At HSC, we are constantly evolving and embracing new opportunities for growth. The progress we’ve made so far is a testament to the commitment and collaboration of our entire community. As we continue to move forward, I am excited about the possibilities that lie ahead. Together, we will build on our successes and create a vibrant, supportive environment where every student thrives, feels valued, and is inspired to reach their full potential.
Marc Ayotte, Head of College
PERSONALIZED LEARNING
Enhanced student engagement through authentic and experiential opportunities.
PERSONALIZED LEARNING
PURPOSEFUL AND SUSTAINABLE LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS
All of our learning environments enhance the College experience in purposeful and sustainable ways.
STRATEGIC GOAL: ENHANCE THE LEARNING EXPERIENCE
RESILIENCE AND WELLBEING
The development and nourishment of the whole child with attention to the wellbeing of our entire community will be our daily focus.
A WHOLE COLLEGE–INCLUSIVE AND CONNECTED
A locally and globally connected community offering a seamless educational experience from 18 months to 18 years that fosters a sense of belonging.
A WHOLE COLLEGE–INCLUSIVE AND CONNECTED
JOYFUL ENGAGED INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY
STRATEGIC GOAL: DIVERSE, INCLUSIVE, EQUITABLE LIFELONG COMMUNITY
PURPOSEFUL AND SUSTAINABLE LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS
STRATEGIC GOAL: REIMAGINING TIME AND SPACE
RESILIENCE AND WELLBEING
THEME ONE: PERSONALIZED LEARNING
Enhanced student engagement through authentic and experiential opportunities.
Highlights:
» AP English Book Club: A monthly Book Club run by Jessica Wilkins and Susan Hroncek to bring teachers and Grade 12 students together to discuss literacy work that is recommended to prepare students for the AP Literature Exam
» Grade 5 Body Systems PBL: Alumni and current parents who are medical professionals presented to Grade 5 students as part of their Grade 5 Body Systems Unit PBL in science class
»
A key aspect of our Strategic Plan is to give our students opportunities to find, engage and seek solutions for real-world problems and engage in authentic and experiential learning opportunities. In addition, this Strategic Plan aims to develop, deliver and support interdisciplinary and crossgrade collaboration and learning. Ultimately, we aim to empower each student to have input into their personalized learning pathway, allow them to engage in learning opportunities that will follow their interests and passions, and give them the confidence to take appropriate risks and try new things.
Grade 2 Nutritower PBL: Grade 2 students wondered why their plants were not growing in the colder climate and spent the year learning about plant growth and harvesting a variety of plants using a Nutritower that was purchased through a Tutty Fund application
» Montessori Method on Money: Montessori students are learning about the importance of managing their money through the use of “Spend, Save, and Give” jars. Students are being encouraged to take money from their “Give” jars for fundraising initiatives such as the Turkey Trot for McMaster Children’s Hospital
» Personalized Language Learning: Middle School French classes are using a new resource this year called “Education Perfect” which is an online self-paced language program that can personalize language learning to each student’s level
Grade 2 Nutritower harvest
Grade 5 Body Systems PBL
Highlights:
THEME TWO: PURPOSEFUL AND SUSTAINABLE LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS
All of our learning environments enhance the College experience in purposeful and sustainable ways.
We are grateful to have a large campus with many resources to support student learning. We continue to enhance our indoor and outdoor learning spaces to support and deliver authentic teaching and learning for every grade. We know that the spaces we use and design support empowered learning and must be flexible, dynamic and adaptable to student needs. We also recognize the critical importance of our environment and the existential challenges of the global climate crisis. We are committed to making HSC a leader in Canadian education with respect to practicing, learning and teaching environmental sustainability.
» McMaster Sustainable Archaeology Partnership: Teaming up the university will provide opportunities for authentic and sustainable archaeological experiences for students while also teaching respect for Indigenous lands education
» New Innovation Leader, Sustainability: Under this new title, John Hannah will facilitate and lead the development and implementation of the College’s Environmental and Sustainability program to connect campus sustainability efforts with the campus’ academic mission
» Seed Production Research Project: A study was done on campus in the spring by a student from the University of Guelph to determine whether a plant’s support for local pollinators is affected by the distance between it and its seed source – the results of which will inform ongoing efforts on campus to support healthy biodiversity
» Recognition of Commitment: Received platinum status from EcoSchools Canada for the fifth consecutive year for HSC’s commitment to environmental learning and action as a defining element of school culture
» Succulent and Sustainable: Students’ creation of a sustainable recipe showcasing our commitment to choosing climate and naturefriendly foods won TreStelle’s Cheese4Change Contest with the prize money going towards vertical farming and the Garden curriculum
Middle School mock archaeology site at HSC
John Hannah, Innovation Leader, Sustainability
Seed Orchard on Field 5 supporting healthy biodiversity on campus
Fifth consecutive platinum seal from EcoSchools Canada
TreStelle Cheese4Change contest winners
THEME THREE: RESILIENCE AND WELLBEING
The development and nourishment of the whole child with attention to the wellbeing of our entire community will be our daily focus.
Highlights:
» Senior School Tutorial Rebuild: Restructuring work of the tutorial system continues with staff and student committees gathering feedback, defining program goals, implementing key changes, and focusing on student-driven, grade-specific content to enhance belonging and purpose
» Sensorial Garden Renovation: Our youngest students in Montessori and Junior School enjoyed a refresh of their sensorial garden and play area, further enhancing the development of their physical literacy
We are developing practices to amplify wellbeing and embed it into our school structures and daily routines. We strive to develop a community where students are physically active daily, demonstrate gratitude, are engaged in learning, are mindful and present, and are actively open to caring for others and themselves. Our focus on the HSC ideals enables students to grow into well-rounded leaders who can act with the best interests of themselves and others in mind. In addition, researching and implementing research-based programs and practices that focus on students’, faculty’s, and staff’s physical, mental, emotional and spiritual wellbeing continues to be a priority.
» Second Step Grows: Middle School has launched year two of the Second Step program – a research-based social-emotional learning (SEL) curriculum – which is also being piloted in the Early Education schools this year
» SEL in Montessori: School Life Coordinator in Montessori now supports classroom teachers with integrating SEL
» College-wide SEL Integration: Counselling services team developed an approach that has allowed for more integrated work in classrooms related to SEL (i.e., whole class activities, small group pullouts, after school clubs, PD with teachers)
SEL curriculum enhanced by the Second Step program
Montessori SLC - Nicole Rotseart
Grade 12 Tuturial Group led by Jeremy Johnston
Early Education Sensorial Garden
THEME FOUR: A WHOLE COLLEGE –INCLUSIVE AND CONNECTED
A locally and globally connected community offering a seamless educational experience from 18 months to 18 years that fosters a sense of belonging.
We endeavour for all stakeholders to have a sense of belonging to the HSC community, where all members are accepted and celebrated, not only for what brings them together but also for what makes them unique. We are actively focused on becoming a more pluralistic community through recruiting and admitting students and hiring staff who represent the broader community. This also includes ensuring that all members of our community feel safe and welcome. In addition, HSC offers a seamless educational experience for students from 18 months to 18 years. We are uniquely positioned to thoughtfully develop a curriculum continuum that ensures continuity across grade level and division boundaries. Finally, we are committed to fostering a sense of belonging among our entire community, including students, staff, faculty, parents and alumni.
Highlights:
» Youth Uniting for Justice Conference: Teachers, students, and administrators attended the Youth Uniting for Justice Conference at Holy Trinity School, an amazing opportunity to share, learn, and collaborate with other CIS schools in the areas of DEI/ Pluralism
» Empowerment Squared: Leo Johnson, Executive Director of Empowerment Squared, spoke to the Middle School about his childhood in Liberia his embrace of UBUNTU, a way of life emphasizing community, togetherness, and the greater good
» Andrea’s 3 Wishes and Student Committee: With support from the Andrea Tkaczyk Fund, HSC students will facilitate the execution of the 3 Wishes Project in Hamilton General Hospital’s neuro trauma ICU by helping to fulfill wishes for patients within a short time frame
» Middle School Community Outreach Program: This ongoing co-curricular activity connects students to residents of a long-term care facility, where connection and joyful learning is mutually shared
» Red Dress Day Installation: To commemorate National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, Senior School art students hung red dresses in the courtyard to symbolize the absence of Indigenous women and girls who are victims of violence
Supported by the Andrea Tkaczyk Fund
Leo Johnson - Empowerment Squared
Red Dress Day Installation
Student attendees at the Youth Uniting for Justice Conference
GOAL ONE: ENHANCE THE LEARNING EXPERIENCE
We will empower each student to have input into their personalized learning pathway. Voice and choice will extend to student assessment and evaluation. HSC will incorporate a focus on wellbeing throughout all we do and will be at the forefront of all decisions – striking a balance between academic rigour and wellbeing. We will support and empower our faculty to grow as a community of professional educators. Experiential learning opportunities will be a key aspect of our programs. To support this, we will establish a robust network of local, regional, and global partners to provide learning opportunities for our students and teachers and create opportunities for our stakeholders to become more active leaders in our region.
Highlights
» Ed Cabral from the Canadian Institute for Non-Destructive Evaluation collaborated with Grade 12 physics students at Mohawk College, offering hands-on experience with ultrasonic flaw detectors.
» Sandra Nagy from Future Design School joined faculty in August to launch year-long innovation learning groups on action research, with her keynote titled “Embracing Tomorrow: How Global Trends are Reshaping Education and Paving New Pathways for Students.”
» Four HSC faculty and staff attended the Summer AI Institute at Lakefield College School from July 21-23.
» The redesigned E-Week Experience at Camp Timberlane for Grades 6-8 focused on Social Emotional Learning and curricular connections. Expanded day trips in Early Education offered Junior and Montessori students more hands-on experiences.
» Two HSC math teachers attended the Anja S. Greer Conference on Mathematics and Technology for the second year to explore new teaching methods.
» Taya Cicchetti and Kim Kniaz are participating in CAIS LeAD, a year-long advanced school leadership program.
E-Week at Camp Timberlane
Participating CAIS LeAD Principals
HSC’s Colin Milne presenting at summer AI Institute at LCS
Faculty PD: Innovation Learning Groups
GOAL TWO: REIMAGINING TIME AND SPACE
We will reimagine our schedule to empower student learning and enable coordination across schools. Our spaces will also support empowered learning, and we will examine the use of our current spaces and the design of our future spaces to reflect student needs and best practices to promote flexibility and collaboration. We will exemplify environmental sustainability in our decision-making and make HSC a leader in Canadian education with respect to practicing, learning, and teaching environmental sustainability. We will also strive to become one of the most biodiverse campuses in Canada and leverage the learning potential of our outdoor spaces to support authentic teaching and learning.
Highlights
» Three Middle School classrooms have become pilot classrooms with flexible furniture and design to allow teachers to explore innovative approaches to teaching and learning
» A small adjustment to the timetable has created a one-hour block of time per cycle so that Grade 4 students can take part in an Outdoor Education class led by Mr. Bryan Simmons who took an Outdoor Learning Certification Course last year
» New SMART TVs on wheels have been installed across the College to increase their flexibility as teaching and learning tools
» In May, students and staff planted $3,500 worth of trees on campus through a grant from Tree Canada (sponsored by UHaul)
Flexible furniture in the Middle School
Tree planting sponsorped by Uhaul
Outdoor Ed with Bryan Simmons
Classroom SMART TVs on wheels across campus
GOAL THREE: DIVERSE, INCLUSIVE, EQUITABLE, LIFELONG COMMUNITY
We recognize, celebrate and honour the diversity in our HSC community and we will actively focus on becoming a more pluralistic community. In our curriculum and learning experiences, we will prioritize the inclusion of widely diverse voices. We will develop a curriculum scaffold that ensures continuity across grade level and division boundaries and will support interdisciplinary and cross-grade collaboration and learning for both students and faculty. We will continue to build lifelong connections with our alumni as integral members of our community. Finally, our parents are key partners in the learning experience for their children and we will deliver a robust parent education program that helps parents partner effectively in support of the shared goals and values of the HSC community.
Highlights
» Elev8, a service committee created to elevate others and raise awareness about issues within our community and beyond, has expanded from the Senior and Middle Schools to the Montessori and Junior Schools
» Members of the community gathered in April for HSC’s Builders Dinner, a celebratory event honouring the College’s most arduous supporters
» Members of the Strathallan alumni community gathered in late April for a celebration of Strathallan School’s 100-year anniversary
» 23 faculty have enrolled in an Anti-Black Racism Additional Qualification Course through Lakehead University that has been personalized for HSC
» Alumni in the Greater NYC area attended a September event connecting them with current Senior School students, faculty, and Head of College Marc Ayotte, visiting as part of E-Week. An alumni panel shared their career journeys and offered guidance to students aspiring to succeed in business and the arts.
Pluralism
NYC Alumni Event during E-Week
Strathallan 100 Celebration
Newest Patron Jeff Paikin ’80 and Builders Herb Wodehouse ‘71, Brenda Zwolak and Ben Young ‘47
STRATEGY IN ACTION
STORIES AND HIGHLIGHTS OF OUR STRATEGIC INITIATIVES AT WORK.
RISE OF ACADEMIC-FOCUSED CLUBS AT HSC
Theme 1: Personalized Learning
Theme 3: Resilience and Wellbeing
Theme 4: A Whole College – Inclusive and Connected
Goal 1: Enhance the Learning Experience
Over the last few years, participation and interest in academicfocused extracurricular clubs has grown and many of these clubs have experienced tremendous success. The VEX robotics program has expanded to include a team of students from the Middle School, who qualified for provincials and placed 31st overall in the province. Their efforts during their first year competing have them ranked at 946th in the world! The Senior School Robotics team took their robot to two competitions to compete against other Ontario robotic teams from across the province. One of the key challenges the team encountered was designing a movable arm capable of picking up and collecting objects. During competitions, they had to quickly find solutions and make adjustments between qualifying rounds.
In addition to problem-solving, they connected with other students who shared their passion for robotics, both behind the scenes and on the field, working collaboratively with other teams to achieve the competition’s goals. As a result of their perseverance and the leadership of the Grade 12 students, the team was in first place for over an hour at the Canadian Open VRC Signature Event in Markham. Although they did not place in the finals at the gruelling two-day long competition, the team returned with ideas for improving their robot and continuing their momentum for the next school year.
Model UN, another popular club in the Senior School, saw a similar expansion into Middle School, with a club that was run primarily by Senior School students. Global awareness, critical thinking, and debate skills were developed as students learned to advocate according to the principles of diplomacy. In April, members of the Senior School club participated in Appleby’s competition with many
delegates winning prestigious awards including two best delegate titles, three outstanding delegates and numerous honourable mentions. Throughout the fall term, this year’s team will be preparing for the Secondary School United Nations Symposium (SSUNS) in November hosted at McGill University. In February, HSC will be hosting its own Model UN Conference: Think Globally, Act Locally.
The Competitive Business Club (CBC) is another academic, extracurricular club in Senior School that supports students seeking to build important future-ready skills, such as critical thinking, public speaking, professionalism, networking, and leadership. This club seeks to help emerging leaders gain confidence in their problem-solving and communication skills while also learning key business concepts. The CBC focuses primarily on preparing students for DECA competitions, which are grouped into three broad categories— role-plays and case studies, prepared events and online simulations.
Thirty-three Senior School students participated in the HOSA Spring Leadership Conference, the largest health science competition for secondary and postsecondary students. From Sports Medicine and CPR/First Aid to Medical Law and Medical Math, students had two full days of engaging learning. HSC students also had impressive results at BASEF, the Bay Area Science and Engineering Fair, which was hosted at HSC. Among the impressive competitors, Alia Wahban received the gold merit award and placed third in the entire fair. She was selected to represent Canada at the ISEF 2024, the world’s largest pre-college STEM competition, in May in Los Angeles.
IT AMBASSADORS AND HSC’S STUDENTCREATED AI CHATBOT
Theme 1: Personalized Learning
Theme 3: Resilience and Wellbeing
Theme 4: A Whole College – Inclusive and Connected
Goal 1: Enhance the Learning Experience
Goal 2: Reimagining Time and Space
HSC’s IT department decided it was time to create a chatbot for the College’s website and sought the skills and interest of three tech savvy Grade 7 students to research, develop and build HSC’s first ever chatbot: HSC-GPT. Privacy and information security manager Colin Milne along with Senior School science teacher John Buchanan have been overseeing the project which is moving quickly from idea to fruition.
Starting in February 2024 HSC’s Tech Ambassadors from Middle School Broderick Johnson, Caleb Nash, and Everett Uzelac have helped shape the bot’s design and functionality, taking on tasks that aligned with their strengths, pushing themselves outside their comfort zones, learning to pitch ideas, and developing new skills. This experience not only boosted their confidence but also proved to be a fun, handson learning opportunity that highlighted the importance of resilience and collaboration.
This initiative is more than just a one-time project—it’s part of an ongoing learning journey. The chatbot, set to be launched on the website before the new year, will serve as a valuable resource for prospective families, staff, and students alike. As the team prepares for launch, they continue to gather feedback from departments and leadership to refine the bot and ensure it meets the needs of the whole College. John and the Tech Ambassadors have several exciting future projects in the works, including AI subject-specific mentors, a software helper for new staff and students navigating myHSC, and an events scheduling assistant.
SOLAR PANELS FULLY OPERATIONAL
Theme 1: Personalized Learning
Theme 2: Purposeful and Sustainable Learning Environments
Goal 1: Enhance the Learning Experience
Goal 2: Reimagining Time and Space
In collaboration with the VCT Group, HSC is thrilled to see the successful installation of a solar panel array on the roof of the Senior School, marking the completion of a student-led initiative that not only supports HSC's environmental goals but also enriches opportunities for real-world learning. Spearheaded by a dedicated group of HSC students—Meera Ghelani, Kyle Ding, Sohan Dhiraj, Isuri Fernando and Pearl Naik—under
the guidance of Mark Mitchell, this project was initially presented to Marc Ayotte and the Board two years ago.
The collaborative efforts that brought this project to fruition are a great example of purposeful and sustainable learning. Students now have access to real-time data and firsthand learning experiences through an advanced inverter system that provides remote access to the solar panel
performance. The data is shared via an online dashboard, which tracks real-time wattage generation, allowing students to monitor how solar power output fluctuates based on factors like sunlight, cloud cover, and seasonal changes. This remote access opens a wide array of educational possibilities, particularly in math and science classes. John Hannah, Innovation Leader in Sustainability, is working with a group of faculty in planning PBL opportunities around HSC’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gases and our carbon footprint. The solar panels will
play a key role in the learning that will take place for students in these projects. Students will be able track and analyze the data, creating models to understand how variables such as weather conditions affect solar power generation. They can calculate averages, determine energy efficiency, and predict patterns based on historical data. In science lessons, this real-time information can lead to deeper explorations of renewable energy sources, physics of light, and environmental impact studies, turning abstract concepts into tangible, data-driven insights.
EARTH DAY 2024
Theme 2: Purposeful and Sustainable Learning Environments
Theme 3: Resilience and Wellbeing
Theme 4: A Whole College – Inclusive and Connected
Goal 1: Enhance the Learning Experience
For Earth Day 2024, more than 900 students, staff and faculty actively engaged in hands-on activities and lessons aimed at promoting environmental awareness and sustainability across campus.
During one activity, students participated in a litter collection initiative, cleaning the perimeter of the campus. More than 77 pounds of garbage was collected. Participants also inventoried waste streams at the “Student Trash Table,” sorting recyclables and waste from their class bins to learn about the financial and environmental costs of improper waste management—like the $2,600 monthly fuel surcharge for waste disposal.
In the gardens, staff and students pulled weeds, added mulch, and planted seeds in pots to nurture throughout the season. More than 975 square feet of invasive plants were removed with 41 new trees planted and 500 milkweed seeds planted to further support pollination and enhance the College’s green spaces.
Environmental journalism encouraged students to investigate and report on pressing ecological issues through videos, photography, and writing. The lessons were further enriched by an interactive climate hero escape room in the student learning commons, an experience developed by Kim Ayotte to simulate the global climate crisis. Students also captured photos of nature on campus, contributing to a
nature collage inspired by the work of Dr. Roberta Bondar.
Earth Day also offered a variety of exploratory experiences, including bird box maintenance, exploring HSC’s Green Roof, and embarking on a selfguided bird safari. Students visited the compost area where yard waste is processed, the bee hives, and the apple orchard. They also took a behindthe-scenes tour of the school’s utility systems with Jeff Cober, learning how sustainable infrastructure drives campus operations.
With each activity, students gained new insights into sustainability, taking steps toward building a greener future.
HSC IS A LEADER IN CAAP CLIMATE AND NATURE LEADERSHIP PLEDGE
Theme 2: Purposeful and Sustainable Learning Environments
Theme 3: Resilience and Wellbeing
Goal 1: Enhance the Learning Experience
Goal 2: Reimagine Time and Space
HSC has taken a lead in the advancement of Climate Action Accelerator Program’s (CAAP) Climate and Nature Leadership pledge. This groundbreaking initiative is designed to inspire schools worldwide to take meaningful action on climate change and nature conservation. Developed in collaboration with 20 other Canadian schools who helped found the Climate Action Accelerator Program, the pledge calls on elementary, middle, and secondary schools globally to engage in strategic, whole-school approaches to environmental action.
Within the pledge are a series of promises by which schools can work to inspire climate action in their communities. Examples include considering and implementing Indigenous ways of knowing; short and long-term goals aligned with restoration and regeneration; embedding climate action and leadership in the College’s strategic plans, values and ethos; collective learning endeavours that consider the intersectionality of climate change impacts; and strategies that inform greener infrastructure and expand green energy systems on campus. The goal is to mobilise entire school communities— students, staff, families, and partners—while extending the impact to local businesses, governments, and community organisations. By committing to the pledge, HSC and others
can drive positive change, fostering sustainability both within and beyond our campuses.
Head of College, Marc Ayotte, will present this initiative at the upcoming CAIS Heads Conference, encouraging more schools to join in the collective effort toward a more sustainable future.
PARTNERSHIP WITH JAKE ERNST FROM STRAIGHT UP HEALTH
Theme 3: Resilience and Wellbeing
Theme 4: A Whole College – Inclusive and Connected
Goal 1: Enhance the Learning Experience
Goal 3: Diverse, Equitable, Lifelong Community
Last spring, HSC partnered with Jake Ernst, registered social worker, psychotherapist and Clinical Director of Straight Up Health, to engage faculty, staff, students and parents on the responsible use of technology and social media. Recognizing the risks that cell phones can have on students’ mental health and ability to focus, HSC developed a revised cell phone and personal device policy in collaboration with Jake that aims to safeguard the learning environment and nurture student achievement through healthy tech habits and reduced smartphone usage. HSC’s partnership with Jake was well timed as governments across North America continue to restrict cell phone use in schools and class action lawsuits against social media platforms gain momentum.
Jake joined faculty and staff in August to deliver a keynote session sharing key research on the impacts of screen time, social media and internet access at various stages in development while providing strategies for supporting healthy habits among students. Jake has since joined students in classes to run workshops for Grades 4/ M9 and up that provide practical guidance and tools to protect students online and prevent device distraction.
Simple measures like turning students’ phones to grayscale or scheduling downtime and limits on applications are helping significantly reduce reliance on devices.
Throughout the fall term, Jake will host virtual parent sessions by school to allow parents the opportunity to ask questions and gain practical strategies for ensuring their children maintain healthy tech habits. Faculty and staff have already noted a positive change in the way students interact with one another outside of class time as a result of Jake’s sessions and HSC’s policy against the use of personal devices for noneducational purposes. We look forward to capturing feedback and insights in the coming months to determine how these sessions and new protocols are influencing learning and mental health across the College.
THE POWER OF THE PARENTS’ GUILD TO POSITIVELY IMPACT HSC LEARNING
Theme 4: A Whole College – Inclusive and Connected
Goal 1: Enhance the Learning Experience
Goal 3: Diverse, Equitable, Lifelong Community
HSC’s Parents' Guild continues to enhance the College community by fostering connections and supporting key initiatives that align with enhancing the learning environment. From Mix and Mingles for parents in each school to informal gatherings like weekday hikes, coffee chats, pickleball games, and golf outings, the PG has created diverse opportunities for parents to connect and build lasting friendships. The Parents' Guild Book Club has further enriched these connections, providing a space for shared learning and dialogue.
Financially, the PG has made a significant impact, with funds from Winterfest and Gently Used Uniform Sales last year raising funds that contributed to the purchase of a new playground for Early Ed students. Looking ahead, the upcoming Monster Mash will provide even more opportunities for collaboration among parents, as they come together to organize and support this exciting community event. Through events like this, the PG continues to foster connections and strengthen the sense of inclusivity within the school.
NATIONAL TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION
PARTNERSHIP WITH THE DREAMCATCHER FOUNDATION
Theme 4: A Whole College – Inclusive and Connected
Goal 1: Enhance the Learning Experience
Goal 3: Diverse, Equitable, Lifelong Community
HSC’s commitment to truth and reconciliation is deeply intertwined with our strategic priorities of fostering an inclusive, diverse and equitable community. Ongoing initiatives across the College continue to promote awareness and respect of the Indigenous experience while connecting students with the land that we learn on.
The annual Truth and Reconciliation assembly held on Friday, September 27 featured incredible performances from the Six Nations dancers as well as guest speaker Shayla Stonechild who shared her inspiring approach to wellbeing through an Indigenous lens. Earlier in the week, Métis artist Tracey-Mae Chambers installed captivating artwork on campus made out of bright red yarn which represents the theme of #hopeandhealingcanada. Her work will stay on display for three months and stand as a visual representation of displaced Indigenous communities and inspire further conversations about the impacts of colonization.
To commemorate the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation, HSC organized a fundraiser where the profits from the sales of custom designed orange shirts supported the Dreamcatcher organization. As one of Canada’s leading Indigenous charitable foundations, Dreamcatcher is dedicated to providing talented, passionate, and energetic youth with the support they
need today to become tomorrow’s community leaders. Dreamcatcher also provides HSC consulting for teachers and a connection to the Indigenous community through Leaders and Elders. Ongoing efforts to incorporate Indigenous ways of knowing into curriculum across the College supports student engagement with the practices, rituals and relationships of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. Indigenous storyteller and educator Raven visited our early learners during E-Week to share her experience and artistry with students. Initiatives and partnerships like this ensure that HSC’s commitment to truth and reconciliation is sustained year-round.
HSC’S COMMUNITY COMING TOGETHER TO WATCH THE SOLAR ECLIPSE
Theme 3: Resilience and Wellbeing
Theme 4: A Whole College – Inclusive and Connected
Goal 1: Enhance the Learning Experience
We are very proud of our response to the Solar Eclipse on April 8, 2024. Instead of choosing to close the College for the day, we capitalized on HSC’s prime location. With our campus in the path of totality, faculty and staff worked hard to turn the event into a once-in-a-lifetime learning experience for students. While it was not age-and-stage appropriate to have our youngest learners outside, each Junior and Montessori class took part in Solar Eclipse activities in the learning commons, participating in a solar eclipse-themed escape room and watching a live feed of the eclipse on TV.
To limit the numbers on the buses, our Senior Students had a virtual learning day; however, the Senior School Science Department created a few memorable activities for the students to interact with the eclipse. The Middle School students were the most fortunate of all and took part in activities
leading up to the eclipse such as building pinhole cameras, culminating in going outside to experience totality together. The students were in awe as the sky got darker and the temperature felt cooler. For almost two minutes, we were in the path of totality and it was an amazing experience to share as a community–no doubt a memory that students will cherish long after graduation.
STRATEGIC PLAN
COMMITTEE
Marc Ayotte Head of College
Carrie Annable ‘97 Chair, Academic Strategy
Liz Davidson Director of Finance
Danielle Hourigan '82 Principal, Montessori School
Eleonor Kerr Director of HR and Operations
Jason Caruana Deputy Head of College
Linda Watson Director of Technology, Innovation and Integration
JOYFUL ENGAGED INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY
STRATEGIC PLAN
HILLFIELD STRATHALLAN COLLEGE
Hillfield Strathallan College
299 Fennell Avenue West
Hamilton, ON L9C 1G3
905-389-1367
strategy@hsc.on.ca
www.hsc.on.ca
Our core mission is to develop joyful and engaged students who live life with purpose.
The best learning happens when students are happy to come to school, have opportunities to follow their passions, and participate in deep learning experiences that challenge them.
Joyful, engaged students develop strong relationships with their peers and with the caring adults who spark and support their learning both inside the classroom and beyond.
Their journey at HSC prepares students to live with purpose—to understand their world, inspire, lead, act, and make a difference in their own unique ways.
