanding faculty member to recognize exceptional contributions to teaching and the promotion of academic excellence.

Among her many plaudits are the development of several undergrad and graduate courses, including an experiential learning course - Engineering Coffee! More on that later. She also created a first-of-itskind experiential Engineering in a Global Context course in 2016.

It’s no secret that a shift to interdisciplinary, real-world learning has mobilized the independent school sector in

recent years. It’s something that has been promoted by the World Economic Forum and other leading global think tanks. When asked about this recent movement, Lauren responded “I don’t think I’ve ever not been there. From my earliest days at SMLS, with my parents’ encouragement, I’ve always had the mindset that you can learn just as much outside of the classroom as inside. That’s the approach I take with my students and it’s

application of the study? That’s when I switched to engineering. I experienced the reality of learning. It became tangible and my students are the same. They are motivated by understanding real-world outcomes.”

Lauren’s focus on chemical engineering meant that she needed to double-down The creativity and curiosity that SMLS helps on bringing this comprehension of impact foster in students leads to the most interesting of to bear. “Our area of study in engineering careers and opportunities. is a little more challenging. If you’re in Photo credit: Joel Eckel. mechanical engineering you witness the application in how a car works. If you’re a civil engineer, you understand how what I observe happening at SMLS as well.

“It’s so very important that students at all a bridge is built. “So I needed to make chemical engineering understandable to stages of their learning understand how to a 16-year-old, and I first found that avenue connect the dots,” Lauren continues. “We need to teach students how to ask questions, in exploring how it related to cosmetics.

That clearly doesn’t appeal to all of my how to relentlessly explore, how to use and students but when I moved on to create the choose the tools we can provide and how Engineering Coffee program that proved to to continue to grow. We really can’t teach them, at the university level, everything they have universal appeal. And, it’s fun!”

Fun matters to Lauren. “As a child, need to know. We can, though, and must, lead them to a point where they see patterns learning is fun. As we progress in our education, we somehow lose the joy of emerge and they can discover how lessons learning - tuition, grades, life pressures matter in their real-world applications.” and I am committed to recreating the joy for Reflecting on her personal education my students.” journey, Lauren observed, “My first degree Lauren is a powerful advocate for women was in science, but what bothered me was in engineering. “It’s critical that female that I couldn’t see why the theories and principles mattered. What was the practical students see women leading in the industry

and the classroom until this becomes the norm and not an exception. If I can help to inspire the next generation of female engineers or help clear a pathway, that would be great,” she concluded.

Lauren views SMLS as a pioneer in moving her vision forward. She has experienced real-world learning and has been able to turn that into an awardwinning career. Now, in her role with SMLS’s Board of Governors, she helps to drive the direction of the school and its vision for empowered women who are challenging and transforming the world.

Finally, when asked for one piece of advice to impart to today’s Millies, Lauren was succinct: “Be brave. Try something outside of your comfort zone. Try something new.” Real-world learning never stops.

At SMLS, we find that once the foundation has been set and our Millies discover their love of learning, they are courageous and confident and capable of embracing all challenges. Take Lauren, for example, who recently returned to embracing her love for ballet. “I’m easily the oldest in the class and the least experienced. But I decided I was just going to be brave and try.”

That’s how you walk the talk, and that’s how Lauren Briens leads.

Far left: Examples of recent hands-on, real-world learning in SMLS’s Middle School.

Left: Lauren Brien’s specially created university course combines and demonstrates chemical engineering in an experiential learning setting using coffee as a teaching tool.

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Senior School Millies enjoying the sights of London

Millie Changemakers Achieve International Recognition This past September a group of twelve students and teachers embarked on an international trip - a first for our school since the pandemic - and before they even landed, the group knew they were about to experience something special. Arriving in England on the same day that the world laid to rest Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the students saw the history and traditions of the nation come to life in the most tangible and vibrant ways.

After landing in London, the students then travelled to the esteemed Oxford University campus, where they joined the 800 other delegates from 50 countries around the world who were attending the 53rd Round Square International Conference, an annual event run by, and for, students aged 16-18.

During their time in Oxford, students heard from keynote speakers on topics related to the conference’s theme: “Take Less Be More” and participated in workshop

We are honoured to have received this award, and could not have done it without the support we received from our families, teachers, and team members.

- Sena and Meera

discussions in groups of mixed nationality,

spread awareness and initiate change in the

building international understanding and

world for the better.” They have been making

a spirit of cooperation. In their down-time,

an impact ever since.

students dined at the Colleges, put on a

Since its creation in November 2020,

variety performance talent show at the

The Indigenous Foundation has grown

theatre, and enjoyed some fun, creative

and evolved into a platform that is creating

theatrical activities in locations around

positive and lasting impact. What started off

the City of Oxford, including a literary

as a social media account has grown into

adventure-race and ceilidh dancing.

an organization with over 30 team members

A highlight for SMLS was the global recognition of two SS12 students, Meera B. and Sena Y. who were awarded the 2022

and various sub-teams, each focused on a different aspect of raising awareness.

“If you told us in 2020 that The

Kurt Hahn Prize - a prestigious prize that

Indigenous Foundation would grow this

recognizes an exceptional act of service to

much and make such an impact, we

others. Meera and Sena were selected for

wouldn’t have believed it,” say Sena and

the award based on their impressive, self-

Meera. “We are honoured to have received

directed work in creating The Indigenous

this award, and could not have done it

Foundation, a grass-roots advocacy group

without the support we received from our

that is raising awareness and providing

families, teachers, and team members. We

education for the rights of Indigenous

are grateful that through our platform, we

communities.

have been able to spread awareness on

Inspired by some of the globally-minded conversations that are regularly encouraged

both accomplishments and critical issues regarding Indigenous communities.”

at St. Mildred’s-Lightbourn School, the two

The Kurt Hahn Prize is awarded by the

friends created The Indigenous Foundation

Round Square organization, an international

with the intention of “doing their part to

diverse network of more than 200 schools

Above: Meera B and Sena Y receive congratulations following their keynote address to conference delegates from around the world.

Left: The SMLS delegates at Oxford University.

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FAST FACTS In November of 2020, Sena and Meera became aware of issues affecting Indigenous people of Canada. Meera wrote a paper on the crisis of Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) and Sena wrote her paper on the lack of clean drinking water in Canadian Indigenous communities. Through these assignments, a sense of activism was ignited.

They first created an Instagram account as a way to spread awareness and reach others. The first post was documented on November 30th, 2020.

Since then, they have amassed 63 thousand followers, built a podcast and built a team of 30+ team members from within Canada and across the globe who contribute to social media posts, blogs and artwork.

Through their platforms, they aim to uplift and amplify Indigenous voices, Indigenous advocates and Indigenous stories.

Their impact:

Meera and Sena with their Kurt Hahn Prize.

from more than 50 countries across six continents that share an understanding of the hardwired link between character education and academic success. Meera and Sena’s recent achievement is particularly noteworthy because in the award’s 55-year history, only one other Canadian school has had a student receive the prize.

This prize was presented at the Opening Ceremony of the annual International Conference of Round Square in Oxford, England. As part of the award presentation, Meera and Sena spoke about their project to the international audience.

A cornerstone of SMLS’s Global Citizenship Signature Program is to foster the individual development of key life competencies and personal character and empower girls to be change-agents, who positively contribute to their communities and the global world. Meera and Sena are doing just that and are having an impact locally, nationally and around the world.

•

Raised over $7,000 toward the Indian Residential Schools Survivors Society and the Native Wellness Institute

• • • •

Have amassed over 60,000 Instagram followers Reached over 1,000,000 people Conducted 7+ podcast episodes Featured in multiple events and podcasts including: The Meraki Story, CBC Radio 1 Podcast Playlist, People Magazine Podcast Spotlight, Unraveled Podcast, Gen Z We are The Future.

Through encouraging intersectional activism and amplifying Indigenous voices, The Indigenous Foundation hopes to educate others about Indigenous rights, and motivate others to take accountability, and practice advocacy and action.

ABOUT THE INDIGENOUS FOUNDATION The Indigenous Foundation is a grassroots, youth-led organization of change-makers and activists, consisting of 30+ Indigenous and POC women, two-spirited, and non-binary folk, striving to uplift, advocate for, and raise awareness about Indigenous rights. Through encouraging intersectional activism and amplifying Indigenous voices, The Indigenous Foundation hopes to educate others about Indigenous rights, and motivate others to take accountability, and practice advocacy and action.

SMLS: Where the Joy of Learning Emerges We asked some of our Millies: “What does success look like for you this school year?” Here’s what they had to say…

“To me success looks like maintaining a positive work ethic and taking part in opportunities that are presented to me.”

- Kiera B., SS12

“Success for me this year is playing harmoniously at recess and building my friendships.”

- Simona G., JS5

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“To me, success looks like challenging myself to realize more of myself, to do and be more for my friends, classmates and our school!”

- Pavithra A., MS7A

“For me, success is not just about getting something right, it’s also about getting something wrong. Because, when you get something wrong or make a mistake, you learn and that’s the real success.”

“Success for me this year is growing my friendships, giving back to the SMLS community, and getting better at math.”

- Izzah M., JS5

- Maeve T., MS7

“My sense of success not only derives from my academic accomplishments, but also from the social aspects of the upcoming school year.”

- Chloe D., MS8

“Success is a very common word for me, and I use it a lot. Big success can seem far away, but for me, any small success is still called success - finished the work in math class, answered the question in English class, lived day by day better, the quality improved bit by bit. This is called success.”

- Bella Q., MS8

“Success for me this year is improving my academic skills, improving as a collaborator, and becoming more independent.”

- Aahna K., JS5

“Success for me this year is getting smarter and physically stronger.”

- Cecilia H., JS5

“Success this school year would be achieving my academic goals.”

- Anastasia O., MS8

“Success for me this school year looks like everyday trying my best to be in the present moment and continue to be organized throughout the year with my studies. I believe that success does not rely solely on stellar academics but more importantly the experiences and growth that takes place through the course of the school year.”

- Daisy K., SS12

“My idea of success in a school year is a year without judgement of my opinion. We should all be valued for what we are and what we think.”

- Ava B., MS8

ASK A PREFECT:

What do you love about SMLS?

By: Jessica M., SS12, Admissions and Marketing Prefect

Senior School Sports Day is always a great way to build camaraderie among Houses.

The 2022-23 Prefects receiving their pins at our 2022 Leadership Assembly.

Having been at SMLS for 13 years, I am excited to cap off my SMLS experience as one of the 2022-23 Admissions and Marketing Prefects. Over the years, I have experienced all the school has to offer from simple math contests to going on overnight camping trips away from home, and I have been enjoying sharing these experiences with prospective families and new students.

As I enter into my final year of high school, and in the role of Admissions and Marketing Prefect, I get a chance to reflect on a decision that I helped my parents make when I was just four years old. I get to think back now and count all of the things I love about SMLS. Things like our small class sizes, which mean we get the help and academic attention we deserve. I have always found my teachers to be caring and supportive, and I can approach them with any questions or issues I may have. All the teachers and faculty members are amazing and all have the same goal of making students more successful.

Due to our smaller community, everyone knows each other which makes our community more tightly knit.

This makes approaching people not so intimidating and allows for friendships outside of your grade.

Our school is also very spirited. There are three houses each student is sorted into, kind of like Harry Potter. There is Cartier Vanier (which is green), Grenfell Alexander (which is blue), and last but certainly not least

Brant Massey (which is red)...and the best house I might add! Each house has their own mascot and we have fun competing throughout the year to win the house cup.

This is one of the many unique components SMLS has to offer which our students take a lot of pride in.

The friendly and welcoming atmosphere at SMLS has allowed me to build relationships with the girls in my grade and throughout the school. I have made friends across the SMLS community through my participation in sports, musicals, contests, clubs, and councils. Another amazing part of the school is the extracurricular and activities available. There are so many student and teacher-lead clubs and councils. So no matter what you are interested in, there is always something suitable for you. Joining councils and sports is a highlight of my high school experience at SMLS. Currently, I am involved in the Athletic Council. We plan many events such as Sports Day, Camp Ooch, and more.

Despite the long list of tasks I have to complete before I graduate, I have really enjoyed my time at SMLS. I can confidently say that I feel prepared, excited, and a little nervous for my next step in my educational journey. Doing a lot of the school tours this year has brought back a lot of fond memories, and I will be sad to leave my home away from home.

SMLS has given me a platform to grow as a student, a sister, a friend, and, most of all, a Millie.

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Millies Helping Millies: Paying it Forward through Philanthropy The Class of 2022 Bursary Fund puts SMLS within reach of more promising young girls A new tradition is emerging among SMLS graduating families. Since 2019, as its Class Leaving Gift to SMLS, each graduating class has chosen to raise money for student financial assistance.

For its gift, the Class of 2022 raised $100,000, creating the largest endowed class bursary fund since this initiative began just three years ago. Prior to this, the Class of 2021 raised $65,000 before they graduated, and in its first year, the Class of 2020 raised $58,000. These endowed bursary funds established will be invested in perpetuity, and the interest earned on that investment will be used to award this bursary each year to an

outstanding future Millie, despite their financial situation.

For many SMLS parents and alumnae, supporting financial aid to help future students is a meaningful way to give back to the school. As these classes move on as SMLS alumnae, supporting the bursary will continue to connect our Millies back to the school, and to each other through future fundraising and reunion campaigns to grow their Class Bursary Fund.

We warmly thank the families of the Class of 2022 for collectively raising $100,000 to establish the Class of 2022 Bursary Fund. This fund will help attract and retain Millies and be a lasting legacy to our 2022 graduates.

We truly believe in the transformative education our girls have received at SMLS, and we are passionate about helping to give more girls the same experience.”

- Deland and Nicole Kamanga, Grad Class ‘22 Parent Ambassadors

St. Mildred’s-Lightbourn School’s Class of 2022.

They leave a wonderful legacy.

THANK

YOU SMLS Parent Association

DID YOU KNOW? The SMLS Parent Association hosts more than 20 events and activities throughout the year for students, families, faculty and staff to enjoy.

These include events such as Family Movie Night & BBQ, brunches, bingos, grade parties and other social events and fundraisers.

Students enjoying the new outdoor seating around campus

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The SMLS Parent Association is as active as ever and continues to contribute to the overall well-being of SMLS by promoting good fellowship among all those associated with the school and by providing financial support for the school through various fundraising activities.

The SMLS Parent Association has made some significant contributions to our school recently. This past Fall, a new lectern arrived that is now front and centre at many of our Chapels and Special Events. This top-of-the-line podium is equipped with the latest in audio-visual technology and means we are able to

better connect for virtual and in-person events across the School.

Students are also enjoying new outdoor seating areas throughout the school grounds. In true SMLS community spirit, these new seating areas are providing excellent gathering spaces for students, staff and faculty to enjoy our beautiful campus. In the time ahead, as we anticipate also using these spaces being used for outdoor learning and student work, we will also be adding three new access points for enhanced outdoor Wifi capability.

erful BBQ, yed a wond Families enjo nd a chance ie oor mov a td ou n a , ts trea ll Family uring the Fa to connect d & BBQ..

Movie Night

any ne of our m rt en, hosts o re e-a G th s. fM -o , aplain new state School Ch n. fort of the o ti m o ia c c o e ss th om Parent A S L M Chapels fr S e vided by th lectern pro

The SMLS Parent Association’s annual Used Uniform Sale is always a huge success.

Huge than ks go out to all of our o SMLS Pare utstanding nt Associa tion volunte everything ers for they do for our school communit y.

THE Millie FUND SMLS Annual Giving Campaign

Empowered by

Y ou

In 1891, compensation and employment opportunities for men and women were drastically unequal, women were not yet considered ‘persons’ under the legal definition of the law, and women’s right to vote was still almost thirty years ahead. This was the year that St. Mildred’s College was founded.

131 years later, SMLS is still a pioneer in women’s education, delivering a well-rounded curriculum of rigorous academic studies, global citizenship, competitive sport, healthy active living and community service - because of you.

Thanks to your support, the tradition of inspiring and empowering women continues to be the hallmark of St. Mildred’s-Lightbourn School today. Your support and commitment to our school community has been one of our school’s greatest strengths for more than a century and continues to foster the success of SMLS and our students.

You are a vital part of that legacy. Your support benefits every Millie, and plays a special role in their journey as inspired girls and graduates. Thank you!

Together, we can continue to uplift our girls and help them grow as empowered women.

The 2022-23 Millie Fund campaign runs until June 30, 2023.

Visit www.smls.on.ca/milliefund to make your gift today.

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CLASS NOTES

Leena KORE Schroder ‘75 (St. Mildred’s College)

Catching up with Elizabeth COLE Denton ‘69 & Jennifer COLE Redwood ‘73 Thank you Elizabeth ‘Liz’ COLE Denton for donating your beautiful SMLS prefect blazer from the Class of 1969 to the SMLS archives. Liz and her sister, Jennifer were thrilled to receive a visit from our Executive Director, Advancement & Community Relations, Valerie Terejko, who brought Liz and Jennifer some SMLS swag as a token of our appreciation for giving back to the school this wonderful part of our history.

We look forward to seeing you both at future SMLS alumnae events.

Leena Kore Schroder (Leena-Kreet Kore, 1975) has lived in the UK since 1980, when she went to London to do her PhD in English. She stayed in Britain for an academic career, married fellow academic Martin Schroder (Vice-President of the University of Manchester and Dean of Science and Engineering) and recently retired from the University of Nottingham.

Her son Tobias has just won the 2022 Oxford-Cambridge Boat Race, in which he was Stroke and Captain of the Oxford boat. He is also the current Under-23 World Champion with the GB Men’s Eight, and is training with hopes for the Olympics, though Paris may be a bit too early. Leena is busy supporting him, as can be seen on the front page of the online version of The Guardian newspaper after the Boat Race, and would love to hear from old friends.

You can connect with Leena through the Alumnae Office at alumnae@smls.on.ca.

Catharine Scott ‘79 Catharine Scott ‘79 is the Executive Assistant to the Head of School and the Board of Governors at SMLS. Ms. Scott began as a student at St. Mildred’s College in 1967 downtown Toronto and, in 1969, began travelling everyday from Scarborough to Oakville to attend the new SMLS. She left her beloved school and friends after Grade 8 to attend a public high school closer to home.

Catharine has enjoyed a long career in administration supporting C-suite executives and was very excited to join the School after a chance discussion with Nancy Richards, Head of School, in August 2021. Since then, Catharine has provided exceptional administrative support to the

Head of School, the Board Chair and the Board of Governors, and the faculty and staff of SMLS. Ms. Scott is thrilled to return to the School that she’s loved for so many years.

In fact, she believes her office is located in the exact spot that her Grade 5 classroom used to be. “On my first day of work, as I walked through the doors after so many years, I felt like I returned home. I’m so happy to come to work each and every day.”

Natalia Edelmann ‘00

Natalie Jenner ‘87

Susan Elliot-Lethbridge ‘80 SMLS’s Executive Director of Advancement & Community Relations, Valerie Terejko recently had the pleasure of catching up with alumna, Susan ElliotLethbridge ‘80 in Halifax. Susan attended SMLS from 1974 to 1980. When asked to describe SMLS in one word, Susan says, ‘CHOICE’. The school empowered and gave her the confidence to choose, which has been a guiding principle in her life since leaving the school.

Natalie Jenner ‘87 recently connected with SMLS to share the very exciting news that her second novel Bloomsbury Girls was released on May 17, 2022, and was an instant national bestseller. Other accolades include People Magazine’s Book of the Week, one of Amazon’s Best Books of the Month, one of Indigo’s Best Books of 2022 So Far, a Book of the Month Club selection, a June Indie Next Pick and a Canadian Library Loan Stars Selection.

Since becoming an instant international bestseller in May 2020, her first novel The Jane Austen Society has been optioned for film and television by Amaze Film + Television and has now sold for translation in twenty-one countries around the world.

Natalie was formerly a corporate lawyer, career coach and, most recently, an independent bookstore owner in Oakville, Ontario, where she lives with her family and two rescue dogs.

Congratulations Natalie!

SMLS recently connected with Natalia Edelmann ‘00 to send along birthday greetings on August 11th and Natalia responded that this year for her birthday she wanted to plant a forest of 1,000 trees in one of 15 countries with EcoMatcher, a corporation that plants trees and complete forests with vetted foundations and NGOs from around the world specializing in planting trees. Through technology, EcoMatcher knows everything about every tree, offering total transparency. Every tree can be virtually visited.

To achieve her goal, Natalia has committed to raise $4,500 CAD, and she would like to invite her fellow Millies who are passionate about climate change to join her. You can name and follow your tree and vote where you want to plant our forest. All donations (100%), less transaction fees (e.g.

GoFundMe, credit card fees, bank transfer fees) will be paid to EcoMatcher at the end of 2022. You can read more about Natalia’s birthday wish and donate by visiting https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-meplant-a-forest-for-my-birthday?utm_ campaign=p_cf+share-flow-1&utm_ medium=copy_link&utm_source=customer.

Natalia attended SMLS from 1986-1997 and then went on to the University of Guelph, where she attained her B.A.H. in

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European Studies with a specialization in Business and Spanish and in 2015, she acquired her MBA, CPA, and CMA Graduate Program from the Lazaridis School of Business and Economics at Wilfrid Laurier University. In 2018, she received her Holistic Wellness Coach Training and Certification and currently is the founder of her own company Wellness for Wealth™.

knew how much I loved my job, all those years ago.

I attended SMLS from 1999 to 2004, from S2 to S6. As someone who struggled to stay engaged in my studies (to the dismay of my amazing parents) - the small class size and its consequential level of accountability was absolutely pivotal to my growth in those formative years. My parents moved mountains in their own right to send me to SMLS - and I really am grateful for the influence it had on my journey thereafter.

Bisma Bhatti ‘08

Sharyon de Souza ‘04

Sarah CONNOR Corley ‘07

I genuinely never imagined having something to share in an SMLS update.

So, being here, writing this, is an experience in itself!

Almost 20 years after starting my first job at Shoppers Drug Mart (during S5!), I’m incredibly proud and grateful to return to this side of the business in a new capacity, on the Enterprise Pharmacy Operations & Transformation Team. I have the privilege of partnering with this amazing team on our strategy, supporting all Shoppers Drug Mart and Loblaw umbrella pharmacies across the country, as Sr. Director, Projects & Planning. I’ve spent my entire career working for Loblaw Companies Limited which may not be shocking to anyone who

Sarah CONNOR Corley ‘07 recently connected with SMLS to share a photo of a recent work trip to Park City, Utah.

She also shared that she had recently began a new role with a start-up tech company called Tackle.io, which has a 100% remote workforce, even before the pandemic started. Sarah is one of the first five Canadian employees at the company.

Due to the remote work culture, each year the company hosts all employees for a week-long offsite event, where everyone can connect in person, learn from one another, and have a little fun. We wish Sarah all the best in her new role and look forward to seeing more photos from all the places her new work takes her.

On July 22, our Alumnae Association President, Bisma Bhatti ‘08, finally celebrated her wedding reception to Behnoud Kazemzadeh, after getting legally married in 2020. As a Serial Entrepreneur and wedding planner herself, Bisma put her skills into practice for this fairytale celebration at Casa Loma in Toronto.

Many Millies and members of the SMLS community were in attendance.

Erin Baker ‘09 Congratulations to Erin Baker ‘09 who married Brendon Lendor-Mason on

ALUMNAE NEWS

September 24. The two tied the knot at the beautiful Glen Drummond Farm in Dundas, Ontario. Several Millies were in attendance including Dana Scanzano ‘09, Haley Rutherford ‘09 (Maid of Honor), Gianna Schiralli ‘09 (bridesmaid) and sister of the bride, Laura Baker ‘06 (bridesmaid).

Nicole Whitten ‘11 Nicole became a Registered Nurse in 2015 after graduating from McMaster University. She worked at SMLS until 2017 as a Staff Nurse while completing her Master’s in Public Health. She then moved on to work in Public Health for Halton, Peel and now London where she currently resides.

Nicole was recently presented with a certificate from her workplace in appreciation of her incredible service to our communities during the COVID-19 pandemic, during which her duties included, but were not limited to:

• School health nurse supporting vaccine clinics for routine childhood immunizations so kids didn’t get behind, providing sexual health services to youth and, creating resources to help kids, parents and staff recover and get back to ‘normal’.

During the pandemic, Nicole also participated in three studies that examined the role of the nurse and the implications of COVID on our work and communities.

While this was a difficult period for us all, it was especially challenging for healthcare workers.

“I want to express my thanks to SMLS for helping me survive the most difficult time of my life. Many skills and relationships created and fostered under the school roof no doubt contributed to my ability in seeing this work through to ensure I never gave up on myself or those counting on me in the community.”

Congratulations, Nicole, and we sincerely thank you for your incredible service!

• School outbreaks and case exposure manager • Case and contact manager • Call centre worker • COVID-19 vaccine immunizer • Appointment booking line worker for COVID vaccines • School health promoter conducting inspections for infection and prevention measures related to COVID-19

Claire Buechler ‘13 SMLS is happy to welcome Claire Buechler back to the school. Claire joined

our Junior School faculty this school year.

For the past three years, she has taught in the Peel District School Board.

In addition to her new job, Claire also got married over the summer. Congratulations Claire, and welcome back to SMLS.

Geneviève Laramée ‘14 SMLS recently connected with Geneviève Laramée ‘14, who was excited to update us that she will soon be starting at McMaster University in the Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) Program.

After graduating from SMLS in 2014, Geneviève attended George Brown College, where she studied Culinary Management - Integrated Learning, Culinary Arts/Chef Training and is the current owner/chef of The People Feeder Catering Company in Oakville.

It is Geneviève’s hope to serve her community as a social worker specializing in women’s social services. She strongly believes this desire stems from all the volunteering opportunities she was given while attending SMLS. The SMLS community imparts a strong sense of duty in its graduates to be upstanding and active members in their communities; wherever they might be.

SMLS wishes Geneviève all the best in her future endeavors.

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My newest project: https://aireg.net is a cross-disciplinary dialogue on AI regulation, between academics at Oxford University and Goodenough College.

It is our aim to use this platform as an interactive medium to spur more exchange of ideas on the need for explainable policy, ethical frameworks and AI regulations.

During my time at SMLS, I was the Arts Prefect, I have kept my passion for music alive, playing my first festival in October.

Tess Buckley ‘17 Rayhanah Haffejee ‘15 Rayhanah Haffejee ‘15 recently shared the exciting news that she has joined the team at Chubb as a Commercial Insurance Underwriter. Her role involves managing and growing a profitable book of Property and Casualty business within the Commercial and Technology industry practices.

Rayhanah attended SMLS from 2009 to 2015 and has fond memories of Mrs. Warner’s math and accounting classes.

Rayhanah graduated in 2019 from Queen’s University with a Bachelor of Science (BSc), Life Sciences Honours degree and recently received her Chartered Insurance Professional (CIP) designation from the Insurance Institute of Canada.

SMLS wishes Rayhanah all the best in her new role.

Tess Buckley ‘17 recently connected with SMLS to share the following update: I have completed my MA in Philosophy and AI, in London UK, where I have been reviewing the ethics of AI, the lack of governance in emerging technologies and strategies for business innovation and uptake of tech. I have recently completed the vocal defense of my thesis project on ableism in biotechnologies, machine neutrality, and the complexity of categorizing human difference; analyzing literature, including case studies, and personal experiences. In addition, I investigate the differences between human and machine bias, alongside the implications of iterative bias and ‘credible’ misperceptions. I was asked to share my experience on the course here: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=9gDNq001fVM

Aliyah Haffejee ‘17 Congratulations to Aliyah Haffejee 17’ for recently joining the Business team at EY as a Technology Risk Consultant. Her role involves the evaluation of client process and internal controls to help mitigate compliance, operational and financial risk.

Aliyah attended SMLS from 2008 to 2017 and was the Grenfell House Head Prefect in her final year. She has fond memories of playing saxophone in the band, going

ALUMNAE NEWS

on a six-week exchange to Tasmania, and consistently bugging Ms. Warner for calculus extra help. Aliyah developed a passion for mathematics in Grade 12 and went on to graduate from Queen’s University in 2022 with a Bachelor of Applied Science, Majoring in Mathematics and Engineering with a minor in Systems and Robotics.

In her spare time, Aliyah has started a small business to share her passion for crocheting which can be found on instagram at @aliyah.makes.

SMLS wishes Aliyah all the best in her new role.

Kristen Ashworth ‘18 Kristen recently connected with SMLS to share the following update:

I graduated this June 2022 from the University of Guelph with a Bachelor of Science in Bio-Medical Science (Honours with Distinction). I had an incredible four years at UofG!! I was very fortunate to receive one of ten of the University’s most prestigious scholarships, the President’s Scholarship, for the duration of my undergraduate degree. At June graduation I was awarded the Gary Partlow Prize for Leadership & Academic Excellence on the basis of outstanding academic achievement and ongoing leadership on campus amongst all students in the Bio-Medical Science graduating class.

I am excited to share that I have accepted an offer from the University of Toronto for this fall 2022 to pursue a two-year, fully funded thesis MSc at the Institute of Medical Science, which is the graduate unit within the Temerty Faculty of Medicine. I will be researching at the Krembil Research Institute under the supervision of the clinician-scientist Dr. Brian Ballios and will be investigating novel stem-cell therapies for rare inherited retinal diseases.

I have a deep amount of gratitude for all the teachers, programs and experiences SMLS provided to harness potential, push me to be a critical thinker, and prepare me for my academic future. I attribute the person I am becoming now in large part to the place where I grew up for 11 years. This time of year makes me especially nostalgic of SMLS days - back to school, seeing friends/teachers again, playing on the soccer team and running cross country were always highlights of the fall!

Phoebe Jenner ‘18 Congratulations to Phoebe Jenner ‘18 on her graduation from the University of Toronto, completing her BA in English Language and Literature, and receiving the Aikins Scholarship and the University of Toronto Excellence Award during her four-year program.

Phoebe has recently accepted an offer to return to the University of Toronto for their very competitive MA in Creative Writing Program.

Phoebe attended SMLS from 2009 to 2018 and recalls her time writing and editing for Hemline and spending time with her graduating class.

After her MA, Phoebe would like to pursue a career as an author.

SMLS wishes Phoebe all the best in her future endeavours.

Share your news. Have something new and exciting to share? Contact us at alumnae@smls.on.ca.

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In addition, Hanne has just released

forward to September following a busy

her very first single, ‘Words Unsaid’,

summer working in Whistler, BC at the

which can be found on YouTube, Spotify,

Fairmont Resorts and Hotels as a Golf

Apple Music, and many more platforms.

Services Professional!

Hanne writes songs throughout her life as a way of expression, and has a goal to produce and release one every summer.

She has taken great joy in sharing her music, and says “it is one of the best feelings to see how an acoustic song I write with only the piano or guitar, can grow and become something completely different in the studio”.

We are excited to see where life takes you, Hanne. Congratulations!

Hanne Poulsen ‘20 We were proud to welcome Hanne back to SMLS as she completed a 90hour practicum as part of her Concurrent Education program with Queen’s University. At the end of this five-year program, Hanne will earn both her Bachelor of Music and her Bachelor of Education.

Hanne aspires to be a teacher one day, and impact children’s lives just as she was impacted by her teachers at SMLS. “Experiencing the support and motivation that each teacher gave to me at SMLS changed my life as they helped me become confident and hardworking when it comes to investing in my future.

This has inspired me to become a teacher who can help guide students and give them the support and opportunities they deserve in their education.”

During her practicum at SMLS, Hanne has been an incredible resource for our staff, and played a large part in the Middle and Senior School Music & Visual Arts Evening on May 16.

Katrina Scheuring ‘22 Katrina Scheuring ‘22 shared the following news with SMLS: “I am so happy to announce that I

Kate Thomson ‘20 SMLS would like to congratulate Kate

have achieved my Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award at the Gold level.

This award takes 52 hours of service

Thomson ‘20 on her recent acceptance

(I did Mentoring Mom’s marketing

into the Ivey Business School at Western

volunteering), skill (I learned to play

University for the upcoming school year.

guitar), and physical activity (I took

Kate graduated from SMLS in June

boxing classes). This award also

2020 and started Western University in

includes an adventurous journey, where

September, working towards her BA in

some friends and I went camping and

Media, Information and Technoculture.

completed a research project, and a

She has been a Dean’s Honour List

gold project, where I completed a virtual

Recipient (2020-2022), a recipient of

exchange with a girl from Nova Scotia

one of Western’s National Scholarships

who will also be attending Queen’s

(2020/21) and was one of 15 students of

Commerce with me next year. This

the class of 2024 to receive a four-year

award taught me so much and gave me

Faculty Entrance Scholarship.

the opportunity to make lifelong friends

Kate is grateful to everyone who helped

and memories! I could not have had the

her to achieve these accomplishments

success I have had with this award if it

over the past three years and is looking

were not for the amazing support and

ALUMNAE NEWS

encouragement that SMLS gave me, so I truly cannot thank this school community and the entire global citizenship team enough!”

planning a virtual workshop rather than in-person, and creating my own adventurous journey rather than joining a pre-existing one. Overall, through completing my gold, I learned the importance of being flexible, persistent, and always staying accountable. I greatly appreciate the Global Citizenship and Diversity Department at SMLS for supporting me through my Duke of Edinburgh Award journey and my completion of gold.”

June’s brother Don. She has been rejoined with her parents, Rev. and Mrs. James G. Duncan, her sister Margie and her brother Charles.

A child of the Baptist parsonage, she grew up on The Island (PEI) and New Brunswick, Quebec and finally Ontario where she and Warren met in InterVarsity Christian Fellowship at Western.

She earned her BA from Western and her BEd from U of T and had a rewarding career as a teacher in Collingwood then in Oakville at Speers and St. Mildred’s Girls’ School.

SMLS REMEMBERS...

Ella Chau ‘22 Ella Chau ‘22 shared the following news with SMLS: “I am proud to announce that I have completed my Gold Level of the Duke of Edinburgh Award. Through my gold, I learned many lessons from committing

Elizabeth Anne FINCHAM McEwan ‘52 (SMC - 1945-1947)

to 52 hours of service, physical activity, and skill as well as completing an adventurous journey and gold project.

The activities that I chose to pursue were leading SMLS’s She’s the First Chapter (service), long distance running (physical activity), and playing the violin and piano (skill). I also created a workshop to support the mental health of students in Halton as my gold project and planned a camping/hiking trip to Pinery Provincial Park with a few friends as my adventurous journey.”

“Working on my gold allowed me to remain committed to my activities, even throughout the pandemic as I adapted to the restrictions in place. Some adaptations I had to make included having zoom lessons for violin and piano,

Dorothy June McBurney (née Duncan) (Past Junior School Teacher 1981-1993) On Mothers’ Day, May 8, 2022, Dorothy June McBurney (née Duncan) passed at Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital in her 90th year. She is survived by her husband, Warren, of 63 years; Margaret Thomas (Phil), Lynn, Neil and Alyssa and son Wray, Graham and Emma; Alison Dunn (Glen), Leah and Tyler and children Fox and Aspen, Luke; and Jennifer Skinner (Don) Indigo and Jasper; and

Elizabeth Anne McEwan (Liz) passed at home in Oxnard, California from complications of COPD on January 12th, 2022, at age 88. She had been surrounded by family leading up to her passing.

Liz was born July 11,1933 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. She and her paternal grandparents immigrated to America during her youth. She met the love of her life and husband Alfred John(Ian) McEwan in 1955. Liz is survived by her husband Ian (whom she called her “rock”), three children, Larry McEwan (Sharon), Linda McEwan, Brenda Platzelman (Scotty), as well as her other daughter’, Madelaine Shenkel (Bill) a stepsister that she raised alongside

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her children. She also is survived by eight wonderful grandchildren, Kristine (Giovanni) Jeannette (Brett), Scott (Sara), Steven (Lexie), Kimberly (Darryl), Karen, Becca and Madison and twelve treasured great grandchildren, Kyleigh, Leif, Ian, Taryn, Tayler, Nikolas, Kody, Jack, Poppy, Clover, Kennedy and Brayden, along with five cherished great-great grandchildren, Ireland, Mason, Maci, Theo and Salem and her niece Lisa Shenkel and nephew Michael Shenkel.

Anne Reid (Former Kindergarten Teacher) Anne Reid passed away peacefully at home on April 21, 2022. Anne began teaching at SMLS in 1970, and remained for nearly 30 years. She made a lasting impression on many families, and was still hearing from and meeting appreciative students and parents until the time of her passing. Anne’s daughter, Sue Reid-Kulpaka, also taught at SMLS. Anne is survived by her daughter, Sue, and her children, Emily (Thor), and Meredith; and son, Rob (Sheri), and their children Jonathan (Mehria), Rebecca, Julia and Charlotte. She was predeceased by her sister Susan Whittall.

Anne’s memory will live on through her family and friends, the recipes she shared, the projects she knit, and a bowl of homemade soup with lunch.

Margaret Felicia IRETON Van Nostrand ‘54 (SMC - 1940-1954)

Elizabeth BROWNELL Westman Wilson ‘53 (SMC)

November 23, 1936 - May 1, 2022 Beloved mother, sister, grandmother, mother-in-law and friend, Felicia van Nostrand died peacefully at home, surrounded by her family, just as she had wanted. Predeceased by her husband, Innes van Nostrand (2005), she leaves her sons, including Innes (Alison Holt) and Andrew (Caroline); brother John Ireton (Pam); sister, Elizabeth Ireton; grandchildren, Jack, Claire, Alec, Will and Andy; and countless close friends and relatives. Born to Margaret Cook and Prof. H.J.C. Ireton, Felicia was a lifetime resident of Deer Park in Toronto. She grew up at 76 Lonsdale Road, married the boy across the street, raised a family one street north (they had a gate in the backyard to her parents’ yard), and was overjoyed when her three sons and sister eventually all joined the Walmsley Boulevard family compound. Fizzy - as she was known to her school friends - made lifelong friends at St. Mildred’s College and at the University of Toronto’s School of Nursing (where she also made a name for herself on the basketball team). After working in paediatric and outpatient nursing, Felicia married Innes in 1963, honeymooning in Muskoka where they famously built an outhouse for the family cottage. In addition to raising three rambunctious boys, Felicia returned to work as an occupational health nurse at Mount Sinai Hospital, where she looked after her colleagues and developed deep friendships that went beyond her retirement in 1996.

Elizabeth died peacefully on April 11, five days after suffering a massive stroke and eleven days after joyously celebrating her 87th birthday with a few close friends.

She was the daughter of Ralph and Evelyn (Westman) Brownell and predeceased by her former husband, Philip Wilson.

She is survived by a family she loved and mentored: her daughters Julia Deans (Graeme) and Diana Lawrence (David) and their children, Ben, Penny (Andrea), Cameron, and Gwen; Ian Montagnes, her husband for 38 happy years; and stepchildren David Montagnes (Fiona), Joan Montagnes (Martin), and John Mahler (Eileen), Elizabeth was a strong dynamic woman with strong opinions and a big, generous heart. She was endlessly interested in other people and was never happier than when entertaining them. As a professional and volunteer, she worked for organizations that spread knowledge locally and internationally. She was an artist, author, opera lover, communicator, community builder and leader. She relished seizing each fresh creative opportunity, whether that was writing an introduction to Oriental ceramics while living in the Philippines, advising on fundraising in Azerbaijan, visiting the antiquities of Iran at 80, or co-founding both a jazz festival and a series of opera talks in Port Hope, where she and Ian moved in 1996. Celebrations of her life will be held in Toronto in May and beside her pool in Port Hope in midsummer.

INSPIRED GIRLS. EMPOWERED WOMEN. SMLS is a place where young women are empowered to challenge and transform the world. We support each student’s interests, talents, learning needs and strengths, and our worldclass facility and Signature Programs equip her to achieve excellence in whatever path she chooses.

1080 Linbrook Road Oakville, ON L6J 2L1 | 905-845-2386 | smls.on.ca