LION Magazine Spring 2024

TRENDING NOW

We dream it... and then we live it.

With support from our donors, here’s how:

Enhanced Academics

+ Additional professional development for faculty focused on further supporting the emotional and social development of our students

+ Parent workshop on self-regulation strategies for children

+ Presentation to the Junior School by an aerospace educator

+ Active learning furniture: Flexispot bicycle work stations

+ Furniture, books and materials for the library

+ Pre-U grow boxes

+ Virtual reality units to complement the grade 5 to 8 curriculum

Strengthened Bursary Program

+ Over $55K disbursed for immediate bursaries

Enhanced Co-curriculars

+ Five 3D printers

+ A robotic arm system for the Centre for Discovery

+ An embroidery machine

+ Athletic mats for the wrestling program

+ Junior School recess equipment

Donate prior to June 30 to ensure we can support all the great ideas being generated and to be recognized in the fall issue of the LION magazine.

HEAD

Christopher Shannon, Pre-U

LION

Dawn Levy

ASSISTANT

Dana Kobernick

COPY EDITORS

Gianna Formica

Jane Martin

ARCHIVES,

Jane Martin

Adrianna Zerebecky TRANSLATION

Nathalie Lampron

Elizabeth Martel

CONTRIBUTORS

Lauren Alpern

Mark Boghen

Kristine Jones, Pre-U ’93

Dana Kobernick

Meagan Kearney

Maggie Owen

Christopher Shannon, Pre-U ’76

Nancy Smith

PHOTO CREDITS & CONTRIBUTORS

Chris Auclair

Vic Badian ’61, Pre-U ’62

Anabela Cordeiro

Susan Ferguson

LCC Archives

Christinne Muschi

Kyle Williams

Origami

avenue Royal

514 482 9916 @ communications@lcc.ca

Headlines

Junior School students perform the musical Frozen Kids in the Assaly Arts Centre (2022)

Trending Now: Inside Exciting Developments at LCC

At LCC our faculty and staff are committed to purposeful reflection. Our ethos of continuous improvement commits us to reviewing norms and practices in order to enhance the student experience and deepen our culture of excellence. That spirit of refinement and innovation is visible in all corners of the school. So, what are some of the hot topics at LCC now?

We are immensely proud that LCC was once again certified by the Canadian Accredited Independent Schools (CAIS). For the first time, the school has also had its practices reviewed by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). Recognition from these two distinguished organizations is a testament to our standards of excellence. Details can be found on page 12.

This issue of the LION is also an opportunity to remind our readers that, in January, we celebrated the tenth anniversary of our Assaly Arts Centre. For over a decade, this modern facility has helped to enhance the place of arts, mathematics and community connections in fundamental ways. It has allowed us to develop first-rate arts programs that we simply could not provide before. Notably, modern facilities have allowed our Senior Band to grow to more than 100 participants.

Memorable performances at last year’s European tour to Berlin and Amsterdam were symbolic of the quality of music education at LCC. In addition to helping nurture creativity, the band experience is great for brain development and builds teamwork and a deeper sense of community and belonging. The Assaly building’s art studios, with gallery display areas and dedicated drama spaces, have also contributed to the flourishing of art and theatre, where this had previously been somewhat marginalized due to a lack of purpose-built facilities. With the 540-seat Saputo Auditorium, gatherings for assemblies, performances,

Quoi de neuf : des nouvelles passionnantes de notre école

Nos enseignants et nos employés à LCC sont engagés à mener leurs réflexions avec intentionnalité. Dans le respect de notre philosophie prônant l’amélioration continue, nous revoyons nos normes et nos pratiques pour rehausser l’expérience de nos élèves et pour renforcer notre culture d’excellence. Cet esprit de raffinement et d’innovation, nous pouvons le sentir bien vivant, partout dans notre école. Quels sont donc les derniers sujets d’actualité à LCC?

Nous sommes immensément fiers d’annoncer que, cette année encore, notre école a renouvelé son adhésion aux Canadian Accredited Independent Schools (CAIS). Elle a également reçu sa toute première certification de la New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). La reconnaissance de ces deux organisations distinguées témoigne de l’excellence de nos normes. Vous trouverez plus de détails à la page 12.

Le présent numéro du magazine LION nous donne aussi l’occasion de vous rappeler que nous avons souligné le dixième anniversaire du Centre des arts Assaly en janvier dernier. Depuis plus de dix ans, cette installation moderne nous a permis de rehausser de façon fondamentale la place que les arts, les mathématiques et les liens communautaires occupent au sein de notre établissement. Elle nous a permis de créer des programmes artistiques de premier ordre que nous ne pouvions tout simplement pas offrir auparavant. Elle a notamment permis à l’orchestre de l’école secondaire de passer à plus de 100 musiciens.

La prestation mémorable de ce groupe l’an dernier, lors de sa tournée à Berlin et à Amsterdam, en Europe, a symbolisé la qualité de l’éducation musicale de nos jeunes. En plus de nourrir leur créativité, cette excellente expérience stimulant le développement cognitif des élèves a aussi renforcé leur esprit d’équipe et leur sentiment d’appartenance à la communauté. Avec ses studios d’art et ses espaces réservés aux expositions et aux arts dramatiques, le centre a également permis l’épanouissement des arts et du théâtre, des activités que nous devions autrefois délaisser quelque peu par manque d’installations adaptées. Les 540 places de l’auditorium Saputo, les rassemblements, représentations et concerts, les conférenciers et les locataires de nos installations ont fortement contribué à renforcer le sentiment de communauté à LCC.

En tant qu’école ouverte sur le monde, LCC est déterminée à offrir des expériences d’apprentissage actives à ses élèves dans la sphère internationale. Notre plus récent échange

concerts and guest speakers have strongly contributed to an enhanced sense of community at LCC.

As a global school, we are committed to building active international learning experiences for students. Our recent group student exchange to Colegio Los Nogales in Bogota, Colombia was a great success, and has helped to open the eyes of many students to cultural differences, while broadening their experiences. Significant student interest in other global initiatives such as the Duke of Edinburgh Awards and our own LCC Certificate of Sustainable Global Leadership (CSGL) are indicators that our students are curious and motivated to be globally engaged.

In academics, faculty members have explored a host of important themes for professional growth: new approaches to inclusive practices, embedding of artificial intelligence into learning experiences, enhanced approaches to environmental sustainability, and how to offer our students multiple voices and perspectives. All our teachers are delving into one or more of these themes. It is part of our professional learning community (PLC) model where faculty learn and explore over several mornings during the year. In addition, our academic advising program — an LCC differentiator — has seen significant growth, with university planning starting as early as grade 9 and a commitment to finding the “right fit” and “holistic admission”.

Achievements of our community are highlighted to the world through our monthly podcast, We Are LCC. Topics are diverse and reflect the innovation and professional leadership of alumni, current parents, faculty and staff, as well as the remarkable accomplishments of students. If you haven’t had a chance to listen, be sure to subscribe through Apple or Spotify.

Perhaps more than anything, the topics presented in this issue reflect our community’s strong commitment to interesting ideas, as well as the willingness to explore and implement approaches that are new and engaging for young people. That is at the root of what makes education exciting for everyone on our campus and wherever LCC alumni live across the world. I am proud to say our school spirit is vibrant and strong!

d’élèves au Colegio Los Nogales à Bogota, en Colombie, a été un grand succès. En plus de faire vivre de nouvelles aventures à ce groupe de jeunes, cette activité les a sensibilisés aux différences culturelles. Nos jeunes sont curieux et motivés à s’engager à l’étranger, comme l’indique l’intérêt notable qu’ils démontrent pour d’autres initiatives d’envergure mondiale, comme le Prix international du duc d’Édimbourg et le certificat en développement durable à l’échelle mondiale, qui est un prix décerné par notre école.

Sur le plan scolaire, nos enseignants ont exploré une foule de thèmes importants pour la croissance professionnelle : nouvelles approches en matière de pratiques inclusives, intégration de l’intelligence artificielle aux expériences d’apprentissage, approches améliorées en durabilité environnementale et exposition des élèves à de multiples points de vue et perspectives. Tous nos enseignants doivent approfondir un ou plusieurs de ces thèmes : cet engagement fait partie de notre modèle de communautés d’apprentissage professionnel, au sein duquel les enseignants apprennent et explorent différents sujets pendant plusieurs matinées au cours de l’année. De plus, notre service de conseils pédagogiques — un service qui nous différencie de nos concurrents — a connu une forte croissance : nous planifions l’entrée à l’université dès la 9e année puisque nous sommes déterminés à trouver pour chaque élève l’établissement qui répondra à l’ensemble de ses besoins.

Grâce à notre balado mensuel We Are LCC, nous faisons connaître au monde entier les réalisations de notre communauté. Fort variés, les sujets couverts témoignent du sens de l’innovation et du leadership professionnel de nos anciens élèves, des parents de nos élèves actuels et de nos enseignants et employés, en plus de mettre en lumière les réalisations remarquables des jeunes qui étudient chez nous. Si vous n’avez pas eu l’occasion de l’écouter, n’hésitez pas à vous y abonner par l’entremise de l’application Balados d’Apple ou de Spotify.

Ce qui importe avant tout est de savoir que les thèmes du présent numéro reflètent le solide engagement de notre communauté à donner suite aux idées dignes d’intérêt, ainsi que sa volonté à explorer et à mettre en œuvre des approches nouvelles et attrayantes pour les jeunes. Ces qualités sont la base de ce qui rend l’éducation passionnante pour tous, tant pour ceux sur le campus que pour nos anciens élèves qui rayonnent ailleurs dans le monde. Je suis fier de le dire : l’esprit de notre école est vibrant et fort!

School

Non Nobis Solum,

CHRISTOPHER SHANNON, Pre-U ’76 Head of

/ Directeur général

In this issue of the LION , we delve into the newest developments at LCC. From groundbreaking projects to student-led initiatives, we are bringing you some of what’s trending at the school, showcasing the ingenuity of our alumni, students, faculty and staff.

LCC STUDENTS ON EXCHANGE IN COLOMBIA MORE ON PAGE 20

TEZTUS CO-FOUNDERS

JACKSON LABELL-NEVARD ’18, PRE-U ’19 (CENTRE) AND HELEN ZHANG ’18, PRE-U ’19 (RIGHT)

“Working with other LCC graduates, we just know that we have all been formed within that great atmosphere, and that we are well prepared for the challenges ahead.”

— Jackson Labell-Nevard ’18, Pre-U ’19

TBY MARK BOGHEN WRITER

hey are just two little letters, but they seem to be omnipresent, signifiers of both concern and limitless possibilities for progress. AI (Artificial Intelligence) is here, and its effects are being felt in every corner of society. A recent pilot project at LCC is looking to apply the promise of this emerging technology, where machines perform tasks that typically require human intelligence, to the classroom. A connection to LCC alumni is part of the story.

Director of Academics Constance McGuire learned that some recent LCC graduates were starting a tech company, Teztus, that focused on applying AI to the grading of student work, and she wanted to know more. Meetings during the summer were promising and a deal was struck: LCC would become one of the first schools in North America to experiment with the technology.

WITH TEAM MEMBER MAYA WOU ’19 (LEFT)

lot of interest from many of the top academic institutions in the US, but we feel that Teztus will eventually serve schools of all kinds, especially public schools with their more limited resources.”

The premise of Teztus’ product is straightforward, but would have been impossible before the recent advances in AI. Student assignments, whether typed or handwritten, are uploaded through whatever portal a school uses — like Google Classroom — along with teachers’ assessment criteria. The software tool grades the work and gives accurate and meaningful comments to the student.

Teztus founder Jackson LabellNevard ’18, Pre-U ’19 had started a small high-end tutoring service in New York while studying computer science at NYU. He saw that irrespective of grade level, students were having to wait many weeks to get evaluated on their work, by which time they had often moved on to other units. Talking to teachers, he learned that the problem was just as great for them. Grading was time-consuming, inefficient, and eating into their availability to students.

Multiple-choice testing solved part of the problem while introducing others. It was lacking in nuance, often punishing students for small discrepancies in understanding and limiting the possibility of useful feedback.

Teztus’ AI-based software is designed to work with any subject, guarantees privacy, and ensures that all student data are protected. It also allows teachers complete flexibility in how assignments are graded and gives them full control over the comments that students receive. Initial response from LCC teachers using the software is very positive, and their observations about how it functions and requests for new features are of great value to the nascent company.

“We’re focusing on a small number of educational institutions for now,” notes Jackson. “It’s important for us to be adaptive to the responses we’re getting, and we’re making sure that early adopters can choose exactly how their graded material will look and feel. There’s a

“Marking has always been one of a teacher’s most onerous and unloved tasks,” says Ms. McGuire. “Teachers like designing courses and giving lessons, and they value their time working directly with students. This software has the potential to have a huge impact on how our teachers do their work.”

Teztus’ core team also includes LCC alums Helen Zhang ’18, Pre-U ’19 and Maya Wou ’19. “The student-teacher relationships and level of education we got at LCC are unmatched,” says Jackson. “Working with other LCC graduates, we just know that we have all been formed within that great atmosphere, and that we are well prepared for the challenges ahead.”

UPDATE

Following a rigorous application process, Teztus was recently invited to join Neo Accelerator, a prestigious program that provides funding and mentorship to startup companies. With this support, the Teztus team says they are that much better equipped to achieve their business goals.

ABOVE MAYA WOU PRESENTS THE TEZTUS APP TO LCC FACULTY AND STAFF

LCC ACADEMIC ADVISING:

THE EARLY BIRD STRATEGY

BY MAGGIE OWEN , ACADEMIC ADVISING COORDINATOR

AT LCC WE INVEST IN HELPING OUR STUDENTS PREPARE FOR THEIR FUTURES AND BELIEVE THAT PERSONALIZED GUIDANCE IS PARAMOUNT. TO THIS END, OUR ACADEMIC ADVISING PROGRAM HAS UNDERGONE SIGNIFICANT GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS TO MEET THE EVER-EVOLVING SHIFTS AND COMPETITIVE CLIMATE ASSOCIATED WITH POST-SECONDARY STUDY. WE EMPOWER AND SUPPORT OUR STUDENTS SO THAT THEY CAN NOT ONLY NAVIGATE THEIR EDUCATIONAL JOURNEY AT LCC, BUT ALSO MANAGE THE POST-SECONDARY SELECTION AND APPLICATION PROCESS, WHERE WE EXPLORE CONCEPTS LIKE “FINDING THE RIGHT FIT” AND “HOLISTIC ADMISSIONS”.

HERE’S SOME OF WHAT’S NEW IN ACADEMIC ADVISING:

GETTING AN EARLY START

Similar to the American approach, we have implemented a model of preparation that starts as early as grade 9. By the time students reach Senior School, they are ready to visit university campuses and start their applications, and they become increasingly more thoughtful about how they spend their summers.

We are seeing genuine engagement and a curiosity about university life. Melissa Maione, academic advisor and grade 10 advisory teacher, says: “Over the last two years I have noticed that students are taking more ownership of their university applications and, by grade 11, are well informed about the process.”

The result has been a significant increase in the number of applications that our Pre-University students submit to universities in Canada, the US, UK, and Europe, and to prep schools in the US. “We have a group of students that considers prep school as an option after grade 11, which has provided them with multiple paths to finding what will help them meet their long-term goals,” says Emma Slobodzian, academic advisor and prep school application specialist. The academic advising team continues to support students in choosing the right post-grade 11 fit, whether it is Pre-U, prep school or CEGEP.

LCC'S ACADEMIC ADVISORS (LEFT) MAGGIE OWEN FACING PAGE (CLOCKWISE FROM TOP) EMMA SLOBODZIAN, MELISSA MAIONE AND SHESKA ULYSSE

THE NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL LANDSCAPE

Although the majority of Pre-U students have remained in Canada for their university experiences, we have seen growing interest in American universities. In response, we launched an annual US-specific university fair in collaboration with other QAIS schools (Quebec Association of Independent Schools). Last October, our families, and others from the general public, had the opportunity to network with over 30 US university representatives and learn the ins and outs of university applications. “The representatives said that they would like to hear more about events happening here at LCC and in Quebec in general,” says Kayannia Gordon, Pre-U project assistant. “They shared how impressed they are with our students and are excited to see more applications.”

Sheska Ulysse, academic advisor, adds: “The fair was very popular with our students. Many were eager to speak to university representatives and it was great to see so many parents there as well.”

We look forward to having more US schools participate next year as interest seems to be growing.

Admission to Canadian and international universities has become increasingly competitive and the application process is more demanding. Standardized testing requirements at US schools are slowly being reinstated for some institutions, while others remain test-optional. In Canada, we have also seen a shift from written application requirements to timed interview-style supplements for some major university programs.

STAYING ORGANIZED

To support our students, we adopted a new digital platform called CIALFO, allowing students to build a personal profile, research universities and scholarships, keep track of their application progress, and exchange information with their academic advisor. Parents can also see their child’s school list and participate in productive conversations at home about the process.

In the past few years we have noticed that the increased demand on executive functioning skills, given the need to keep track of large quantities of information from different regions, has been stressful for students. This platform helps centralize the process supporting students in staying organized. Although Canadian applications are still individually managed, students can track their school list and outcomes and communicate these to their academic advisor.

A PRODUCTIVE PARTNERSHIP

There have been many changes in post-secondary admissions over the past few years. However, our students have been exceptional collaborators. Every student in grades 9 to Pre-U is assigned to a specific academic advisor, and they have partnered together to develop their postsecondary fit criteria in order to make the best possible decisions. Regardless of how complex the post-secondary landscape becomes, our students continue to demonstrate, through educated decision-making and teamwork, that they are well-prepared to take on the challenge.

BY LAUREN ALPERN , WRITER

Casual conversations can lead to great things. When Dawn Levy, LCC’s director of enrolment and communications, met podcast producer Matt Cundill ’87, Pre-U ’88 in the fall of 2019, her eyes were opened to the world of podcasts and their powerful impact. With Dawn’s encouragement and Matt’s mentorship, what followed was the launch of The Sustainable Burrito, a student-led podcast that featured a host of environment-related topics.

This was all the inspiration that Dawn needed. She rallied her colleagues in communications and the advancement department to launch a community podcast — and We Are LCC was born.

Now in its third year of production, the school’s podcast is a staple in the arsenal of communications and outreach tools. It features a series of informative and engaging conversations with members of the extended Lower Canada College community and is hosted by LCC’s alumni officer, Kristine Jones, Pre-U ’93.

“We are diversifying the ways in which we share our stories to showcase our talented and accomplished community,” says Nancy Smith, director of advancement. “In this fast-paced world, the podcast provides informative and educational content, on demand.”

“We are so lucky to have a rich mosaic of people who make up this community,” Dawn adds. “The LCC family consists of multi-talented people who have made significant contributions professionally or through service to others.”

The podcast covers a wide range

of topics and themes from health and nutrition, to sports, the environment and global issues. The goal is to keep the community learning.

Kristine Jones, otherwise known as KJ, gets rave reviews as the host but, for her, it’s been an incredible learning experience. “From the inception of the project, it’s been about the community helping each other and working together,” KJ says. “I have learned so much from our guests, and it has been a privilege for me to spend time with people from diverse backgrounds.”

While the feedback has been wonderful, the team didn’t have any benchmarks in terms of numbers for We Are LCC But they are definitely growing. In two and a half years, the podcast episodes have been downloaded a total of 3,141 times. With 12 episodes a year, and an impressive list of potential guests, the sky’s the limit.

“It requires commitment. You need to be in that space consistently if you want to be successful and, thanks to this wonderful collaboration, we’re achieving our goals,” Dawn says. “When you’re starting something new, you’re always worried whether it will be good enough. We encourage our students to try new things all the time. I’m glad we’re walking the talk and leading by example.”

Time will tell what the future brings but, so far, We Are LCC is an unquestionable success.

To see more guests of the We Are LCC podcast visit www.lcc.ca/podcast or subscribe via Spotify or Apple podcasts.

Looking Inward, Reaching Higher

LCC’S ACCREDITATION JOURNEY

BY DANA KOBERNICK , COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER

A SCHOOL ACCREDITATION PROCESS PRESENTS A UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY TO UNDERTAKE A SELF-REFLECTIVE, IMMERSIVE JOURNEY, ENABLING THE ENTIRE COMMUNITY TO HELP IDENTIFY AND PRIORITIZE AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT, BUILD ON EXISTING STRENGTHS, AND MAP OUT SHORT- AND LONGTERM PLANS FOR THE FUTURE. IT ALLOWS THE SCHOOL TO REVIEW ITS PRACTICES AND ENSURE THAT IT IS REACHING THE HIGHEST POSSIBLE STANDARDS IN ALL AREAS OF ITS OPERATIONS.

Since 1999, LCC has been certified by the Canadian Accredited Independent Schools (CAIS), a national and highly-regarded network of over 90 member schools that evaluates the full breadth of a school’s practices. As a member school, LCC is expected to go through this process approximately every seven years.

Led by Constance McGuire, director of academics, and involving all stakeholders, LCC embarked on this extensive, transformative journey during the 2022–2023 school year. Students, parents, faculty, staff, board members and alumni were all solicited for their feedback through focus groups, surveys or participation on one of the committees formed for this purpose. These committees addressed a series of IEPs (indicators of effective practice) across 12 standards, including leadership, governance, teaching and learning, finance, recruitment and community engagement, among others. For the first time, and as part of the same process, LCC also sought certification from the esteemed New England Association of Colleges and Schools (NEASC). Accreditation from this American body assigns the distinction of a globally-recognized standard of excellence and, in particular, speaks volumes when Pre-University students apply to US and other international universities upon graduation.

This in-depth exercise included a comprehensive self-study. The analysis involved gathering an extensive bank of supporting documentation, and writing a 200-page report in response to a series of questions that related to the 12 standards, in which every facet of school life is explored and assessed. It culminated in a four-day peer review conducted by a team of professionals from other Canadian and US schools who visited LCC.

“We commit to meeting and surpassing the high standards defined by CAIS and NEASC by undergoing regular evaluations,” says Head of School Chris Shannon, Pre-U ’76. “It’s our chance to be honest, forthright and analytical. In order to evolve, we must be able to identify what we are doing well and where we would like to improve.”

Ms. McGuire adds, “Being reflective is a trait in the IB learner profile, which is meaningful to us as an IB World School. Fittingly, this process allows us to be introspective and lead by example, which is also a key component of our school mission.”

Following the school visit, the peer review team submitted a thorough report detailing their findings, highlighting the strengths of the school and providing recommendations for further development, each of which was assigned a priority level.

“The team’s report was exceptionally complimentary of our school in all areas and emphasized our unwavering commitment to “Students First’, the school’s philosophy,” says Mr. Shannon. “They endorsed our strategic plan and encouraged us to continue along the same path. In particular, they were supportive of what they called ‘our bold move toward full independence’ as we forgo government funding and regain full control of our admissions criteria. At the same time, we recognize that there is always room for growth and we are addressing the issues that were raised.”

In keeping with the inclusive nature of the accreditation process, the resulting action plan involves all stakeholders and will be completed by 2028.

Feedback from the Peer Review Team

THE FOLLOWING ARE JUST SOME OF THE HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE ACCREDITATION REPORT.

COMMENDATIONS

+ Unified, collaborative and supportive leadership team

+ Engagement of board in implementation of strategic plan

+ Courageous strategic plan with future sustainability and growth at its core

+ Formal and informal ethos of community and belonging

+ Steadfast commitment to creating a “students first” environment

+ Culture of learning that permeates the school

+ Meaningful leadership opportunities, including extensive support and comprehensive training

+ Significant commitment to promote diversity and inclusion

+ Commitment to global citizenship, service learning and agency — a differentiator in the Montreal market

+ Adoption of the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (MYP), providing further coherence and alignment with academic program

+ Commitment to innovation

+ Comprehensive co-curricular program that encourages students to find their passion

+ Multiple supports to help students manage, navigate and balance co-curricular commitments with academic courses, and to monitor students’ social and emotional needs

+ Commitment to student-centric socialemotional learning in Junior School; Positive Education model and IB MYP and Diploma Programme in Middle and Senior School

+ Strong enrolment position with high retention rates

+ Strong culture of philanthropy and solid base of annual giving and endowment fundraising, with a focus on deepening participation

+ Strong financial management and planning in preparation for move to full independent status

+ Commitment to ensuring the well-being of employees

+ Alumni programming that offers a rich and wide variety of opportunities for alumni to connect with each other and with students, faculty and staff

AREAS FOR DEVELOPMENT

+ Increased learning opportunities for staff with respect to diversity, equity, inclusion and antiracism

+ Expanded human resources team

+ Management of loss of revenue from government grant allocations as well as additional expenses to support a new employee pension plan

+ Comprehensive campus plan moving forward

+ Update of crisis communications plan

+ Mentorship program for new faculty and staff

+ Student and employee voices in DEI work

+ Furniture in Middle and Senior School that can be easily rearranged to support the learning experience

+ Formal policies, procedures and guidelines related to fundraising

DCollaborative Opportunities for Professional Growth

BY MEAGAN KEARNEY , MATH TEACHER AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR

uring PLC mornings (Professional Learning Communities), held seven times in a given school year, the usual bustle of students on campus is replaced with a different kind of energy, where faculty members come together to collaborate, reflect and share ideas. While students have a later start to classes on those days, teachers have uninterrupted time to work with peers, exchange insights, experiment with new strategies, and learn about new practices. This structured approach aligns seamlessly with our commitment to supporting the International Baccalaureate Middle Years and Diploma Programmes at LCC, as well as advancing the strategic initiatives of the school. The primary goal is to yield tangible outcomes that directly enhance classroom practices and student learning experiences.

This year, faculty members had the opportunity to select from eight diverse topics on which they focused over the course of four consecutive PLC sessions, allowing them to examine areas of personal interest.

One group had the privilege of hosting esteemed guest speaker Shelley Moore, who enlightened them on the topic of inclusion and offered invaluable insights and strategies to create more inclusive learning environments. Another group looked at the integration of the IB Diploma Programme Theory of Knowledge (TOK) principles into their classes, enhancing critical thinking and interdisciplinary connections. Other groups delved into topics that included: incorporating multiple perspectives in the classroom, exploring design and process-based learning in the Fab Lab, refining assessment practices, promoting sustainability education, investigating Artificial Intelligence (AI), and implementing differentiation strategies in the classroom.

As we wrap up this year’s PLC sessions, our next steps will involve sharing the insights gleaned from each group and preparing for the future. Faculty will collaborate to disseminate the knowledge as acquired, enriching our collective understanding. Looking ahead to the next academic year, we are excited to offer some of the sessions to new group members and to explore other topics and areas of interest within our PLC framework, and apply what we have learned in the classroom for the benefit of students. By fostering a culture of continuous learning and collaboration, we remain committed to advancing our professional growth and enhancing student success.

SPOTLIGHT ON NEW CLUBS & ACTIVITIES

From fostering a sense of community to providing opportunities for personal growth and nurturing friendships, LCC’s clubs and activities have long been an integral part of the educational experience. With the evolving interests and needs of students and, oftentimes, on their initiative, new clubs and activities are being introduced all the time.

Here’s a snapshot of just a few that have made it onto the LCC scene recently and are generating a lot of buzz.

BEAD FOR THE NEED

Beyond offering an opportunity for students to craft beautiful objects, Bead for the Need also brings joy and warmth to seniors and to children who are in the hospital. Students come together during lunchtime to bead bracelets, which they then donate. The club also brings our students together to socialize and listen to music.

“We did not expect this club to get so much participation and involvement,” say Jackie Amiel ’24 and Sophie Ostrega ’24. “It is important to us because, while we are doing an activity we are passionate about, we are also able to brighten someone else’s day with a fun accessory. We’ve loved leading this club.”

DESIGN ACADEMY

The Design Academy enables students who are passionate about design and digital fabrication to develop skills and work on projects. Centred around challenges and workshops, students gain new insight into creative uses of technology, leveraging the LCC Centre for Discovery to make almost anything!

“It has been such an eye-opening experience,” says Emma Chen ’24. “The club gives students the opportunity to explore and learn the ins and outs of design. For me, seeing the ways design has shaped and created the world has encouraged me to learn more about the importance of innovation and the process of creating something I am passionate about. In this club, students enter with a willingness to create, and leave with valuable skills — such as knowing how to develop novel design solutions, effectively communicate ideas, and persist in the face of creative challenges — that can serve them over a lifetime. The Design Academy is truly a great place to learn, innovate, and turn ideas into a reality!”

LION’S DEN BUSINESS CLUB

The student-led Lion’s Den Business Club provides a space for students to explore their curiosity about business. The primary areas of interest of these young entrepreneurs include: start-ups, the evolution and growth of businesses, finance and investment, solving real-life business problems, marketing strategies, networking and relationships, real estate and limited liability companies.

Highlights have included guest speakers Corey Wolman ’06 who presented on real estate development, and Gabriel Flores ’95 who spoke about the importance of investing early and responsible wealth management. Students also enjoyed conducting business simulations using game theory.

“The guest presentations have been particularly valuable,” says Sanya Stashkiv ’24. “The alumni shared real-life experience that is based on practice and is therefore not purely theoretical.”

ONE OF THE LION'S DEN GUEST SPEAKERS, COREY WOLMAN ’06

MIDDLE SCHOOL MODEL UN

Though Middle School Model UN is not new, the club has recently seen exponential growth. Fostering a passion for global dialogue, it allows students to engage in real-life scenarios that mimic global realities, such as climate change, gender equality, capital punishment and globalization. Every week, students participate in simulations that encourage thought-provoking discussion, which helps them hone their research skills, articulate their ideas and navigate complex issues. They also explore the complicated dynamics of diplomacy, allowing students to appreciate the nuance of global negotiation firsthand. Open to both grade 7 and grade 8 students, the objective of this co-curricular is to empower the next generation of global leaders.

Joshua Gross ’28 says, “I like Model UN because I gain knowledge about issues that we face in our world that I wouldn’t know otherwise.”

HERITAGE EXPLORERS CLUB

For the historians among us, this club encourages students to dive into historical issues that often don’t get covered in the regular provincial curriculum. The focus is on unearthing aspects of the past and exploring cultural heritage from around the world.

The club’s primary interest so far has been on World War I, with students watching the film All Quiet on the Western Front and discussing the historical elements of the movie, which considers the First World War from the German perspective. The students have been discussing the development of nationalism and how it affected the lives of regular soldiers in the Great War. They’re open to exploring a variety of other historical topics too, which opens up a world of possibilities for more discussion and learning. The aim is to understand and study diverse traditions and historical narratives.

CHESS CLUB

Every week, the Student Activity Centre becomes the stage for a battle of wits and cunning maneuvres, with chess enthusiasts pouring into the room. It has been a journey of discovery for club founders Daniel Shaykhian ’24, Sebastian Segal ’24 and Mattia Greiche ’24. “It’s been fulfilling to teach and play chess, especially with those who never imagined they’d enjoy it,” Daniel says. “Our club has become a space where curiosity is sparked and skills are honed. Through chess, we’ve ignited new passions and a different way of thinking for many, highlighting why clubs like ours are vital. They’re about more than just a game; they’re about finding and fostering unexpected interests and talents.”

GIRLS WHO START

With a goal of cultivating more female entrepreneurs, Girls Who Start is a non-profit international organization that works to combat gender inequalities in the business world and inspire high school girls to become independent leaders.

“Through collaborative and educational workshops, Girls Who Start is a club that addresses the reality of the challenges women face while learning the effective tools to navigate the business industry,” says Sophie Miller ’23, Pre-U ’24, founder of the club.

This year, Michaela Perez ’24, Lucy Rinzler ’24 and Tiffany Kersheh ’24 have taken on the leadership of Girls Who Start. They say, “This club is important because girls from grades 9 to 11 have the opportunity to meet and interact with female entrepreneurs and leaders who encourage them to believe in their abilities and recognize their potential to have an impact on the world. Girls Who Start is not just a co-curricular activity, it is a supportive environment that empowers and motivates young women.”

GIRLS FITNESS

The LCC Girls Fitness Club provides a welcoming and supportive space, specifically designed for Senior School girls to participate in a wide variety of group fitness activities. The club accommodates a diverse range of fitness levels, from students who have well-established regimes to those who are just embarking on their fitness journey. The goal is to foster self-confidence, encourage students to challenge their physical boundaries, and instill a long-term commitment to a healthy and active lifestyle. The program includes resistance training, Pilates, spinning, and High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT), ensuring a comprehensive fitness experience that addresses various aspects of physical well-being.

“The club offers a specifically dedicated time for girls to participate in physical activity of personal interest,” says Jamie Greenberg ’24. “We hope the girls in this club use this as a stepping stone to get comfortable with fitness and confident enough in themselves to not shy away from being active.”

GUEST SPEAKER NATANYA KHAZZAM '02

STUDENT EXCHANGE

ADVENTURES IN COLOMBIA

GRADE 9 STUDENTS ON EXCHANGE IN COLOMBIA

This year, LCC added a new option for an international student exchange opportunity. Over March break, nine grade 9 students travelled as a group to Colombia. Each student lived with their own host family, attended school, and immersed themselves in Colombian culture. Several of their Colombian peers then visited Montreal and had the opportunity to learn about Canada, tour the city, and participate in classes and activities on our campus.

Here are some of our students’ reflections.

Amanda Fan ’26

The most rewarding part of the trip was discovering Colombian culture and getting to know the people. I learned about their traditions, food, history, and ways of life by living with my host family and going to school at Colegio Los Nogales. Everyone was friendly and I enjoyed making new friends, having classes in Spanish, and going to sports practices. My host family was very warm and I now feel like I have another family in this world who cares for me, supports me, and welcomes me whenever I need a place to call home away from home. The friendships and experiences of this exchange will always have a special place in my heart.

Audrey McCutcheon ’26

During my exchange in Colombia, I learned a lot about Colombian culture. For example, I went to

a typical Colombian restaurant and tried different local foods. My favourite was the bandeja de paisa, which consisted of small amounts of different types of foods, like chicharones (small rectangular pork bites) and chili. The student with whom I was staying taught me how to dance the salsa and champeta. Both of these styles of dance were very challenging, but I really enjoyed trying them, especially because I had a great teacher! When I visited the Salt Cathedral, I learned about the history of this famous salt mine. It was interesting and the information was very surprising. I am so fortunate to have gone on this exchange and to have learned all about Colombia.

Audrey McCutcheon ’26

I loved showing my Colombian friend the historic parts of Montreal, like the Old Port, and downtown, and introducing her to some of our typical foods, like poutine and maple syrup. I taught her about hockey, since this sport doesn’t exist in Colombia. We had so much fun.

Cassidy Bertucci ’26

My adventure in Colombia was one of the most enriching and memorable experiences in my life, but it was also challenging. When I first arrived, I had to adapt to a new culture, traditions and language but, as time passed, I grew more comfortable with my surroundings and this new lifestyle. Now that it is over, I only look back on my time with fond memories that I will have for the rest of my life.

Aurelia Cooper ’26

There were many unforgettable moments. However, the most rewarding part was the bond that I formed with my host. Marianna and I instantly connected and continued to develop an extremely special friendship throughout my time in Colombia. She taught me about her way of life and helped me deepen my knowledge of her culture. This exchange provided me with an international friendship that I know will live on. I am forever grateful for this opportunity LCC has provided me.

Finn Salkeld ’26

There are a few differences between Colegio Los Nogales and LCC. Even though their day started at 7 am and ended at 3 pm, which made for a very long day, everyone was kind and energetic, but also relaxed. Other significant differences are the outdoor campus and the majority of classes being in Spanish. Lastly, I was very much interested in the school’s AP geography class, which is a combination of history, geography and current events. It’s a class that we don’t offer at our school.

3 2

The Assaly Arts Centre 10 Years Later

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the opening of the Assaly Arts Centre. Thanks to the Ambitious Minds Campaign and generosity of the LCC community, this LEED Gold standard building has become a transformative learning space, nurturing all facets of the arts, as well as mathematics.

From its 540-seat auditorium, home to concerts, dramatic performances, guest speakers, student assemblies and graduation ceremonies, to the black box theatre, band room, recording studio, and art rooms, creativity abounds. The second floor of the Assaly Arts Centre has become a hub for mathematical exploration. In short, it’s everything that we imagined it to be and more!

As we celebrate this milestone, we invite you to take a visual journey through the past decade, from construction to today’s bustling centre of activity and discovery.

“For over a decade, this modern facility has allowed us to develop first-rate arts programs that we simply could not provide before.”

— Christopher Shannon, Pre-U ’76, Head of School

3 4 2

“BY ALLOWING ROOM FOR VARIATION IN INSTRUCTION, WE CAN CREATE SPACE FOR ALL STUDENTS.”

INCLUSIVE PRACTICES

BY MARK BOGHEN , WRITER

Both at LCC and in the broader educational landscape, there has long been an appreciation that not all students learn in the same way. Significant efforts have been made to explore diverse paths to success for students who process information in ways that might not previously have been thought of as “typical.”

This is in part related to the growing understanding of neurodiversity — the principle that while all brains develop similarly, no two brains function exactly alike — partly for reasons associated with variations in learning environment or social circumstances.

This introduction of accommodations for various learning needs has led some researchers and teachers to a surprising realization. It turns out that the availability of flexible learning methods can be of tremendous value to all students, whatever their learning styles, including those who have particular strengths or facilities. This is leading to a push for inclusive learning practices at LCC at all grade levels. The results are starting to accrue, and they are very positive.

According to Sarah Kingsley, coordinator of the Junior School’s LEAD department (Learning Enrichment and Development), teachers are being encouraged to shift their perspective. “In education, we previously had a limited view of what inclusion looked like, imagining that there’s an “other” category of students who need help to adapt to the mainstream. By allowing room for variation in instruction, we can create space for all students. When you give students a creative kit of tools to access knowledge, they can

become more autonomous and agents of their own learning. It builds flexibility into schooling that didn’t exist before.”

Sometimes an adaptation can meet a need that was previously hidden. Where once an audiobook version of a class text might have been available to students struggling to master the concentration to read for extended periods, it can also be useful to students travelling for sports tournaments who spend hours on buses but can’t read because of the motion.

Middle and Senior School and Pre-U LEAD coordinator Lise Huppler gives the example of a science teacher’s lesson on the function of the human heart: “Instead of just one demonstration or diagram, there are a multitude of ways for students to visualize the heart. A video, a flowchart, a PowerPoint and even a physical, tangible model with liquids that students can pump by hand. Whichever representation works best is on offer to all the students.”

Objects originally brought into the classroom to help students with specific learning needs are proving to be more generally useful as well. Noise-cancelling headphones are increasingly on hand for any student who wants to minimize distraction. In the Junior School, anxietyreducing measures like weighted stuffed animals or other sensory tools can help manage attention and emotional needs and make school seem less daunting for any child. And the introduction of desks that double as exercise bikes has proven so popular among students looking to move their bodies while learning that frequenters of the Pre-U lounge have requested that more bikes be added to the two already in place.

Lise Huppler points out that all of this is intended to give LCC students the broadest opportunity to grow. “There is never a point where we’re lowering standards or decreasing the rigour of instruction. All acquisition of competencies and skill-building is still achieved. We’re just adapting to optimize the learning of our students. We’re finding ways to take strategies that might once have been employed only for a few students and giving access to all.”

“At LCC, I started to form my identity and figure out who I was.”

Olivia Auclair ’12

A Champion for Nutrition, Health and a Sustainable Future

BY DANA KOBERNICK, COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER

Olivia Auclair ’12 was convinced that she had closed the door on any kind of pursuit in the sciences, having opted for social sciences both in high school and CEGEP. By her own admission, making this shift in university was a daunting prospect and, while this proved to be one of her proudest achievements, she acknowledges that it was not without significant obstacles that undermined her confidence.

“The courses in university are challenging and there is the added pressure of knowing you’re surrounded by so many bright people,” Olivia says. “There were many times when I doubted whether I was cut out for university and it took two years to drown out the self-doubt. There is something to be had in working hard and expanding your mind to new knowledge.”

The world of science — and the world in general — are better off because Olivia forged through the uncertainty and heeded her own advice. After receiving a Bachelor of Science in Nutritional Science from McGill University in 2018, Olivia continued at the school. She pursued her master’s and doctorate degrees in animal science, focusing on the impact of nutrition on environmental sustainability. More specifically, she looked at the outcomes on health and the environment when animal products are replaced with plant proteins in Canadian diets.

The results of her research are impressive. Olivia and her team discovered that there is no negative tradeoff to reducing red and processed meat proteins by up to 50 per cent and replacing them with plant protein foods, such as tofu, nuts, nut butters, seeds, and legumes. In fact, not only is protein intake not compromised, these small changes were also found to increase life expectancy due to a reduced risk of chronic disease by up to nine months, and decrease the greenhouse gas emissions that are associated with the consumption of red and processed meat by up to 25 per cent.

“You don’t necessarily have to go to extremes to improve your health and benefit the planet,” Olivia says. “It’s really about making more conscious choices, including simple partial substitutions of our red and processed meat intake with plant protein foods.”

OLIVIA AUCLAIR IN GRADE 6

( Olivia Auclair ’12

continued)

Olivia is the recipient of multiple awards and scholarships issued by McGill and by Statistics Canada. Her findings have been published in Nature Food, an online research journal, and she was invited recently to speak about her work on Radio-Canada. In April she started a new position, jointly appointed by Oxford University and The London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, where she will be continuing her research.

While the road to Oxford may have been circuitous, Olivia recognizes the value in trying different things and taking the time to define your direction. This process began in high school. “At LCC, I started to form my identity and figure out who I was,” she says. “I took advantage of the many opportunities and participated on many sports teams. I got into photography, film, and the arts, and it was where I cultivated a good work ethic.” Fittingly, Olivia was the winner of LCC’s Geoffrey H. Merrill Prize, which is awarded to a grade 11 student and leader who has displayed an enthusiastic and dedicated approach to all aspects of school life, combined with a sincere concern for others.

Olivia has taken advantage of all that LCC offers. She has played alumni hockey alongside her father, teacher Chris Auclair, brother Nicholas ’14, and sister Sophia ’18.

She encourages graduates today to learn from her experience. “We’re expected to know what we want to do from a young age but it’s normal not to know,” she says. “Find what you like, ask for advice, follow your gut, and pursue it.”

“LCC really put me in a good position to try different things and that has helped me.”

David (Izzy) Elefant ’11, Pre-U ’12

Marching

to the Beat of His Own Drum

BY LAUREN ALPERN, WRITER

OLIVIA AUCLAIR IN GRADE 9

After spending his formative years at LCC from kindergarten through Pre-University, David “Izzy” Elefant ’11, Pre-U ’12 had many experiences that left him with a wealth of possibilities to explore as he embarked on his life’s journey post-graduation.

“After I graduated, I went to Syracuse University and studied PR and economics, and then started an e-commerce website and studied real estate,” says David, who now goes by Izzy. “I was really just trying to figure out my passion.”

Izzy relocated to Toronto, secured a position at a communications and media company and, by his account, felt uninspired. That’s when he tapped into his love of music. He found a computer program that allowed him to compose

music and would stay up all night making beats, a sign that he had discovered his true calling.

Izzy quit his job, enrolled in a 15-week music business course at Humber College, started a band, and tended bar at night to support his music venture. With a few million streams of his songs on Spotify, things were looking up. Then the pandemic hit.

While the pandemic signaled the end of the band, Izzy’s career in music was about to take off. He got a job at Wavo, a music marketing and analytics platform, where he worked with music clients around the world, including three major labels: Universal, Warner and Sony. Eventually, Izzy landed a gig as the digital marketing director at Asylum and, just a year later, he moved to Los Angeles where he is now the head of streaming at APG.

“My role is to advocate for our artists and get them as much support as possible on Spotify, Apple Music and other streaming platforms,” Izzy says. “It’s pretty much a dream job. I get to oversee all genres and it’s very exciting.”

Izzy never imagined that he would end up living and working in Los Angeles for an American record label and music publishing company, especially in a role for which he had no experience. “I’m still getting comfortable, and my network is growing every day,” he says. “The first month of the job was a big adjustment, but now I feel like I’m on the path to success.”

His parents felt uneasy when he quit his job to pursue a career in music, and he considers that one of the biggest challenges he has encountered.

“I love my parents and I really felt like I was letting them down, especially since they had invested so much in my education,” Izzy says. “I had to assure them that I knew what I was doing, but I didn’t really. I just knew that it felt right and that if I followed my own path, I could get through anything.”

Izzy is grateful to LCC for providing him with invaluable experiences that equipped him for the realities of the world beyond academia.

“Whether it was music, sports or science, LCC really put me in a good position to try different things and that has helped me,” he says. “They offered great opportunities, like the Duke of Edinburgh program, that got me out of my comfort zone.”

It stands to reason why this is the advice he offers to today’s graduates: “Try different things. If they don’t truly make you happy, challenge yourselves to experiment and try something else.”

Branching Out

ALUMNI GATHERINGS FAR & WIDE

OTTAWA ALUMNI REUNION

NOVEMBER 21, 2023

Ottawa alumni braved the weather and ventured out to the Ottawa Conference and Event Centre. Attendees enjoyed an evening of mingling and dinner and learned from Head of School Chris Shannon, Pre-U ’76 about LCC today. We thank Marco Vocisano ’80 for helping with the logistics.

NEW YORK

YOUNG ALUMNI REUNION

NOVEMBER 9, 2023

Over 50 alumni were graciously hosted by Lily Galbraith, Pre-U ‘20 and James Galbraith ’18, Pre-U ‘19 at their home in New York City. Alumni Ambassador Vic Badian ’61, Pre-U ’62, School Counsellor Gillian Shadley and Deputy Head Mark Salkeld were also in attendance. Thanks again to the Galbraith Family.

WHISKY NIGHT

NOVEMBER 15, 2023

We enjoyed another Whisky Night full of laughs, thanks to host Toby Lyle ’94, owner of The Burgundy Lion. As always, Toby’s expertise entertained the crowd while they experienced delicious tastings!

NON NOBIS SOLUM LUNCHES

Are you from the class of 1950 through 1975 and live in the Montreal area? If yes, join us each month at Le Manoir in NDG for the Non Nobis Solum lunch. Retired faculty and staff are also welcome. We hope to see you at the next gathering! For more info, contact: alumni@lcc.ca

YOUNG ALUMNI MENTORING EVENT:

Things You Wish You Knew Before Graduating from LCC

JANUARY 24, 2024

Close to 100 Senior School students participated in our third annual virtual mentoring event where nine young alumni shared their post-secondary choices and experiences and answered questions. Thank you to our panelists: Ella Shlien ’22, Pre-U ‘23, Phoebe Ogden ’22, Mik Auerbach, Pre-U ’23, Élan Martin-Prashad ’21, Dean Fleming ’22, Zoe Topiol ’21, Pre-U ’22, Julia Mammas ’23, Layla Elrashidi, Pre-U ’23, and Olivier Rivard ’22, Pre-U ’23.

FLORIDA ALUMNI REUNION

FEBRUARY 8, 2024

Over 25 alumni joined us down south for our first-ever Florida Alumni Reunion. The evening was a success and guests enjoyed the beautiful atmosphere at the Country Club of Florida. We are already looking forward to making the trip next year. Thanks to John Nixon ’72 who helped with the coordination.

WINE TASTING

FEBRUARY 15, 2024

The wine, food and company at the annual Montreal-area Alumni Wine Tasting once again made for a funfilled evening. As always, former parents Leo Rabinovitch of Leanto Wines, and Pino Forgione of Beatrice Restaurant, were instrumental in the planning and success of the evening.

LONDON ALUMNI REUNION

MARCH 18, 2024

We were pleased to be back in London for our Alumni Reunion dinner at the Royal Ocean Racing Club. Alumni in attendance enjoyed an update from the Head of School and reminisced about Montreal. Classes from 1970 to 2021 were represented.

Branching Out

ALUMNI MUSIC

MARCH 26, 2024

Thank you to Scott Cheyne, LCC’s Fine Arts Department Head and Music Department Coordinator, for bringing together alumni as well as members of the parent, staff and faculty community, for weekly music sessions. The band gave a beautiful performance at this year’s Café Cabaret

ALUMNAE WEEKLY BASKETBALL

Alumnae from all ages have been coming back to the court to play basketball on Wednesday nights. Want to join? Contact alumni@lcc.ca

CONTINUED... FOR MORE INFORMATION ON OUR ALUMNI EVENTS AND PROGRAMMING, CONTACT KRISTINE JONES, PRE-U ’93, ALUMNI OFFICER, AT KJONES@LCC.CA OR CALL 514 482 9797, EXTENSION 359.

VANCOUVER ALUMNI REUNION

APRIL 17, 2023

It was great to have so many alumni join us at The Jericho Tennis Club. Thank you to Tim Hayman ’65 for helping coordinate the evening. We look forward to being back on the West Coast next year!

LIONFEST

SEPTEMBER 27 & 28, 2024

Save the date for the LIONfest Alumni Reunion Weekend. We are especially welcoming all classes (ending in 4 and 9) who are celebrating their milestone reunions this year.

1960s

EDWARD HOFFER ’60, PRE-U ’61 is still active at the age of 80, working part-time at Massachusetts General Hospital. He is chair of his town’s board of health and writes regularly, having had six papers published in refereed medical journals in the past two years. Edward remarried in October and travels extensively.

ALAN LASCHINGER ’62 and Penny Pepin (née Walton) were married in Kemptville, ON, on September 1, 2023, surrounded by family and close friends. They are enjoying their retirement golfing as well as walking their smooth-coated collie. (Photo 1)

ROBERT CUSHMAN ’64 recently received the Order of Ottawa, an honour which is awarded to residents of the City of Ottawa, recognizing a high level of achievement and significant contributions to the city. (Photo 4) 1 2 3 5 4

PETER AKERBLOM ’63 and his brother FRITHJOF AKERBLOM ’58 made 12 annual trips to Liepaja, Latvia, to learn about their Baltic German heritage and discover where their parents and grandparents lived, worked, and spent their vacations.

(Photo 2) TRINITY CHURCH, WHERE EVERY FAMILY MEMBER WAS BAPTIZED AND MARRIED

IAN ROSE ’63 and his wife welcomed a group of LCC alumni to their home in Florida.

(Photo 3) (L TO R) IAN ROSE ’63, ANDY SHATILLA ’63, JIM MATHEWSON ’63 AND RICK PATTEE ’63

FRASER LASCHINGER ’64 was named Citizen of the Year for 2023 by the Town of Prescott, ON, where he has resided for the last 14 years. He was recognized for his many volunteer and community-based efforts, mainly in heritage, culture, and education. He also served a term on the town council and was integral to the curation and opening of the Prescott Museum in 2021.

ALEX CULLEN ’68 and his wife climbed Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania last summer. (Photo 5)

IAN PEROWNE ’69 is the proud grandfather of Oryx Perowne Navarro, son of GREG PEROWNE ’03 and Silvia Sanchez Navarro.

(Photo 6) DURING A BREAK FROM HIKING THE CAMINO DE SANTIAGO, SPAIN, WHERE, WITH ERIC PEROWNE ’05, IAN HIKED 306 KM, AND SILVIA AND GREG ’04, WITH ORYX, HIKED 550 KM TO SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA

1970s

DAVID GOLDBLOOM ’70 was appointed by the federal government to the board of trustees of the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 in Halifax, NS.

DREW WILLIAMSON ’70 is celebrating the 30th year of his company NorthWest Clean Air Company Inc., (NWCA) which supplies cruise ships and superyachts with its proprietary HVAC and engine turbocharger air filters. Post COVID, the demand for cruising is exceptionally strong, driving newbuild cruise ship orders to 70 ships between now and 6 7 8 9

2027 valued at over $42 billion USD. Drew says the best part of his business is the travel to visit the ships. Currently, he spends most of his time in Florida during the winter months, and in Italy, Germany, and the UK in the fall. The balance of his time is spent in Toronto where he enjoys riding his vintage Zephyr 750 motorcycle on country roads.

RENÉ BALCER ’71 recently published René Balcer: Seeing As, a retrospective of his 50+ years of photography work (ACC Art Books, UK). His interest in photography began while at LCC, where he and IAN STRONACH ’71 learned to develop and print photos in an improvised darkroom in the main building. The first photo in the book dates from that period. In June-July 2024, the Hutchinson Modern & Contemporary Gallery in New York will be showing a selection of his photos from Argentina. The book is available on Amazon. René thanks LCC for nurturing his early efforts. (Photo 7)

JOHN BAKTIS ’75 continued his trekking adventures, this time in Patagonia, in January 2024. John hiked to the base of Fitz Roy and other trails around El Chalten, Argentina, and also completed the W Trek in Torres del Paine, Chile. Retirement begins this spring and many more adventures are in the planning stages.

(Photo 8) W TREK, TORRES DEL PAINE, CHILE

DAVID DALY, PRE-U ’76 has just completed all requirements for the Master of Arts (Musicology) from the University of Calgary. His thesis is entitled “Exoticism in Operatic Depiction of the Frontier West.”

ROHAN JAYASEKERA ’75, PRE-U ’76 was recently the subject of a CBC news story: How “the oldest person on the dance floor” became a Hamilton nightlife legend (Photo 9)

STEVE BENJAMIN ’76 skis at Jackson Hole, WY with fellow classmate DEREK GOODSON ’76, PRE-U ’77 every year. They would love other classmates to join them for future trips, which coincide with US Presidents’ Day.

1980s

ANDREW PAPADOPOULOS ’89 was elected as new director of the Maîtrise ès sciences de la gestion program at the École des sciences de la gestion, Université du Québec à Montréal This program is one of the largest at UQÀM, with 10 specializations and over 600 active students. He will be starting his threeyear term this June. He also coordinates the executive MBA programs in Vietnam and the Dominican Republic.

1990s

JEFFREY TRAER BERNSTEIN ’96 is, as of this year, an inventor on 150 issued US patents, representing 16 years of design and technology work on iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, and Vision Pro.

(Photo 4) AS MASTER OF CEREMONIES AT THE DANUBE TECH SUMMIT 1 2 4 3

KELLY BENNETT ’99, PRE-U ’00 married her true love and best friend, Tyler Farmer, in Halifax, NS on Labour Day weekend last year. Father-of-the-bride and former LCC Head of School Dr. Paul Bennett performed the ceremony. Kelly’s long-time friend and LCC classmate, CLAUDIA GORENKO ’99, also made the trip to toast the happy couple and enjoy some seafood.

(Photo 1)

2000 s

FALYN KATZ ’00, CEO of Melanoma Canada, spearheaded the launch of Canada’s first mobile skin cancer screening unit, the Mole Mobile, in Ontario last spring. The Mole Mobile visited 42 communities in remote, Indigenous, and underserved areas, as well

as major cities that have long wait times for citizens to see a dermatologist. A total of 4,078 patients was screened and 772 suspicious lesions or suspected skin cancers were found. The Mole Mobile came to Quebec this past spring and LCC was the site of Melanoma Canada’s celebrity pickleball tournament, Smash Out Skin Cancer, where participants played against Hollywood actors Billy Baldwin and John O’Hurley.

(Photo 2) LAUNCHING THE FIRST MOBILE SKIN CANCER SCREENING UNIT, THE MOLE MOBILE, IN YONGE DUNDAS SQUARE WITH TORONTO HEALTH MINISTER, EILEEN DE VILLA

DANIEL BRENHOUSE ’04 and his wife, Anais, welcomed Hallie on March 29, 2024.

(Photo 3) BABY HALLIE AND BROTHER BRODIE

ROGER HILTON ’04 acted as master of ceremonies for the inaugural Danube Tech Summit held at the Das Haus der Industrie in Vienna in December 2023. The event was co-sponsored by GLOBSEC and the Federal Ministry of Labour and Economy of Austria, and gathered over 150 representatives from the entire Danube region and beyond, with ministerial contributions from Austria, Bulgaria, Slovakia, and Ukraine.

JAQUELINE HOPMEYER ’04 and her husband, Matt, welcomed Cooper Bryson on January 9, 2024.

(Photo 5) BROTHERS HARRY AND OLLIE ADORE HIM!

RYAN RIBACK ’06 and his wife, Alana, welcomed their son Mason on July 18, 2023.

(Photo 6)

STEPHANIE

BALLARD ’07 and SEAN FRASER ’07

welcomed their second daughter, Rosalie Clare Fraser, in November 2023. Rosalie joins proud big sister Emilia, much to the delight of her grandparents, aunts and uncles!

(Photo 7)

2010 s

MICHAEL BOGGIA ’13

attained the position of fifth overall best barista in Canada in the Canadian Barista Championships in 2023, following a decade in the coffee and hospitality industry working as a barista, manager, and owner of Montreal cafés. Around that same time, he sold his last café, Café Nocturne, and became a financial advisor. While entrepreneurship was both challenging and exciting, he has found his home at Edward Jones.

(Photo 8)

MAX COLLINS ’18

launched a residential painting business that has been operating in Mont-Tremblant for over four years and has now expanded to Montreal. Max says, “We go above and beyond to ensure our clients have the highest sense of trust and comfort when working with us. Not only do we paint with perfection, but our goal is to deliver the best customer service in the industry. I can’t wait to help out more of my community in Montreal.”

(Photo 9)

IN MEMORIAM

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of the following members of the LCC community:

ALUMNI

ALAN PERODEAU ’42 on December 23, 2023, in Montreal, QC. Alan was predeceased by his brother Giles ’38.

MAURICE (MO) JAQUES ’50 on April 20, 2024, in Toronto, ON. Mo was Chair of the LCC Board of Governors from 19831985. He is survived by his sons Fred ’75 and Jim ’82.

BRIAN POWELL ’51 on January 9, 2024, in Montreal, QC. Brian was a member of the LCC staff, in both the Junior School and Senior School, as well as the assistant headmaster from 1957–1966. He is survived by his brother Tim ’61

BILL WESTAWAY ’51 on April 5, 2024, in Richmond Hill, ON.

TED ABBOTT ’52 on March 31, 2024, in Brockville, ON. Ted was predeceased by his brother Peter ’51

PETER MOLSON ’52 on March 6, 2024, in Montreal, QC. Peter was predeceased by his father John (1915) and brother John David ’46

PANTELIS HADJIPATERAS ’54 on November 8, 2023, in Athens, Greece.

DEREK DRUMMOND ’55 on November 17, 2023, in Montreal, QC.

PETER KENT ’55 on June 19, 2023, in Fredericton, NB.

TONY EASTON ’57 on September 30, 2023, in Halifax, NS.

MICKEY FORTIER ’56, PRE-U ’57 on October 29, 2023, in Montreal, QC.

HARRY LITTLER ’59 on February 21, 2024, in Toronto, ON. Harry is survived by his brother Ted ’57

BRADLEY JONES, PRE-U ’64 on November 9, 2023, in Stratford, ON.

NEALE TOMKINSON ’70 on October 18, 2023, in Sarasota, FL.

LOUIS WEIDER ’77 on February 1, 2024, in Montreal, QC. Louis is survived by his brother Eric ’80

ANTHONY JOONG ’86 on March 10, 2022.

ADRIAN BURHOP ’92, PRE-U ’93 on December 6, 2023. Adrian is survived by his brother Jason ’90.

FORMER STAFF & BOARD MEMBERS

MARCEL RAINVILLE on January 31, 2024, in Montreal, QC. Marcel was a long-time member of the modern languages department and taught French from 1968–1991.

HAROLD SCHIFF on February 22, 2024, in Montreal, QC. Harold was a member of the LCC Board of Governors from 2001–2004. He is survived by his son Harry ’04

DON SEAMAN on February 24, 2024, in Cowansville, QC. Don was a member of the English department, as well as a coach of the Bantam Football team. In fall 1990, he coached the team to a GMAA City Championship.