Spring 2021 Jubilate Magazine

Spring 2021 A magazine for the SMLS Community • Inspired Girls. Empowered Women.

Educating Ethical Global Citizens & Changemakers Inside: SMLS Community Awards Alumnae News and more...

March 8

SMLS CELEBRATED INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY 2021 #Choose To Challenge

International Women’s Day is a very special celebration in the SMLS school year. This year’s theme was #ChoosetoChallenge, recognizing the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women with worldwide groups coming together to rally for women's equality.

IWD 2021 keynote speaker Nicole Stewart Kamanga

SMLS was delighted that Nicole Stewart Kamanga joined us as keynote speaker for our International Women’s Day Chapel on March 1. Nicole is a SMLS parent and has successfully pursued her passion as a children’s advocate and family practice lawyer. Her insights and advice were invaluable to our students and we are incredibly fortunate to have female role models such as Nicole within our school community, providing inspiration to our Millies, and to all of us.

Nicole and her husband Deland are proud SMLS parents to Khala (SS11) and Laiya ‘19.

As an all-girls school, SMLS equips our girls to help create and thrive in a gender-balanced society. Here, girls occupy every leadership position, every position on the DECA team, every role in the robotics club and every seat in the math and science class, so that when it comes time to take on roles in a gender-balanced society, Millies will be ready to fill any one of those roles.

We help our girls understand that a challenged world is an alert world and from challenge comes change.

As Gloria Steinem, world-renowned feminist, journalist, activist and changemaker once explained, "The story of women's struggle for equality belongs to no single feminist, nor to any one organization, but to the collective efforts of all who care about human rights."

Table of Contents Message from Head of School Educating Ethical Global Citizens and Changemakers

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Global Citizenship at SMLS

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Alumnae Changemakers

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Community Awards

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Alumnae News

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Class Notes

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The Millie Fund

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Photos in this issue: Please note that photos without masks and physical distancing were taken prior to March 25, 2020.

Jubilate is published twice a year for members of the St. Mildred’s-Lightbourn School community.

Newsletter Honours International Women’s Day In February, SMLS students launched a chapter of She’s The First, a not-for-profit organization that fights gender inequality through education, with the mission of helping to create “a world where every girl chooses her own future.” In support of this mission and in recognition of International Women’s Day, members of the SMLS chapter, led by Ella C (SS11), created a newsletter to celebrate women and to highlight some of the issues of inequality facing women today.

For inquiries or comments, please contact Christine Johnston, Editor, at christine.johnston@smls.on.ca. Digital copies of Jubilate can be found on our website at www.smls.on.ca.

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

Educating Ethical Global Citizens & Changemakers

04 05 SMLS students exchanging greetings with students at a local school in Peru, November 2019

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

Now, perhaps more than any other moment in history, we must educate girls to become the women we need to help solve the world’s biggest challenges – from global health to racial justice, climate change and human rights.

But how do we educate and empower girls to be ethical, globally minded changemakers? At SMLS, the answer is embedded in our school’s mission and values, our Global Citizenship Signature Program, and our classrooms.

At the heart of our mission to develop courageous girls who challenge and change the world is educating girls to be global citizens of strong moral character, who imbue our school values of Respect, Integrity, Innovation, Commitment and Courage. As a school, we have embraced the Virtues Project, which was founded in Canada as a global approach to moral justice and integrity, and has spread to more than 100 countries around the world.

Since its founding, SMLS has upheld a deep commitment to community service, recognizing that we can only truly serve our communities when we engage in connecting with and understanding others who have walked different paths.

Left: This image of a SMLS student was created as part of a 2019 Art/Global Citizenship project. The countries that Junior School students chose for their Flat Millies to visit were superimposed over their faces to create captivating art pieces.

Community Engagement For the past several years, girls in Grade 10 have participated in two weeks of global experiential learning, known as “November Block” that includes a component of community engagement and service.

Our students have engaged in reciprocal learning in Peru, visiting schools and working with a local heritage association to preserve ancient artifacts. They have traveled to the Bahamas on ocean sustainability projects, connecting with students and faculty at schools on the island to discuss environmental issues. In France, our students have met with regional immigration organizations to understand the challenges faced by immigrants and how cultures develop. And, locally, they have worked with charitable organizations to gain awareness of the full spectrum of needs in our surrounding communities.

Through our membership in Round Square, students have the opportunity to connect on a personal level with peers around the world, through conferences, cultural trips and exchanges, promoting an authentic approach to internationalism. Girls learn to embrace the similarities and differences between cultures and nationalities in ways that truly promote meaningful, lasting respect and understanding.

Members of our First Term House Reps. Each Grade 5 student spends one term serving as a student leader in the Junior School

These Global Citizenship experiences, as well as other cultural exchanges and local, national and international opportunities, equip our girls to better understand and therefore contribute positively to the communities around them. During the pandemic, global experiential learning has been made possible through virtual experiences that connect our students with others around the world remotely.

Service Learning & Leading Our service approach begins by instilling in girls that using their gifts to be of service is the fullest expression of one’s life, and that the quality of their own life comes from the quality of their contribution.

When girls see their leadership roles from this lens, they immediately look to draw on attributes such as empathy, compassion and understanding as they seek to lead and make a difference in the world as global changemakers.

As a school we also recognize that becoming a leader and developing the tools to be a global changemaker takes practice. Every girl at SMLS has the opportunity to experience leadership locally and beyond, whether through formal student council positions, in the classroom, in school clubs and through community service initiatives or international trips.

All of our service initiatives are student-led. Even our youngest Millies are viewed as leaders and changemakers. For example, every girl in Grade 5 holds the position of leadership as a Service Rep for one term, and these girls learn to work collaboratively

with a small group to plan community service initiatives for the Junior School.

Equally important, as a school we acknowledge that changemakers must include girls who lead quietly, lead by example, and lead without taking on any formal responsibilities. We remind everyone in our school community that being a leader and a changemaker comes from within. It is not always about a title or position.

Global Competencies in the Classroom At the classroom level, the global competencies of critical thinking, problem solving, communication, collaboration and creativity are taught through methods such as Inquiry Learning, Project Based Learning, and Thinking by Design – all of which require students and faculty to work together side by side, sharing ideas, exploring concepts, and investigating differing points of view together. Respectful dissent and debate are practiced to enhance the outcome in the final product.

As part of their classroom learning, SMLS students connect remotely with people around the world. This has been particularly enriching during the pandemic, as our students have participated in global think tanks and virtual learning partnerships with other students and educators internationally. One example is the annual Global Read Aloud project, where students in several countries read a book together and share their thoughts, questions and ideas. This year, our Middle

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Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

School students joined students around the world in reading Prairie Lotus, written by Linda Sue Park, which explores themes relating to identity including heritage, nationality, culture, race and ethnicity.

The excitement and energy our students and teachers experience after each of these discourses inspires action in our own community through awareness events and Chapel presentations, as you will read in the following pages.

This issue of Jubilate celebrates the SMLS programs and initiatives that empower our students to be ethical, globally minded changemakers. It also highlights some of the many alumnae who have gone on to positively impact the world, and honours all members of our school community – students, faculty, staff, families and alumnae – for supporting the mission of our school to develop courageous girls who challenge and change the world.

Middle School students participated in the Global Read Aloud, reading Prairie Lotus by Linda Sue Park.

Empowering young women to be ethical, globally minded changemakers includes ensuring that SMLS has an ongoing, school-wide commitment to fostering and supporting diversity, equity and inclusion in our school community. Over the past several years, we have made progress in a number of areas related to diversity and inclusion such as gender expression, identity and sexual orientation, multiculturalism, and Indigenous awareness, but there is still much to be done.

Looking ahead, SMLS will convene a Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Task Force to address the challenges experienced and faced by Black, Indigenous and other People of Colour (BIPOC) in our community. The Task Force will be facilitated by our new Chief Culture & Strategy Officer, Ms. Sharon Jobity, and will be comprised of volunteers from our student community, employees, alumnae, parents and Board of Governors members. The Task Force will explore our vision for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at SMLS, and make recommendations for achieving our goals toward that vision.

This is the moment for all schools, particularly independent schools to take action, both within their school communities and beyond. Educators in particular are called to develop what Mica Pollock, editor of Everyday Antiracism: Getting Real About Race in Schools, calls “an everyday consciousness” about the relevance of race in schools. We must be open to critical thinking, to continuous learning and unlearning, and openly welcome true accountability.

We can all talk about Diversity, Equity & Inclusion but the biggest difference that can be made is when we walk alongside those who are not included, thereby translating our thinking into actively pursuing justice.

I ask that our full SMLS community join me on the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion journey into the future.

THE PATHWAY TO BECOMING A SMLS GLOBAL CITIZEN

By Kristin Read, Director of Global Citizenship

The pathway of Global Citizenship at SMLS might be best viewed as expanding circles of growth rather than a linear path. As our Millies move through the school, they gain an awareness of self and others, responsibility and participation, with increasing depths of knowledge, skills and attitude.

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Junior School In Grade 2 our young Millies create personal portraits, called Flat Millies, that travel around the world with questions, or wonders, that interest them. This garners an awareness that our world is a mosaic of many different cultures.

Moving through Junior School, students take part in overnight experiences at Norval Outdoor Education Centre with increasing challenges each year: one night in roofed cabins, then one night in winter (with a further challenge option to sleep in a winterized tent), to a two-night experience where they camp in tents.

These experiences deepen students’ understanding of what they are capable of as individuals, and develop their independence and self-confidence.

growth mindset. This adventurous journey sets them on the path to achieving their Duke Of Edinburgh’s Award at the Bronze Level, and many students go on to pursue the Silver and Gold Awards. In Grade 10, students and teachers take part in a two-week, real world learning experience, local or international, that is focused on the IDEALS of Round Square (Internationalism, Democracy, Environmental Stewardship, Adventure, Service). Through development of authentic relationships and human connections, students learn to respect multiple perspectives and recognize that many challenges in the world do not Middle School necessarily have a linear and clear answer.

In Middle School, awareness of self and Students complete daily journals to reflect others becomes more deeply ingrained on their strengths, personal goals and in the program. Only when we learn and sense of self. appreciate multiple perspectives can we Personal and professional leadership understand how interconnected we all are development is the focus in Grade 11. regarding the sustainability and wellbeing Students begin the year serving as peer of our world and its communities. Students mentors for Middle School students at work with the Global Citizenship team, Camp Onondaga, developing leadership their teachers and ALIVE Outdoors through skills and learning to reflect and adjust workshops based on positive psychology their approaches to find their own unique concepts and research to support the style. Throughout the rest of Grade students’ sense of belonging. The focus 11, they focus on professional skill in Grade 6 is building confidence and development in preparation for their confronting fears. In Grade 7 students four-week professional internship in a explore the foundation of community and field of their choosing. Finally, the focus in Grade 8 students discover what it means for our Grad Year students is community to understand and embrace their strengths responsibility. Through a variety of and recognize the value of working in initiatives, they understand their role as multi-strength teams. citizens of their own, local communities.

The journey to developing global Senior School citizenship is multidirectional and it In Senior School, students are continues to evolve. Our hope is that challenged to move out of their comfort students will leave SMLS as empowered zones. During a four day canoe trip, Grade 9 women with the skills to navigate the Millies explore their grit and resilience and ever changing landscape of our world and discover the importance of maintaining a discover their unique purpose.

In 2019, the Global Studies program engaged in a fulsome review that led to evolving this signature program into the Global Citizenship program that focuses on Global Engagement, Real World Learning, Character Education, Principled Leadership, Environmental Stewardship and Service Learning. As part of a new philosophy for this signature program, a SMLS Global Citizen is seen as a girl of character who identifies with being part of a changing world community in which she connects with others who share a common humanity and see their role in building practices that respect and encourage diversity, dynamic perspectives and multiple values.

Round Square Event hosted by SMLS Students In April, our Global Citizenship Prefect and Service & Sustainability Prefect collaborated, along with members of their respective councils, to lead a virtual Round Square Postcard – an hour-long conversation with students from other Round Square schools around the world. The topic that our students chose was Operation Restoration: Sustainable Leadership. Participants shared what sustainable leadership means to them and our SMLS student leaders then hosted breakout room discussions for all participants to describe their ideas and passions on how to make change for the future. Participating students were from 17 schools in Canada, India, South Africa, Peru, Columbia and the USA.

Members of the Service & Sustainability Club

CHAPELS REFLECT DIVERSITY OF OUR STUDENTS AND SCHOOL COMMUNITY

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Chapels are an integral part of our SMLS school community, not only reflecting the culture of our school, but also helping to shape it. At Chapel, we celebrate both our Anglican roots and world religions and cultures, many of which are represented by our students and staff. This year, we have created further opportunities in Chapel for students and staff to share their lived experiences with the community and to ultimately create greater dialogue around international days of commemoration, social justice issues and social awareness movements. Below are some of the Chapels held in 2021, a number of which were student-led.

Opposite page: Pink Shirt Day in Junior School.

Above, left to right: Chinese New Year Chapel, Black History Month Chapel, Bishop Susan Bell, Middle School Diwali Celebrations.

FEBRUARY

On February 1, SMLS celebrated the launch of Black History Month with a whole school Chapel led by the Global Citizenship & Diversity Committee. This Chapel, which explored themes related to the Black Lives Matter movement, was followed by a Senior School Chapel Talk with Head of School Nancy Richards and Global Citizenship Prefect Nicole Molinaro. Throughout Black History Month, the curriculum for each school division incorporated learning about Black History, studying historical figures such as Viola Desmond and Harriet Tubman, and contemporary artists such as youth poet Amanda Gorman and authors Dionne Brand, Toni Morrison and Chinua Achebe, as examples.

On February 22, SMLS enjoyed a Chinese New Year Chapel, with contributions from students, faculty member Dr. Rebecca Ren, and members of our Chinese parent community. The Chapel highlighted some of the many traditions and ways in which people around the world celebrate the lunar new year.

MARCH

On March 26, Senior School students presented a Chapel Talk about Anti-Asian discrimination, in response to a mass shooting that killed eight people, six of whom were Asian women, in Atlanta, Georgia. The purpose of the Chapel Talk was to raise awareness about racism against Asians in North America, including the disproportionate incidents of harassment and violence against women.

On March 29, SMLS welcomed the Right Reverend Susan Bell for our annual Whole School Easter Chapel, which is one of our three yearly Eucharist Services.

Bishop Bell is the first woman to serve in the role of Bishop of Niagara, a region that includes Oakville, Hamilton, St. Catharines, Dundas, Burlington and Guelph, with over 90 parishes. Bishop Bell is a member of the SMLS Board of Governors. It was an honour to have her join us for Easter this year.

APRIL

In April, students, faculty and staff who observe Ramadan were invited to share information about their faith and practice at Chapel, including why they fast and what fasting has taught them. School Chaplain Dr. Rebecca Vendetti spoke about the practice of fasting in world religions, including Islam, Christianity and Judaism among others.

THROUGHOUT THE SCHOOL YEAR

Earlier this school year, Chapels celebrated cultural and religious holidays including Diwali, Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa, as examples. Other Chapels were dedicated to honouring important national and international days such as Orange Shirt Day in remembrance of the victims of the Canadian Indian residential school system, Pink Shirt Day to take a stand against bullying, and International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia, and the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women.

FORGING NEW PATHS BEYOND THE PILLARS SMLS Alumnae Changemakers

Millie Alumnae around the world are making invaluable contributions to academia, science, the arts, health care and much more through their professions and in their local and global communities. In our last issue of Jubilate, we paid tribute to frontline and essential workers for their courageous contributions during the pandemic. In this issue, we highlight three women who are each changemakers in their own, unique way. Do you know a SMLS alumna who is a changemaker? Share their story with us at advancement@smls.on.ca.

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A Journey of Hope and Determination How Jennifer HOWARD Kravis ‘89 has spread global awareness of chronic Lyme disease When Jennifer HOWARD Kravis was 36 years old – a mother of two preschool age daughters and a ‘Type A’ executive working full-time – she suddenly developed a multitude of unexplained symptoms that rapidly progressed. She left work on long term disability, was diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia, was bedridden, and was told she would never recover. Her whole life changed and, as she says, “it was devastating.”

But instead of giving up, Jennifer spent six years researching and exploring treatments until she finally received a diagnosis of chronic Lyme disease, from a tick bite she never knew she had. She spent two years getting treatment out of country and, during this time, discovered both her daughters were also infected with chronic Lyme disease, likely transmitted to them in utero when she was asymptomatic.

Jennifer was determined to not only ensure that she and her own daughters received proper treatment, but also that others would have the same access to information, proper diagnosis and treatment. She encountered another woman impacted by Lyme disease, Sue Faber, who had begun a “Lyme letters campaign” to lobby the federal health minister for attention to the issue. Jennifer joined in the campaign, beginning with letters and then moving to a national petition, which collected tens of thousands of signatures across Canada and internationally, but did not result in any political action.

“We had no money, no political experience or connections, no resources, but we had the passion of mothers fighting for their kids – and all people affected

by Lyme... We got creative – started doing social media posts, blogs and video updates, communicating through our petition, reaching out to scientific and medical experts to help us… None of these things felt comfortable or were things I had experience doing. But I was willing to do whatever It took to effect change.”

With no plan other than to ‘sit on Parliament Hill and get some media attention,” Sue and Jennifer flew to Ottawa. As Jennifer describes, “It was the first time

in my life I took a big step forward into the unknown – with no clear path – just a determination to act and a willingness to take a leap of faith... My fear of doing nothing was greater than my fear of looking foolish and my fear of failure.”

To their surprise, doors began to open, including meetings with senators and Members of Parliament and media requests. This began the journey to navigate the political system, build relationships and raise awareness. Eventually the House of Commons Standing Committee on Health agreed to do a study and several months later, Jennifer, Sue and others were invited to a meeting with the Health Minister.

Jennifer Howard Kravis '89 (right) as pictured on the LymeHope website.

In the meantime, Jennifer and Sue co-founded a charity, LymeHope, and began fundraising and doing radio and TV interviews, as well as holding local town halls to raise awareness. Their efforts were featured in MacLean’s Magazine, among other media, and they were able to attract the support of medical and scientific experts.

Because of her work with LymeHope, Jennifer was invited to join a global team of advocates, physicians and scientists advocating for recognition of chronic Lyme and all its manifestations, including Congenital

Lyme. She became a published co-author of a report on Global Lyme Disease-related Human Rights Violations and spoke at the World Health Organization.

Her co-founder, Sue Faber, who took over as president of the charity, has become a globally recognized expert on Congenital Lyme Disease, often invited to speak at conferences.

“Never did I think that I would go from being bedridden to speaking at the World Health Organization…” says Jennifer. “I learned that even when something seems impossible, you just need to get creative and take a first step, then a second.. until you effect change. I remain a dedicated ambassador and volunteer for LymeHope.”

Leading the Way Mining Engineer Michelle Moore ‘07 As a mining engineer, Michelle Moore ‘07 has pursued a career path with very few female role models. She is the Senior Mine Operations Superintendent at an open pit gold mine in northern Ontario, owned by Kirkland Lake Gold. She lives onsite at the camp for several days at a time and oversees a workforce of approximately 500 people, from field supervisors to Haul truck drivers.

Michelle describes it as a fast-paced environment, and her role undoubtedly comes with significant pressure, including being away from home for extended periods, but she says there are ample opportunities and rewards.

During her early career as a mining engineer, Michelle had several experiences where she was overlooked for advancement. “As a woman in a male-dominated industry, she explains, “you cannot assume that your intrinsic value is known or visible.” To overcome this, she realized that she needed to be vocal about her goals. Michelle found that having open

Jennifer with her daughters – all of whom had Lyme disease and are now doing well.

Jennifer eventually returned to the corporate sector and is Director of Compensation Policy for BMO. She and both of her daughters have had treatment for Lyme disease and are doing well.

Leaders are now helping others grow a lot more than before which is giving more women opportunities to express where they want to go. conversations with supervisors and management regarding where she wanted to go in the organization was critical. She also knew that she had to, as she says, “ go out of my way to stand out and put my value on display in a short period if I would have a chance to get a full time position. Much more-so than an equivalent male counterpart.” Over the years, she has succeeded in proving herself – after her early disappointments, Michelle has made a steady climb in achieving her career goals.

As a supervisor herself, Michelle tries to help others with their path and the next level of growth.

“Some people have a harder time having those conversations, so giving them that platform is important,” she says.

Michelle has seen an overall change in leadership style within her field. “Leaders are now helping others grow a lot more than before which is giving more women opportunities to express where they want to go.” Fortunately for future female mining engineers, Michelle is one of those leaders.

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Alumna Appointed as Senior Research Fellow for History of Black Canadians Project Dr. Karolyn SMARDZ Frost ‘75 - Historian, Archaeologist, Author, 2019 Outstanding Alumna Award Recipient

In April 2021, Dalhousie University and the Government of Canada announced a three-year project led by Dalhousie professor Dr. Afua Cooper, entitled, “A Black People’s History of Canada.” The project will support leading Black history scholars and organizations to create engaging new classroom materials and resources about the history of Black Canadians. SMLS alumna Dr. Karolyn SMARDZ Frost ‘75 has been appointed as Senior Research Fellow for the project.

This project is a significant undertaking that will transform knowledge of African Canadian history, with research in every province and territory dating back as early as 1604. Project organizer Dr. Cooper was quoted as saying, “in so many ways, we would not be here today if it had not been for the immense and invaluable contribution of Dr. Karolyn Smardz Frost whose work helped to ensure this application was successful.”

Previously, Karolyn’s pioneering work in Toronto public archaeology resulted in the city’s first Underground Railroad excavation in 1985, which uncovered the century-old site of the home of Thornton and Lucie Blackburn. The Blackburns, a formerly enslaved couple who escaped to Canada on the Underground Railroad, have been designated as Persons of National Historic Significance for their personal struggle for freedom. More than 20 years of research into the life and times of this fascinating couple resulted in Karolyn’s volume, I’ve Got a Home in Glory Land: A Lost Tale of the Underground Railroad (2007). This is the first entirely original biography of a fugitive slave since the Civil War, and won the 2007 Governor General’s Award for Non-Fiction and a host of other prizes. Karolyn is currently working on a children’s book about the Blackburns entitled Fare for Freedom with African Canadian artist Charmaine Lurch.

Her most recent volume Steal Away Home, tells the story of 15 year-old Cecelia Jane Reynolds who fled to Canada via Niagara Falls. It was honoured with the Speaker’s Award for the Legislative Assembly of Ontario; the Ontario Historical Society’s J.J. Talman Award for the best book in Ontario’s social, economic, political or cultural history; the City of Toronto Heritage Award of Excellence, and was a finalist for the Atlantic Book Award.

Karolyn is the only archaeologist in Canada with a PhD in History (Race and Slavery.)

COMMUNITY AWARDS 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. The Life Governor Award is presented bi-annually and the Outstanding Alumna and Distinguished Service Awards are presented annually. We are delighted to recognize the recipients of the 2021 Outstanding Alumna Award and the 2021 Distinguished Service Award and thank them both for their contributions to SMLS and our wider communities.

A Responsibility to be of Service Suzanne Duncan ‘79, Outstanding Alumna Award Recipient Suzanne Duncan ‘79 was appointed Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Yukon by Prime Minister Trudeau on October 1, 2020. She is the first woman to hold the position. She has been a member of the Supreme Court of Yukon since 2018, and previously served as in-house legal counsel for the Kwanlin Dün First Nation government in Whitehorse.

As Suzanne explains, working for a self-governing First Nation increased her knowledge of and respect for the unique Yukon First Nation final agreements, and allowed her to participate in the exciting challenges and opportunities of implementing the

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With the privilege that a SMLS education provides comes responsibility: responsibility to use one’s talents and skills to help others who may not have the same opportunities; responsibility to be self-aware and exercise humility; responsibility to acknowledge, respect and learn from the diversity of people in our communities; responsibility to be of service – to individuals, to a community, or to society.

- Suzanne Duncan ‘79

agreements. “The privilege of gaining a greater understanding of the experiences and culture of a Yukon First Nation and assisting in their creative journey towards self-determination has been a highlight of my career to date,” says Suzanne.

Throughout her legal and judicial career, Suzanne has supported improved access to justice for new immigrants, refugees and people with low to modest incomes. She began as an associate and then partner with McCarthy Tétrault in Toronto during which time she handled a range of labour law and civil litigation matters, and also developed an immigration practice, including representing refugee claimants on a pro bono basis. While in Toronto, she served as Chair of the Board of the Homes First Society, the Working Group on Refugee Resettlement and as Churchwarden, St. Thomas’s Anglican Church. In 2001, she joined the federal Department of Justice in Toronto, before transferring to Whitehorse, Yukon in 2006 with a focus on Aboriginal law and Crown liability. She is co-author of the book The Law of Privilege in Canada.

As a child, Suzanne started kindergarten at The Lightbourn School in 1965 and continued through to graduation in 1979.

Her mother, Marjorie Duncan, (now 94!) is a former SMLS Junior School teacher and Suzanne is grateful to both of her parents for making the decision to send her to SMLS. “I credit my SMLS education for giving me a solid foundation for many of the things I have done in my life,” Suzanne says. “A strong academic base and the wonderful opportunities to be involved in all kinds of extracurricular activities. After graduating, I never accepted that my gender would be a barrier in pursuing leadership or other goals, even though the world sometimes had other ideas. With the privilege that a SMLS education provides comes responsibility: responsibility to use one’s talents and skills to help others who may not have the same opportunities...”

Suzanne also reflects on the importance of SMLS friendships.

“Even though we see one another infrequently now because of geographic distance, two of my closest friends are women from SMLS – I have known one since grade two and the other since grade nine. A significant group of us from the Class of ‘79 keep in regular contact. The bonds created by the SMLS community are truly life-long and grounding.”

Distinguished Service Award Stephanie Kennedy ’02 SMLS holds a special place for Stephanie and her family.

Stephanie graduated in 2002 following in the footsteps of her two older sisters who graduated from SMLS in 1995 and 1997. Today, her daughter Audrey, and nieces Chloe and Ellie are also Millies.

Stephanie’s volunteerism at SMLS spans more than twenty years dating back to her final year as a student when she was presented with the Extended Day Volunteer Award for her service to the after-care program. Since graduation, Stephanie has been the Class of 2002 Alumnae Association representative and played a vital volunteer role as a speed mentor, grad seminar speaker, junior mentor, and both a Millie Christmas and Celebration Saturday volunteer. For the past eleven years, Stephanie has been a dedicated member of the Alumnae Executive and between 2014 and 2020 she served as its President.

A consistent thought, when asked about Stephanie, is that she is positive, kind, and business-minded - a wonderful example of SMLS alumnae in the community.

“I was not always a Millie and attended a few different schools prior to landing here. And for that, I am very grateful as I truly understand what a special place this is, and how fortunate I was to have this opportunity. These experiences for our girls are not the norm and shouldn’t be taken for granted.”

It is for this reason that Stephanie has worked so tirelessly with the school, the parent community and the Alumnae Association to foster meaningful connections among community members.

For more information about our SMLS Community Awards and to submit a nomination, visit smls.on.ca/explore/community-awards.

Alumnae Inspire and Empower Our Current Students How alumnae mentors support the SMLS Higher Education Guidance Program.

By Rosa Moreno-Zutautas, University Guidance Counsellor Our engaged and enthusiastic Alumnae consistently volunteer to share their expertise, experience and advice with current Millies. Despite global challenges, this academic year has been no different within our Higher Education Guidance program. Alumnae speakers and panellists continued to provide invaluable insights, first-hand accounts and mentorship to current SMLS students within our Transitioning to Higher Education, Career Readiness and Unusual Pathway Series. As Rosemary Brown, Canada’s first Black female member of the provincial legislature stated, “We must open the doors and we must see to it they remain open, so that others can pass through.”

Transitions to Higher Education Series for Graduating Students

of course, learning entirely online and making friends over Zoom.”

Nishta Mehta ‘20, first year student at Western University, spoke to Grade 12 students about registering for courses Melanie Peck ’18 and Megan and navigating clubs at Western during Jenkinson ’16 led our Grads during a fun an “unusual year.” Students heard how and exciting Treasure Hunt to obtain their OUAC Pins within the first week of October Nishta turned the COVID challenge into an opportunity, stepping into the role of Vice 2020.

President of the charitable Hemoglobal Dr. Lauren TRIBE Briens ‘87 participated Chapter at Western University. in the Canadian Independent School In February, during Black History Higher Education Week in November 2020 Month, Nicole Sekhon’19 and Titi Ilori with a session titled Living on Campus ‘19 shared their reflections of the book and Course delivery in COVID-19: Health, “they said this would be fun” by Eternity Wellness and the Future.

Martis. Nicole and Titi had an open In February, Emily Dryden ‘20 and conversation with graduating students Alessandra Mangialardi ‘20 shared their about navigating higher education as experiences in Higher Education during a a student of colour, understanding the pandemic with a session titled Live from power of allies and learning the impact of Guelph: First Year under Quarantine. developing one’s voice. In March, Ariana Everything you need to know! Graduating Wong ‘20 continued the conversation, students learned first hand about “living discussing the challenges faced by women away from home, trying to manage the and women who are people of colour, workload of a first-year student and, within the field of Engineering. Ariana is

in the Automotive Engineering Program at McMaster University and is a member of the university’s Women in Engineering group.

Kaitlin Dryden ‘15 spoke with SS12 students on “Consent, Relationship Violence & Supporting Each Other” in April, providing graduating students with an honest and realistic perspective of potential risks associated with student life in the post-secondary environment. Kaitlin holds a BA Honours in Women’s and Genders Studies from St. Francis Xavier University and was co-president of the Women and Gender Society at St. Francis Xavier University for two years. Kaitlin is currently the Associate Producer at Talk Easy with Sam Fragoso and hosts her own podcast.

Career Readiness Series for Grade 10 Students Eight SMLS alumnae from a diverse range of professional backgrounds participated in the 4th annual Speed

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STAYING CONNECTED WHILE APART The SMLS alumnae community spans the globe from Paris to Pakistan, so when social restrictions put a stop to in-person events, a pivot to a virtual format provided more opportunities for our farther-afield-alumnae to get involved.

Recent grads from 2017 to 2020 enjoyed a virtual catchup with Ms. Richards, Mr. Read, Ms. Warner and Mr. Pollack.

Mentoring event in April. Although normally held in person, this year’s virtual format did not diminish the meaningful conversations that SMLS Grade 10 students had with the mentors.

Thank you to Lexa DJOLETO Davenport ’98, Ayesha Girgla ’04, Catherine GOULDING Jones ’99, Mallory McMahon ’11, Emma Moogk ’11, Michelle Moore ’07, Sasha Romano Lopez ’08 and Julianna Sienna ’05 for being such wonderful mentors.

Unusual Pathways Series for Grade 11, 10 and 9 Students Music Therapy: An experienced panel that included Melissa Tan ‘08, Neurologic Music Therapist and Registered Psychotherapist, discussed with students the options and opportunities within this field of Music Therapy as well as the academic pathway required to become accredited.

Our special thanks to the SMLS Alumnae and Parent Associations with help from the Advancement and Community Relations team for taking A Millie Christmas on-line this year. Craft and gingerbread house decorating sessions, a sing-a-long and story time were great fun and capped off by a very special visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Alumnae Executive Member Tina MAIO Twofoot ’03 helped distribute fresh wreaths to socially distanced drive-by customers at the Alumnae Executive Annual Wreath Sale.

On Wednesday, March 24th, the Alumnae Executive and Advancement and Community Relations Team launched the inaugural SMLS Alumnae Connect Event Series Lunch and Learn.

Moderator Emma Moogk ’11 led a conversation and Q&A with Kimberley SMITH Garston ’92, Portfolio Manager, Logan Wealth Management and Christina ALEXANDER Graydon ’03, Director, Corporate Derivatives, Citi, exploring their personal journeys in the field of Capital Markets.

CLASS NOTES my dying day have a sneaking suspicion that my super-strong alumnae networks had a hand in this, and am excessively grateful to you each and to the SMLS community for the support.”

Natalie Jenner ’87 Natalie Jenner’s first book, The Jane Austen Society made it to the final round of the Goodreads Choice Awards 2020 for best debut novel and best historical fiction!

We are delighted to report that Natalie’s book came in 2nd place for Best Historical Fiction, and 4th place for best debut!

The Jane Austen Society is a fictional telling of the founding of the society in the 1940s in the village of Chawton, where Austen lived. It is a #1 National bestseller heaving spent three straight months on the Canadian Bestseller List. It is receiving wide acclaim from both critics and readers including USA Today’s Best Selling Books List, People Magazine’s Best New Books of the Week and Amazon Best Book of May 2020.

Natalie resides in Oakville with her family, including her daughter Phoebe ‘18. Natalie gratefully acknowledged the support of the SMLS community. “I will to

the seasons. Best of luck Heidi and Sienna with your new venture! You can check out Ruby Crate at http://www.rubycrate.ca.

Heidi JACKSON Avery ‘93 Heidi JACKSON Avery ‘93 attended SMLS from Grade 5 - Grade 11 and then graduated in 1997 from Mount Allison University with a BComm in Marketing.

Over 15 years ago, she moved back to Oakville to raise her three children.

Recently Heidi and her teenage daughter Sienna launched a new business called Ruby Crate. The company was named after Heidi’s grandmother Ruby, who was kind, generous and a friend to all she met.

It is a subscription box that is designed with tweens and teenage girls in mind.

With many subscription boxes marketed towards women, none tailor specifically to tween and teen girls. Ruby Crate was born to cater to the younger generation’s needs and wants, providing an excellent opportunity to create a new box with fun treasures for girls that are theirs, and theirs alone. The crates are delivered right to your door, four times a year, in line with

Florencia ROSELL Wells ‘00 Congratulations to Florencia ROSELL Wells ‘00, who was recently promoted from Marketing Manager, Affiliate and Trade at Corus Entertainment to Director of Marketing, Drama and Kids Networks. Florencia has been with Corus Entertainment since April 2016 and has been instrumental in developing awardwinning business to consumer (B2C) and business to business (B2B) integrated campaigns for some of Canada’s biggest specialty entertainment channels. In her new role, she will be leading the brand marketing strategy for leading TV networks including W Network, Showcase, YTV, Treehouse, Disney Channel and many more. Florencia graduated from Western with a BA in Media, Information and Technoculture and has a postgraduate diploma from Sheridan College in Marketing Management.

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story, “The Incredible Adventures of Zazou LeRou: The Trouble With Bubbles” about a well-meaning Parisian hotel mouse named Zazou. Available online at Indigo and other online retailers, Alexandra hopes that Zazou will be the first of many more stories to come! Congratulations Alexandra!

Alexis Green ‘01 Alexis Green ‘01 joined Fever-Tree, a British mixer company, in 2020 as the National Brand Engagement Manager for Canada. In her role, she is responsible for marketing, as well as customer and consumer engagement. She also recently celebrated 10 years living in Montreal.

Congratulations Alexis!

Alexandra McCOOMB Hyland ‘01 Alexandra McCOOMB Hyland, Class of 2001, is a Human Resources Leader at Kraft Heinz Canada and living in Toronto with husband Matt and daughter, Madeline (4), who attends Bayview Glen School.

Alexandra recently accomplished a lifelong dream of publishing her first children’s

Kristen WILEY Adams ‘06 Congratulations to Kristen WILEY Adams ‘06 and her husband Kevin on the safe arrival of their son, Owen Parker Adams, born March 29 at 10:24 a.m., weighing 7lbs, 1 ounce. Everyone is doing well!

Colleen DECKER Mason ’03 Colleen DECKER Mason ‘03 joined Teck Resources Limited in September 2018 as a Project Engineer and recently started a new position as Senior Lead, Project Management. Colleen will lead the development of a Project Management Office for the Environment and Social Responsibility Department, catering to critical mining-related environmental projects.

Colleen attended SMLS from 1998-2003 and then completed her BSc.E. Mechanical Engineering degree from Queens in 2007 and her MSc.E. Biomedical Engineering degree from the University of Alberta.

She lived in Edmonton for 11 years working in Oil & Gas and Chemical Processing consulting engineering before making the move with her husband and two sons to Fernie, BC for a more relaxed mountain lifestyle.

Dr. Taylor Stocks ‘07 Taylor Stocks ‘07 is currently a PhD student at Memorial University of Newfoundland studying how students make change in education institutions.

They moved to Newfoundland to complete their MPhil degree and became deeply involved in queer community organizing and social justice work. They started their

ALUMNAE NEWS

own business in 2018 as an organizational development and gender equity consultant and have since done work with the City of St. John’s, Memorial University, and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. Taylor will also be releasing their first music album as Doctor Androbox, the drag king, with the band The Pronouns in May 2021.

Julia Crawley ‘10

Jessica GAGNER Binnington ‘09

Dr. Caroline Lewis, ND MSc, ‘08 Congratulations to Dr. Caroline Lewis ‘08 for recently starting a new position at ONE80 Health Integrative Medical Clinic in Toronto. Caroline is a licensed Naturopathic Doctor and Functional Medicine Practitioner, with a demonstrated history of working in the Hospital & Health Care industry. She received her Doctorate of Naturopathy from the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine and achieved a Master’s education in Neuroscience. She is also certified in Cosmetic Facial Acupuncture and has her Ontario Therapeutics Prescribing License.

Caroline’s passion is helping others optimize the Gut-Brain-Skin connection, with a clinical focus in Gastrointestinal Conditions, Cognitive and Mental Health, Skin and Hormonal concerns. To learn more, follow Caroline on Instagram @HealthWithCare.

Jessica GAGNER Binnington ‘09 recently illustrated her first children’s book, entitled Georgie Shark and COVID-19.

When the pandemic hit, a friend and Alberta physician, Dr. Stephanie Liu (aka “Dr. Mom”) decided to write a children’s book to explain the pandemic in a simpler, more approachable way for children. It details things like hand washing, wearing masks and the emotions surrounding staying distant from family and friends.

She reached out to Jessica through her Instagram @jessthepeoplesartist, where she chronicles her hobby as an artist.

She was really excited to be given the opportunity to create Georgie Shark (who is modelled after Dr. Liu’s son George) and tell his story through her imagination.

She recently became a mother herself and couldn’t imagine how confusing it must be for children, but loved Dr. Liu’s lessons of hope and perseverance woven throughout the story. The book is available through Dr. Liu’s website and blog bydrmom.com.

SMLS extends a sincere thank you to Julia Crawley ‘10 and the Canadian Red Cross for their important work supporting the vulnerable members of our community during the pandemic. Julia and the Canadian Red Cross team are hard at work assisting Canadians in our fight against COVID-19 through the Severe Acute Respiratory Infection Project, which offers assistance to existing healthcare systems to increase their capacity when caring for those infected with the virus, i.e. providing beds and triaging facilities for individuals ill with COVID. Julia has a post-graduate certificate from Humber College in the field of International Development and a BA from Dalhousie University. Julia’s passion is learning about social justice issues and alleviating poverty.

Thank you Julia and the Canadian Red Cross for your continued support during this unprecedented global pandemic!

Kendra Halman ‘12 Kendra Halman ‘12 has recently started a new remote role as a Sales Development Representative at Boast Capital, a financial

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services firm that automates the R&D tax credit application process for SRED using artificial intelligence. After graduating from The Smith School of Business at Queen’s University in 2016, Kendra went on to work at The FDM Group as an Account Executive, a global IT consulting group that employs the recruit, train, deploy model.

Kendra is excited to use her existing network to launch her own book of clients at Boast Capital! Congratulations Kendra!

Ciara Dushnisky ’14

Caiti Murray ’13

Isabella Caravaggio ‘13 Isabella Caravaggio ‘13 recently began a new role as a Community Engagement Coordinator on the Preventing Violent Extremism team at the United Nations Development Programme’s Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific. Isabella has been working for UNDP for two years now, after completing her Masters in Human Rights at the London School of Economics in 2018.

In her new role, Isabella will be coordinating conflict prevention and peacebuilding programmes across six countries in Asia, with a focus on strengthening the gender equality approaches of the programmes and promoting the experiences and participation of women and girls in efforts to build peace and prevent violent extremism. Congratulations Isabella!

Congratulations to Caiti Murray ’13 who was recently given the opportunity to work as Account Executive on the Budweiser Canada account and dosist Canada account at Anomaly Toronto. Caiti has worked at Anomaly since February 2020, working as an Account Executive on the Bombardier Recreational Products account. Anomaly is a change agent in the marketing and advertising industry and has offices all over the world serving clients such as Labatt Brewing Company, Hershey, Google, and many others.

Caiti was an SMLS “lifer” as she attended SMLS from 1999 to 2013.

She then went on to complete a BA in Communications from Wilfrid Laurier University in 2017 and then a postgraduate certificate in Integrated Marketing Communications from Conestoga College in 2018.

Caiti’s fondest memories of SMLS were playing on the senior soccer team and going to the nationals tournaments. She has been living in Toronto since finishing school and since working from home she has been fostering a dog named Ivory!

Ciara Dushnisky ’14 has recently joined Teneo, a global management consulting firm, in their Toronto office. After graduating from the University of British Columbia in 2018, Ciara went on to work at Hatch, an engineering consulting firm, where she developed skills in sustainable business practices, on-site community engagement and creating internal and external communications. She is excited to develop a portfolio of her own clients at Teneo! Congratulations Ciara!

Ghazal Jessani ‘14 Congratulations to Ghazal Jessani ‘14, who recently completed her Master’s at Harvard University in Human Development and Psychology, where she researched how psychology can be leveraged in educational and corporate settings. She is currently working as a Research Assistant at Harvard and is working on two independent projects.

ALUMNAE NEWS

Ghazal is investigating the nuanced relationship between informal learning, mental health and educational outcomes and is also conducting research in the realm of behavioral psychology. While she conducts her research, she continues to volunteer in the local community. Ghazal works alongside the YMind team to bring mental health programming to at-risk communities and is a member of the Aga Khan Education Board for Ontario where she supports Post-Secondary students.

Despite her busy schedule, Ghazal is an avid yoga practitioner, a hobby she came across during her S4 Block!

Michelle Olson ‘15 Congratulations to Michelle Olson ՚15, a recent graduate from the University of British Columbia with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in the Film Production Program.

Michelle has worked as a Key Production Assistant on the Nickelodeon TV Series, “Are You Afraid of the Dark?” filmed in BC. Michelle is currently working as an executive assistant at Play Management Inc., a Canadian and American based talent agency. She recently completed a short film titled “Watkins High” which won an audience choice award at the UBC Persistence of Vision Film Festival.

Katharine has an Honours Bachelor of Arts from the University of Toronto and has previous experience in the customer service industry. She is excited and is looking forward to rising to the opportunity. Congratulations Katharine!

Jade Buckley ‘17

Development and Philosophy, while minoring in communications. Tess is very excited about the next chapter in her life after she recently accepted an offer to attend the New College of the Humanities in England, where she has been invited to study a Masters in Philosophy and Artificial Intelligence alongside 15 other students.

During her time at SMLS, Tess was the Arts Prefect and very involved in music.

She has made sure to keep this passion alive by releasing an album last year called Percentile.

With regard to her upcoming masters in the ethics of AI, Tess is specifically interested in the social integration, creative application, and ethical governance of AI. All the best Tess on your next chapter!

Jade Buckley ‘17 recently shared that in May 2021 she will be joining Rogers Communications as part of their Sports & Media New Graduate Leadership Development Program, joining the Sportsnet Talent Strategy & Business Relations team.

Upon completing her degree at Smith School of Business at Queen’s University, Jade is excited for this opportunity to kick off her career with one of Canada’s technology leaders. Congratulations Jade!

Jessica Mangotich ‘18

Katharine Varaklis ‘15

Tess Buckley ‘17

Katharine Varaklis ‘15 has recently joined Desjardins Insurance as an Insurance Account Representative.

Tess Buckley ‘17 will be completing a BA at McGill University this year, where she is taking a joint majoring in International

Jessica Mangotich ‘18 was recently promoted to Chapter President at Alpha Phi International Fraternity after holding the positions of Vice President of Finance (2019-2020) and Director of Internal Events (2018-2019). Alpha Phi consists of a sisterhood of outstanding women supporting one another in lifelong achievement and consists of 172 chapters and 135 alumnae chapters in the United

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States and Canada. It was founded at Syracuse University in 1872 and is one of the first Greek Societies for women.

Jessica is a current student at Wilfrid Laurier University studying Sociology. As Chapter President at Alphi Phi, Jessica is responsible for the supervision and health of the chapter consisting of over 100 members. Congratulations Jessica!

SMLS REMEMBERS...

mind never deserted her. She will be fondly remembered by the many students who had the privilege of being taught by her, and by the staff who worked alongside her for so many years at St. Mildred’sLightbourn School.

Always the champion of the ‘underdog’, she was a special teacher who shared her passion for the English language and literature but, above all else, cared deeply about every student placed in her care, whether they were Millies or the many students she tutored privately over the years. Margaret has touched the lives of so many and will be sadly missed.

SMLS continues to honour Dr. Swayze’s legacy with the Dr. Swayze Award for Academic Improvement. This award is presented annually to an MS8 or SS9 student who demonstrates the greatest overall academic improvement. This award was first created in 2007 in memory of Dr. Swayze’s 35 year career at SMLS.

Cobourg, Heather Berry (Michael Lane) of Kernville, California. As a devoted mother and grandmother, she cherished her time with her family and embraced every moment together. Her greatest joy was in the summer, being with family and friends as the matriarch at the Berry Patch island cottage on Stoney Lake. Raised in Toronto, with family roots in Orono and Warkworth, she attended St Mildred’s College for girls where her love of learning, faith, and life-long friends were first nurtured.

Throughout her life, she gave generously of her time and talents to many causes as well as her community where she held leadership roles in local politics. Her vivacious personality and story-telling brought laughter to all, and she made friends wherever she went. If so desired, donations may be made to the Millie Fund at St. Mildred’s-Lightbourn School. https://www.smls.on.ca/support-smls.

Online condolences may be made at www.comstockkaye.com.

Marion Slate ‘57 SMLS is saddened to announce the passing of Marion Slate ‘57. She was predeceased by her parents, William and Winnifred Slate, brother, Kenneth, sister, Deanna, and nephew, Robert. Lovingly remembered by sister-in-law, Mary, nephew, John (Joanne), niece, Kelly (Greg) and their families. Marion was a dedicated Nurse at Humber Memorial Hospital for over 30 years and spent many happy years as a Girl Guide Leader. Fondly remembered by many cousins, friends and colleagues.

In Memoriam Dr. Margaret Swayze It is with deep sadness that we share with you the passing of Dr. Margaret Swayze on Tuesday, March 16, 2021.

Dr. Swayze was a much beloved faculty member at SMLS from the early 1970s to 2007.

Although she had been ill for an extended period of time, Margaret battled until the very end and her sharpness of

Jean AWAD Berry ‘54 SMLS was saddened to learn of the passing of Jean AWAD Berry ‘54 at Northumberland Hills Hospital, Cobourg on October 11, 2020, in her 87th year.

Beloved mother of Scott Berry (Tracy) of

Sheila RUTLEDGE Harrop ‘67 Peacefully, on Wednesday, September 30, 2020 at St. Joseph’s Health Centre, at the age of 71. Beloved wife of Wayne for 48 years. Devoted mother of Mark and his wife Sandi, and the late Jill ‘01. Adored grandmother of Abigail, Eleanor and Jack.

SMLS COMMUNITY STAYS CONNECTED This year, the SMLS Parent Association has been very creative in maintaining activities and connection among families, through virtual events. In the fall, the PA organized a Virtual Halloween Bingo for girls and families to enjoy wearing their Halloween costumes and playing bingo together. In December, a very successful Indigo Fundraiser was held to support the SMLS Library Collection. This spring, students and parents were delighted by the Abracadabra Springtime Magic Event with an exciting magician and students and faculty sharing their magical talents. Thank you to all of our PA Slate Members, Convenors and Grade Reps, for your efforts this year and for your dedicated commitment to our students and our school community!

The Parent Association and Alumnae Association worked collaboratively with our Advancement & Community Relations department to host this year’s Millie Christmas event, finding creative ways to virtually plan this much anticipated tradition.

Thank you to all of our volunteers who supported this event!

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DONOR SUPPORT BENEFITS EVERY

Millie

As we celebrate the education of ethical global citizens and changemakers in this issue of Jubilate, we wish to also celebrate our community of donors who drive change and innovation through their annual gifts to the MIllie Fund.

Gifts to the Milile Fund allow us to broaden and enrich the experience of each and every girl, allowing her to craft her own, uniquely individual SMLS experience. At multiple points in her journey, every Millie will benefit from the generous support of our donors.

This year, we have asked our community to support two key areas: the Head's Initiative Fund which addresses our most pressing needs, and student financial assistance which helps us to support our current families and attract exceptional new Millies. A significant portion of donated funds have already been deployed over the course of the year.

Through the generosity of our donors, we now have a document camera in every Junior School classroom

which allows teachers to display handouts and writing samples and incorporate interactive experiences in their lessons. In addition, JS1 has been equipped with a KIBO - a resource that facilitates learning that combines robotics, coding, engineering design, and computational thinking.

Maker carts have been purchased for the Middle School to provide hands-on, creative, design-thinking and learning opportunities, and new microscopes have been purchased for the Senior School. A new large document printer is being utilized by the art department and the Learning Strategies team is supporting students with new Kurzweil assistive technology.

Plans are underway for the refurbishment of the Student Lounge and the installation of sun shades in the Wonder Garden this summer.

All of these amazing enhancements to the SMLS experience would not be possible without the support of our generous Millie Fund donors.

THE Millie FUND SMLS Annual Giving Campaign To make a gift to the 2020-21 Millie Fund please visit smls.on.ca/support-smls

e r e h W ery v o c s i D rges Eme From the moment a girl enters St. Mildred's-Lightbourn School she begins a journey of discovery to emerge as an empowered and thriving woman.

From Preschool to Grade 12, we support each girl's interests, talents, learning needs and strengths. And, our Signature Programs help her discover a world of opportunity and the knowledge that makes her a Millie.

She’s a Millie!

RACHEL, GRADE 11

Visit smls.on.ca to learn more about our health and safety protocols for the 2021-2022 school year.

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