Q | Describe your students. Holy Name of Mary College School provides a high achieving, university preparatory programme to girls in grades 5-12. Families who turn to HNMCS are looking for strong academics and the ideal student is one who shares our core values, will thrive within a challenging academic atmosphere, and is preparing for post-secondary education. Our students come from across the GTA including Mississauga, Milton, Oakville, Brampton, Etobicoke, North York, Toronto, Woodbridge, and Richmond Hill. Q | What do you look for in a teacher? Someone committed to an all-girls education, innovative teaching techniques, a life-long learner, and committed to the whole girl’s growth. Someone who will offer creative and diverse programming, and will challenge the girls of HNMCS to think critically, while taking risks and developing resilience. Q | In an increasingly competitive landscape for entry to postsecondary education and real-world preparedness, how does a private institution set itself apart from other options available to parents? Learning is inquiry-based, and faculty are encouraged to look beyond the campus for instructional and experiential opportunities, all
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of which effectively expand the campus and the programs, often into real-world settings; from service experiences, to on-site guidance, to all-girls leadership teams and robotics, through academics and our co-curricular program. Q | What does technology—both in resources and STEM courses—offer the contemporary student in a private school? In recent years, roughly two-thirds of the graduates have gone on to math, science, and engineering and technology programs at university. Events like the Engineering Career Night, launched by the Robotics Club mentored by physics teacher Dr. Karen Kozma, who is a professional engineer and alum, brings engineers, both men and women, in to speak with students. It cements the idea that these careers are options—and very real options—for them. Q | What do graduates tend to remember most from their time at your school? For most of our graduates, the time spent at HNMCS is one that encompasses a myriad of experiences. Among those that stand out are leadership opportunities, the connected community at HNMCS, and of course their teachers. One of the big highlights is undoubtedly the time spent at overnight outdoor camps. On polling our graduates, some