Spirit | Spring 2017

Spirit CONFIDENT GIRLS. INSPIRING WOMEN.

ST. MARGARET’S SCHOOL | SPRING 2017

From Seed to STEM

Design-thinking and food security drive greenhouse revival

Growth Mindset: High praise from Accreditation Team

Girls’ Conference showcases SMS as thought leader in STEM

Happenings

SMS smiles: Clockwise from top left | A student plays on a sea lion sculpture following beach cleanup for Service Day. | Honoured guests Fred Fox, brother to Terry, and his daughter visited SMS in April. | A student shows off her bacterial samples at Science Fair. | Drama students perform their stage play Who Are You? at the Metro Theatre. | A group of students brainstorming together at Service Day. | Boarding students are all smiles at a school gathering.

bee project

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MESSAGE FROM THE HEAD

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR

It’s no secret that I love sharing stories. Storytelling is a fundamental way to communicate, and I am elated that at St. Margaret’s we value each and every community member’s story. When I listen to an account of a personal journey or challenge, two words immediately come to Cathy Thornicroft my mind, no matter who is Head of School telling the tale: POSSIBILITY and ACHIEVEMENT. Everyone has a personal success story that guides them to embrace opportunities.

Last November, St. Margaret’s was privileged to undergo a CAIS accreditation evaluation.

This stringent audit brought in a team of experts over a four-day period to assess the school’s operations from top to bottom against 12 national standards that Jeremy Mannall-Fretwell independent schools strive Chair, Board of Governors to achieve. Only 90 schools across Canada have achieved the level of excellence that is required to be designated a CAIS Accredited School.

Accreditation is not something to be taken lightly—our school spent 18 months and thousands of hours to prepare for the accreditation visit.

Two recent experiences have affirmed my thoughts about this: the painstaking yet inspiring “deep dive” accreditation review of SMS by both the BC Ministry of Education and Canadian Accredited Independent Schools (CAIS), and the Girls’ STEM Leadership Conference hosted here on April 21.

You can read more about the accreditation process in the article on page 6. I’ll say here that we can all be proud that SMS is successfully communicating the story of our school values, our Strategic Plan, our academic excellence, our commitment to STEM, and our myriad accomplishments and opportunities. It’s exciting, and we have so many great stories yet to be told.

At girlsSTEMcon, renowned scientists, engineers, business leaders, communicators, and educators spoke to nearly 400 girls in Grades 5 to 10. SMS also invited girls from 16 other schools to share in this inaugural conference. Illustrious keynote speakers and session presenters told their stories of careers, hopes and challenges, groundbreaking work in their disciplines, and passion for STEM. Their enthusiasm inspired us all. Their perseverance and remarkable success in the face of many challenges showed the girls that hard work, a sense of purpose, great communication skills, and passion propels women to great heights.

So why would I describe such an onerous process as a privilege?

Well, like all things at St. Margaret’s, this challenge was approached as a learning opportunity: a chance to identify not only what we are doing well, but what we can do better. And the school embraced this challenge wholeheartedly with every aspect of its operations being deconstructed, examined, and analyzed. Rather than look at accreditation as a hurdle to be overcome, the school used it as an opportunity for self-reflection and a tool to bring the organization together. We considered the outcome, whatever that would end up being, as the marching orders to take the school to the next step in its evolution.

I am pleased to report that SMS was successful in its goal of maintaining its accredited status, not only through the elective CAIS process but also from our regular required BC Ministry audit. We know what we do well, and now we know what we need to do better. In short, we are ready to take that next step in our life as an organization of learning.

We have all accomplished so much, and the possibilities for the future are limitless.

The STEM philosophy permeates the school, and the focus on this philosophy provides many opportunities for students to develop critical thinking. More than just what happens in science and math, this philosophy of inquiry and design thinking bridges subjects and is seen throughout the humanities and fine arts, giving the school an interdisciplinary creative lens through which to address the global issues that face our world.

CAIS VISITING COMMITTEE REPORT, COMMENDATION FOR STANDARD 3: ACADEMIC PROGRAM

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Happenings

Special moments from winter and spring 2017 | This page, clockwise from top left: For the love of the game–the look on this basketball player’s face says it all. | Junior Kindergarteners delight in paper airplane built with Big Sisters. | Making the most of unusually wintery conditions. | Looking for wildflowers near the new campus beehive. | Facing page, clockwise from top: Heritage Fair at the Royal BC Museum. | Hula hooping for Jump Rope for Heart. | Dumpling contest for Chinese New Year. | Grandparents’ Day. | Students explore desert during exchange to Chile.

The learning environment at SMS feels supportive and safe. Students speak with confidence, and it is clear that they feel empowered to advocate for themselves. The campus has a positive feel, with students, faculty, and staff creating a safe environment of mutual respect.

CAIS VISITING COMMITTEE REPORT, COMMENDATION FOR STANDARD 2: CO-CURRICULUM AND THE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT

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Accreditation Where Credit Is Due Commended in Pursuit of Excellence Canadian Accredited Independent Schools ASSESSMENT STANDARDS STANDARD 1: Mission, Vision,

Values, and Strategy STANDARD 2: Co-Curriculum

and the Learning Environment STANDARD 3: Academic Program STANDARD 4: School Leadership STANDARD 5: Human Resources STANDARD 6: School and Community STANDARD 7: Enrolment Management STANDARD 8: Governance STANDARD 9: Finance STANDARD 10: Physical Plant,

Health, and Safety STANDARD 11: Commitment

to School Improvement STANDARD 12: Boarding 6 St. Margaret’s School

St. Margaret’s holds itself to the highest standards. Excelling in the wider world requires no less, and the students and parents who entrust the school with the task of preparing girls for that wider world deserve no less.

For St. Margaret’s this past year, striving for excellence included engaging in an extensive process of self-reflection by inviting feedback from experts from across Canada. That’s a rigorous external scrutiny that few schools ever choose to face.

BECOME THE BEST

BY EMULATING THE BEST The time had come for St. Margaret’s to undergo examination by the British Columbia government for compulsory provincial accreditation.

But the school decided that the one inspection was not enough!

The leadership team determined that it was also time to see how St. Margaret’s measures up to the standards of the Canadian Accredited Independent Schools (CAIS).

CAIS describes itself as a community of 90-plus independent schools.

The organization provides its members with the option to undergo a meticulous examination that will lead to the prestigious CAIS Accreditation—if the school meets the exacting standards.

So, in a move that lives up to the school’s encouragement of its students to attempt difficult tasks,

St. Margaret’s voluntarily subjected itself to comparison with the most comprehensive set of standards in the world of independent schools.

As Cathy Thornicroft, SMS Head of School puts it, “The CAIS process provided us with the opportunity to ensure that what we say we are doing is in fact what we are doing.” Opening the school to the expert eyes of exemplary educators “can provide another viewpoint that will allow us to continue our progression from good to great.”

PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT INSPECTION From January 24 to 26, 2017, the school was evaluated by the BC Ministry of Education. This regular inspection by the Independent Schools Branch ensures all schools meet the standards to operate safely

Canadian Accredited Independent Schools Report of the Visiting Committee COMMENDATIONS Research suggests that it is best practice to teach using a wide variety of styles.

SMS’s passionate faculty are dedicated to their art, and the school supports professional development to increase teacher capacity. SMS has developed a number of structures for faculty to collaborate, with the goal of giving students a more personalized learning experience.

CAIS VISITING COMMITTEE REPORT, COMMENDATION FOR STANDARD 3: ACADEMIC PROGRAM

Some highlights of the 19 commendations given by the accreditation team. The Visiting Committee commends: • The implementation of the STEM philosophy throughout the school, from JK to Grade 12. While this is easily seen (and expected) in classes like science, robotics, and math, it is harder to imagine what STEM philosophy looks like in social studies or art or music. What is so special about SMS is how the school has embraced the STEM philosophy and embedded it everywhere.… Inquiry, reflection, and communication are used equally in science and the humanities.

Whether the topic is chemical bonding or global issues, the tools that the girls at SMS use to critically examine a problem are embedded in the ethos of the school.

• The ECE program for being an exemplary program that embodies the mission and vision of the school. The SMS Early Childhood Education program is a gem. When you envision a woman who will go out and change the world, you imagine her getting her best start within this thoughtful and caring program.

• The way all students are encouraged to take risks in small and large ways, undergirded by a supportive environment that allows for everyone to take risks that are personalized. The school clearly expressed the importance of developing responsible risk-taking in students, and a culture of positive risk-taking is prevalent and evident in and outside of class. For example, it strategically placed courage as its first value in the school year alongside Outweek, which includes Strathcona. This starts the school year by encouraging all students to take risks, whether they are new or returning.

• The quality and breadth of experiential learning opportunities.

From OWL in early learning to Outweek for the whole school, from the Middle Years robotics program to the multidisciplinary paper and Program of Distinction in the Senior Years, the school intentionally supports the development of young women who will go out and change the world.

Spirit Magazine 7

in adherence to government legislation and regulations.

This audit also ensures alignment with the Ministry of Education’s redesigned curriculum and assessment practices.

Not only did St. Margaret’s pass this rigorous evaluation, but the External Evaluation Committee took time to commend St. Margaret’s for going above and beyond the requirements in several vital areas (see sidebar on facing page).

CAIS: A FOUNDATION OF EXCELLENCE

ranged over eight of the standards, focusing primarily on academic programs, student engagement, and the tight integration of day-to-day actions with the long-term goals of the Strategic Plan.

SECURING THE FUTURE The school is proud to maintain its CAIS accreditation and thrilled to accept the commendations. However, some of the most valuable feedback is hidden in the list of recommendations. As Cathy points out, “While accolades are nice, what was important about this process was that it challenged our thinking, confirmed our mission, and encouraged us to look at possibilities of what we can pursue going forward.”

The CAIS requirements encompass 12 comprehensive standards (see sidebar, page 6), under which are 128 “effective practices.” These standards cover every aspect of school existence and operations—from vision to academic programs to SMS promotes and builds physical plant to board governance.

The process included an extensive collaborative consultation to respond to 100 guiding questions that ultimately resulted in a 200-plus page internal report. This document outlined how the school saw itself as satisfying each standard and offered possibilities to be pursued for improvement.

The work on the internal report really paid off. Darlene DeMerchant, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, points out that, “We received special praise from the external team for the quality of our internal document and the process that each of us took to get at the quality of reflection achieved by each group.”

on the potential of all students. The school’s efforts to encourage risk-taking, leadership, and student voice have paid off and are clearly evident in the way the students conduct themselves and speak about themselves in this community.

CAIS VISITING COMMITTEE REPORT, COMMENDATION FOR STANDARD 2: CO-CURRICULUM AND THE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT

The subsequent steps that led to achieving accreditation included a four-day on-site inspection by a Visiting Committee comprising seven educators from across Canada, and a comprehensive 70-page report being prepared that outlined the committee’s assessment, commendations, and recommendations.

Accreditation requires that the school meet all 12 of the standards. Beyond that measure, where CAIS discovers areas of particular excellence, they issue special commendations. For St. Margaret’s, the Visiting Committee saw fit to award 19 such commendations (see sidebar on previous page for highlights). They 8 St. Margaret’s School

Three common themes arose from both the CAIS and Ministry audits as areas for further reflection and growth:

1. Role of the Board Continue the development of a strong Board that seeks out governors with myriad skills and experiences, community connections, and strong advocacy skills for the mission of the school. This recommendation acknowledges the powerful partnership between the Board and the school to harness the energy, talent, and passion of all stakeholders to achieve St. Margaret’s strategic goals.

2. Diversity

Strengthen and expand our definition of diversity to include “diversity of experiences, viewpoints, backgrounds, and life experiences, as well being open to differences among people, cultures, and perspectives.” Diversity also requires us to be inclusive and accepting of others, recognizing that our strength comes from knowing we are more alike than different.

3. Philanthropy Nurture a culture of philanthropy that welcomes community engagement, contribution, and support of the mission of the school. It is key to a second century of innovation. By realizing that what we do today ensures that St. Margaret’s will continue to serve girls and their

families in the future, we also show appreciation to previous generations whose efforts allowed this school to flourish for over 100 years.

These are vital factors for solidifying the impressive strides the school has made on the educational side of the operation and will support SMS’s goal of creating a School of One.

THE MOST RUTHLESS CRITICS OF ALL The value from having the expert assessment of external assessors goes far beyond the immediate benefit of attaining accreditation. The true worth is in the process the school went through to achieve that result.

Participants at every level made a point of saying that the reflection and collaboration were the best parts of the process.

The school’s own staff and students are the harshest critics. But they are also the people most deeply committed to the school’s vision, as is evident by their comments.

Jenn Nicholson, instructional leader of literacy learning, says, “I really enjoyed the opportunity to work with colleagues that I had not had the opportunity to work with before. I was in a diverse group [and] our decisions were so enriched by this diversity.”

Nicholson’s teaching colleague Nicole Formosa discovered new things about St. Margaret’s: “I found out an immense amount of information and was enlightened about things we are doing in the school that I never knew before.”

A unique viewpoint about this arduous yet rewarding journey comes from Grade 11 student Natasha Smyth: “I had the opportunity to tell the CAIS accreditation team about how student voice is heard and how having an inclusive environment is important to us. It was interesting and different to talk about our school to outside people as we have such a unique environment.”

Perhaps, as they worked so diligently to assess SMS, the external reviewers left with some of that special St. Margaret’s ethos woven into their own spirit. SMS

SMS should be recognized for the authenticity and depth for which they pursued this evaluation.

British Columbia Ministry of Education External Evaluation Report COMMENDATIONS

Teachers and administrators are commended for: • The professionalism and thoughtfulness which they have brought to the task of transitioning the school’s educational program to the new BC Education Plan.

• The atmosphere of collaboration that permeates the school’s actions in reflection, curriculum planning, and sharing ideas on best practice in teaching and learning.

• The intentional approach to all aspects of school development, and being true to the school’s Strategic Plan by engaging all stakeholders, including students, in the implementation process.

The school is commended for: • Adopting the pedagogy associated with the STEM philosophy of teaching and learning, particularly as it pertains to the education of young women.

• Developing the extent and variety of experiential learning opportunities in the Kindergarten through Grade 12 educational program.

• Piloting two courses (English 10 and Social Studies 10) from the new BC Graduation Program curriculum during the current year.

CAIS VISITING COMMITTEE REPORT, COMMENDATION FOR STANDARD 11: COMMITMENT TO SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT

Spirit Magazine 9

THIS IS

GIRLS STEM CON 2 0 1 7.0 4 . 2 1

It’s not every day that a girl goes to school and meets a rocket scientist, global business leaders, a beekeeper, Coast Guard and Navy captains, a mountain photographer, media artists, medical technology innovators, and a nature interpreter whose presentation assistant is a Western Painted Turtle.

SMS girls in Grades 5 to 10 met those women and more— scientists, doctors, engineers, and university professors— at our Girls’ STEM Leadership Conference (girlsSTEMcon) hosted here at the school. On April 21, 2017, students and staff, along with girls and teachers invited from 16 other BC schools, listened to keynote talks by prestigious leaders in STEM fields (science, technology, engineering, math), all under the theme of Heads + Hearts to Action.

The girls also attended breakout sessions, choosing from 30 topics. At midday three speakers, using the PechaKucha 20x20 format (20 slides each shown for 20 seconds), discussed their varied approaches to STEM. Throughout the day, everyone was encouraged to explore the exhibitors’ hall where STEM experts and organizations provided information about volunteer and career opportunities. At the end of the conference, groups gathered to reflect on what they had seen, heard, and experienced.

Natalie Panek, rocket scientist, addresses 400 students and mentors students during her keynote.

Students play an ice-breaking game to get to know peers from different schools.

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS Natalie Panek, Donna Garbutt, and Rosemary Chapdelaine, the three keynote speakers, addressed the packed gymnasium at the beginning, midpoint, and end of the day respectively. Dynamic and engaging, each woman spoke of her STEM passions, career achievements and challenges, and educational paths. They offered advice and encouragement to girls exploring the endless possibilities for careers involving STEM. Natalie Panek is a rocket scientist, adventurer, and advocate for women in technology who is working toward becoming an astronaut. Hundreds of enthralled girls listened as she related her aeronautical and engineering experiences. They paid close attention as she emphasized the importance of perseverance, relating her own story of having received four rejection letters before securing a coveted NASA internship. Panek advised the girls to work toward peak moments—“a time working on a project where you feel full of life”—and then move those moments forward. She spoke of her own role models, of the value of failure, and of how space missions are always the result of a huge team effort with many disciplines coming together. She encouraged girls to get outside of their comfort zone, to learn about women currently working in STEM careers, and to persevere.

Panek’s presentation had a strong impact on the girls. All through the rest of the day, you could hear 12 St. Margaret’s School

Rosemary Chapdelaine, engineer, businesswoman, and SMS Board Governor, engages the audience during her keynote.

the students in excited conversations about her presentation.

Donna Garbutt is the Chief Executive Officer of Maxxam, a Canadian market leader in analytical services and solutions to the energy, environmental, food, and DNA industries. Garbutt spoke of the many places she had worked during her time in the energy sector. The job has afforded her and her family many travel and cultural opportunities. Emphasizing hard work and perseverance, she told the girls that “everyone must realize that the world changes around you,” adding that she is continually developing her skill set. “You can always shift to a different path.”

Garbutt’s desire to move into chemistry was motivated by her interest in environmental issues.

She explained how her lab conducts tests on DNA, which fascinated the future forensic pathologists in the crowd. Discussing media coverage of a food composition controversy, she cautioned the girls to obtain the knowledge to discern facts when presented with opinion. “I want to have the scientific background to know, when I read or see something, if it’s correct.”

Rosemary Chapdelaine is the Vice President and General Manager of Lockheed Martin Canada, Rotary and Mission Systems. Delivering the final keynote talk of the day, Chapdelaine described herself as a problem solver, saying “STEM is a philosophy grounded first and foremost in solving problems. It’s multi-faceted and multidisciplinary.” She described

some benefits of STEM: “It’s exciting.

It stems from creativity, and gives you a great foundation. It opens up job opportunities.” She said that STEM jobs provide opportunities to build communities and transform nations.

“Be all in. Apply critical thinking, and chase your passion.”

Chapdelaine oversees thousands of employees and manages a huge sector of a global corporation. She maintains excellent communications with staff and values their relationship. She also places a high priority on spending time with family and friends: “They give you a sanity check.”

All three keynote speakers demonstrated strength, graciousness, clarity, self-awareness, intellectual curiosity, generosity of spirit, and a passion for asking questions and solving problems. Their achievements show the value of those characteristics and approaches.

OPPORTUNITIES THROUGH BREAKOUT SESSIONS The presenters at the 30 breakout sessions and discussion panels expanded on the themes of the keynote speakers, touching on methods for dealing with adversity, positive psychology, 3D design and printing, coding, using mathematical solutions, photography and media arts, controlling programmable LEDs with arduinos, virtual reality, physical literacy, and achieving a career in medicine. At lunchtime outside, girls shared their accounts of adventure in the escape room, centredness achieved in yoga, and making soap for homeless shelters.

Two powerhouse discussion panels showcased successful local entrepreneurs, and innovative scientists and engineers, respectively. Although the themes of each panel might have diverged, both panels discussed overcoming adversity and confessions of “how much I love being the boss.” continues on page 16

Donna Garbutt, businesswoman and science advocate, delivering her keynote.

UNPRECEDENTED OPPORTUNITY Reflection from Carmen Campbell-Hewitt, Vice Chair & STEM Committee Rep, Board of Governors

Seeing SMS girls meet high-wattage STEM women at girlsSTEMcon affirmed the importance of our commitment to providing unprecedented opportunities for girls to interact with role models, possible mentors, and perhaps even future collaborators.

I saw firsthand how engaged all attendees were, and how excited visiting students were to discover our SMS campus. Every session was met with anticipation and eager participation. I was pleased that a number of the presenters commented on this to me afterward; it wasn’t just me being a proud Governor!

Excitement like that is cyclical, shown by the presenters themselves being just as enthused and energized by the girls’ participation. I hope it all leads to even more engagement in mentoring girls in STEM. These partnerships are crucial as SMS continues with its focus on STEM and the possibilities we offer girls who want to make a difference.

I see STEM, both the “what” and the “how,” supported by healthy arts and humanities programs, as the future for SMS. Both by teaching in the best practices for how girls learn, and equipping them with the knowledge and skills to courageously pursue their interests and passions, we are fulfilling our mandate to create confident girls who become inspiring women. I find that gives me a great deal of hope for the future.

THIS IS #GIRLSSTEMCON

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CHECK OUT OUR HASHTAG #GIRLSSTEMCON ON SOCIAL MEDIA TO SEE EVEN MORE PHOTOS AND THE BUZZ FROM ATTENDEES!

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Star gazing with the Royal Astronomical Society on the eve of the main event.

Christina Robev; Brianna Wettlaufer in panel discussion on Opportunities and Challenges as a Female Leader.

Microcomputer in a breakout session on 3D prototype design.

Getting hands-on in a breakout session on 3D prototype design.

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Visualizing in LEGO at Tanis Masson’s breakout session, Got Problems? The Answer Is Utilizing Solutions!

Checking out a 3D printer in the exhibitor hall.

Team works together on a Canada Coast Guard emergency simulator.

Compassionate Leadership for Social Justice with Laurel Collins.

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Developing cyanotypes in Tara Nicholson’s photography workshop.

10. The two students who designed the conference logo, Sera Mizel (L) and Stephanie Lanni (R).

11. Exploring new mathematical solutions with Let’s Talk Science.

12. Taking advantage of the fine weather for lunchtime BBQ.

13. Exploring augmented & virtual reality in archaeology with Dr. Katherine Cook.

14. FY students learning the principles of code during STEM activities, which ran in tandem with the conference.

15. L to R: Board member Deana Chan, keynote Natalie Panek, and Head of School Cathy Thornicroft.

16. Tools lined up for Gr. 11/12 Maker Day, which ran in tandem to conference.

# G I R L S S T E M C O N Q U O TA B L E

“Yesterday’s stereotype of a ‘lab coat’ is not reflective of today’s STEM teams.” ~on challenging generational preconceptions

Dr. Katherine Cook Archaeologist and Historian Dr. Katherine Cook teaches anthropology at the University of Victoria. She is an archaeologist and historian; in addition to her research and teaching, she examines “digital applications and the ways we can use developing technologies to explore the past in new ways.” In her breakout session, Augmented and Virtual Reality in Archaeology: Technology, Creativity, and Time Travel?, Dr. Cook engaged the fascinated students and took them on a virtual-reality visit to an Egyptian funerary structure! She also delivered a PechaKucha presentation with insights into her innovative approach to teaching.

Networking is: Critical to my career. As an early career researcher, every opportunity to network results in unexpected and beneficial connections, collaborations, and opportunities.

Nancy Fowler Electronics Technologist Nancy Fowler plays a crucial role in the BC Women in Technology initiative, which introduces young women to the possibilities of careers in technology. At girlsSTEMcon Ms. Fowler shared her career path and experiences at a panel titled Following Your Passion. The panel included leaders in technology from various fields, including engineering and chemistry.

Mentoring is: Key. Both for personal and career support, and especially for a young lady pursuing a non-traditional career.

Dr. Katherine Elvira Chemistry Professor Dr. Katherine Elvira is an assistant professor of chemistry at the University of Victoria.

She describes her work as being “at the interface of chemistry, biology, and engineering,” and her current research includes “developing microfluidic (labon-a-chip) technologies for use in drug discovery and healthcare applications.”

At girlsSTEMcon, Dr. Elvira discussed the importance of following one’s passion when pursuing a career.

On facing challenge: Difficult times do not last forever. Even though I would much rather not have gone through the very difficult times I have experienced in my career, I used those times to learn to become a much stronger person.

# G I R L S S T E M C O N Q U O TA B L E

“PERSEVERANCE: four failure letters + one phone call = internship @ NASA. Never give up on your goal.” ~about keynote Natalie Panek on Twitter

Alanna Morbin Apiarist Alanna Morbin is a Vancouver Island beekeeper and educator, and she has worked at SMS to set up the school beehive. Considerations of the environment, food production, sustainability, and the future security of bees and ecosystems all inform Ms. Morbin’s STEM career. She presented a well-received session titled Understanding Honey Bees.

On integrity: When I struggle with reliability and truthfulness, I know my life is not as balanced as it could be and I look at what I need to change.

# G I R L S S T E M C O N Q U O TA B L E

“More than just an acronym, STEM is a way of solving problems using every tool available to you, whether cardboard, code, or chemistry.” ~on broadening our definition of STEM

Robyn Quinn Public Relations Professional Robyn Quinn is the Principal at Big Bang Communications. Her award-winning work includes helping scientists tell their stories and reach their audiences.

Ms. Quinn’s breakout presentation was Telling STEM Stories: How Communication Skills Are a Big Part of STEM Success. Her achievements inspire communicators who want to create meaningful dialogue between scientists and those who seek to understand scientific inquiry and discoveries.

On integrity: Speaking truth to power can be very challenging. Sometimes when you communicate that way, you end up on the outside, and that can be a risk when you stick to your values.

# G I R L S S T E M C O N Q U O TA B L E

“Feeling very inspired and motivated. Thank you @st_margarets.” ~feedback from an attendee on Twitter STRONG WOMEN IN STEM: View extended profiles of girlsSTEMcon presenters and organizers, online at www.stmarg.ca Spirit Magazine 15

WHY PHYSICAL LITERACY AT A STEM CONFERENCE? To any girl chasing her ambitious dreams: it’s vital for you to know that you will only get so far on your journey if you don’t take care of your physical well-being.

At girlsSTEMcon, students heard how strong women in STEM prioritize health and mindfulness. Throughout the day, STEM leaders emphasized the importance of physical activity in their lives. Whether it’s mountain climbing, running, biking, or hiking while travelling, all of the presenters choose to incorporate physical literacy into their lives. One of the STEM leaders related that she schedules a 1.5-hour workout into the middle of her workday—every workday.

SMS’s own definition of STEM explicitly states that having students grounded in wellness is imperative. SMS incorporates physical literacy and mindfulness into the curriculum at all levels. Girls learn about, practise, and sustain healthy bodies, physical activity, healthy habits, mindfulness, and mental health. The girls also learn that self-care includes saying no—no to unhealthy habits, no to hyper-busyness, and no to doing something that they know isn’t best for them. Putting others first at the expense of personal health, a habit that traditionally was considered normal for girls and women, helps nobody.

Girls model what they see, and seeing so many strong women—whether at girlsSTEMcon, at SMS, or in their homes—benefits them now and into the future. To make that point clear, during the conference the girls had the option of going to two yoga sessions and a breakout presentation led by trainers from the Pacific Institute for Sport Excellence.

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Parents are important health role models to their children.

This year, workplace wellness programming for staff was expanded to engage SMS parents (pictured above).

continued from page 13 One student showed initiative in approaching presenter Vesna Janic with some questions. Janic is the Director of Quality Assurance and Regulatory Affairs at StarFish Medical and also was a session sponsor. As a result of that connection, this student later toured the business and is now set to volunteer there this summer.

MEASURING SUCCESS Lauren Hudson, SMS STEM program support teacher and the conference lead, reflected with students at day’s end. “I was so pleased to hear that they really captured the messages that the presenters shared: passion, perseverance, learning from failure, character, growth mindset. I feel that students were inspired and awakened to the many possibilities available to them.”

GirlsSTEMcon 2.0 is already being planned for 2019. With women making advancements every day in STEM fields, narrowing the number of future keynote speakers and presenters may prove extremely challenging! SMS

Many members of the SMS community helped to ensure that girlsSTEMcon was a success. They spoke at presentations, ran workshops, and volunteered in every area and for long hours. They include conference committee members Lauren Hudson, Darlene DeMerchant, Carly Macris, Donna Holmwood, and Jennifer van Hardenberg; SMS parents Captain Cheryl Major, Dr. Jillian Roberts, and Mark Taylor; SMS teachers Jane Leavitt, Lisa Zeibart, and Michael Jones; senior SMS drama students; numerous SMS staff and student “STEMbassadors”; the kitchen and IT staff; and many, many more. This conference owes its success to their painstaking organization and commitment.

Above: Student volunteers (in purple shirts) were essential to the event’s success, silk screening 500 fair trade bags (pictured here), sitting on a focus group in planning stages, and hosting on the day.

At left: "Purple Shirt People" included student volunteers, the organizing committee, and event staff.

Spirit Magazine 17

“

Ideas, however outrageous, have changed the world, and they will again.”

– Rutger Bergman

GROWTH MINDSET Grade 1 girls taste microgreens they grew in the greenhouse, with outgoing Head Girl, Sarah Ellman.

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WHY DESIGN MATTERS

Jennifer van Hardenberg Communications Coordinator

found. Whether that solution be a coat for the homeless I am a designer and design lover. Design, to that uses newspaper as insulation, or musical instruments me, is like the poetry of the physical world: made from landfill salvage, or a chair fashioned from whereas poetry uses only the best and fewest economical cardboard that allows a physically disabled possible words to express an idea or emotion, child to participate in school in even the most impoverished community—all examples used in their talk—design design relies on only the most effective and thinking uses creativity to coax new efficient functions, materials, solutions out of existing challenges and and presentation to respond constraints. to a human need.

“A willingness to try things Why Design Matters focused on out and take creative risks, unpacking current education There is a thrill in using a well-designed buzzwords—the Maker Movement, product or digital application. But a recognition that mistakes innovation, inquiry-based learning— beyond aesthetics or enjoyment, are part of the process, with two leading researchers and design has the potential to be a the ability to use things educators. Dr. Crichton is the Associate powerful tool for social justice, which Dean and Director of the Innovative was a central theme at our recent differently (divergent Learning Centre from the Faculty of workshops co-presented by Dr. Susan thinking), a deep curiosity Education at the University of British Crichton and Dr. Elizabeth Childs, about how things work.”

Columbia, and Dr. Childs is an Associate planned as a complement to our Girls’ STEM Leadership Conference. The two led a parent workshop, Why Design Matters, on the eve of the conference, and a Maker Day for Grades 11 and 12 students the following day.

From Getting Started with Design Thinking,

by John Spencer and A.J. Juliana

As stated by the presenters, “design thinking is a humancentred approach to problem-solving that begins first with developing empathy for those facing a particular challenge.” Design thinking serves as a framework that helps define a problem, empathize with others, develop prototypes of possible solutions, and hone those prototypes through multiple iterations until a satisfactory solution is

Professor in the School of Education and Technology at Royal Roads University.

Both have consulted extensively on design thinking in schools, including having been involved in writing parts of the newly redesigned BC curriculum.

Rather than being a new fad, though, design thinking is a concept that has been around for decades, making a resurgence now in response to socio-economic realities that call for renewed inventiveness to use our finite resources more efficiently and creatively.

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DESIGN THINKING EXAMPLES 1. MY Robotics students prepare for LEGO League Tournament–the second hosted by SMS since becoming the provincial partner for BC.

3. Drama students present at girlsSTEMcon. Their presentation explored an inquiry-based theatre method called Collective Creation, which they employed to create a play entitled Who Are You?

5. Kinetic sculpture by 3D art student. Designing may start digitally or on paper, says art teacher Louise Huneck, but real-world building, testing physics, and tinkering through issues are essential to successful design.

2. Grades 11/12 students participated in a Maker Day led by Dr. Susan Crichton and Dr. Elizabeth Childs during girlsSTEMcon. Students created prototypes using design thinking to generate empathetic, human-centred ideas.

4. Prototypes and inventions were strong contenders at Regional Science Fair this year, including a video game for the blind by Anjali Campbell, and ideas for a cheaper, smarter epi pen from Katie Timms & Zoe Dallas (pictured).

6. FY students discuss their design ideas for signage to educate the community about the school’s new beehive—the latest phase in a year-long inquiry about bees in Explorations.

So why does design and design thinking matter to girls?

ADOPTING A POWERFUL MINDSET As the name suggests, design thinking is in fact a mindset rather than an approach or specific skill. As Head of School Cathy Thornicroft puts it, it is learning by doing and learning by caring. At its core, design thinking uses empathy to consider a problem or question and come up with creative solutions that can be prototyped, tested, and refined into finished products. An important element of design thinking is 20 St. Margaret’s School

its connection to another buzzword: a growth mindset.

Designers—artists, engineers, social innovators, and beyond—are challenged to overcome failure, sometimes many rounds of failures, with a resolve grounded in belief in self, ability, and possibility of improvement.

In this way, design is inherently optimistic. And optimism, after all, is a gift both to the individual and the world. “Girls need to be equipped to look out at the world even in troubled and troubling times, and see possibility,” says Dr. Crichton.

ADVANCING EMPATHY AND SOCIAL CONSCIENCE There is a beautiful connection between design and the school’s motto, Service with Love.

“We live in a designed world; a manufactured, made world,” said Dr. Crichton in her talk. “Even though we also live in a natural world, we have to acknowledge we have a huge impact on nature.”

Our planet and society is facing significant challenges: food scarcity, climate change, international and domestic conflicts, to name a few. Not to mention those issues specific to girls and women: lack of access to education for girls around the world, withholding of personhood and passports for women, and threats to choice in personal healthcare close to home.

Girls and women are in a unique position and have a unique viewpoint that must be brought to the table in circles of leadership. Empowering girls to envision, build, and communicate new inventions— in other words becoming powerful problem-finders and problem-solvers—will ensure female-centred resolutions are advanced to the benefit of all.

As Dr. Crichton pointed out, “Designing well is the essential act of social conscience and of social awareness.”

FUTURE-PROOFING OUR GIRLS After all, we are not educating girls for today. And although the statistics for girls entering STEM programs in post-secondary institutions have improved drastically, the trickle up into careers and leadership is still a work in process to achieve gender parity.

Unlike skills or technologies that can be overly specific and quickly become obsolete, design thinking is an attitude that lends itself to perpetual iteration and relevance. Since with technological change comes a need for a more highly skilled workforce, instead of teaching girls skills for jobs we don’t know exist yet, design thinking teaches “the ability to inquire and create constructively, independently, without external controls”—Noam Chomsky’s definition of an educated person.

This is the essence of inquiry-based learning—a term we use synonymously with STEM. It is the backbone of innovation and the heart of self-actualization, which is essential to every successful human. SMS

Food Security, By Design What do AP Human Geography, service learning, and the Outreach Committee have in common? Homegrown food.

Inspired by the five pillars of healthy communities (education, health, water and sanitation, opportunity, and food security), this year’s leadership class partnered with the Outreach Committee to deliver another successful Service Day. Taking on the issue of food security, Sarah Ellman and Eve Taylor had a question: How can we grow our own food on campus?

For students, food security can feel pretty intangible. “Growing our own food on campus is a great way to raise awareness,” explains Sarah. “It is so important to have people growing their own food, or supporting local companies,” points out Eve. During Service Day, Sarah and Eve led their peers in building planter boxes, planting microgreens, and talking about where their food comes from. And the SMS community is already eating the rewards: weekly harvests of spinach, kale, and mixed greens have been showing up in the Alexis Hall salad bar.

This is a classic case of design thinking in action, say instructional leaders Lisa Ziebart and Donna Holmwood. “These students sought out resources, designed a hands-on experience, created a prototype, shared skills with others… how can you beat that?” asks Lisa.

“The best part is that it’s all student led,” chimes in Donna.

They may have lofty goals (like rooftop gardens and rainwater irrigation), but the girls have down-to-earth plans to turn their project into a legacy: get the community involved.

“After years of the greenhouse being underused, we have tons of interest,” says Eve. “Plus, there are so many connections with STEM.” “I want to see it become part of our school culture,” says Sarah, “like, ‘Yep, we grow our own food here. No big deal.’”

Eve Taylor in the greenhouse with Grade 1s.

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Class of 2017, Residence Lifers | L to R, Back Row: Eva Zheng, Sunny Li, Kinlis Ye, Peggy Sun, Yvette Lam, Finale Yao. Middle Row: Stella Li, Kana Yamamoto, Leechee Zhang, Linda Wang, Miranda Gao. Front Row: Fiona Yang, Louisa Tong, Jenna Luo.

Life-hers / Lifers Living where you learn is a unique experience, and these girls are experts. For boarding students, the learning journey begins in Grade 7 or 8. As girls who have spent their most formative years immersed in SMS life and far from their family, these Residence Lifers have a unique perspective to share. Like other residence peers, they have reaped the benefits of boarding by improving their English abilities, immersing themselves in Canadian culture, earning independence, and learning important lessons in self-sufficiency and roommate negotiations. Beyond these shared experiences, however, these girls have had an incomparable opportunity to impact their school in their combined years living here on campus, and have risen to the challenge to get involved in their adoptive community. They leave behind a legacy from their contributions on Student Council, the Steering Committee, Outreach, the GSA, and their Little Sisters at SMS who will remember them forever. Boarding enriches our school, not only by providing a unique learning opportunity to girls who thrive on independence and challenge, but by providing a more global perspective for one and all, and friendships that span the globe.

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NEWS & LETTERS ALUMNAE AND COMMUNITY UPDATES

Class of 1967 at annual alumnae luncheon | L to R: Gillian Lockyer, Geraldine Kokkelink (French), Cindy Murray, Beth Cole Olson, Sarjeet Purewal (Dhillon), Permelia Parham, Dawn Dennis, Janice Rayson, Sharon Jones

ALUMNAE CELEBRATE 50TH REUNION Submitted by Dierdre (Dawn) Dennis-McCullough, Class of 1967 These classmates are the women who formed a living part of each of our identities. In these formative years we bonded together, to not only honour what had come before us at St. Margaret’s, but with boundless energy this class carved new ideas and made them come to life.

We were the generation of the Sixties with the assassination of Kennedy, landing on the moon, new flag for Canada, miniskirts, The Beatles and The Stones. We were the generation of change, which we all embraced. This bold and creative group of women quickly vetoed wearing red lace bloomers under our hockey tunics, and made an irreverent addition to the spirit chant: “We Are St. Margaret’s Girls.”

To be able to come together again at the Old Girls’ Alumnae Luncheons allows each of us to once again re-energize in the accomplishments and memories shared. We hold the St. Margaret’s sisterhood in our hearts forever. Our coming together reignites this energy, and together we are still a force to be reckoned with.

We find these luncheons strengthen alumnae bonds, help us to learn about new education tools and opportunities at SMS, and allow us to connect with current students. ~ Beth Cole Olson, Class of 1967

We are truly the class of “Born Free” ...our graduation song.

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NEWS & LETTERS:

ALUMNAE AND COMMUNITY UPDATES

WORLD SCHOLARS HEAD TO ATHENS: Tesnim Mitiraoui, Delphine Bouchard, and Ines Khouider (pictured above, L to R) competed in the regional World Scholars Cup and earned sufficient points (not to mention armloads of trophies and medals) to advance to the Global Round in Athens in July. Tens of thousands of students around the world participate every year in the Cup, which emphasizes a broad base of knowledge and global perspectives, where students complete skill-testing writing assignments and rounds of debate, and must succeed as a team. Good luck scholars!

WELCOME BACK: Retired teachers and staff assembled on campus for the SMART SET luncheon. The event is quickly becoming an annual favourite, and offers a chance to keep former staff connected to the school, to current students, and with each other. As is now tradition, culinary arts students prepared the luncheon. Pictured above, L to R, Back to Front: Terry Willow, Carol MacKinnon, David Barlow, Cathy Thornicroft, Sue Blazey, Karen Won Brooks, Diane Chartrand, Michelle Iulianella, Carmel Linka, and Debbie Dykes. < NEW BOOK HONOURS SMS ALUMNA & REBELS WITH A CAUSE: Why Dissent Matters (William Kaplan, 2017) recognizes famous SMS alumna Dr. Frances Kelsey for her staunch resistance that saved the United States from the disastrous effects of thalidomide. This is why SMS has focused on developing strong female voices since 1908. Find the full article in the Globe & Mail or online.

< EMERGING LOCAL AUTHOR IN OUR MIDST: Nancy Pekter has been recognized by the Greater Victoria Public Library (GVPL) for her novel The Path to Kitty Islet. The GVPL launches a new Emerging Local Authors Collection each year to showcase local writing talent. Nancy is an English teacher and instructional leader at SMS.

News, Alumnae Notes & Letters to the Editor: stories@stmarg.ca SMS Spirit, c/o 1080 Lucas Avenue, Victoria, BC, V8X 3P7 Check out current news on the blog: www.stmarg.ca/news Join the conversation: /saintmargarets | @st_margarets | 24 St. Margaretâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s School

@stmargarestsschool

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU

It Takes a Village Community-building, volunteerism...and golf !

Megan McCrady Alumnae & Community Relations Manager

One of the many strengths that SMS offers is our engaged community. Our supportive network of students, parents, alumnae, and partners creates a sense of connectedness and belonging. To celebrate and grow this enthusiasm, last year a group of committed parents formed an organizing committee and began planning the SMS Community Golf Tournament.

The initial meetings were held in early 2016, and after a year and a half of coordination, marketing, and networking, the event went off without a hitch on April 8, 2017. The tournament began with a day of golf at the award-winning Bear Mountain Golf Resort & Spa and was followed by dinner, prizes, and a silent auction. Skill level ranged from rookie to advanced, but everyone came away feeling like a winner after a day spent with friends and colleagues in celebration of community. The event raised more than $16,000 in support of the SMS mission.

Heading up the organizing committee was Danya Scott, mother of Sophie Chu (Grade 5). Scott decided to chair the committee as a way to give back to SMS. “I am extremely appreciative of what St. Margaret’s has done for my daughter over the last seven years. I believe in the vision for the school and for my daughter as she continues her SMS journey,” says Scott.

Scott feels the SMS community was strengthened not only through the event itself, but through the process of planning it with her fellow volunteers. “I learned so much from each and every

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Above (L to R): Some of the organizing committee: Danya Scott, Lisa Langford, Diane Gaskin, and Megan McCrady. | Bottom Right: The silent auction was a huge success. | Also on this page: Golfing teams paired parents, sponsors, alumnae, board members, and staff.

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St. Margaret’s School Community

GOLF TOURNAMENT APRIL 8, 2017

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On Saturday, April 8, SMS hosted its “first in ages” Community Golf Tournament.

The event was a tremendous success and we couldn’t have done it without the generosity of our community and the hours of service by the organizing committee: Danya Scott (chair), Shauna Flath, Diane Gaskin, Lisa Langford, Megan McCrady, Jennifer Mulleray, Stephanie Neilson, and Lucy Reus-Lanni. Through the contributions of silent auction donors, attendees, and sponsors, the event raised over $16,000. The funds will be allocated to the campus renewal initiative. Look forward to seeing you at next year’s community event! (Date and theme TBD; stay tuned!)

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THANK YOU TO OUR DONORS

person who helped to organize the golf tournament. I could not have done it alone, and each volunteer brought insight, expertise, and resources that made it all possible,” she says. Scott also found herself growing personally from the opportunity. “I found this experience challenging and I was often pushed beyond what I was comfortable with, but that was really good for me. I learned that it is okay to ask questions and for help when needed. I gained so much more from this experience than I ever could have imagined, and I feel like it strengthened my own connection with the school community.”

The community-building aspect of the event is evident in one story Scott shares: “The other day I was walking to the parking lot and I heard a parent call to another parent, ‘Hey! We missed connecting with you at the golf tournament!’ I couldn’t help but smile because that is what it was all about. It was about engaging the whole school community and bringing people together. St. Margaret’s is a community that welcomes parent involvement, and this creates a sense of belonging and connectedness not just for the girls but for the whole family.”

As the SMS community continues to grow and flourish, volunteerism becomes further embedded in school culture.

Community members give their time to support the advancement of the SMS mission and set an example for their daughters. Scott says, “I hope that [events like the tournament] inspire parents and instill in them the importance of giving back to the community, which ultimately enhances the learning experience for everyone.”

To acknowledge volunteer contributions, St. Margaret’s held a celebration event on May 25. The entire SMS community was invited to attend and thank one another for their gift of time.

SMS thanks the golf tournament organizing committee and all our dedicated volunteers for their generous contribution of time and talents. The benefits of your gift will not only serve us now, but will strengthen our commitment to campus renewal to serve our girls—both present and future. SMS

Danya Scott and her daughter Sophie, Class of 2024.

(July 1, 2016 to May 2017) José Abelardo Lopez Karen Allan Rich Allan Pamela Allan Sherry Arlt Kent Banks Lisa Banks James Barrass Jennifer Barrass Gail Bateman David Bedford Elaine Bell Michael Bell Julie Bernhardt Sharon Bleuler Clive Brown Helen Brown Lynda Brown-Ganzert Suhey Chacón Meneses Deanna Chan Kathy Charleson Lei Che Joyce Clearihue Alva Cobbett Lucas Corwin Vivien Corwin Shirley Craven Debra Cutting Gordon Cutting Darlene DeMerchant Julie Dobranski Bing Dou Rongmei Dou Robert Ducharme Marie Dunn Donna Dupas Margaret Dykes Page Mary Lue Emmerson Wai Fan Wong Barbara Felsing Nicole Folkes Christine Godfrey Yuwen Gong Rebecca Grant David Green Elena Green Sally Green Bonita Hallett Morgan Harker Julia Hashim Smyth Jiang He George He Megan Hedderick Rosalyn Hillditch Haixing Huang Chunyong Huang Shidong Jiao Kathleen Johnson Doug Kelly Nancy Lam Lisa Langford Anthony Lanni Evan Leeson Muhan Li Houxia Liang Gang Luo Lin Luo Dawn MacPherson Jeremy MannallFretwell John Marsh Pat Marsh

Marnie Mayhew Megan McCrady Annette Millar Ahmed Mtiraoui Michael Page Sheila Page Sara Patine-Turcotte Nancy Pekter Philip Pierce Glenys Prince Julie Prindiville Peng Qin Ricardo Rabang Dorie Rabang Mackenzie Rampton Alina Reid Robert Reid Lucy Reus-Lanni Faiza Rezgui Stephen Roberts Jillian Roberts Stephanie Robertson Michael Rostad Melissa Safarik Gordon Safarik Weiwei Shi Jun Shirai Joan Smith Lori Smith Colin Smyth Wanhui Song Sal Starzun Orchid Starzun Zhengxi Sun Haiyan Sun Pat Tancock Davinder Thandi Elizabeth Thompson Cathy Thornicroft Sally Tinis Scott Tinis Fan Ton Wong Bernard Tonks Michel Turcotte Xia Wang Xueyi Wang Ron Woodard Carolyn Woodard Lei Wu Jun Wu Dongyu Xia Jinghua Xu Yingjun Yan Mingshu Yang Mei Yang Alia Zawacki Ming Zha Yulin Zhang Huimin Zhang Hao Zhou Wenying Zhu Bentall Kennedy Dorothiruth Meilicke Moore Scholarship Finn & Izzy Ltd. Method Engineering Provincial Employees Community Services Fund Salus Systems Ltd.

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HELP US

GROW

YOUR SUPPORT secures St. Margaret’s ability to continue a tradition of distinction in educating girls. Since 1908, our community of parents and grandparents, alumnae and past parents, faculty, staff, and friends have joined together to help fulfill our mission of empowering each girl to set her own course and to shape her own dreams.

Because of your generosity, leadership, and vision we are able to EXPAND learning resources, ENHANCE programs, and INVEST in new equipment and technology. Additional support in our Endowment Fund or upcoming Campus Renewal is vital for us to PLAN for our future, INCREASE scholarship and financial aid for our students, and continually UPGRADE our facilities to enrich our students’ learning and school life.

LAST CHANCE TO GIVE TO THIS YEAR’S ANNUAL FUND PLEASE DONATE BY JUNE 30 Mail donations to: 1080 Lucas Avenue, Victoria, BC V8X 3P7 Donate online: www.stmarg.ca/donate

THANK YOU for your show of support, but most of all, thank you for believing in the power of girls.

@saintmargarets

@st_margarets

St. Margaret’s School

1080 Lucas Avenue Victoria, British Columbia Canada V8X 3P7 1.250.479.7171

@stmargaretsschool

www.stmarg.ca

contributors

photography

Jennifer van Hardenberg (Editor), Cathy Thornicroft, Kevin Paul–Kihon Consulting, Limehouse Editorial, Annie Maki, Ruth Wilson–West Coast Editorial Associates, Christine Godfrey, and SMS Archives volunteers.

Nicole Formosa, Suzanne Ives, Annie Maki, Jennifer van Hardenberg, John Yanyshyn– Visions West Photography, and submissions from the community.

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