St Mildred's-Lightbourn School

Q | Describe your students.

As a day school, the majority of our students come from Oakville and the surrounding areas, including Toronto, Etobicoke, Mississauga, Burlington, Hamilton, and Milton. We offer a busing program for girls in JK to Grade 12, including both door-to-door and express services. Our student body is made up of approximately 550 girls from Preschool to Grade 12.

Q | What do you look for in a teacher?

When recruiting for teaching roles, we seek candidates who are enthusiastic, articulate, and creative. They must be able to support different learners and engage in innovative and diverse programming; a critical thinker who demonstrates initiative, integrity, and attention to detail; and flexible and adaptable to changes in the daily needs of a classroom.

Q | What does technology—both in resources and STEM courses—offer the contemporary student in a private school?

STEMR education and technology at SMLS helps prepare girls for a technologically advancing world, and inspires them to pursue further STEMR learning and careers. Every girl in Grade 7 to Grade 12 acquires a personal MacBook Air to

“Our deeply committed and dedicated faculty prepare girls for a strong, inspired future as empowered young women”.

support her learning. The school continues to introduce new technologies regularly, including 3D printing, virtual reality, and digital design. Our STEM & Robotics Signature Program introduces girls to robotics and coding as early as Grade 1. Our Senior Robotics Team, SWAT771, is internationally renowned for its achievements.

Q | What do graduates tend to remember most from their time at your school?

• Global Students international experiences that have expanded their world-perspective, such as cultural trips to India, Bhutan, Japan, China, Australia, Panama, Costa Rica, and Argentina. • Working with employers in our unique Professional Internship Program. Every Grade 11 Millie has the opportunity to explore her personal career interests in a 4-week work placement that is customized to her personal career interests. • When speaking about the school and its impact, graduates frequently express gratitude for the friendships they made at the school and the continued importance of these friendships in their lives. As our alumnae like to say, “once a Millie, always a Millie.” Oakville, ON

905.845.2386

contact@smls.on.ca

smls.on.ca

Q | What kind of relationship do alumnae have with current students?

As part of our Grad Seminar Program, alumnae return to the school throughout the school year to speak with graduating students about the university experience, specific programs of study and interesting post-secondary opportunities, as well as career choices. Annually, SMLS hosts a Speed Mentoring workshop where alumnae speak with girls in Grade 10 about their career pathways. Students have the opportunity to interact with alumnae in small groups and ask their specific questions about their career choices.

Q | How does an all-girls school benefit the growth of a young woman?

In 129 years we’ve gained many insights into the world of teaching girls. One of the most important is this: girls in single-sex schools are more positive about their own abilities and their control over their lives, have less stereotyped gender role attitudes, and hold higher aspirations for the future. We have found that Millies pursue careers beyond the gender-specific stereotypical professions.