Imprint: December 2023 Issue

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DEC 2023 VOL 23 ISS 1

FOR THOSE WHO EXPECT MORE THAN A TRADITIONAL EDUCATION

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Empowering our students to explore their passions.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

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FROM OUR LEADERS

Endless Possibilities in Education FROM OUR LEADERS

No More Room at the Inn EDUCATE

Sustainability in Action ENRICH

Should We, or Could We? ENRICH

Can You Hear the Music?

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TERM ONE

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MANAGING EDITOR Aldrich Tan Assistant Director, Advancement Services & Data Management SENIOR COPY EDITOR Isabel Sankaran-Wee Deputy Head of School for Advancement & Strategy PHOTOGRAPHS Clarence Chan Photography Ron Cheung Aldrich Tan Cara Tench

Beyond Limits: Unleashing Endless Possibilities ENRICH

Pushing the Limits ENRICH

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion REFLECTION

Konnichiwa Japan こんにちは 日本 REFLECTION

#SabresPride: Where are they now?

TERM 1 CHECK-IN

Sabres Athletics Term 1 Update TERM 1 CHECK-IN

In the Junior School TERM 1 CHECK-IN

In the Senior School SNAPSHOTS

School Life

COVER & ANNUAL REPORT DESIGN Red Rocket

Stratford Hall 3000 Commercial Drive Vancouver, BC Canada V5N 4E2 T: 604 436 0608 E: advancement@stratfordhall.ca www.stratfordhall.ca

SNAPSHOTS

Gala Annual Report 2022-2023

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CALENDAR

Save the Date CALENDAR

2024 - 2025 Key Dates

Imprint is published twice per year, expressly for parents, students and friends of Stratford Hall. Imprint is copyright © 2023 Stratford Hall IB World School, Vancouver BC, Canada. Please contact our office to be added to the mailing list.

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FROM OUR LEADERS

Endless Possibilities in Education Educational Innovation at Stratford Hall

This fall, I invited groups of Grade 12 students to lunch, a habit that I started last year. Over pizza or sushi, I get to know each member of the graduating class better and learn so much about our school. Grade 12s have a unique perspective on their experience. While their feet are still firmly planted within Stratford Hall, their gazes cast forward to university, career, and beyond.

This affords them remarkable insight into their school experiences.

What do you think our Grade 12s have most appreciated about Stratford Hall? If you said the teacher-student relationship, you are correct! Recognizing the high standards of the IB Diploma Programme, our students deeply appreciate that our dedicated faculty and staff design effective learning environments and provide support every step of the way. “They treat you like a person,” one student commented. Education remains a deeply human endeavour.

What else do you think topped the list? If you said Outdoor Experiential Education programs, I’ll have to ask you for proof! Grade 12s appreciate OEE so much, because it is the opposite of classroom learning in every way. OEE is outdoors, physical, skills based, risky, collaborative, and regional. You get to explore our region and build habits and hobbies that last a lifetime.

Outdoor Experiential Education is a shining example of educational innovation at Stratford Hall, a hallmark for our entire 23-year history. The early leadership of our school courageously imagined its future as a K-12 IB Continuum programme. We led the way in offering additional programs not common in area schools, such as Spanish, Design Thinking, global travel, and SOGI. We realized opportunities to develop the campus one building at a time. We sustained a culture based on warmth and relationships even as the school grew.

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FROM OUR LEADERS

“Climbing was one of the moments in my day when I could de-stress and experience joy. This helped me feel more invigorated when I returned to my school work. As I have moved on to university, rock climbing is still a big part of my life and one of the ways I stay grounded through big life changes.”

- Grace Young, ‘23

The Innovative Classroom The Internet has fundamentally changed the nature of schooling for young people. Today, students have an unprecedented ability to explore their interests and access subject experts across the world. Students increasingly develop deep skills in very specific subject areas such as electronic music, fashion, politics, coding, and entrepreneurship.

What, then, is the purpose of school in a hyperconnected world? While the Internet provides virtually unlimited resources, navigating thousands of unvalidated sources gets tricky, and online communities tend to have a very narrow focus.

Educational Innovation in the IB The IB is uniquely positioned to meet the challenges of today’s world. Economic uncertainty, global conflict, climate change, political polarization, and advancing technologies are all changing the world at a rapid pace.

Our students deserve an educational program that teaches them to think flexibly, see patterns and trends, reflect on the bigger picture, show kindness and empathy, and thrive in diverse communities.

Today’s innovative classroom provides deep intellectual inquiry, rich dialogue with diverse communities of peers, relationships with caring adults, and the guiding hand of expert faculty that Internet communities struggle to offer.

We provide instruction and practice in modern subjects and skills, so that students become highly capable, selfdirected learners.

More than any other curriculum, the IB is built around contemporary thinking and doing skills with a global mindset. Our students learn to take responsible risks, act with integrity and fairness, and express themselves confidently and creatively. Our teachers arrive with IB and global experience, intentionally choosing Stratford Hall as the place where they feel strong alignment with their professional values, ready to dive in and create remarkable educational experiences for our students.

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FROM OUR LEADERS

COMMUNICATION

Thinking, Feeling, and Doing The modern learning environment makes time for thinking, feeling, and doing (Catoggio and Wehner, 2023). Intellectual learning has never existed separately from emotional disposition and hands-on activities. Today, we understand that students develop a strong sense of purpose when we design learning environments that attend to all three of these areas of educational experience.

Distinctive subjects of inquiry such as Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB), Sustainability, Design, Truth & Reconciliation, Theatre, and Music provide spaces for thinking, feeling, and doing. Our students are inspired to find deep purpose in schooling, learn in community with others, and effectively prepare to enter adult society.

THINKING APPROACHES TO LEARNING SKILLS

SOCIAL

RESEARCH

SELFMANAGEMENT

Innovation in Teaching None of this would be possible without an equally vibrant learning community for teachers and staff. Our commitments to professional development, teacher creativity, and distributed leadership make educational innovation possible. The spirit of possibility infused in our maturing school supports teachers as they think flexibly and collaboratively about how to best educate our students.

Stratford Hall is in an amazing position to continue to lead the way in educational innovation.

RICHARD KASSISSIEH Head of School

Catoggio, Jessica and Ross Wehner, “Purpose Learning to Meet the Demands of Today,” Independent School Magazine, Fall 2023, https://www.nais.org/magazine/independent-school/fall-2023/purpose-learning-to-meet-the-demands-of-today

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FROM OUR LEADERS

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FROM OUR LEADERS

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FROM OUR LEADERS

No More Room at the Inn creating a long-term strategic plan is like creating a map for our future.

Everyone’s input will help us identify where we want to go and show us the terrain along the way. The more detail we have on the map, the better we can plan our future destination.

Once we clearly see where we want to go, our school leadership, led by our Head of School, will get us there by choosing the best path for our journey and creating a plan to get us there.

For the first time in a long while we find ourselves at 100% capacity at our school (keep in mind we cannot accept new students for Grade 12 too). In addition, we have more added staff for our new programs as well as to fill recent departures. It turns out that not only is our school an amazing place for families that want their children to focus on academics and community, it is also a place where school professionals want to work!

With all these extra bodies at our school and a healthy wait list, we are poised to expand! But how?

The first step is to complete a longterm strategic plan. By the time you receive this, you should have completed a survey from Future Design School who we have engaged to guide us through this process.

An analogy I like to use is that

As we want every voice to be heard in our community, I promise that we will read and consider your thoughts and suggestions, and ensure that we receive the data anonymously. Once we have had a chance to compile all of the information, we will form a direction and then consult with our community through meetings and focus groups early in 2024 to ensure that we are on the right track.

With the added detail and context, we will finalize the plan and present it to our community at the end of this academic year (or early in next academic year).

ground floor renovations completed by the beginning of the upcoming academic year. The next step for the middle building is to decide how to utilize it best and move forward on a campus growth plan which will be part of the previously mentioned long-term strategic plan.

Lastly, if you ever want to be more involved with our school’s planning or future I would ask that you consider joining one of our Board Committees.

Keep in mind that our board only focuses on strategic matters and not operations. If this interests you or you would like more information, you can connect with any of our existing governors or committee members, email me at boardchair@stratfordhall.ca or look for me at pick up time.

With great expectations,

Ron Cheung Board Chair

In the meantime we will be completing the items on our Bridge Strategic Plan. The most exciting item is middle building renovation. The plans were submitted around the end of last academic year and we are still awaiting City of Vancouver approval.

We hope to be on track and have the

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EDUCATE

Sustainability in Action BY: CAVELL YOUNG Sustainability Coordinator

Climate change is one of the most pressing issues of our time, and it requires urgent and collective action from all sectors of society.

Seven years ago, world leaders signed the Paris Agreement, a landmark deal to limit global warming and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

However, despite this commitment, the world is still on track to exceed the 1.5°C threshold that scientists warn could have catastrophic consequences for the planet and its inhabitants.

Climate March

This news can be discouraging and alarming, but we should not lose hope. The environmental movement has always been driven by grassroots organizations and individual activists who advocated for their cause and held governments accountable. Their efforts have led to significant changes in policy and big wins for the environment, such as the ban on ozone-depleting substances, the creation of national parks and wildlife reserves, and the growth of renewable energy sources.

Sustainability Council Meeting

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We believe that climate change is not only a challenge, but also an opportunity: an opportunity to learn, to innovate, to collaborate, and to make a difference. This year, we are keeping climate action front and center, and building on past efforts, like the whole-school environmental audit that assessed our impact and identified specific areas for improvement. We hope to raise the bar through initiatives such as sustainable transportation and lighting retrofits throughout our buildings to reduce our campus carbon footprint.

EDUCATE

We remain committed to ensuring that sustainability is embedded into everything that we do. Did you know we are the first school in Vancouver to have installed its own commercial grade rooftop composter? This composter allows us to directly manage our organic waste, which accounts for a significant portion of greenhouse gas emissions. By diverting our waste from landfills, we are not only saving money and resources, but also contributing to the fight against climate change.

We are also taking a more collaborative approach, expanding our Sustainaability Committee to include representatives from across the school community who play specific roles that impact our efforts. These new committee members bring incredible energy and passion to the work. Another way we are leading the way in sustainability education is by empowering our students to take charge of their own learning and action. Our revamped Sustainability Council, with its newly elected Student Sustainability leaders, is completely student-led and is already hard at work organizing and delivering whole-school projects.

We cannot truly know if our efforts are making a difference without measuring impacts and tracking actions, so we’ve taken two pivotal steps:

Neighbourhood Cleanup

Sustainability is not just a subject to be taught, but a way of life. We encourage everyone in our school community to join us on the path of hope and action by participating in our sustainability events and activities and by adopting sustainable practices in their daily lives. Together, we can make a difference for our planet and our future.

1. Initiated a greenhouse gas inventory as a way to monitor our emissions and take practical steps toward reduction.

2. Student innovators are developing a unique sustainability dashboard to track and communicate progress of our sustainability goals.

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Should We, or Could We? BY: CARA TENCH MYP/DP Theatre Teacher

Standing on the stage, lights beaming into my eyes, my nerves are diminished. I breathe in the anticipation of the audience. A lighting cue changes and instigates movement. From deep within a character emerges. I teeter on the edge of this liminal space. Something brand new is emerging in the world. This moment is like no other.

Why be normal when you can be a theatre kid? I have long believed that knowing theatre has afforded me a portal into another world. Theatre allowed me to peek into a special telescope to see what is just beyond my expectations. As a small child onstage, I felt so different when I stepped past the curtains into the light. I was certainly transformed. A freedom was unlocked when I stepped into this unknown. The unlabelled. The could do, instead of the should do. Stretching my vision farther than what is considered normal offered me access to a level of growth beyond my wildest imagination.

A growth mindset in IB Theatre involves being open to new ideas, perspectives, and approaches. Students are encouraged to explore different theatrical traditions, styles, and techniques, fostering a mindset that values adaptability and a willingness to learn from diverse influences. With theatre, we can tap into all that makes us human and take communicating with those around us to another level.

We can highlight the power of our interactions, sharing vulnerabilities and opening up to one another. In this world full of judgement, being reassured that our “flaws” are actually worth celebrating is life changing.

What is possible when our sights are endless and we extend ourselves to step into the unknown? With theatre, we can walk into the worlds of our ancestors and tell

stories infused with the breadth of humanity. Embodiment is a powerful tool for knowing and furthering our collective understanding. Theatre artists can become anything, trying on for size various emotions and personas. We can try out so many emotions by embodying a portion of a script, approaching new dialogue or jumping into an improv exercise. Students can use theatre as a powerful medium to explore, express, and celebrate the diverse facets of people and their communities. Through these experiences, we not only develop artistic skills but also gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us. In the context of IB Theatre, the encouragement of openmindedness and risk-taking reflects a commitment to fostering a dynamic and inclusive learning environment.

Theatre can expand our perspectives while we choose to address issues in uncharted territory. With physical theatre, immersive experiences, or multimedia integration, we can create unique and unfamiliar environments that challenge both the performers and the audience. The possibilities of integrating cutting edge technology into performances, such as virtual reality, augmented reality, or interactive installations provides a novel experience but also allows for the exploration of themes related to the impact of technology on society. The choice of location itself can contribute to the sense of the unknown and create a unique atmosphere for the performers and audience alike. Students are often involved in devising their own theatrical works. This process inherently involves taking risks, whether it’s experimenting with unconventional narratives, exploring non-traditional performance styles, or pushing boundaries in terms of content and form. While we continue to develop the technical aspects of the new black box theatre at Stratford Hall, we are excited to explore what we can devise in the space. As we dream about the future possibilities of student-led productions, classroom creations and performances, our new space is encouraging new opportunities to create and engage. In the future,

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when the renovation of the soundstage is completed, students will be able to manipulate the performance area and audience location to adapt to every unique story. We will be able to create a traditional layout for one show, theatre in the round for another and a runway stage for the next. Drawing on technology in future theatrical explorations, students will have the chance to develop projection mapping on the walls and create surround visuals that encapsulate the audience.

And in the meantime, we celebrate each other in rehearsal and class and performance. By promoting open-mindedness and risk-taking, IB Theatre equips students with skills that extend beyond the classroom.

The ability to adapt to new ideas, take risks in creative endeavours, and learn from experiences prepares students for a lifetime of continuous learning and growth. We step onstage and we develop how we can contribute with our unique perspectives of the world. We witness choices that are made and hold space for shared truth and discoveries. Theatre is a place to encourage the silly, the play, the imagination and to protect all of us who want to try anything incredibly new and vulnerable. Theatre is a dynamic art form that illuminates the core aspects of what it means to be human. Through storytelling, performance, and the exploration of diverse themes, theatre contributes to the ongoing dialogue about the human experience, fostering empathy, understanding, and a shared sense of humanity.

Blackout. A pause is taken. There is a calming, collective exhale. A story concluded that unveiled a change. Truth was uncovered. A soul was laid bare. A heart softened. We have witnessed a laser focused moment of vulnerability.

Whether we are in the audience or onstage, we are changed. And now, we take a bow and with a new and altered view of the world, we step into the unknown with curiosity and care. And, a new belief in endless possibilities of our very own version of normal.

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Can You Hear the Music?

BY: DR. ADA NIERMEIER Kindergarten - Grade 4 Music Teacher The Junior School music program continues to explore creating music through singing and playing instruments.

What’s new? We are expanding the Junior School orchestra’s instrumentation. Our Grade 4 students are learning the plastic flute (TooT). Some students in Grade 4 to 6 are becoming doublers—learning and playing two orchestral instruments. The Annual Fund purchased colour instruments such as bass clarinet, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, french horn, euphonium, and tuba. Thanks to Annual Fund, our orchestral students are experiencing more sophisticated timbres, melodies, and harmonies. The learning possibilities are endless! We are building up our repertoire, gradually advancing and evolving. Students are exposed to different genres of music including classical, jazz, pop, and rock.

What’s next? In the near future, we will have a more balanced number of each instrument with 1st, 2nd and possibly 3rd chairs for each section. As each section develops more layers, students will work on small, medium, and large ensemble skills. There is an increasing number

of roles in the orchestra and everyone is working on team spirit and collaboration. Small elite ensembles have been formed and for Grade 3s we will be having try out sessions.

We are building a beginner instrumental club in addition to the intermediate instrumental club from last year. The Junior School orchestra has grown from 14 members to 36 since March. We are looking forward to having the Grade 3s learn the knowledge and skills in order to join the Junior School orchestra.

According to neuroscientist Dr. Dee Coulter, if music educators continue singing, moving, dancing, and playing instruments actively with students, their innate musical ability will be nurtured and music aptitude will stay with students for life. Making music is a joyful process and the Junior School music program is looking to enjoy this journey as we expand. Students learn to persevere, selfreflect, collaborate, work through challenges together as a team and most of all, it is purposeful and fun. We are exploring the possibility of joining forces with some of the Senior School students. The future possibilities of the program are endless. Stay tuned!

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Beyond Limits: Unleashing Endless Possibilities BY: ANDREA RYAN & MEG PEÑAFIEL Idea Lab Coordinator | PYP Design Teacher In the heart of our school, a vibrant and innovative space thrives - our Idea Lab. Our Idea Lab is a space where students can turn their wildest ideas into tangible realities.

Whether it’s working with local business to develop solutions to real-world problems in Grade 9 and 10, baking delicious cupcakes for their Grade 10 Personal Project, empathizing with their design clients as they make personalized chocolates in Grade 7 or healthy snacks in Grade 4, or pursuing their own passion projects in Grade 3 & 5, the possibilities are endless. Through hands-on experiences, students are encouraged to take risks, make mistakes, and learn from them, nurturing a growth mindset that will serve them well in their academic journey and beyond.

Much more than a mere maker space, our Idea Lab is a place where students learn in so many different ways as they explore, invent, and push the boundaries of their own potential.

It is a dynamic hub for fostering student agency, encouraging collaboration, promoting design thinking, and building empathy.

When students walk into the Idea Lab with an idea in mind, there’s more to it than just the space itself. It’s about having skills, mindsets and opportunities that help shape and support their creative projects. These elements act like a roadmap, guiding them through the process of developing and designing their ideas in a practical way.

Student Agency Through lunch hour clubs, personal exploration projects and in their design classes, students are provided the autonomy to choose their projects and direct their own learning. This level of agency empowers them to take ownership of their education and explore their passions.

They learn that their voices and choices matter, promoting a sense of responsibility and self-motivation.

Promoting Collaboration In our rapidly changing world, collaboration is a vital skill, and the Idea Lab is the perfect training ground for it. Students from various age groups and backgrounds come together to work on projects that demand collective creativity. Through teamwork, they learn to appreciate diverse perspectives, share their skills, and co-create solutions that are more innovative and impactful.

Building Empathy The Idea Lab is more than just a space for technical innovation. It’s a place where students are encouraged to understand the world from various perspectives and develop a sense of empathy. Through projects that address social issues and community needs, students learn that their creative abilities can drive positive change in the world.

We’re looking forward to hosting more parent workshops in the new year. Let us know what you’d like to explore.

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“I’m cooking and baking for my Personal Project and I’d be lost without the Idea Lab.” - Grade 10 student

“Everyone learns something new and pushes their boundaries in Design.”

“Never be afraid to express yourself!”

- Grade 5 students

“There’s no limit to what you can make. You can make anything (as long as it’s not a bomb).”

“If you need to do anything, the Idea Lab is where you can do it.”

“With all the resources available we can create and help our community. This year we’re making healthy dips for our clients.”

- Grade 4 students

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Pushing the Limits BY: MITCHELL TAYLOR Director of Outdoor & Experiential Education As the leaves change color and the school year finds its rhythm, the Stratford Hall community once again embraces the boundless opportunities presented by our Outdoor and Experiential Education (OEE) program. This year, under the theme of “Endless Possibilities,” we delve deeper into how our diverse activities not only build skills but also foster a mindset geared towards limitless potential.

The essence of “Endless Possibilities” in our OEE program lies in its diversity and adaptability. From kayaking in serene waters to navigating the complex urban landscapes on bikes, each activity is a stepping stone towards a future where our students can confidently say “yes” to life’s myriad invitations. We’re not just teaching outdoor skills; we’re nurturing future leaders, innovators, and trailblazers.

Our journey begins with the revitalized biking and cooking programs, each a microcosm of life’s broader lessons. In the bustling streets of Vancouver, our students navigate more than just routes; they learn to make decisive choices, manage responsibilities, and lead with confidence.

Similarly, our cooking classes are more than culinary sessions; they are platforms for creativity, negotiation, and self-expression. These activities, while seemingly simple, are foundational steps towards building a resilient and adaptable character.

Our vision for the future of the OEE program is one where choice and personal preference play a more significant role. Imagine a program where students can tailor their outdoor education journey to align with their passions and aspirations. This shift towards personalized learning experiences is a step towards acknowledging and nurturing individual potential.

As we scale the heights of our new indoor climbing facility, we see a metaphor for the OEE’s philosophy: reaching new peaks, pushing personal limits, and setting individual success criteria. This facility is not just a physical space but a symbol of our commitment to providing students with the tools to conquer their personal Everest, whatever that may be.

The “Endless Possibilities” theme is more than just a motto; it’s a reflection of our belief in the infinite potential of every Stratford Hall student. Through the OEE program, we aim to equip our students not just with skills for the outdoors but with a mindset geared towards lifelong learning, adaptability, and the courage to explore uncharted territories.

Looking ahead, we’re excited about our winter programming and the unique challenges it presents. As winter wraps the landscape in its frosty embrace, our OEE program adapts to the season’s unique opportunities, bringing the concept of “Endless Possibilities” to life amidst the snow and ice. This winter, our students will embark on a series of adventures that challenge them to not only embrace the cold but to find joy and learning in it. Activities like snowshoeing on local mountains and building snow shelters are not just exercises in navigating a winter landscape or in teamwork and survival skills; they are lessons in resilience and adaptability. These experiences are designed not just for physical endurance but to instill in students a sense of self-efficacy and the belief that they can thrive in any environment, finding comfort in discomfort and seeing the beauty in the starkness of winter. It’s a vivid reminder that the potential for growth and learning is immense, no matter the season or conditions.

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Stratford Hall is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We value each other’s identity and well-being. Together, we learn and grow by embracing and respecting multiple perspectives, experiences, and cultures.

Our differences are our strengths.

The Pride flag was originally designed in 1978 by Gilbert Baker. It consists of six horizontal lines representing life (red), healing (orange), sunlight (yellow), nature (green), harmony/peace (blue), and spirit (violet). In 2018, Daniel Quasar added on the half size stripes representing trans folks (light blue, light pink and white), and marginalized People of Color (brown, black). The arrow points to the right to show forward movement, while being along the left edge shows that progress still needs to be made.

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Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion BY: KIRANJIT SHOKER DEIB Coordinator As we step into exploration and growth at Stratford Hall, I find myself reflecting on the profound impact of our commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). Our unique independent school in the heart of Vancouver, Canada, is a tapestry of diverse cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives, weaving together a rich and vibrant community.

In embracing diversity, we recognize that each student brings a unique set of experiences and talents that enrich our collective tapestry. Stratford Hall is not just a school; it is a home where every student is encouraged to be their authentic self. Our commitment to DEI is not a checkbox but a guiding principle that shapes our educational journey.

Belonging is at the core of our mission. In a world that often emphasizes differences, our school stands as a beacon of inclusivity. Here, we celebrate the quirky, the unconventional, and the individual. We believe that true

learning happens when students feel seen, heard, and valued for who they are. We can see this learning through the initiatives that venture into all areas of student life: from F.A.S.T to GSA, and the Roar Zine to the Junior DEI club, student voice has spaces to be upheld.

As we continue on this academic year, let us renew our commitment to fostering an environment where every voice is not only welcomed but also amplified. Let us continue to be a place where curiosity knows no bounds, where learning extends beyond the traditional, and where our diversity becomes a limitless source of inspiration.

Stratford Hall is more than a school; it is a community where diversity is our strength, equity is our commitment, and inclusion is our practice. Together, let’s make this year a testament to the endless opportunities that arise when we embrace the beautiful tapestry of our community.

Excited for a year of growth, connection, and celebration.

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こんにちは 日本 Konnichiwa Japan BY: HAZEL CHEE, RHEA LOFSTROM, BOBBY NISHI & GILLIAN LOUIE Chaperones, #SHJapan Having just returned from an immersive 10-day Global Programs trip to Japan, we can unequivocally say we are incredibly proud to be Sabres!

Our group, consisting of four chaperones and twenty-six Grade 8 and 9 students, hosted students in Vancouver from Tamagawa Academy and University for five days, went to Tamagawa Nanaimo Campus to participate in an IB Summit, and went to Japan for 10 days. These three distinct elements of Japan 2023 offered an opportunity to not only forge friendships with IB students from another country, they also demanded that our students practice open-

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mindedness, inquiry, and resilience—all of which they did in spades!

While hosting the Tamagawa students at Stratford Hall, we held a special assembly, complete with a taiko performance, welcomed them into our MYP classes, and offered unique classes such as taiko lessons, rock climbing lessons, button and souvenir making in the Idea Lab, and even shared as much ‘Canadian food’ as we could. While our two schools are vastly different in geography, size and composition, the students showed more commonalities than differences and spent time bonding.

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While in Japan our students had the opportunity to experience the hospitality of our Tamagawa buddies while they home-stayed and attended classes, both IB lessons as well as traditional textiles and calligraphy classes. “I loved the planetarium and the classes and the art (calligraphy and the handkerchief making). I really enjoyed my time at Tamagawa.” [Maya] Living with these homestay families provided our students opportunities to view Japan through a unique lens. When asked about their homestay experience, one student responded “I loved it! I felt so welcome with all the families together, and my whole homestay family were such happy people most of them lightened up my day. Talking with their parents and their family felt like the ‘ideal’ family you could ever have. I loved how they went to school, and their school was amazing!

I overall loved it.” [Sai] The students went sightseeing, participated in traditional tea ceremonies, ate authentic dishes, navigated the dizzying public transportation system, and got a first-hand view of the life of a Japanese teenager. After their five-day homestay in Tokyo, we traveled as a group to Kyoto and Hiroshima, learning customs, traditions and more about Japanese history seeped into these unique cities. This opportunity pushed students out of their comfort zones and challenged them to work as a group. They were offered unique experiences

at every turn, ones that will leave a lasting impact for years to come.

Ironically, as we were traveling we became aware of other Stratford Hall students also traveling in Japan, students who had previously come with us on these Japan trips through our Global Programs opportunities. We met up with an alumnus who was so inspired after coming on our 2018 Japan trip that he is now living and attending university in Japan. This is yet another demonstration of the importance of providing these opportunities for our students and the lifelong impact they have.

We would like to express immense gratitude to all of our families who hosted students from Tamagawa Academy and University and to our students who traveled to Japan.

You made us proud!

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#SabresPride Where are they now?

Delaney’s dream is to redefine leadership by celebrating authenticity and amplifying the voiceless. She is proudly involved in the Let Her Lead initiative by the Garner Foundation where she has dedicated the last two years as the Project Lead. Delaney has helped create a community working towards removing systemic barriers faced by women. Taking action in such an inspiring way, Delaney co-organized the first-ever event, “Calling Women to Office,” bringing together influential women in politics like Senator Mobina Jaffer, Hon. Selina Robinson and Bonita Zarrillo to share their stories.

The impact for the diverse group of women attendees were the feelings of determination knowing their aspirations are achievable: “[it was] monumental to me because determination is how steps are taken. It is how one views a barrier as no longer restrictive, but as something that can be overcome. I believe I am contributing my voice to my community to create direct change.”

Delaney’s favourite memories from Stratford Hall were the Spring Reign tourneys. As one of the original Sabre 7, she attended Spring Reign from Grades 6 to 12: “I loved the spirit and energy our team always had at this tournament especially since we got to pick a theme to base our jerseys and spirit prizes on!”

Delaney Ignatieff, ‘16 Known for her kind demeanour and energetic personality, Delaney is in her 2nd year of law school at Thompson Rivers University. Keeping busy with classes, she’s also part of Pro Bono Canada, the TRU Law hockey team, an executive for the Human Rights Club, and the Event Executive for the Student of Law Society.

Since graduating from Stratford Hall, Delaney’s passion for ultimate has continued, playing and captaining the UBC ultimate team which she attended for her undergrad in Kinesiology and Masters of Management. However, one of her proudest achievements was playing and captaining the U24 Team Canada Ultimate Frisbee team. Her highlight was representing Canada in Germany to compete against teams worldwide. She has continued to share her love of ultimate by coaching the UBC B team and Misfit Juniors Eclipse women’s team.

Please follow me on: Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/delaney-ignatieff Instagram: delaney_lane 22

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TERM 1 CHECK-IN

Sabres Athletics Term 1 Update BY: BOBBY NISHI Athletics Director This fall, Sabres Athletics was in full force with athletes participating in volleyball, soccer, cross-country running, and swimming. A total of 248 registered participants from Junior and Senior School, along with 21 dedicated teacher coaches and four student coaches (Seth Press (‘25), Nikhil Miller (‘25), Jaden Lee (‘25), Chloe Wong (‘26) and Max Brennan (‘26) for soccer, Kenzie May (‘25) and Celeste Yu (‘25) for volleyball) took part in the activities. For the first time in our school’s history, we ran a Bantam (Grade 8) Girls Volleyball team and a Grades 8 - 12 Boys Volleyball team.

Additionally, we had our first major away tournament since COVID. The Senior Girls Volleyball team traveled and competed in the Western Canadian Independent School’s Volleyball Championship (WCISVC) at Notre Dame School in Wilcox, SK. The tournament included some of the top independent schools from British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan. A special mention goes to Tristan Andersen-Williams (‘24) who qualified first at the Senior A Sea 2 Sky zones and represented Stratford Hall at the Provincial Championships.

I would like to extend a huge thank you to our new Assistant Athletic Director, Diana Lee, who comes to Stratford Hall from UBC, where she was the Assistant Coach of the Women’s basketball team. Diana has been instrumental in planning and executing games and practices while helping to coach the Senior Girls Volleyball team.

WPGA Cross Country Trail Invitational

We have just started Term 2 Athletics and will run Grades 5-12 basketball and Grades 3-7 swimming. The season has started off great with the Grade 7 girls bringing home silver and Grade 7 boys winning bronze at St. John’s Slam Basketball tournament. I am looking forward to another amazing term of Sabres Athletics.

Go Sabres!

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TERM 1 CHECK-IN

In the Junior School BY: AMANDA LEMPRIERE Acting Junior School Principal This year, the Junior School began with a focus on “Who we are” and through this theme, we continue to delve into and develop our understanding of self and identity.

We are excited to see how this will unfold throughout the school year. Many classes started this year by building a class human library. In this reflective activity, students identified their strengths and how they could contribute to their class community. Through curriculum and classroom practices, teachers work to create a classroom where belonging is at the core. This is emphasized and reinforced through the implementation of circles. During class circles, teachers have the opportunity to check-in with students and address issues and conflicts that are occurring within the grade, school community, and the world. These circles are structured and are most effective when students demonstrate respectful listening and participate with an open-mind that is ready to hear multiple perspectives.

The magic of a circle happens when students move from participant to facilitator, taking on different roles and responsibilities such as speaker of the circle or recorder.

As a Junior School, we are excited by this opportunity to empower our students to work together respectfully to collaboratively solve problems within their personal lives and investigate and analyze critical issues within our world.

Our community is further strengthened during our community block each week. Students have the opportunity to learn about each other and build relationships with students from other grades. Our community block runs on a rotation of Junior School and whole school assemblies, buddy activities, and choices block. So far this year, we have built community through our whole school Terry Fox Run, our neighbourhood clean-up, and Halloween. Our Terry Fox Run,

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started with the Junior School students engaging in learning about Terry Fox with their continuum buddies.

Following this, they walked over to Trout Lake together and stayed together throughout the opening ceremonies. It was lovely to see the Senior School students being mentors to our Junior School students and we are excited for other possible opportunities for these mentorship experiences to take place. We had so much fun celebrating Halloween in the Junior School! Students were invited to wear their costumes for the entire day and we all gathered at the end of the day for a special assembly. Each grade took their turn showcasing their costumes as the rest of the school cheered them on and Ms. Gryzbowski presented awards for most creative and most spooky costumes. Finally, the assembly concluded with a flash mob presented by Grade 9 Drama students and the teachers of the Junior School.

It was wonderful to come together as a community and have fun!

TERM 1 CHECK-IN

We continue to strengthen our community with our commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging education. One way we commit to this is by learning about one another. So far this year, we have been fortunate to have our students teach us about Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, Mid-Autumn Festival, Islamic history, and Diwali, and we are excited to learn more this year. Our hope is to have students coming forward, wanting to teach their classmates and other members of the Junior School about who they are. Through this learning, our students develop as open-minded learners who listen to different perspectives, understanding that other people, with their differences, can also be right. Looking forward, there are many more opportunities for this learning to take place. As a school, learning will unfold through the exploration of Black Excellence Day, International Mother Language Day, Asian Heritage Month, National Indigenous History Month and Pride week.

can all find connections that extend beyond the academic realm. Community events, whether they be cultural celebrations, service initiatives, or sports competitions, offer opportunities for diverse talents and perspectives to shine, reinforcing the idea that everyone has a valuable role to play. Creating an environment where students feel safe and seen supports the mental well-being of our students which will ultimately support their academic achievements.

We look forward to next term, as we anticipate more experiences that will shape our students’ self-identity and strengthen the connections between them.

Learning in the Junior School extends far beyond the confines of classrooms and prescribed curriculum. It is a collective endeavor to build a vibrant and inclusive community where every student feels that they belong. Through shared experiences, celebrations, and collaborative efforts, our students, teachers, and families

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TERM 1 CHECK-IN

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TERM 1 CHECK-IN

In the Senior School BY: HAZEL CHEE, GARETH JONES, MARK PULFER & DR. BENEDICT HUNG Senior School Principal | Senior School Vice Principal | Middle Years Programme Coordinator | Diploma Programme Coordinator

The commencement of the academic school year 2023 has been a thrilling one, especially as we witness the resumption of various community activities and launching of our Global Programs. The first program was our trip to Japan, and in the Spring 2024, we are looking to experience Costa Rica, Eastern Canada, and Yukon.

Our journey kicked off with heartwarming September retreats, where the focus was not just on academic connections but on building a sense of belonging and prioritising the well-being of every child. These retreats aimed to strengthen the bonds between students and advisors, emphasising the vital role of wellness as the cornerstone of our shared experiences throughout the year. Particularly, for our Grade 6 students new to the MYP program, the retreat was a joyful introduction to both the academic framework and the camaraderie with their new friends and teachers.

This autumn, our enthusiasm continued to soar as we built on the success of the climbing wall program which is now seamlessly integrated into Outdoor Education Experiences (OEE) and clubs. As we approach the culmination of the calendar year, we look forward to our incredible mini-term—a special week that transcends our regular timetable. This unique period allows students to immerse themselves in experiential opportunities, delving deep into skills and ventures that don’t neatly fit into our usual routine.

Science World, and Hiwus Feasthouse, Grouse Mountain, and meaningful community collaborations with partners such as Kinbrace Community Society and Queen Alexandra for Sports Leadership. In essence, our collective journey is not just about academic growth but about fostering a warm, inclusive community where each child thrives.

The Ministry of Education Evaluation As we approach the end of the calendar year, our focus turns to the upcoming Ministry of Education visit, a crucial step in our ongoing commitment to educational excellence.

This evaluation, similar to the CAIS and IB evaluation, was the culmination of an intensive ‘all hands on deck’ process during which we meticulously self-assessed every facet of the program at Stratford Hall.

This comprehensive self-assessment allowed us to explore both our strengths and areas for growth, providing valuable insights to further enhance our educational offerings.

The visiting team’s recognition of our school for who we truly are was the most gratifying aspect of the evaluation process. This positive acknowledgment fuels our dedication to continuous improvement and gives us the opportunity to showcase the strides we have made on our educational journey.

Each grade boasts a distinctive calendar, showcasing a rich tapestry of activities. Highlights include captivating explorations into sustainable arcades, Innovation 8, exhibitions, skating, digital storytelling, academic course immersions, enlightening field trips to the Planetarium,

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TERM 1 CHECK-IN

Diploma Programme

Middle Years Programme

The DP students began their year with a cross-grade retreat to foster strong bonds and build a more supportive community. The message of mentorship from the retreat continued to our students’ on-campus experience. Our Grade 11 students were adjusting and adapting to the academic expectation of the Diploma Programme, including Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS); and our Grade 12 students continued with their progress and began unpacking the Theory of Knowledge (TOK) prescribed essay titles and completing their Extended Essays.

This year, we have chosen to deepen the service learning component of our program. In the past, we have actively contributed to our local and international community through various service initiatives. While many of these opportunities were traditionally led by teachers, in the International Baccalaureate, service and action should be linked to our academic curriculum and should be led by students.

Starting with the December mini-term and continuing throughout the year, students will be preparing service and action projects. One such example is that a number of subject areas will be connecting with our sister school, Queen Alexandra Elementary and running programming with them. We will continue our tradition of the Grade 9/10 Sports Leadership class running a Sports Day with their Grade 6 and 7 classes. We will be adding a visual art, dance program and an innovative program on student voice run by our students in our Language and Literature program.

Over the last few years, we observed that there is a growing demand of DP Psychology amongst our students, and so this year, the course is taught on campus by one of our Stratford Hall teachers rather than asynchronously online through Pamoja. Finally, we continued to explore more meaningful classroom activities for our DP students to fulfill the Indigenous graduation requirement.

Our Career Education program for Grades 6 to 10 has grown as we introduced a careers block into the schedule, building on the good work we have been doing in this area in our advisory program. In Grade 6 and 7, the focus is on student identity as learners and within the community.

Then, as we move into the Grade 8 to 10, students are continuing to learn about their identity as they become more self-aware. They are building foundational skills and are exploring careers of interest that are aligned to their unique talents and abilities. Later on, they will select courses for next year matching their career interests and self-identified talents.

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TERM 1 CHECK-IN

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TERM 1 CHECK-IN

Student Life It has been a strong start to our school year in Senior School Student Life. As always, Student Life exists to promote student wellbeing, as reinforced through our Advisory program and co-curricular activities. To do this, we seek to empower students to take leadership and ownership of all school activities and events. With more students than ever in defined leadership roles, our capacity to accomplish this end is being fully realized this academic year.

In Spring 2023, we launched the application process for House Captains. We have eight (two per house) “Junior” House Captains from Grade 7 and 8 and eight (two per house) House Captains from Grade 11. These House Captains have done a tremendous job raising school spirit through the Terry Fox Run, Spirit Days, our first ever Spirit Week (series of dress-up days), and overall raising the House pride of each student.

Our Councils continue to improve and grow in their impact.

Our Prefects and Junior Prefects have led our Councils with confidence, humility, and pride. They have fostered spaces for students to authentically take initiative in their school, doing so through events such as Sustainable Transportation Week (Sustainability Council), Intramurals (Athletics Council), Ramen Design Challenge, (Innovation & Academics Council), Queen Alexandra Essentials Drive (Action & Wellness Council) and Jam Bar (Arts Council). Our Councils are a hub of initiative and raising the profile of their areas using student voice.

A new initiative this term is our incorporation of intentional leadership training for all student leaders. We have always taught our students how to lead, but now we have a

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world-renowned curriculum to support our efforts. We have worked closely with Leader In Me for the past year to co-design a leadership curriculum that can meet the unique needs of Stratford Hall student leaders. This term we have been fortunate to have Mike Suto, Senior Coach and Consultant with Leader In Me, visit our campus twice to work with our students through this curriculum. In addition, each leadership meeting we hold has a leadership lesson. This ensures we aren’t just doing leadership, but we are learning how to become leaders together.

Our Clubs continue to impress this year. Our student-led Clubs in particular are always striving to have an impact to enhance the experiences of their Club members. For example, our STEM Club came first place in a UBC Faculty of Land and Food Case Competition! Our Act Now Club took initiative by making sandwiches for individuals accessing New Fountain Shelter in the DTES, many of whom are experiencing homelessness. Our GSA Club had a meet-up with other ISABC schools for a Spirit Day. Our Climbing Club competed for the second year in a row in the Climbing Jamboree at the Richmond Oval competing against other ISABC schools. Our MUN Club was again successful at the CAHSMUN competition in Vancouver competing against schools from across the province.

Lastly, I would like to recognize the excellent efforts of our Student Life Leads, Ms. Mariah Chan (Grades 6-8) and Mr. Quinn Casey (Grades 9-12), who have been tremendous in leading our students. In addition I would like to recognize our Senior School Counselors, Ms. Nancy Kartsonas (Grade 9-12) and Ms. Hayley Jacobs (Grade 6-8), who contribute mightily to our work with students and, in particular, our Advisory programming.

SNAPSHOTS

School Life Senior School New Student Orientation

1st Place - UBC Case Competition

Kindergarten & Grade 12 Buddies (Opening Assembly)

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SNAPSHOTS

Summer Reading Club Celebration

Camp Squeah

Mid Autumn Festival

Annual Fund Kick-off

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation observed with Queen Alexandra students

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SNAPSHOTS

New Fountain Shelter Tamagawa Buddies

Japan Trip

Alumni Reunion

Terry Fox Run

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SNAPSHOTS

Winter Concert

Grad Jackets

Welcome Back BBQ

Welcome Reception

Remembrance Day Service

SNAPSHOTS

Grade 12 Breakfast

Alumni Reunion

Annual Fund Kick-Off

Winter Spirit Fair

Queen Alexandra Drive

SNAPSHOTS

Gala

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SNAPSHOTS

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SNAPSHOTS

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SNAPSHOTS

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ANNUAL REPORT 2022-2023

Endless Possibilities

Annual Report 2022-2023 TABLE OF CONTENTS 42

Message from the Head of School

44

Message from the Board Chair

46

Our Volunteers

48

Our Year in Review

50

Bridge Strategic Plan Update

52

Financial and Fundraising Model

53

Stratford Hall (School) Society / Stratford Hall Foundation Combined Balance Sheet

54

Stratford Hall (School) Society Statement of Operations

56

Giving and Gratitude

57

Gifts from our Community

60

Gifts from Education Investment Deposits (EID) Endowment Gift

61

Gala’s Fund-a-Need

62

SHPA Report

63

Staying Connected

64

Junior School Roundup

66

Senior School Roundup

68

The Class of 2023

70

Staff News

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ANNUAL REPORT 2022-2023

You made a difference in 2022-2023

$992,591 Total amount raised

Thank You! To the Stratford Hall community for your commitment and trust to the School. Your generous support enables every single student access to the best educational and co-curricular resources. It allows the School to enhance the opportunities offered in order for all Stratford Hall students to strive for excellence and reach their fullest potential.

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ANNUAL REPORT 2022-2023

Message from the Head of School Last year, we strengthened this model in new, tangible ways: • Created an Operating Reserve to better manage external constraints • Retired the Education Investment Deposit (EID) for new families • Increased the Enrolment Fee accordingly for new families • Created a Capital Reserve to support future campus development projects

Welcome to our Annual Report! I couldn’t be more proud of Stratford Hall for our commitment to learning, growth, community, and culture. This is a school where every person is valued, and we live the principles of the IB Learner Profile every day.

Herein, we provide a view into school finances, so that our community may see how we manage revenue and expenses to the ultimate benefit of your children.

Like most independent schools, we have a few outsize financial instruments: tuition and grants make up 92% of our revenue. Payroll and facilities constitute 79% of our expenses. Everything else we do fits into the remaining 21%. Our financial model rests on the following principles: a balanced operating budget, dedication of Annual Fund gifts to student program enhancements and professional learning, transfers to the Stratford Hall Foundation to cover debt service, regular contributions to the Bursary Fund, and fully funded depreciation and amortization.

Watch the message from our Head of School

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• Reached higher levels of overall giving toward the Annual Fund and Gala • Coordinated preparations for future Campus Transformation • Realized an operating surplus which established an operating reserve These improvements will make a positive difference to our ability to support great teaching and learning going forward. Thank you for your trust and dedication to Stratford Hall!

RICHARD KASSISSIEH Head of School

ANNUAL REPORT 2022-2023

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ANNUAL REPORT 2022-2023

Message from the Board Chair I’m pleased to share with you Stratford Hall’s Annual Report for 2022-2023. This has definitely been a year with a large amount of change for our school. Most significantly, last year we were pleased to welcome a new Head of School.

This annual report reflects both the triumphs and the challenges that we experienced over the last year. One such challenge was balancing the high cost of inflation and rising costs from the pandemic, with the price of tuition. As well, our policy has always been to reward our teachers with a salary above the Vancouver School Board grid. To ensure we were able to keep our books balanced, we increased our tuition in line with other peer schools.

I want to take this opportunity to thank all of our families for understanding and trusting our Board and school leadership in trying to navigate these expenses last year. I am proud of the resilience that our community showed in the time of massive change. As I mentioned last year, we did not want the increased tuition to be prohibitive for any families and continually remind everyone that we have a financial aid program for those who may need it. As a community we all want our families to strive without undue hardship and help those who need it whenever we can.

In our commitment to be as transparent as possible, we are including our financial statement and balance sheet in our Annual Report. Please take some time to consider them and let us know if you have any questions in advance of our Let’s Talk Business presentation in January. We want to be accountable to our entire community to help you to understand our school’s finances as we navigate through the challenges that come from being a young school.

And as we prepare for our next stage in our growth which believe has Endless Possibilities!

RON CHEUNG Board Chair

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ANNUAL REPORT 2022-2023

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ANNUAL REPORT 2022-2023

Our Volunteers Thank you to all our 2022-2023 volunteers who give their time ensuring Stratford Hall is and continues to be the amazing school that it is.

Board Committee Members

Board of Governors

Chris Buchner

The Stratford Hall Board of Governors is voted on or appointed by the Stratford Hall (School) Society. The Board is responsible for overseeing the strategy of the school: setting priorities, approving annual budgets, and appointing the Head of School. The Head of School is responsible for ensuring that the school runs in a manner that supports Stratford Hall’s mission and vision. The Board meets monthly throughout the school year (more frequently if required) and includes seven committees: Audit & Finance, Development, DEI, Governance, Head of School Relations, Risk Management and Strategic Planning.

Ron Cheung, Chair Shaneeda Jaffer, Vice-Chair Elisabeth Finney, Secretary David Nicolay, Treasurer Alexandra Flynn Amit Venugopal Derek A. May Jim Williams Liz Fei Sean Pearson

Foundation Board of Trustees

A second organization, also under the Society’s Act of BC, is the Stratford Hall Foundation. The Foundation holds major capital assets and conducts capital fundraising.

Fayaz Manji, President Ming Jang, Secretary & Treasurer Fiezal Babul

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Amoo Bao

Antony Arguirov, ‘16 Christine Turner Eddie Lin Emi Hashimoto Greg Oyhenart Jennifer Renaud Jodi Evans Joe Philbrook Karina Alibhai, ‘14 Myriam Dumont Stephen Macdonald Victor Pang

SHPA Executives

Gloria Chui, Co-Chair & Grade Rep Coordinator Janis Sun, Co-Chair Tim Au, Co-Chair Lara Aknin, Secretary Andrew Norden, Treasurer Amanda Lee, Volunteer Coordinator

ANNUAL REPORT 2022-2023

Class Representatives

Crossing Guards

Alumni Association

Adele Armstrong

Anita Hui

Lawrence Li, ‘17

Alexandra Flynn

Annie Ren

Ali Sauder

Cindy Hua

Amanda Lee

Elisabeth Finney

Beverly Ginder

Guy Dumont

Brian Krause

Kandy Du

Carolyn Williams

Karen Winstanley

Carrie Ju

Keith Chan

Cindy Duric

Kelley Allen

Elena Chen

Kelly Au

Franco Addante

Kylie Williams

Ginger Li

Michelle Xiao

Ian Lau

Simon Wong

Jana Berengel

Steve Naylor

Ada Kang

Angela Rodenburgh

Allison Lee, ‘10, Chair

Jennifer Yang Joe Zhu Kiran Bhattad Lily Gao Lou Guerrero Marie Louie Jang Myriam Dumont Peggy Ah Yong Saukok Tiampo Teresa Trinh Tim Au

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ANNUAL REPORT 2022-2023

Our Year in Review SEPTEMBER

Retreats & OEE Expedition Terry Fox Run Orange Shirt Day Welcome Reception Annual Fund Kick-Off

OCTOBER Jam Bar Witnessing Ceremony Halloween

NOVEMBER Neighbourhood Cleanup Day Remembrance Day Stratford Hall Gala Alumni Reunion

DECEMBER Winter Fair Winter Concert Senior School Service Outreach

JANUARY Principal for a Day Happy Lookalike Day

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ANNUAL REPORT 2022-2023

FEBRUARY Pink Shirt Day Heritage Language Fair Grade 7 Boys ISEA Basketball Champions Grade 7 Girls ISEA Basketball Champions

MARCH Grade 2/3 Musical “Lemonade” Junior School Grandparents + Grandfriends Day Happy 100th Day SMASH Fair

MYP Personal Project Senior School Musical “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee”

APRIL Arts Week DP Visual Arts Exhibition Eco Fair Junior School Track Meet

PYP Pinning Ceremony New Prefects Elected Grade 12 Final Assembly Grad Cruise

MAY Donor Reception Senior Ultimate GVISAA and LMISSAA Champions Graduation

JUNE Kindergarten Celebration Pride Alumni Reunion Volunteer Tea End of the Year Carnival

Junior School Sports Day Junior School Spring Concert Grade 5 Exhibition Thank You Week Senior School Action & Spirit Day

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ANNUAL REPORT 2022-2023

Bridge Strategic Plan Update BY: RICHARD KASSISSIEH Head of School

Organizational strategy allows us to significantly improve the School over time. In that spirit, we are delighted to share with you this Bridge Strategic Plan update. We thank the School’s senior leadership, faculty and staff leaders, Board of Governors, and Board committee members for their dedication and commitment to action.

Learn more

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Goal 1: Education We reaffirmed our identity by examining and enriching our programs, partnerships, and foundational statements.

1.

Began a long-term strategic planning process with Future Design School, including community consultation and revision of mission, vision, and values statements.

2.

Revised our Portrait of a Graduate and Portrait of an Educator statements.

3.

Received a glowing evaluation report from the International Baccalaureate Organization.

4.

Resumed in-person admission assessments with full involvement of teachers.

5.

Restored Outdoor Experiential Education, Global Programs, and Junior School Spanish. Introduced Orchestra, Musical Theatre, Climbing, and new Diploma Program electives. Hired an Assistant Athletic Director to enrich our sports programs..

6.

Connected First Peoples Principles of Learning with Approaches to Learning and Interdisciplinary Units. Introduced BC English First Peoples course at Grade 11.

ANNUAL REPORT 2022-2023

Goal 2: Community

Goal 3: Growth

We reignited our culture through community events, student wellbeing programs, and effective staff recruitment and retention.

We reinforced our organization through strategic governance, leadership, advancement, and finance activities.

1.

Held the Back to School Barbecue, Winter Fair and Spring Fair, Galas, concerts, Grandparents and Grandfriends Days, Pinning Ceremonies, and Grad Cruise.

1.

Began short-term development of the ground floor of the Middle Building. Advanced planning for campus transformation based on the Master Plan.

2.

2.

Improved staff support, consulting, and instruction for student mental health, regularly surveyed students about their wellness.

Developed a strong relationship between the Board of Governors and Head of School. Created new pathways for board member recruitment.

3.

3.

Retained more faculty and staff, doubled professional development funding, improved staff compensation, benefits, and leave policies, improved communication with staff.

Selected new Principals through clear and inclusive processes. Strengthened teamwork and partnership between senior leadership and staff.

4.

Set new records in Annual Fund giving, held two successful Gala events dedicated to Financial Assistance, and conducted a feasibility study to support a capital campaign.

5.

Identified several opportunities to improve the operating budget’s bottom line. Established an operating reserve and a capital reserve

6.

Began development of a long-range strategic plan with consultants Future Design School

4.

Improved The Post, invited families to meet the Principal candidates, acted upon family survey input, conducted a fundraising feasibility study.

5.

Created 0.2 FTE DEIB Coordinator role and Board DEI Committee, supported committees doing generative DEIB work, prioritized DEIB in staff professional development days.

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ANNUAL REPORT 2022-2023

Financial and Fundraising Model Not-for-Profit Stratford Hall, under the name Stratford Hall (School) Society, operates under the Societies Act and is a registered Canadian charity.

Tuition Tuition fees cover the school’s operational fees, including teacher salaries, learning resources, activities (field trips, co-curriculars), textbooks and Graduation Fee (Grade 12 only), and facility maintenance.

Stratford Hall Foundation The Stratford Hall Foundation is a separate registered Canadian charity that manages all capital assets and administers fundraising in support of new facilities.

The Annual Fund The Stratford Hall Annual Fund is an investment in the future of Stratford Hall.

The Annual Fund empowers our teachers with the tools and extra resources neede to prepare your child to be an effective contributor to society and tomorrow’s leaders. As the school progresses to offer added opportunities for students, we must count on the Annual Fund to keep tuition affordable while maintaining a high quality educational program.

Education Investment Deposit (EID) Gifts Up until 2023, all Stratford Hall families are required to place an Educational Investment Deposit (EID) with the school. Families are encouraged to donate all, or a portion of, their deposit to the school in advance of their last child’s departure. Families who donate their entire EID will be granted membership into the Stratford Hall Leaders’ Circle.

Endowment Endowments will ensure that students will continue to benefit from your support in perpetuity. The principal amount of your donation will be invested.

Once the investment has grown significantly, generated income will then support Stratford Hall programs, student scholarships and bold programmatic initiatives. Endowed gifts may also lead to recognition opportunities that honour or memorialize a person of the donor’s choosing.

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ANNUAL REPORT 2022-2023

Stratford Hall (School) Society Stratford Hall Foundation Combined Financial Position for the Year Ended June 30, 2023 2023 $

2022 $

Cash

3,397,325

5,373,323

Short-term investments

10,239,137

6,302,361

Assets – Current

Receivables

174,740

29,507

GST rebates

184,400

169,869

343,362

141,069

14,338,964

12,016,129

1

1

32,253,055

33,524,655

46,592,020

45,540,784

Payables and accruals

1,794,940

1,428,071

Deferred revenue

7,841,208

8,229,856

Prepaid expenses and financing Investment in 3060 Commercial Drive Nominee Ltd Tangible capital assets Liabilities Current

52,678

66,454

Educational investment deposits

7,256,500

7,129,000

Current portion of long-term debt

792,750

761,254

Deferred contributions

Current portion of capital lease obligations

19,507

17,979

17,757,583

17,632,614

16,347,279

17,140,029

19,217

38,282

1,066,071

719,436

Long-term Bank Loans - Long-term portion Capital Lease Obligation Interest Swaps

26,038

19,788

35,216,188

35,550,148

Unrestricted

7,980,030

7,708,812

Restricted

3,279,660

2,206,212

Endowment

116,142

75,612

Security deposits Fund Balances

11,375,832

9,990,636

46,592,020

45,540,784

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ANNUAL REPORT 2022-2023

Stratford Hall (School) Society Statement of Operations For the Year Ended June 30, 2023 2023 Actual Total $

2022 Actual Total $

Tuition fees

13,553,185

12,569,859

Government grants

2,160,330

1,872,348

Fundraising - EID donations

131,869

215,423

Interest, rental, and sundry

313,954

148,846

Revenues

158,439

167,745

16,317,777

14,974,221

Salaries and benefits

10,003,978

10,284,628

Rent, repairs, and maintenance

2,322,536

2,375,935

Program costs

1,242,673

918,449

Administration

Discretionary programs Expenses

1,139,989

1,236,129

Amortization- Tangible Cap Assets

636,441

589,632

Fundraising

195,279

126,060

Fundraising

Excess (deficiency) of revenue over expenses

6,215

6,906

15,547,111

15,537,739

770,666

(563,518)

before other items Other Items Uniforms expenses

(150,000)

Excess (deficiency) of revenues over expenses

620,666

(563,518)

Note: The school has applied the excess from 2023 to found a new opearating reserve fund.

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ANNUAL REPORT 2022-2023

Expenses / Uses

Revenue / Sources

2.3%

Others $364,439 4.0%

Amortization of Capital Assets $636,441

7.9%

Discretionary Programs $158,439

0.9%

Interest & Other Revenues $313,954

1.8%

7.2%

Fundraising $992,591

5.6%

Goverment Grants $2,170,910

12.4%

Tution $13,935,685

79.3%

Program Costs $1,242,673

Administration $1,139,989

14.7%

Rent/Facilities, Repairs & Maintenance $2,322,536

63.9%

Salaries & Benefits $10,111,325

Note: The steps are just a visual representation please refere to the percentages and pie graphs for accurate representations.

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ANNUAL REPORT 2022-2023

Giving and Gratitude complies with the regulations set forth by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).

Each year, our community comes together to further our mission by making financial contributions to the school through the Stratford Hall Annual Fund. These gifts are beyond the cost of tuition and provide additional resources that allow Stratford Hall to be extraordinary.

While tuition funds our mission, annual giving and campaign commitments inspire our vision for tomorrow - the school we aspire to be.

What a year.

There is always something about reflection and looking back on the past. Reflection not only allows us to learn from the past but also allows us to celebrate our achievements. This 2022-2023 school year witnessed a wonderful milestone. Our Annual Fund crossed $600,000 and total donations amounted to over $900,000.

The Annual Fund is the bedrock of any independent school. The fund has a positive, immediate impact on all our students and staff. It enables our staff the tools and extra resources needed to prepare your child to be an effective contributor to society and even tomorrow’s leaders. It also allows for ongoing professional development for all staff.

As we are a not-for-profit organization, your investment in our school has a tremendous impact. Every last cent of your contributions is invested in our incredible programs, people and spaces. This is the independent school difference.

This unique year was no exception for Stratford Hall, an independent school that is a not-for-profit organization and operates with a volunteer Board of Governors.

In fact, Stratford Hall is a registered Canadian charity and

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Our community was built on a foundation of volunteering - our students participate in community service, our alumni are making a difference around the world, and our parents model this community-tocommunity building right here at Stratford Hall. The amount of time that our parents commit to support and grow our community is humbling.

It is with my utmost gratitude that I share with you how our staff have continued to go above and beyond in their commitment to the school this past year by donating to the Annual Fund, alongside parents, to foster development and community.

I am equally pleased to share the names of many others who give so generously and the variety of ways our families invest in our exceptional school. We are incredibly grateful that our community supports Stratford Hall - financially, as ambassadors and through volunteering, and by choosing Stratford Hall for their children’s education.

With gratitude,

ISABEL SANKARAN-WEE Deputy Head of School for Advancement & Strategy

ANNUAL REPORT 2022-2023

Gifts from Our Community Our capacity to continuously enhance our facilities and enrich our programs is made possible due to your generous support of the Stratford Hall Annual Fund.

We greatly appreciate each gift given in support of the Stratford Hall Annual Fund, and we have made every effort to ensure the accuracy of this listing. Please notify Aldrich Tan, Assistant Director, Advancement Services and Data Management, of any inaccuracies or omissions by contacting him at aldrich.tan@stratfordhall.ca. We regret any errors.

The Annual Fund empowers our teachers with the tools and extra resources needed to prepare your child to be an effective contributor to society and tomorrow’s leaders. As the school progresses to offer added opportunities for students, we must count on the Annual Fund to keep tuition affordable while maintaining a high quality educational program.

Thank you for believing in Stratford Hall and for supporting us every step of the way.

Every donor impacts the story of every student at Stratford Hall.

We are beyond grateful to you for your generosity and commitment to our school. We are and will continue to be better together!

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all our donors whose generosity and continuous commitment to the Annual Fund 2022-2023 demonstrate their trust and support of Stratford Hall.

HONOUR CIRCLE

$50,000+

Gavin Guan & Angetina He Richard Wu & Annie Ren

VISIONARIES CIRCLE

$10,000 - $19,999

CHAMPIONS CIRCLE

$20,000 - $49,999 Craig & Eva Atkinson

Anonymous

Forooghian Family

Duansheng You & Mei Wang

Jerry He & Tuoya

Jay He & Cecilia Wang Jie (Lydia) Lin Roger Wei & Amy Zhang Wes Carson & Barb Womersley

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ANNUAL REPORT 2022-2023

FOUNDERS CIRCLE

HEAD’S CIRCLE

SABRES’ CIRCLE

Anonymous Austin Zhu & Cindy Li Beverly Ginder Brian Chow & Andrea Scott Daisy Ng & Ron Cheung Echo Liu Elisabeth Finney & Rick Ramsay Gordon Kerr Jianhua Shen & Tianqing Yao John Zhang & Kelsey Yang Liliana & Amit Venugopal Mike Liu & Chloe Wang Ming, Marie, Andrew & Caleb Jang Nghi’s Family Qian Ada Kang Ryan & Jesse Kaltio Samson & Jennifer Hui Stephen Macdonald & Elizabeth Vassar Tea & Chris Nicola Private Giving Fund, held at Nicola Wealth Private Giving Foundation Tiffany Ip Victor Kwan & Vivian Zhao Wei Liu & Taylor Wang Xiaochen Bian

Anonymous (4) Allen Liao & Ariel Zhang Amanda Lee Andrey & Sandy Kong Annis Law & Francis Fu Brian Hong & Cindy Shi Brian You & Lydia Liu Cedric & Felice Ho Chunyu Wei & Grace Chen David & Katia Coleman David Nicolay & Kate Keeler Feng Liu & Liz Fei Flynn-Leibu Family Jacky Gong Jennifer Yang Jodi Evans & Sue Blackwood John Lo & Kandy Du Jonathan & Janis Sun Julie Deng Kane Yu & Isabelle Zhang Keith Zhang & Kylie Cai Lin Family Marc Ma Martin Luo & Fenny Liang Nathan Mah & Mimi Cheung OJ Xu & Anna Dai Richard & Kin Yang Ryan & Erin Robinson Sally & Jason Hynes Shamsh & Karima Kassam Spencer Ko & Coco Xu Summer & David Telio Thomas Dai & Lily Gao Tony & Teena Verma Tony Xu & Beryl Wang Victor Ye Wilson Guo & Ginger Li Russell Yu & Tiffany Sun

Anonymous (4) Amoo Bao & Kathy Xu Andrew & Jennifer Tong Anita Hui & Anthony Chu Byron & Josephine Jung Chai Family Cindy Qu Crispin Horng & Yujie Chen Derek May Eddie Yu & Kelly Kim Elena Antipova Gasarch Family Gigi Guo Isabel Li Jaffer Dandekar Family James & Kelly Reynolds James & Tanya Fairweather Jedi Lu & Sabrina Su Jim & Carolyn Williams Kai Wang & Jessy Zhou Kelly Au & Vincent Liu L. Lorico & E. Low Lee Family Lei Xu Lily Chow & Richard Law Long En & Cindy Hua Lovick Scott Architects MIchael & Christina King Miller Family Philbrook Family Philipp Postrehovsky & Victorine Ssozi Qingbo Huang Randy Kojima & Racquel Ng Sabrina & Fiezal Babul Scott Yu & Serena Guo Sean Pearson & Lauren LeBoldus Steven & Sherry Chen Tom Syer Trevor Bruno & Yoko Shimizu Wen Li Xiaowei Yan Yupeng Chen Zuoyong & Chen Wang

$5,000 - $9,999

$2,500 - $4,999

Staff Adele Armstrong * Richard Kassissieh

$1,500 - $2,499

Staff Isabel Sankaran-Wee

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ANNUAL REPORT 2022-2023

FRIEND’S CIRCLE

SUPPORTERS CIRCLE

Anonymous (2) Amit & Ekta Kumar Andrew & Peggy Ah Yong Candace Koo & Felix Seto Craig Yamashiro & Lisa Mah David Peterson & Mary Ellen Sanajko Dr. Sundeep Grewal & Dr. Balpreet Grewal Emi Hashimoto Fuzhong Ye & Wei Li Graham Kedgley Hai Gao & Yuchun Zhao Haiyan Luo Hiraoka Family James Li & Alice Wu Jian Yuan Joe Zhu & Michelle Zhong Kimi Jin Meg Andersen Michael Hu & Fanny Fu Mik Juma & Anh Pham Rebecca Wong Ritchie & Jennifer Renaud Ron Schmitz & Hazel Lew Salesforce Sophia Truong Tesh & Par Anand Whitman Lee Yerken Mukhamejanov & Saule Otasheva Zhen Zhang

Anonymous (7) Andrew & Valerie Tsui Chris Buchner & Todd Bell Christian & Yvonne Schilling Costa Byers Family Daniel Ungar L & J Chan Li Family Maryam & Cheyne Cragg Perry Saran Rachel Richardson Rowena Sooch Sally W Sidhu Family Tim Au & Kelly Tsai

$500 - $1,499

Staff Anonymous Gareth Jones Meg Chamberlin

<$500

Grandparents Rob & Barb Waters Friends Sue & Mark Groesbeck

Staff Anonymous (5) Aldrich Tan Amanda Lempiere Amanda Peacock * Boyd Grealy Carla Valenzuela Denise Brabban Ellis Herbert Erin Sullivan Gillian Louie Gladys Kong Grzybowski Family Gwen Perkins Hazel Chee Ivy Chee Jordan Hannah Judy Bai Kirsten Davidson * Mariah J Chan Mitch Taylor Nancy Kartsonas Olivia Law Rick Campanella * Vera Tam * Staff who are parents 2022-2023

Every donor enriches the experience of every Stratford Hall student.

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ANNUAL REPORT 2022-2023

Gifts from Education Investment Deposits (EID)

Leadership Circle (Full EID) Anonymous

Jay He & Cecilia Wang Jerry He & Tuoya Martin Luo & Fenny Liang Tianpeng Wang & Yan Shu

To date, more than 100 Stratford Hall families have donated their EIDs, helping to reduce the school’s debt load. Donating your EID not only supports the school’s financial position, but also generates a tax benefit. This benefit, if invested well over the 13 years your child attends the school, can earn enough funds to mitigate much of your gift. For details on EID donations, please feel free to contact Isabel Sankaran-Wee, Director of Advancement.

Others

Adam Gu & Eve Sheng Bobby Wong & Jessica Tang Christopher & Julie Frketich Colin Gao & April Wang John & Minji Kim Ted Chen & Rama Zhou Vincent Mak & Teresa Trinh Yong Zhao & Lydia Lin

Endowment Gift Your gift to endowment will ensure that students will continue to benefit from your support in perpetuity. The principal amount of your donation will be invested. Once the investment has grown significantly, generated income will then support Stratford Hall programs, student scholarships and bold programmatic initiatives. Endowed gifts may also lead to recognition opportunities that honour or memorialize a person of the donor’s choosing.

Dave Sangha Fund

The purpose of this endowment shall be to award $1,500 to a deserving Grade 12 student who demonstrates leadership and service to the community.

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Donors

Beverly Ginder ----------

This Year’s Recipient Radhika Assanie

Previous Recipients Ibreez Asaria (2020)

Kiran Dhanda (2021) Georgia Cooperwilliams (2022)

ANNUAL REPORT 2022-2023

Gala’s Fund-a-Need in support of financial aid

2023 Recipient: Radhika Assanie

Anonymous Allison Lee, Student #001 Bobby Wong & Jessica Tang Chen’s Family Daisy Ng & Ron Cheung David & Katia Coleman Dawson & Graydon Armstrong Dr. Chahal Dr. Fulroop Kaur Sidhu Eric Xiao & Michelle Zhang Eva & Craig Atkinson Franco & Neda Addante Hannah & Tyler Chin Haroon Rashid & Anne-Marie Butler Rashid Isabel Sankaran-Wee Isabelle Zhang J & J Zhao’s Family James & Kelly Reynolds Jamie & Saukok Tiampo Janis Sun & Jonathan Sun Jason Chai & Cecilia Tang Jedi Lu Johnson-Mohammed Family Karima & Shamsh Kassam Kaveh Afshari & Andrea Tegzes Kelsey Yang Kul & Jas Shahi Lau Family Lee Family Lily Huang Macdonald - Vassar Family Michelle & Jeffy Liu Mohammad Karambakhsh & Masoumeh Aghaei OJ Xu & Anna Dai Qiuwen Chen Richard & Julia Kassissieh Rinna Xuan Robert Cook Robin Ma Sabrina & Fiezal Babul Salim & Shazhan Popatia Stacy Kerr Steven & Sherry Chen Susan Wells The Patersons Veldhuis - Slee Family Wen Family W-Tech Technologies Ltd Yucheng You

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ANNUAL REPORT 2022-2023

SHPA Report BY: TIM AU & AMANDA LEE Co-Chairs, Stratford Hall Parent Association

Stratford Hall Parent Association In the 2022-2023 academic year, we’ve had the privilege of engaging with over 100 parent volunteers at various events, including the Welcome Back BBQ in September, the Terry Fox Run in October, school photo days, Staff Appreciation events, the Winter Fair, and the End of the Year Carnival. Your invaluable help and support have been instrumental in making these events successful. As we move forward, we are committed to continuing our service to the community and nurturing strong relationships with all families, ensuring that Stratford Hall remains a welcoming school for everyone.

The Stratford Hall Parent Association plays a vital role in fostering a sense of community and belonging within our diverse and unique school culture. Serving as a bridge between parents and the school, we aim to provide a voice for parents and effectively communicate the school’s vision.

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We welcome your feedback and eagerly anticipate your participation in our events. Additionally, we encourage you to consider volunteering, as your involvement contributes significantly to the success of our initiatives. Your support is key to the vibrant community we aim to cultivate at Stratford Hall.

ANNUAL REPORT 2022-2023

Staying Connected BY: ALLISON LEE, ‘10 Chair, Stratford Hall Alumni Association I would like to thank our alumni mentors for their dedication to the program, sharing their wisdom with the students, and for their enthusiasm to give back to the community. And to the mentees, I would like to thank them for trusting this program to help guide them through their academic, career and life journeys!

As we continue to foster a tight knit alum community, I encourage alum to reach out to me to offer ideas, time and your enthusiasm to help us provide value and resources to one another. Feel free to reach out at alumni@stratfordhall.ca.

The Alumni Association Committee is celebrating the conclusion of its second year of the Mentorship Program! We had an amazing group of 20 mentors and mentees who met over the course of the year to chat about the rigors of the Diploma Programme, the plethora of university programs available, and the daunting realization of life after Stratford Hall.

Lastly, we are excited to share that we are starting a new tradition at Stratford Hall with the introduction of grad jackets. Each graduate will receive a personalized varsitystyle jacket in Stratford Hall colours, complete with their accolades (Lifer, Prefect, etc.). While a new custom for future graduates, the jackets are also available to alumni giving you the opportunity to represent your alma mater proudly! Please email us at alumni@stratfordhall.ca for pricing and details.

Stay connected with the Alumni Association

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ANNUAL REPORT 2022-2023

Junior School Roundup BY: AMANDA LEMPRIERE Acting Junior School Principal The end of the school year is not just a conclusion—it’s a celebration of achievements, growth, and memories.

Stratford Hall prides itself on fostering a holistic educational experience that goes beyond the classrooms. Let’s take a closer look at the exciting events that marked the end of the academic year in the Junior School.

Sports Day: A Spirited Celebration of Teamwork and Leadership

PYP Exhibition: A Culmination of Learning and Leadership

One of the highlights of the end-of-year festivities in the Junior School is Sports Day. This event at Clark Park brought excitement, teamwork and leadership.

Our Grade 5 students designed activities, delivered instructions and supported all the participating students with cheers and words of encouragement.

It was a day where we truly saw our older students act as supportive mentors to our youngest learners.

For the entire morning, Clark Park was full of smiles, cheering and laughter.

For the Grade 5 students at Stratford Hall, the end of the school year holds a particularly special event — the Grade 5 Exhibition. The culmination of the students’ PYP education, the Exhibition showcases their research, inquiry skills, and leadership abilities.

Students select a topic of personal interest, conduct in-depth research, and present their findings to the school community. The PYP Exhibition is a testament to the students’ growth, critical thinking skills, and their ability to articulate and share their knowledge.

It not only marks the end of their Junior School journey but also prepares them for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in the Middle Years Programme.

The end of year is always a busy time, filled with exciting events. These end-of-year events not only symbolize the academic accomplishments of the students but also underscore the school’s commitment to providing a well-rounded education that nurtures the mind, body, and spirit.

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ANNUAL REPORT 2022-2023

Outdoor Experiential Education: Grade 4 and 5 Camps At the end of each academic year, our Grade 4 and 5 students embark on the final Outdoor Education Experiential Education (OEE) activity — outdoor camps. They spend two nights away from their families, sleeping in cabins and taking on new responsibilities. It is always a heartwarming experience to watch the students connect to nature, takerisks by trying new activities, and gain a sense of personal responsibility. Our OEE programs allow students to connect with nature, learn valuable life skills, and develop a deeper appreciation for the world around them. These experiences provide students with hands-on learning opportunities that extend beyond the traditional classroom setting. Exposing students to the outdoors not only enhances their academic knowledge, but also nurtures their curiosity and love for learning.

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ANNUAL REPORT 2022-2023

Senior School Roundup BY: HAZEL CHEE Senior School Principal

In light of the troubles unfolding globally and locally, our school year is framed by the overarching theme of belonging. With student agency at its core, we proudly launched Student Councils, offered more student voice, encouraged more student leadership opportunities. These initiatives provide students with increased opportunities to take agency over events such as recognition and celebration days organized throughout the year. They also underscore our commitment to fostering a community that values inclusivity and embraces diversity.

Amidst the complexities, it is crucial that we, as a community, recognise the need to be upstanders and allies, supporting one another through challenging times. This acknowledgment re-centers us, emphasising the importance of standing together with empathy, understanding, patience, and kindness. The recent inclusion of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30 reflects our collective commitment to joining the rest of the country in honouring important moments and fostering a culture of understanding.

This academic journey is more than just curriculum and exams. It is a shared experience where we emphasise the significance of belonging, encouraging each member of our community to contribute to the collective narrative with empathy, compassion, and a sense of unity.

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ANNUAL REPORT 2022-2023

Student Life

Prefe cts -

10; 2 per C Junio ounc r Pre il fects 1 0; 2 p Laun er Co ched uncil and e l e c ted H 35% of stu ouse Capt dents ains ( i n 4 Ad defin 8 in G visor e d le a 11, 8 y L ea d e in G1 r ship ders 2) ISAB p p o er gr s i t i C Stu ons ade dent 2 8 tota Lead 2 RO l ershi AR Z p C ine p ohor t - 10 ublic 60% ation parti of stu s cipan dents ts o naS 100% e n ior S o choo athle f student l Cou tics) s invo ncil lved i n co1:11 curri Advi cular sor:A s (clu dvise bs, co 25 Cl e uncil ubs s,

International Baccalaureate (IB) results

For the May 2023 examination session, DP students completed all assessment components for each subject and the IB awarded grades using all components, coursework, and examinations with grade distributions aligning with levels prior to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The grade-awarding approach taken by the IB was to maintain the global standards of the programme, align with the university expectations while mitigating the disruption to teaching and learning over the most recent years.

Stratford Hall celebrated another year of fantastic accomplishments by the IB graduates from the Class of 2023. All students on the Diploma track earned the IB Diploma, with four students earning the IB Bilingual Diploma.

Stratford Hall DP Average Point : 32.50 For the last seven consecutive years, the mean DP total points achieved by Stratford Hall students were at least 2 points higher than the world. In terms of the individual course results, the mean achievement level for Stratford Hall students is 4.91, while the world level is averaging at 4.84. Moreover, the mean number of bonus points earned by Stratford Hall for May 2023 is 1.89.

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ANNUAL REPORT 2022-2023

The Class of 2023 The Post Secondary Department at Stratford Hall is very pleased to report that of the forty students in the class of 2023 who submitted their post secondary applications,100% of them received an offer to attend. Twenty-four of these students received offers from their first choice program and school. Additionally, approximately $200,000 in scholarships were awarded to the graduating class of 2023, with many students receiving multiple scholarships. It is clear that this class continued the tradition of excellence that is the hallmark of a Stratford Hall graduate and we could not be more proud!

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ANNUAL REPORT 2022-2023

Graduates

Areas of Post-Secondary Study

Post-Secondary Destination

Post-Secondary Acceptance

Business

Canada

41

100%

100% of students who applied to post-secondary received an offer of admission from at least one of their post secondary institutions.

Scholarship Offers

35

Scholar Cumulative Worth

$180,825

Academic Excellence (90% or above)

17 Students

Communications Engineering

Capilano University

Fashion Design

Langara College

Film & Television

Queen’s University

General Arts

Simon Fraser University

General Sciences

Toronto Metropolitan University

Health Science

University of British Columbia

International Hospitality

University of Calgary

Kinesiology

University of Lethbridge

Medical Science

University of Ottawa

Psychology

University of Toronto

Political Science

University of Victoria Waterloo University York University Western University

United States College of San Mateo Harvey Mudd College John Hopkins University

International Bournemouth University Glion Institute of Higher Education University of Glasgow

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ANNUAL REPORT 2022-2023

Staff News

20 years Laura Moriarty

5 years Ellis Herbert Hazel Chee Jingjing Li

Service Awards

We are pleased to acknowledge the service of the following individuals:

15 years Janine Erickson

Julia Soderholm Kiranjit Shoker Lobat Fateh Mariah Chan Meg Chamberlin

10 years

Naomi Richardson Philip Brownhill

Lisa Blachut Danielle Minichiello Skipper

Pictured: Laura Moriarty

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ANNUAL REPORT 2022-2023

Farewells

We are grateful for the dedicated service of our former faculty and staff members and wish them well.

Alison Martin Bri Turner Brina Derksen-Bergen Danielle Minichiello Denise Brabban Kamran Mirzaei Lou Cubaleski Meg Chamberlin Rebecca Holgate Rick Campanella

Temporary Staff

We are very appreciative of the staff members who served the Stratford Hall community this year as temporary teachers, co-op students and staff.

Carolyn Chan George Bell Fumagalli Jade Baird Jing Jing Yang Kaline Baker Keith Graham Lucien Somorai Tom Hopkins

Skipper Stana Campbell

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CALENDAR

Save the Date January 8

Classes resume after Winter Break

January 17

Let’s Talk Business 8:30am

February 1

Junior School 3-way Conferences (Goal Setting) 4:00-8:00pm

February 2

Junior School 3-way Conferences (Goal Setting)

February 27

April 26

February 28

ALL DAY

SMASH Fair

Pink Shirt Day

March 12-14

“Puffs” School Theatre Production

March 15

Junior School Grandparents & Grandfriends Day

March 18 - April 1

ALL DAY

Spring Break

February 16

March 29

NO CLASSES

SCHOOL CLOSED

February 19

April 1

SCHOOL CLOSED

SCHOOL CLOSED

February 22

April 2

ISABC Pro-D Day

Family Day

Good Friday

Easter Monday

International Mother Tongue Day at Stratford Hall

Classes resume after Spring Break

February 22

April 9

Senior School Parent-TeacherStudent Conferences 4:00-8:00pm

February 23

Senior School Parent-TeacherStudent Conferences ALL DAY

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DP Arts Showcase

April 19

Grade 12 Final Assembly 9:50am

Grad Cruise

Junior School Student-Led Conferences

May 16

Junior School Sports Day

May 17 Teacher Pro-D Day NO CLASSES

May 20

Victoria Day SCHOOL CLOSED

May 25

Graduation Convocation

May 26

Graduation Dinner and Dance

June 5-7

Grade 5 Exhibition

June 11

Junior School Spring Concert

June 14

SHPA End of the Year Carnival 3:30pm

June 20

Closing Assembly 2:00-3:00pm

CALENDAR

* Subject to Change

2024-2025 Key Dates 2 0 2 4

2 0 2 5

August September

Tuesday 27 First Day for Grade 12 Tuesday 3 Senior School New Student Orientation, 9:30am Wednesday 4 School Opens - First day of school for Kindergarten - Grade 11 students Opening Assembly, 8:30 - 9:30am Monday 30 National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (School closed)

October

Monday 14 Thanksgiving Day (School closed) Friday 18 BC Pro-D Day (No classes) Thursday 24 Pro-D Day (No classes) Student-Parent-Teacher Conferences, 4:00 - 8:00pm Friday 25 Student-Parent-Teacher Conferences, All Day (No classes)

November

Friday 8 Last day of class before Midterm Break (Full day) MIDTERM BREAK: MONDAY, NOVEMBER 11 - FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15 Monday 18 Classes resume after Midterm Break Friday 22 Stratford Hall Gala

December

Friday 20 Last day of class before Winter Break, Early Dismissal, 12:00pm WINTER BREAK: MONDAY, DECEMBER 23 - FRIDAY, JANUARY 10

January

Monday 13 Classes resume after Winter Break Wednesday 22 Let’s Talk Business, 8:30 - 9:30am

February

Thursday 6 Friday 7 Friday 14 Monday 17

March

Friday 14 Last day of class before Spring Break SPRING BREAK: MONDAY, MARCH 17 - FRIDAY, MARCH 28 Monday 31 Classes resume after Spring Break

April

Friday 18 Good Friday (School closed) Monday 21 Easter Monday (School closed)

May

Friday 2 Junior School Student-Led Conferences (At school by appointment) (No Junior School classes) Monday 19 Victoria Day (School closed) Saturday 24 Graduation Convocation, 11:00am - 12:30pm Graduation Dinner and Dance, 6:30 - 9:30pm

June

Student-Parent-Teacher Conferences, 4:00-8:00pm Student-Parent-Teacher Conferences, All Day (No classes) ISABC Pro-D Day (No classes) Family Day (School closed)

Friday 13 Closing Assembly, 2:00-3:00pm (Last day for students)

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OUR MISSION Stratford Hall educates students to the highest global standards through the programmes of the International Baccalaureate. Excellence and confidence are developed through a challenging academic curriculum with further emphasis on creativity, action and service. We foster a strong pluralistic community built on integrity and respect.

OUR VISION Stratford Hall strives to be a global leader in the International Baccalaureate community. Our students will gain a deep understanding of the world around them, and they will act on their connections to the outside community.

They will excel to the best of their abilities, and graduates will be equipped to achieve their chosen goals. This is accomplished by acquiring and retaining the best teachers, and by a commitment to a balanced and enriched curriculum. The success of Stratford Hall is deeply rooted in the establishment of a supportive, knowledgeable and committed community.

STAY CONNECTED www.stratfordhall.ca

@StratfordHallSchool

@Stratford_Hall

@Stratford_Hall