St. Clement's School - Red Blazer, Fall 2016 by St. Clement's School

A publication for all members of the St. Clement’s School Community — Fall 2016

Red Blazer Fall 2016 |

Fall 2016

Our mission St. Clement’s School develops outstanding women who are intellectually curious, courageous, and compassionate. Principal Martha Perry ’85 Executive Director of Advancement Lisa Watson Associate Director of Communications Kristin Mills Editor Jen Rowe, Communications Manager Copy Editor Joanne Thompson, Past Staff Suzi Leonard, Staff Graphic Design Underline Studio Illustrations Rami Niemi Cover Photo Frances Juriansz Contributing Photographers American Junior Golf Association Frances Juriansz Karri North Derek Monson, Staff Alisha Trigatti, Staff Domenic Yeung, Staff Thank you to all of our community members who contributed photographs, stories, opinions, and personal expertise in creating this magazine. Your input is encouraged, please contact the editor: Jen Rowe, Communications Manager 416 483 4414 x2257 jen.rowe@scs.on.ca Alumnae Contact Meagan Thomas Associate Director, Alumnae and Donor Relations 416 483 4414 x2231 meagan.thomas@scs.on.ca Red Blazer is published twice yearly by the Advancement Office for all members of the St. Clement’s School Community.

St. Clement’s School 21 St. Clements Ave. Toronto, ON M4R 1G8 Canada Telephone 416 483 4835 scs.on.ca

Get excited, SCS!

We always get excited with the start of a new school year. From Grade 1s wearing their first-ever red blazers to the graduating class sporting gold belts, there are many firsts to come this year for each member of our community. Our Red Blazer is also wearing a new look this year — we hope you enjoy the issue.

Red Blazer Fall 2016 |

Table of Contents

4-9 10 13-16 17-25 2

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Life at SCS Head Girl’s Message ......................................................................... 4 Principal’s Perspective ..................................................................... 5 Highlights ............................................................................................... 6 At Issue (Q&A) ..................................................................................... 8 Day in the Life ...................................................................................... 9

Feature Crossing the Threshold ................................................................. 10

Department Highlight Classics Conference........................................................................ 13

Graduating Class Class of 2016 ..................................................................................... 14

From the Desk Sports .................................................................................................... 18 Arts ......................................................................................................... 20 Math & Science ................................................................................ 22 Annual Fund & Giving .................................................................... 24

It’s a community. A family. A place that fosters real friendship, passion, and enthusiasm; exudes spirit and a sense of trust; and promotes teamwork, compassion, and togetherness. — Mary Tooley ’16 on the SCS experience

26-29 30 34-38 39-44

Experiential Education Out There............................................................................................ 26

Community Making Connections ....................................................................... 28

Feature A Trip Far North Brings Home a Whole Community ........................................................................ 30

Next Chapter Alumnae Profiles ............................................................................... 34 Alumnae Connection ...................................................................... 36

Speaker Feature Mark Your Calendars....................................................................... 38

Bulletin Board Class Notes ......................................................................................... 40 Staff News ........................................................................................... 42 Tempus Fugit ..................................................................................... 44

Red Blazer Fall 2016 |

Life at SCS Head Girl’s Message

Did you know... The Emperor Penguin is the tallest of all penguin species, growing as tall as 47 inches. That’s as tall as a lot of Grade 5s!

Your best year yet Phoebe Lombard ’17 I have a confession to make: I have no idea

I am excited to play a positive role in the year that each of you will experience, whether you’re new to SCS or have moved up a grade.

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how to be a Head Girl. Despite the talks I’ve had with alumnae and the advice I’ve received over the past few months, I’m essentially starting this year with a blank slate. That’s one of the most incredible parts of a new school year — starting anew. The summer gives us time to refresh and reflect, and, come fall, we have an opportunity to reinvent ourselves — by picking a new course, getting to know new friends, trying out for a team, or signing up for a different club. Each school year poses new challenges and opportunities, and whatever you might have been told about the experiences you will have in a given year, it never truly compares to the real thing. On that note, let’s talk about the year ahead! First, a bit of backstory. I am not a Career Clementine; I joined this wonderful SCS community in Grade 9, and I still feel like I learn something new about the School

every day. I may not be as well-versed as some in our more than 100-year history, and I’m not familiar with the Head Girls from five or more years ago and don’t know what they accomplished in the role. I believe that my lack of prior knowledge opens a door to creativity and innovation. In other words, I am not going to be simply doing ‘what’s been done’ and copying the actions of past leaders. The prefects and graduating class leaders have a duty to make our School a better place. As I step into the role of Head Girl, I am excited to play a positive role in the year that each of you will experience, whether you’re new to SCS or have moved up a grade. I challenge you to find ways to contribute your own brand of creativity to the SCS community this year, and help to make this year your best one yet. Starting a new school year is always a refreshing combination of excitement, adjustment, new twists, and old favourites, so, as you put on your uniform and grab your textbooks each day, preparing to walk through SCS’s hallowed halls, which you may or may not know well, get excited! There are great things in store for you.

Life at SCS Principal’s Perspective

The number of red blazers that found a home in the SCS Lost & Found in the 20152016 school year.

The future of SCS Martha Perry ’85 For more than 100 years, St. Clement’s School has been respected for its exceptional academic program, strong values, and closeknit community. As we enter the final year of our 2012-2017 Strategic Plan, our School is at an exciting stage: the groundwork for our next strategic vision must carefully balance our past while evolving to successfully prepare our girls for an ever-changing future. Evolution is a form of change, and sometimes the very mention of change conjures up a sense of discomfort — a fear of an unknown direction or adjustment; however, change is also invigorating. Our intention as we develop our vision for the next Strategic Plan is to tie change thoughtfully to our core purpose and values so that our necessary evolution remains true to all that St. Clement’s stands for. With all of that in mind, a group of staff and faculty from Junior to Senior School, volunteered to join an Innovation Team this

past spring. The team was guided through a powerful business design process to respond to the question, “How do we prepare our girls for the future?” They broke into groups to interview both SCS and non-SCS students, alumnae, parents, and supporters, asking students and alumnae to share recollections about feeling (or not feeling) prepared for the future, and parents and supporters to tell us their stories about their daughters’/girls’ feeling ready for the next step beyond high school. The business design process pushed us beyond typical solutions to consider more diverse opportunities and to ultimately identify key principles upon which to go forward with our work. After 35 interviews were completed, groups worked through an iterative process to identify, create, and tweak prototypes that they felt would best support our girls by preparing them for the future. The resulting principles are reflective of our past, while also a beacon for the future; with academic rigor and challenge at its core, the need for choice, flexibility, and breadth of experience within our programs was clearly identified. Additionally, as a girls’ school, affording increasing opportunities for agency and empowerment among students, as well as an environment that supports and encourages diversity and inclusion, is of paramount importance. As we prepare our vision for the School’s future, we will always stay true to our core purpose and values, but we are excited to find ways to link that with an appropriate evolution so that our girls are future-ready.

The groundwork for our next strategic vision must carefully balance our past while evolving to successfully prepare our girls for an ever-changing future.

Red Blazer Fall 2016 |

Highlights

Life at SCS Highlights

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1 Game time For May Day, it was game time in the playground for our girls, with games such as sour key monkey bars and a wet sponge toss! 2

Life at SCS Highlights

We’ve got spirit SCS was an array of colour by the end of Spirit Week with everyone wearing her Grade’s colour from head to toe as a show of pride

Images from top left: 1 May Day 2 Carnaval 3 Round Square 50th Anniversary assembly 4 May Day 5 Staff vs. Student Quidditch 6 Spirit Week 7 Closing Ceremonies 8 Spirit Week 9 All House Day 10 Prefect Cake Decorating 11 Closing Ceremonies 12 Friendship assembly 13 DJ Sandman dance party

9 IN NUMBERS

59 8

The number of times the book in highest circulation, Sisters by Raina Telgemeier, was signed out of the Lassonde Library.

60 Roses given out by the Grade 11s to the Grads at the Friendship assembly.

100+ Exam care packages distributed to students in Grades 9 –12

FALL / WINTER SNEAK PEEK

Welcome BBQ Installation Service Homecoming Field Day Pyjama Day Carol Service Oreo Night Showcase Red Reads Spirit Week

11 Off to Grade 2 All of our Grade 1s received books at Closing Ceremonies to celebrate the completion of their first year at SCS, and their move up to Grade 2. 12

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Life at SCS At Issue

Q&A

When do you think you’ll need to demonstrate courage this school year?

MICHELLE TOMPKINS,

RACHEL WILLIAMS, Grade

I’ll need to show courage during exam time. I value good grades, so exams can be scary and overwhelming, but this year I want to be courageous enough to work through those fears.

MALEESHA SIRIMANNE, Grade

Regarding the new pants; I’m very excited to see how the new uniform item, pants, will be incorporated into our school life.

MAXINE LEONARD,

Grade 8

I will be drawing on courage when I try out for a new sports team or clubs. Also, I will need courage to push myself forward in leadership areas.

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Grade 12

This year will be a huge transitional year for me as I prepare to move from high school to university, and there will be decisions to make that will require me to demonstrate courage.

TABITHA VAUX, Grade

We start writing exams in Grade 4 and sometimes it sounds a bit scary. I will prepare and work hard, and this will help me be confident and courageous and confident that I can do well.

KAYLA GOODRIDGE, Grade

This whole school year I will need courage. I need it to present my presentations, and to perform during Spirit Week, or just handing in an essay, as I have thoughts of my possible errors.

Life at SCS A Day in the Life

A Day in the Life Molly Thompson ’26

6:30 A.M. I wake up early with my sister Olivia ’27. We play with our puppy Bailey until our mom tells us it’s time to get ready. The summer uniform is my favourite. Bailey likes to pull on my skort!

10:55 A.M. I always have a super time playing in the playground. In winter, when there is ice on the sandbox, we pretend it’s skating class. When the weather is nice, I like to jump rope, read, and talk to my friends.

8:50 A.M. We do math in the morning. I like learning how to graph numbers, and to tell time in Clock Club. My favourite subject is reading, and I love library class where I get to sign out lots of books to bring home.

12:55 P.M. I love milk. Mr. D delivers it each day. I participate in the hot lunch program, and my favourite lunches are tacos, pasta, and mini burgers. Mrs. Nevison taught us about having good manners. We spend our lunch eating and telling funny stories.

House: Tudor

12:45 P.M. One of the things I like most about SCS is meeting girls from other grades, like our Prefect Claire Chadwick ’16. Claire plays the “doggy game” with us at lunch where we all pretend we are dogs!

2:35 P.M. Mrs. Nevison has taught me lots, not just about Grade 2, but about how to be a Clementine. My favourite memory is how surprised she was by the retirement party we threw for her. I will miss her!

Favourite colour: Green

3:35 P.M. After school, I either have an activity or get to relax at home. My favourite activity is Pee Wee Dance. We have fun learning cool moves. I love performing each term in assembly. My favourite was our performance of “Whip It!”

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Crossing the Threshold

New Vice Principal, Learning, Research, and Innovation, Heather Henricks brings her penchant for collaboration and her enthusiasm for continuous learning to St. Clement’s School. Photography by Frances Juriansz Text by Jen Rowe

“My parents are both teachers, but I never wanted to be a teacher as a child,” says Heather Henricks, St. Clement’s School’s new Vice Principal, Learning, Research, and Innovation. While this may have been true, life experiences naturally led her into the “family business” and to the discovery that teaching is her passion. An avid athlete who would spend as much time as she could outdoors, Heather took a summer job at a sports camp in high school. Through that experience, she realized she had a natural ability to connect with her young campers. “I found myself showing the kids that they were capable of doing things they never thought possible, and witnessed the difference that made to their self-esteem,” says Heather. “I just thought, ‘what a noble way to contribute to society.’” After completing her teaching degree, Heather worked in the York Region District School Board as a teacher and, later, Vice Principal for 17 years. For the past four years, she has been the Vice Principal at University Red Blazer Fall 2016 | 11

I see my role as helping bring Martha’s vision to fruition, but also determining what the research says about that vision and how we can get to that place, and bringing people on board to work toward it.

of Toronto Schools. Her new role at St. Clem- “I think one of the most exciting aspects of this role is that, while I’ll have a hand in how the ent’s is her first foray into all-girls’ education. School operates, I’ll also have the opportunity During her time in the public system, Heather to see the big picture and delve in into all that’s spent a lot of time researching and working on happening in the world of education. It will boys and literacy. She came to appreciate the allow for a lot of creativity.” value of the literature’s being more specific. Principal Martha Perry ’85 is excited to “It’s never been the case in education have Heather join her team of dedicated leadthat one strategy works for everybody,” says Heather. “In fact there are strategies, theories, ers and learners. “She will bring tremendous expertise around research and education, philosophies, and pedagogies that make sense and will be a big player in our strategic for particular members of a particular gender. Working in a single-gender school narrows the decisions going forward.” Together, they will work closely to operationalize Martha’s vision. focus of what you’re striving to be excellent “Martha has an amazing grip on what SCS is at.” Heather believes that by focusing on girls all about and where the School aspires to go,” and young women, our world as a whole will says Heather. “I see my role as helping bring be enhanced. “The better job we do of develMartha’s vision to fruition, but also determinoping outstanding young women, women who are confident thinkers, strong communicators, ing what the research says about that vision and how we can get to that place, and bringing and compassionate human beings, the better people on board to work toward it.” off we’re going to be as a society.” Heather describes her leadership style as In her new role, Heather will not only be collaborative. She believes in a culture and a responsible for the School’s academic and climate where everyone can feel comfortable co-curricular programming, but also for initiating and leading enhancements and continual working together toward a common goal. improvements in teaching and learning across Couple that with her deep commitment to student success, and she is sure to have a sigthe grades in collaboration with the Executive nificant impact on ensuring SCS as a leader in Team. She will also provide leadership to the girls’ learning, and in preparing young women School’s LINCWell program, SCS’s holistic approach to supporting our girls to “learn well, to thrive in the broader, connected world. “I’m really excited to join the SCS commulead well, and live well.” “I believe that growth comes from newness, nity,” explains Heather. “In education there’s something to be said for working in a place and I’m ready for a fresh challenge,” Heather for a long time when you find something that explains. While it was the reputation of the works for you. On the other hand, the door to School, students, and staff that initially atlearning opens when you cross a threshold tracted her to the role, it was the shift in focus, into something new.” and the opportunity to put an emphasis on research and innovation that struck a chord. 12 | Red Blazer Fall 2016

VICE PRINCIPAL PROFILE

Aug. 4, 2016 Heather’s first official day at SCS

The number of schools Heather has served as Vice Principal at prior to joining SCS, including her most recent role at University of Toronto Schools.

Heather is currently working on achieving her fourth higher education degree, a PhD in Education from the University of Toronto’s Department of Curriculum Studies and Teacher Development at OISE.

Reputation

New challenge

The top two things that attracted Heather to her new role as SCS’s Vice Principal, Learning, Research, and Innovation.

Department Highlight Classics Conference

Question: How many pins are/ were on your tunic? Tell us on Twitter: @SCS_Clementines #scspinsforthewin

Racing back to ancient times Classics Conference

It’s not every day that a chariot is spotted racing along the streets of St. Catharines. Harkening back to Ancient Greece and Rome, when horse-drawn chariot racing was one of the most popular sports, these modern-day chariots were pulled mightily by students and cheered enthusiastically by spectators. The Chariot Race, a Latin Oral Reading competition, and Discus Ultimus were all part of the 48th annual Ontario Student Classics Conference, which took place at Brock University last May. St. Clement’s School was not only participating, but also hosting the event, which brought together 16 schools from across Ontario in three areas of competition: Academics, Athletics, and Creative (think mosaics and drama). A spirited Opening Ceremonies, including welcome addresses from the Consul General of Greece, the Deputy Mayor of St. Catharines, and Principal Martha Perry ’85, kicked off the

conference. More than 400 students then spent the next three days going back in time to compete in Classically-inspired contests such as Greco-Roman Mythology, Greek Sight Translation, Tug of War, Relay Races, and a Mini Marathon. “The Conference is always an exciting time for Classics students, but this year it took on added significance because of our role as Conference hosts,” explains Diana Pai, Classics Teacher. “What an experience for our girls, putting on a conference of this magnitude! Ten months of planning came together beautifully; in particular, I was happy to see the students sharing their knowledge and enthusiasm for the Classical world with their peers. The conference theme was a quotation from the comedian Aristophanes, who said, ‘The wise indeed learn much from their foes.’ It was a rewarding experience to see all the participants not only competing against each other,

but also learning from their fellow competitors, and making new friends along the way.” In spite of the additional demands on the girls’ time that came with hosting duties, our SCS competitors built on the strong showing of last year. They came away from the event having earned numerous ribbons across all three areas of competition, including a 3rd place in Athletics; SCS placed 6th overall in the province. Most notably, for the first time ever, SCS was awarded the Animus Ludorum trophy, given to the school that embodies the spirit of the games for good sportsmanship, spirit, and friendly competition. gratulationes to the students, staff, and alumnae (Katie Middleton ’10 and Erin Tsang ’08) who helped to make this event so successful!

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Graduating Class Class of 2016

Graduating Class

Head Girl Mary Tooley ’16 encouraged her fellow Graduates to seize the day, be authentic, and enjoy the ride at the 115th Annual Closing Ceremonies and Graduation on June 16, 2016.

About two weeks ago, on the last day of

classes, I roamed the halls, trying to absorb every feature of the School and lock it in my memory. The smiling faces, the endless chatter, the running hugs, and the elaborately decorated lockless birthday lockers reminded me of the true beauty of SCS. It’s a community. A family. A place that fosters real friendship, passion, and enthusiasm; exudes spirit and a sense of trust; and promotes teamwork, compassion, and togetherness. As I scanned these hallways covered in autographed blouses and student artwork, I felt overwhelmed with love for this unique and wonderful place that I have proudly proclaimed my second home for the past four years. I skipped with joy to my favourite room in the building, Powell Hall, and lay down in the middle of the stage. As I peered up into the rafters of that glorious theatre, I didn’t recall a particular scene or moment on stage, because there have been too many beloved ones, but I did remember a particular quotation of Maya Angelou’s that follows me around, gives me perspective, and resonates with me over and over again. I have mentioned it before, but I believe it is worth mentioning again. She 14 | Red Blazer Fall 2016

Ask the Grads: Q. Number of hours the grads spent playing Mario Kart in the Common Room? A. Thousands!

said, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” I may not remember every word, action, or achievement of my peers and teachers, but I will forever remember the comfort they gave in challenging times, the life they exuded during Spirit Week and House events, and the camaraderie they exhibited in every aspect of life. I think sometimes we lose sight of what’s important. We get caught up in our busy lives and worry too much about what others think and expect of us. We choose to satisfy an image, a social construct, and in this pursuit of pleasing others, we forget who we are and what we want for ourselves. In fact, we become so consumed with being someone else that we forget about others. So, to my fellow Grads: dream big, keep living in the moment, and always be true to yourself. Know that you can do anything you set your hearts and minds to because, as our sweaters say, “Impossible is just a state of mind.” But while you know this, remember that the journey is often more rewarding than the outcome. Enjoy every moment of the process and live your life fully. We are a class with strong characters, determined personalities, endless energy, and great spirit. While St. Clement’s means something different to all of us, I think we can all agree that it is a place where we have learned many life lessons, have been given the opportunity to explore our interests, and have been shown how to support, treasure, and love others. It is an honour and a great privilege to stand before such an astounding group of women whom I admire and cherish. As we embark on the next chapter of our lives, just remember that no matter where we are, we will always be connected, because once a Clementine, always a Clementine.

Remember that the journey is often more rewarding than the outcome. Enjoy every moment of the process and live your life fully.

Graduating Class Class of 2016

Ask the Grads: Q. Marché Lunch item the class of 2016 will miss most? A. Pasta Salad!

GRAD CLASS GIFT

$38,000

Class of 2016 On June 16, 2016, the entire School community gathered at Massey Hall to celebrate the year at Closing Ceremonies. Our Grads took centre stage after the graduation ceremony to sing “Come so Far (Got so Far to Go)” from the musical Hairspray.

Thanks to the dedicated efforts of Nicole Areias ’16, Advancement Head, and Megan Coles, Annual Fund Rep, the Class of 2016 made history this past spring, achieving 100% participation among students and 98% participation among parents in giving to the Grad Class Gift, and raising a record $38,000. This also marked the second year in a row that a Grad Class has raised enough money to endow a fund to support the School’s financial aid program! A sincere thank you to the students and parents who generously supported the Gift. Your legacy will ensure that deserving girls, whose families would not otherwise have the means, are able to receive an SCS education.

GIVING TO THE 2016-2017 GRAD CLASS GIFT

The Class of 2017 has launched their campaign for the 2016-2017 Grad Class Gift. In keeping with tradition, Sarah Visser ’17, Advancement Head, and Terry MacDonald and Fran Linsdell, Annual Fund Reps, are excited to be working with the Grads and their families to endow a fund again this year. Please look for more news from your Reps on how to participate.

Red Blazer Fall 2016 | 15

Graduating Class Class of 2016

Graduating Class

Our graduates are an accomplished group of young women. Congratulations to the Class of 2016!

$1.5M+ 100% Pursuing post-secondary education

Career Clementines**

14 Legacy Clementines*

60 Graduates

Awarded in post-secondary scholarships

8,700+

Our grads are studying Business, Commerce, Finance and Management

Integrated, Life and Pure Science

1 Nutrition

1 1

Architecture

Fine Arts

12 Engineering

Hours of community service contributed over their collective SCS careers. This is 5,700 hours more than is required to graduate

6 Pre-accepted to Ivey 4

Liberal Arts and Social Science

1 Musical Theatre Performance

Health Sciences and Kinesiology

Music

Where are they studying?

Canada

USA

Top Choices • Queen’s University • Dalhousie University • Western University • McGill University • McMaster University • University of Guelph

Top Choices • Harvard University • Hamilton College • Pratt Institute • St. Bonaventure

• 36 AP Scholars • 10 AP Scholars with Honors • 10 AP Scholars with Distinction • 5 AP National Scholars • 1 AP International Diploma • 2 AP Capstone Diplomas • 1 AP Seminar and Research Certificate

1 Computer Science

1 Fashion Design

* Clementines who are related to an alumna

SCS from Grades 1–12

Bioinfomatics

Medicine, Medical Sciences, and Biomedical Science

Arts and Science

1 Health Science and Business Administration

** Clementines who have attended

16 | Red Blazer Fall 2016

Film

AP Awards received

International Development

1 Environmental Science and Management

From the Desk Fall 2016

From the Desk

The academic program at St. Clement’s supports our mission to develop outstanding women who are intellectually curious, courageous and compassionate. We do this by ensuring that excellence is not just a word — it’s our commitment and our passion.

Sports SCS girls raise their game on the sports circuit pg. 18

Arts SCS girls possess boundless creativity pg. 20

Math & Science Exploring the STEMinist side of SCS pg. 22

Annual Fund & Giving Celebrating the generosity of our School community pg. 24

Red Blazer Fall 2016 | 17

Sports From the Desk Sports

On the links, on the court, on the track, and in the field, our girls fought hard in the face of competition, making a name for themselves at the Metro, CISAA and OFSSA levels.

Gold on the Green

Swinging for the Fences

Sarah Beqaj ’20 shot a stellar game to win the CISAA championship tournament for the second year in a row, while solid performances from each member of the Golf Team resulted in a 2nd place finish overall.

It may not be the Silver Slugger Award, but there was a decidedly metallic sheen surrounding two of our softball teams’ finishes: both the Senior and Junior (1) Softball Teams were silver medalists! The Junior (2) Softball Team upgraded their hitting and fielding skills over the course of the season, and faced the J1 Team in the first round of the championship tournament. Nothing like a little friendly competition to kick off the finals! Improving significantly over the term, the U14 Softball Team played the best games of their season at the championship; while the U13 Softball Team, comprised mostly of Grade 6 girls, worked hard on improving batting averages and base running.

SCS Can Wield a Racquet

Our U13 Tennis Team once again volleyed to an undefeated season, finishing as CISAA champions. Not to be outdone, the Junior Tennis Team also finished as CISAA champions! The U14 and Senior Tennis Teams had strong showings on the court, and a great final day at the championships. A Running Start

Our Pee Wee Track and Field Team laced up the kicks and learned all kinds of speed skills this season, while the Junior Track and Field Team got ready to run (and to reach new heights) with some guest instructors: Leigh Murlo, mother of Anna Bamber ’20, worked on hurdling with the girls, while Sandra Dale, mother of Emma Dale ’20, instructed on high jump. Capping another outstanding season, most of the Senior Track and Field Team members finished in the top four in their respective CISAA events, which qualified them for the Metro Championships. At the Metro meet, Lauren Chisholm ’18 qualified for OFSAA, and went on to jump a personal best there! 18 | Red Blazer Fall 2016

From the Desk Sports

ST. CLEMENT’S SCOREBOARD

Golf

Silver Solid performances across the team resulted in a 2nd place finish. Tennis

Gold Both our U13 and Junior Tennis Teams were 2016 CISAA champs! Track and Field

PB Tennis love Our Junior Tennis Team served up a great finish to the season as the 2016 CISAA champions!

Lauren Chisholm ’18 jumped a personal best at OFSAA. Softball

Silver Both our Senior and Junior (1) Softball Teams were silver medalists.

SPOTLIGHT

Moving on up Our Senior Track and Field Team qualified for the Metro Championships after a strong finish in their CISAA events.

Sarah Beqaj ’20 shot a stellar game of golf to win the CISAA championship tournament for the second year in a row! Outside her SCS golf pursuits, Sarah’s most impressive finish this summer (at the time this issue was written) was placing second at the AJGA Junior in Mill Creek, Ohio, in June, which helped catapult her to 53rd in the Class of 2020 worldwide rankings. Sarah and her family are making the move to Florida so that she can focus on her golf year-round. We wish her all the best in her golf career!

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Arts From the Desk Arts

From music and theatre to visual arts and dance, the creativity our SCS girls possess is boundless. Here’s how the arts take centre stage in our School community.

The sound of music

Dramatic dreams

Roy Thomson Hall was alive with soaring sound in April as students from CIS Ontario schools gathered to perform at the annual CIS Music Festival. Not only did SCS singers and musicians perform in the auditioned concert, but Music Teacher Heather Newsome was also honoured to be this year’s choral conductor.

Our Grade 2 and 3 students delivered a dazzling performance of Dream On, an adaptation of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. The performance was packed with comedy, song and dance, and colourful costumes and scenery. Drama queens

MADD for the arts

MADDNESS, the annual Upper School arts banquet, kicked off with a rockin’ cover of The Cure’s “Friday I’m in Love” by the staff band. What followed were several artistic workshops, including felting, the Japanese art of gyotaku, drumming, and special effects make-up. Mini-Madd, the Junior School’s celebration of the arts, took place a few days later. Our girls tried their hands (somewhat literally!) at creating art with different materials, like bright blue plastic gloves and stickers, and tried some new personas on the Powell Hall stage. Seen and heard

Art adorned our walls while music, drama, and dance performances took over Powell Hall when Sights and Sounds of Spring, our School-wide annual Arts showcase, took place in April. Whether it was photography, graphic design, painting, or the many choirs, bands, and clubs, all of SCS’s artistic endeavours were celebrated. 20 | Red Blazer Fall 2016

Each year, students and teachers across Ontario develop theatrical performances to enter in the Sears Ontario Drama Festival. In addition to receiving a professional adjudication, they have an opportunity to participate in workshops and discussions. The 2016 Festival included a performance by SCS students entitled A Brewed Awakening, a musical set in a coffee shop about 13 young women trying to find their way in the world. The Grade 11-12 musical theatre and drama classes worked all year to put together the show, which featured eight musical numbers. The girls even sought out composer Scott Alan from New York and asked to have the rights to use some of his music for their production. The production crew were presented with an award of merit for “Beautiful interpretation and incorporation of music,” and the cast were presented with an award of excellence for “Ensemble performance.”

From the Desk Arts

ARTISTIC ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Sears Ontario Drama Festival

Genevieve Lamb ’16 was one of four students provincially chosen through Sears Drama Festival for a Ken & Ann Watts Scholarship for students who have participated in the Festival and are moving into a career in the arts.

MADDness Our girls learned the art of gyotaku, the traditional Japanese method of printing fish, a practice that dates back to the 1800s.

Sights and Sounds of Spring

April 21 The Arts were celebrated through our annual spring showcase. While artwork from Clementines in Grades 7 to 12 was displayed on the School’s main floor, Powell Hall was the place to watch music, dance, and musical theatre performances.

SPOTLIGHT

Dream On Grade 2 and 3 students were not, as Shakespeare once wrote, “slow of study” in their preparation for their performance of Dream On, an adaptation of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. They delivered a dazzling performance!

Sambea Cochrane ’19 has come a long way from the earliest performance she remembers, when cheers from an audience following her rendition of “The Hills Are Alive” from The Sound of Music shocked her five-year-old self to tears. These days, the Grade 10 singer-songwriter is much more comfortable behind a microphone, as evidenced by the entry of her single, “Loveward Bound,” in CBC Music’s 2016 Searchlight Contest and the release of her full-length album, Radio Road, back in May.

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From the Desk Math & Science

Math & Science It’s a simple equation: SCS students and STEM subjects add up to academic excellence. Our girls, from the Junior School on up, are solving problems to understand how the world around us functions.

It’s elementary

Air and water are two of the most important classical elements, and each has unique properties. Our Grade 2 students were mesmerised by Scientist in the School workshops on these topics. Students explored the power of wind and the viscosity of water through hands-on, age-appropriate experiments not only to teach them, but to get them excited about science, and to connect it to the world around them in a concrete way. Competition-ready

Spring training isn’t reserved for baseball; our Junior and Senior LEGO Robotics teams for the 2016-2017 school year assembled in March to start training for their December 2016 competition. Each team of about eight girls works together over many months to develop a research project and presentation addressing a current societal issue and programs a robot to complete an obstacle course. They’re judged on their research, their robot’s capabilities, and teamwork. We’re looking forward to seeing how this year’s teams fare as they square off against competition toward the end of Term 1. Go Team SCS! Going for gold

Two SCS teams comprised of Grade 7 and 8 students, accompanied by Christine Vender, past staff, went for Olympic glory at the ISOMA Middle School Math Olympics. Our 22 | Red Blazer Fall 2016

math-letes spent the day solving problems individually, in pairs, and in teams of four. The event culminated with the Math Relay, in which teams needed to solve as many math problems as possible, one at a time, within strict time constraints. “While giving up a Saturday to watch Middle Schoolers solve math problems may not be everyone’s cup of tea, I quite enjoyed it — it is wonderful to see the girls so excited about math,” recounts Christine. “They gain confidence in their math abilities from solving problems that require a little ‘outside-the-box’ thinking.” #STEMinism16

This past April, Jennifer Manley ’16 and Averil Bauer-Kong, Maddi Farwell, Ariana Fernandez, Sydney Milrad, Anna Tisdall, and Erika Wolff (all ’17) attended the STEMinism conference at the University of Toronto. The hot topic? A discussion around increasing the representation of women in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) fields. Conference attendees had the opportunity to hear from keynote speakers like Dr. Renee Hlozek (professor of astrophysics at the University of Toronto and Rhodes Scholar), and to participate in workshops ranging from computer coding to sustainable urban infrastructure.

From the Desk Math & Science

BY THE NUMBERS

Olympians

Number of participating Math Olympians from SCS

Robotics

1,000 Average number of Lego blocks used to build a robot

Q&A WITH KRISTA FESTARINI

A Closer Look at H20 The Scientist in the School program introduces water and air to our youngest scientists.

Krista Festarini, Mathematics Curriculum and Department Leader, adds up the benefits of SCS’s Olympic involvement. One Block at a Time Our LEGO Robotics teams — comprised of students and robots! — are close to competition-ready.

Why participate? Students have an opportunity to experience math problem solving in a different setting, in both individual and group competitions. Teamwork is an important part — the younger students get to learn from the older girls, and meet students from other schools. It’s an enjoyable day — it’s nice to see the girls associating math with fun! How do our girls benefit? The event is a different way of looking at math. It stretches our girls in fresh ways, and some students really thrive in this new environment. It is very much about problem solving, working together, and facing challenges in a setting where you are less likely to give up. We don’t select only students who are top mark earners to attend, so it’s always great to see the girls who wouldn’t label themselves as “math people” signing up to compete.

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From the Desk Annual Fund

Your gift has an impact

Bridging the gap

The power of the 2015–2016 Annual Fund

Annual Fund giving at an all-time high

Tuition covers 88% of St. Clement’s School’s operating expenses. We rely on other revenue, including donations from our community, to enhance each girl’s learning experience, our faculty resources, and our financial aid program.

Strength in numbers

$547,321

• 100% Class of 2016 participation giving to the Grad Class Gift, endowing $38,000 to financial aid • 100% Board participation • 63% Existing parents participation • 61% New parents participation • 58% Faculty and staff participation

Amount contributed in 2015 – 2016 — an 18% increase over four years 2012-2013

$464,000

2013-2014

$492,000

2014-2015

$532,571

Gifts of every size have significance

Alumnae support is essential

430 147 $571,250 Number of gifts less than $1,500 received, totalling $111,906

Number of SCS alumnae who contributed this year

The Annual Fund enriches the SCS experience

Innovative education programming to augment learning opportunities, including:

Leadership gifts are our foundation • 175 Circle members this year • Circle members contribute 78% of the Annual Fund’s proceeds

Principal’s Circle ($1,500 – $4,999)

Founders’ Circle ($5,000 – $9,999)

Flexible and creative learning spaces

Pilgrim’s Circle ($10,000 – $24,999)

The 1901 Circle ($25,000+)

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Total dollar value of scholarships awarded to 28 students based on their level of financial need, ensuring that we admit the best and brightest applicants

Renovated and outfitted Middle School classrooms to enhance learning dynamics

Music rehearsal rooms outfitted with updated technology to aid music practice

• Nutrition workshops • Social justice workshop • Sign language • Financial literacy workshop • Scientist in the School Community and staff development to ensure a leading-edge education, including: • LINCWell speakers • Innovation project • Tribes Learning Community training

From the Desk Giving

330

The average number of cookies baked by Ms Agostino to be sold to raise funds for charity each House day!

A legacy for learning Sarah Gleeson

THE SARAH GLEESON JUNIOR SCHOOL FUND UPDATE

$150,000 $75,000

Former Head of Junior School Sarah Gleeson’s sweaters have developed quite a reputation over her three decades at SCS. Her wardrobe staple could always be counted on to coincide with the calendar — from knitted pumpkins to Christmas trees. It was fitting, therefore, that Sarah’s sweaters were celebrated through party decor as we paid tribute to her impressive career on Friday, June 10. Surrounded by hundreds of current and past students, parents, colleagues, and friends, Sarah felt wonderfully overwhelmed. “How blessed I am to have spent over 30 years at St. Clement’s School, and to have people here with me tonight from all parts of those 30 years,” exclaimed Sarah. The celebration was a lovely way to pay tribute to the passion, leadership, and authenticity Sarah brought to the School over her career. Former student, current colleague, and friend, Laura D’Angelo ’01, captured the emotion in the room: “Know how much we appreciate you and your constancy, strength, and dedication to your work. Know that your pilgrimage of kindness and love has left its impact and inspired generations of students and their families, as well as your colleagues.

And lastly, and most importantly, know that you are dearly loved.” Before the party concluded, Sarah took the opportunity to symbolically pass the torch to incoming Head of Junior School, Katherine Hicks. “It gives me a sense of calm and happy anticipation knowing that Katherine will be stepping into my role,” she said as she gave Katherine a Halloween-themed sweater from her collection. The celebration also marked the launch of the Sarah Gleeson Junior School Fund — the first step on a journey to having Sarah’s dream for Junior School financial aid come true. The Fund will help SCS to establish a reserve fund that will enable eligible Clementines in Grades 4-6 to receive financial aid as a means of bridging their tuition until Grade 7 should their family’s financial situation change. Thank you for your dedication and capacity for caring over the last 30 years, Sarah. We wish you all the best in your retirement!

We are thrilled to announce that nearly $75,000 has been raised for the Fund to date. We are well on our way to our goal of raising over $150,000 in Sarah’s honour. Please consider joining us in celebrating Sarah by making her dream of financial aid for her “little ducks” in SCS’s Junior School, a reality. Donate now by visiting scs.on.ca/support-scs or contact Lisa Watson, Executive Director of Advancement at 416 483 4414 x2288 or lisa.watson@scs.on.ca

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Experiential Education Out There

Out There Our girls embrace their curiosity at home and farther afield. Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a look at a few of the places theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve traveled to learn and to be of service.

ITALY AND GREECE March 2016

Visiting historic sights and museums opened eyes and minds, and made connections to classroom learning.

History leapt off the pages of books and art came to life as our girls visited Italy and Greece to take in the sights, soak up the culture, and view important works of art. In Italy, Middle School students explored Rome, Vatican City, Pompeii, and Capri. On the next leg of their trip they were dazzled by Delphi, Athens, and three Greek islands.

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Experiential Education Out There

HONDURAS March 2016

Performing field work activities helped our girls get up close and personal with the local ecosystem.

Exploring biodiversity in Honduras, under the guidance of university academics, was an adventure in itself for some of our Senior School students. In the rich cloud forest of Cusuco National Park, they collected data on carbon, biodiversity, and the community benefits of the forest. In Utila, they explored the health of the coral reef and measured the degree of coral bleaching. Data they collected will be used by scientists to make plans to preserve the reef. ECUADOR AND GALAPAGOS ISLANDS March 2016

Grade 10 and 11 students

Our girls were in charge — they handled the money and budgeting, and each had an opportunity to be leader for a day

traveled to the Galapagos Islands and Ecuador for a student-led cultural immersion, service, and adventure trip. They honed teamwork and leadership skills, and gained confidence while becoming more globally aware. In Ecuador, they ran games for local children and delivered school supplies. They also helped the community with gardening, digging trenches, and mixing cement. On the Galapagos Islands, they hiked a volcano, snorkeled, and saw some amazing wildlife. Red Blazer Fall 2016 | 27

Community Making Connections

Making Connections Our community is always looking for ways to give back. Here’s a look at how our girls and our staff stepped up for organizations in our community.

WALKING IN SOMEONE ELSE’S SHOES

Eva’s Schools Walk for Homeless Youth puts participants in the shoes of Toronto’s 10,000 homeless youth by taking them on a walk through the city. After the walk, students participated in activities on inclusion and exclusion to gain further perspective on the marginalization of homeless youth. SCS students raised more than $2,000 which will go to providing safe shelter and programs that give Eva’s youth a fresh start. 28 | Red Blazer Fall 2016

In addition to raising funds and awareness, students who participate in Eva’s Schools Walk for Homeless Youth get a glimpse into what it might feel like to be homeless.

Community Making Connections

BREAKING THE CYCLE OF STIGMA

SCS’s Jack Ride team of staff members put their heart and feet into cycling their way through the Halton Hills to contribute to the reduction of the stigma around mental illness.

Jack Ride is Canada’s bike ride for youth mental health. All proceeds raised from registration fees and donations are directed to the charitable programs of Jack.org, which promote youth mental health awareness and stigma reduction across the country. In addition to participating in the event (with a choice of 25, 50, 100, and 125 km!) the SCS team held a fundraising event a week before the ride. Together, the team raised $4,455.81. BLING FOR BUCKS

The Grade 5 class sponsors four

Through mailed updates, photos, and letter writing, our girls learn about their Sponsor Children’s culture and way of life, enriching their global perspective.

girls from different developing countries through Plan Canada. Through their sponsorship, the class is giving the gift of a better life to these girls and their families and communities in Dominican Republic, Honduras, Senegal, and Zambia. As incoming Grade 5s, our Grade 4 class meticulously created beaded jewellery by hand and held a fundraising sale in the spring. The sale raised $2,096 and will support the annual donation to Plan. Red Blazer Fall 2016 | 29

Moose Factory

Toronto

30 | Red Blazer Fall 2016

A Trip Far North Brings Home

An inaugural journey to Moosonee, Ontario, in 2010 led to life-changing lessons, experiences, and relationships for the scores of SCS students who followed. Years later, it was our turn to repay Moose Factoryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s open and generous spirit. Text by Kristin Mills

a Whole Community

Social Science Teacher Nora Scott clearly

recalls how she felt paddling the river from Moosonee, 850 kilometres north of Toronto, to Moose Factory, Ontario, with a small group of Native Studies students for the first time. She was unsure of what to expect or how the trip would go, but she was excited about what the visit might mean for the burgeoning partnership between St. Clement’s School and the Moose Cree First Nation. After being welcomed by Tourism Officer Kim Cheechoo, the group spent their days experiencing the culture and getting to know the warm, resilient people. A lot of time was spent talking — to elementary and high school students, to those they met at the Youth Centre, to elders around the campfire. For many on that inaugural trip, venturing so far north was like entering a different world; they left, changed, six days later. This past May, after six return trips north, it was St. Clement’s turn to welcome a group of elders, Grade 8 students, and the High Ridge youth drum group from Moose Factory for a four-day visit to Toronto. “Our partnership with Moose Factory continues to evolve, and hosting a group in Toronto was a significant moment in that evolution,” says Nora. “The visit really exceeded all my expectations. It was a bit 32 | Red Blazer Fall 2016

reminiscent of our first trip to Moose Factory, when I wasn’t sure how everything would go, and the result was this amazing visit that just reaffirmed everything we are working together to accomplish.” The partnership between SCS and Moose Factory was forged in 2010, when Nora and the Principal at the time, Patricia Parisi, discussed the idea of travelling north to a First Nation. Pat then connected Nora with fellow teacher Sarah Dickson, and the two came up with a travel plan. Nora’s own desire to educate other Canadians about Indigenous issues had its roots in her post-secondary schooling, when she completed her Bachelor of Education concurrently with a degree in Indigenous Studies. She became very passionate about the urgent need for more awareness and understanding of Indigenous history and issues. Once at SCS, Nora channeled this passion into new educational programming and experiences for SCS students, of which the Moose Factory association is just one example. The spring’s Toronto visit officially kicked off on the SCS roof, under a bright blue sky. One of the elders, Geraldine Govender, led an opening prayer and explained the significance of a smudging ceremony — a purification ceremony performed in many First Nations

cultures — involving the burning of herbs like sage and cedar. Geraldine then turned things over to High Ridge member Ryan Wesley. Everyone gathered in a big, open circle, and Ryan offered each person the burning sage, and they were symbolically cleansed with the wafting smoke. Nora won’t soon forget the ceremony: “It was so special to look around the circle and see so many different individuals coming together. It was an emotional moment.” The assembly held on the visit’s last day offered another highlight. The full school gathered to hear stirring words from Geraldine, as she reminded the SCS community of one of the important results of this partnership: as students learn more about Indigenous issues and experience places like Moose Factory firsthand, the ensuing awareness and understanding allow the girls to go on and advocate for change on behalf of First Nations communities. Former Head Girl Margaret Irwin ’13, who returned to SCS as a guest speaker at the assembly, explained how one trip north sparked her own desire to learn more, and do more. “Moose Factory gave awkward, 16-yearold me perspective on how huge our province is and how different our experiences are as

NORTHERN REFLECTIONS

Grace Sarabia ’17

It was wonderful to have the opportunity to host two Grade 8 girls from Moose Factory in my home. The visit gave me the chance to learn more about Moose Cree First Nations culture and issues, and how directly it affects girls close to my age. Showing Taryn and Nakita around our neighbourhood and school, and talking with them about our lifestyles taught me a lot about how different life can be on a First Nations reserve.

Emma Dale ’20

When the girls from Moose Factory arrived at SCS, we instantly began learning and exchanging information about each other’s cultures. An eye-opening moment for me was when we were all on the School roof watching the bustling neighbourhood below. All of a sudden, one of the girls started laughing and pointed out something on the street — a motorcycle. They thought it was so cool, as they rarely saw the motorized bikes that we don’t think twice about. This made me realize how different our realities are, and that we could learn much more about each other’s lifestyles.

Tait Gamble ’18

Canadians,” recalls Margaret, who went on the very first Moose Factory trip with Nora. “I originally signed up for the trip because my parents told me that I could only go on a service trip in another country if I first did one in our own. Looking back, it was one of the best life lessons my parents gave me. I returned to Moose Factory the following year, and gained an appreciation of the incredible power and strength of community. I am privileged to feel so connected to the people of Moose Factory, and it is those relationships that make me want to keep going back.” In fact, Margaret took a short break from her current premedical studies at Harvard University last winter to return to Moose Factory for a third time, when she had the opportunity to work at the Weenebayko General Hospital for two weeks. Travelling there on her own gave Margaret an understanding of what medicine is truly all about. “The community is very proud of their hospital, and this was a sentiment I had never really noticed in urban hospitals. I left Moose Factory this last time knowing exactly what I wanted to do with my life. Visiting the community by myself at the age of 21 was remarkable. Yes, it was overwhelming at times, especially some of the patient cases I experienced. However, the

trip also made me realize why I want to go to medical school and become a doctor.” Margaret concluded her speech in assembly with a powerful statement: her association with the Moose Cree community has not only defined her and her way forward, but also defined what “being Canadian” means to her. “Travelling to Moose Factory has allowed me to realize the vastness of our country, and that Canadians have very different experiences. My own reality is not any more or less “Canadian” than that of an Aboriginal person living on reserve. If I hadn’t gone on these trips in the first place, I think I would sadly be another Canadian that is unaware or uninformed about the realities of Canada’s Indigenous peoples — I am so glad I am not!” It’s a sentiment Nora shares. Partnerships like the one between SCS and Moose Factory can not only help chart the way forward for individual students, but also for Canada — something Nora believes in deeply. “These visits, and the partnerships, embody some of the core characteristics of Canada’s reconciliation with First Nations cultures: education, partnership, care, and advocacy. I firmly believe that the way forward for Canada is through these types of relationships and educational experiences.”

It was a privilege to be able to host two of the Moose Factory girls and to share Toronto with them. Our first night was quiet and a bit awkward, but our second night was full of conversation. Topics ranged from underfunding at their school, their Cree class, the suicide crisis in Attawapiskat, to One Direction. These girls defied the stereotypes of Indigenous youth, and taught me to never give into stereotypes or stigmas. Their courageous spirit inspired me. They had both confronted obstacles in their lives, but emerged from adversity with open hearts, kindness, and hope.

Felicia Aiello ’16

After visiting Moose Factory last June, I felt an instant connection and knew I was not finished interacting with the community. I billeted three of the Grade 8 girls who visited Toronto. Although they were living in a drastically different place, they quickly opened up to my family. Highlights included a trip to the Eaton Centre, dance parties at night, and taking them for their first-ever tacos at a Mexican restaurant!

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Next Chapter Alumna Profile

Did you know? While Rachel spends evenings and weekends working on her startup, her day job is developing an online platform to help kids with autism!

Getting clear about consent Rachel Verner ’11 Looking back, Rachel Verner ’11 recognizes she wasn’t the leading candidate for a job related to fashion for social change. “I joke about how the 15-year-old me would respond to the work I’m doing. For context, I wore sweatpants and an SCS sweatshirt to my first high school dance,” recounts Rachel wryly. Starting out in the Engineering program at Wesleyan University in Connecticut after SCS, Rachel’s plan switched to Neuroscience and Psychology. A first-year experience outside the classroom would also affect her path. “During orientation, an upperclassman shared her story of being raped. I had never heard anyone talk about sexual violence, let alone describe such a vulnerable moment in front of an auditorium of people,” says Rachel. “That sparked my interest in sexual violence prevention.” In second year, Rachel began working with Wesleyan’s Sexual Assault Response Team. One of her goals was to find a way to make the conversation more accessible. Underwear seemed like a smart solution. Rachel created and sold underwear that promoted sexual consent: “It encouraged dialogue in the bedroom, 34 | Red Blazer Fall 2016

but was also a way to lower the barrier of entry into conversations about consent,” explains Rachel. “Many people, especially young men, are nervous to bring it up in conversation. They didn’t learn about it in high school, and most of what they see in the media is about what happens when consent isn’t present.” That project evolved into Rachel’s current focus, Let’s Be Clear, a startup working to normalize sexual consent. The approach is twofold: build a solid foundation for social change through education, and increase conversation through conscious apparel. “Everyone has a different comfort level when talking about consent, and Let’s Be Clear wants to celebrate that individuality,” says Rachel. “While our underwear served as an intimate reminder in the bedroom, our new line of t-shirts, sweatshirts, and tanks puts the messaging front and centre with sayings like ‘I’m the boss of these parts’, and ‘coercion is not consent’. The clothing serves as a reminder, and a sign of solidarity for survivors of sexual violence.” While conversations about sexual violence have become more common, particularly as major legal cases like the Jian Ghomeshi and Brock Turner trials are covered by the media, the majority of that coverage places heavy focus on violence. Consent isn’t an everyday, comfortable topic of conversation. Rachel wants to change that. Let’s Be Clear also has a workshop series to help give people the tools to talk about, ask for, give, or deny consent. “I want to keep working in this world — it’s exciting to think critically about how we can simultaneously drive the economy and social change,” she says. Even though she wasn’t as focused on clothing while at SCS, the groundwork for Let’s Be Clear was laid then. “The world needs more Clementines — individuals who will tackle complex social and political problems with intellect and compassion.” It’s clear Rachel is doing just that.

After SCS: Wesleyan University Startup Status: Kickstarter campaign has launched! Standout SCS Moment: Trip to Ecuador and hiking the Andes. Despite the mental and physical challenges, no one gave up. If someone needed a break from carrying their bag, another girl would help support the weight.

Everyone has a different comfort level when talking about consent, and Let’s Be Clear wants to celebrate that individuality.

Next Chapter Alumna Profile

4,242

Passion fuels creativity Tiffany Tan ’92

The most memorable moment Tiffany Tan

’92 has of her time at SCS is having the play she wrote, directed, and acted in, entitled Prism, performed at the annual arts night in her graduating year. It was a passion project and creative outlet for her. “It started as this small assignment in a writing class, but my teacher was supportive, gave great advice, and really encouraged me to keep writing,” Tiffany reminisces. While the interests of her youth — drama, along with choir, soccer, and badminton — didn’t predict her eventual career path, she has infused passion and creativity — and writing — into her career as Associate Director, Marketing Communications, for The Clorox Company. After graduating from Western University, she had the opportunity to travel and work internationally with Nortel. She worked her way through various Human Resources roles in different countries, immersing herself in their culture and ways of working. She later furthered her education at Harvard Business School, and it was there that she got a taste for marketing. After graduation, she made a career switch and has been flexing her creative

muscles in marketing ever since. In Tiffany’s eyes, whether one can draw a stick figure or something more complex doesn’t indicate the limits of one’s creativity. “Everyone has the ability to be creative and everyone is passionate about something,” says Tiffany. “Often people think of creativity related to the arts or innovation, but it’s also about how you approach and solve problems. And passion fuels creativity.” She should know — her award-winning blog for The Clorox Company, Mom Moments: Coming Clean on Family, Work and Clorox, was an “aha!” moment, a way to blend her passion for parenting with her interest in creative writing after returning to work from her first maternity leave. “When I went back to work, I really struggled; I wanted to have this great career, but I also wanted to be a great mom,” says Tiffany. “I was able to communicate the good, the bad, and the ugly of what it means to balance a career with raising a family. I was telling it like it was, and I think it made for something that other moms could relate to.” She strongly believes that bringing one’s whole self to work allows people and organizations to be at their best. “I think it’s really easy for people to check their interests at the door when they go into their workplace,” says Tiffany. “The blog was a way I could bring my outside passion about starting a new family into my workplace. Similarly, I’m taking my passion for marketing into my personal life by volunteering those skills to organizations that need help.” Since Tiffany and her family’s recent relocation back to Toronto, she has found new ways for both spheres of life to come together; she has been volunteering at her children’s school and, through her connection with Rebecca Shields ’92, CEO of the Canadian Mental Health Association - York, she has been doing pro bono work for the organization.

The distance Tiffany recently traveled to relocate her family from San Francisco back to Toronto.

Often people think of creativity related to the arts or innovation, but it’s also about how you approach and solve problems.

After SCS: Western University Harvard Business School Employer: The Clorox Company Position: Associate Director, Marketing Communications Favourite spot at SCS: The Grad Class common room

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Next Chapter Alumnae Connection

Alumnae Connection 2

Hitting the links In June, alumnae of all skill levels had their choice of a twohour golf clinic or a round of nine holes at the annual Evening of Golf event.

36 | Red Blazer Fall 2016

Next Chapter Alumnae Connection

9 Together again In May, members of the Class of ’86 gathered together over Reunion Weekend to celebrate their 30-year reunion.

Images from top left:

An Evening of Golf 1 Wendy Girvan, Staff; Devon Montemurro ’08; Barb Macintosh, Staff; Sophie Bertram ’08; Carol Kaifosh ’08; Jane (Bowlby) Croteau ’75; Selena Ng ’08; Lisa Watson, Staff; Martha Perry ’85, Principal; Lauren Marshall ’66; Kara Austin ’10; Ashleigh McGirr ’06; Stephanie Minicucci ’02; Roz McLean ’10; Meagan Thomas, Staff Reunion Weekend 2 Joan (Chapman) Hughes ’56; Marcia (Lawson) Hill ’56; Ann (Barnes) Wynia ’56 West Coast Reunions 3 Julie Hommik ’06; Charlotte Estey ’14; Haley Oosterman ’14; Martha Perry ’85, Principal; Karen Auyeung ’05 4 Lora Brovold ’98; Meagan Thomas, Staff; Heather (Nixon) Diduch ’57 5 Tine (Janikowski) Schaffer

’94; Judy (Joyce) Black ’72; Stephanie Maitland ’08; Clara Laws ’10; Elizabeth Watt ’09; Cathy Byers ’90; Lesley (Gough) Heysel ’78; Danielle Brezina ’87 Career Day 6 Martha Perry ’85, Mary Filice; Christy Thompson ’92; Alex Feasby ’02; Eni Rukaj; Erin Berry ’97; Lauren Chan ’08; Lauren (Burstyn) Lawrence ’99; Louise Robson ’94; Jane Mason ’84; Natasha Gevikoglu ’99 Reunion Weekend 7 Catherine Crawford-Brown ’11; Alex Scott ’11; Annie Hollis ’11; Miriam Alexandroff ’11 8 Charlotte Harbell ’06; Steph Gossage ’06; Vanessa Cameron ’06; Molly Gillan ’06 9 Back Row: Brooke Hunter ’86; Jean Elliott ’86; Sara Ayres ’86; Tara Tinmouth ’86;

Vanessa Benfield ’86 3rd Row: Dorothy Carson ’86; Cheryl McConney ’86; Jean (Moore) MacLeod ’86; Tara Burns ’86; Sarah van Nostrand ’86 2nd Row: Andrea Greaney ’86; Leslie (Watchorn) Magee ’86; Jen O’Grady ’86; Adrienne Arsenault ’86 1st Row: Katy Sweet ’86; Anna (Khoo) De Lataulade ’86; Deirdre Cameron ’86; Zoe (Brewer) Craig ’86; Toby (Speke) Garbett ’86 Nancy (Roberts) Allan ’66; Cathy (Ellis) Crane ’66; Janet (Miles) Ritvo ’66; Fran (Farewell) Baker ’66; Pam (Gunn) Roberts ’66; Alison Smiley ’66; Pat (Love) Koabel ’66; Kendra (Coumans) Newkirk ’66; Jerri (Simpson) Obright ’66; Harriet Powelson ’66; Liz (Reichert) Kinsman ’66; Margaret (Percy) Revell ’66; Margaret (Chittenden) Coughtrey ’66; Sharon McKeown ’66;

Sue (Brown) Gates ’66; Madelaine (Leight) Currelly ’66; Cath Steele ’66; Pamela Stagg ’66; Pam Wheaton ’66; Pronica (Stewart) Janikowski ’66; Kate (Winter) Dickson ’66; Rosemary Ward ’66; Barb Carr ’66; Marcia (Boothroyd) Johnson ’66; Mary (Mackechnie) Wilson ’66 Past Staff Jane Newlands; Elizabeth McLeod; Sydney Clark; Janet Mackinnon; Ruth Griffiths; Ann Posen; Linda Miller; David MacLellan; Hazel Perkin; Jackie Shaver; Susan Wright; Deb Holdsworth; Manfred Petz; Pearl Ang; Carolyn Gossage; Wendy Girvan; Pat Parisi Jennifer (Miller) Whitfield ’91; Leiane Cooke ’91; Dimple Bhatia ’91; Janet Kennedy ’91; Anna (Brace) Cook ’91’; Nikki (Haddrick) Nitti ’91; Asha Kurian ’91; Suanne Tse ’91; Shampa Das-Mertsis ’91

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Speaker Feature Mark Your Calendars

Did you know? Penguins do not live at the North Pole.

Mark your calendars The 2016 –2017 LINCWell Speaker Series welcomes an exciting lineup of guest experts to SCS.

Dr. Greg Wells

October 18, 2016 The Summer Games in Rio may have gotten you thinking about what it takes to be an Olympian. Scientist, professor, and author Dr. Greg Wells has dedicated his career to understanding human performance and how the body responds to extreme conditions. His session, entitled “The Academic Olympian,” shares strategies for maintaining wellness and achieving peak performance in school, based on Olympic athletes’ strategies for maintaining wellness and achieving peak performance under pressure and stressful conditions.

Dr. Laura Choate

February 8, 2017 As the mother of a preteen daughter, Dr. Laura Choate is often shocked by what she sees being 38 | Red Blazer Fall 2016

directed toward girls in current culture — the pressure to be thin, to be beautiful, to look much older, and to accumulate a long list of accomplishments to be deemed “a success.” Dr. Choate’s concern about these pervasive messages around cultural expectations led her to pen her third book, Swimming Upstream: Parenting Girls for Resilience in a Toxic Culture. Dr. Choate provides insights and tips for building resilience and positive body image in the Junior and Middle School years.

Sherry Turkle

April 5, 2017 MIT professor and author Sherry Turkle is a preeminent authority on how technology is changing how we live, having spent the last 30 years researching the psychology of people’s relationships with technology. Her latest book, Reclaiming Conversation: The Power of Talk in a Digital Age, investigates a troubling consequence of our current world of social networking and mobile connectivity: at school, at work, and at home, we find ways around face-to-face conversation, tempted by the possibilities of a text or an email in which we don’t have to look, listen, or reveal ourselves. Turkle discusses what this means for our relationships with others, and why reclaiming conversation is critical.

Bulletin Board Fall 2016

Bulletin Board

One of the best parts about the St. Clement’s School community is that it is close-knit, supportive, and welcoming. Clementines, their families, and staff and faculty always have a place here.

Class Notes See what your classmates are up to pg. 40

Staff News The team dedicated to developing outstanding women pg. 42

Tempus Fugit Barbara Wagner ’56: An Olympian among us pg. 44

Upcoming Events Don’t miss these 2016-2017 fall/winter events pg. 45

Red Blazer Fall 2016 | 39

Bulletin Board Class Notes

Class Notes

1960s

Wendy Hurlburt ’85 visited with Principal Martha Perry ’85 in Vancouver in April.

Gold Medal in Chemical and Biochemical Engineering and The Society of Chemical Industry Merit Award.

1990s

Selena Ng ’08 visited Mark Bunten’s Business Leadership class as a guest speaker in April.

In April, Julia (Ruby) Foster ’65 was the guest speaker at our annual Volunteer Appreciation assembly. 1970s

In May, Margaret Irwin ’13 was a guest speaker at the Moose Factory assembly, honouring guests from Moose Factory.

In April, Zarin Machanda ’97 was the guest speaker at the last Middle School mother-daughter tea for the school year. 2000s

Pamela (Dearie) Boake ’76 and Cathie (Lanskail) White ’76 had dinner in Vancouver, where Cathie lives with her husband Daryl. Pamela was visiting from Toronto, where she lives with her husband Ian, whom she met at a St. Clement’s dance. 1980s

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Meagan Webb ’08 acted as a panelist at the second annual STEMinism conference in April. She is seen here with SCS students who represented the School on the organizing committee. 2010s

Claire Markham ’04, currently attending the MBA program at Haas School of Business at University of California, Berkeley, offered to dress up as a unicorn and do embarrassing activities as part of the school’s fundraising drive to support three San Francisco-based charities. Dr. Joanne Thompson, Faculty, was a generous contributor to this campaign; she challenged Claire to submit a photo of herself in a unicorn mask to the Red Blazer.

Hilary Stone ’12 spoke at the Round Square 50th Anniversary assembly in April. In June, she graduated from Western University, receiving The James M. Hay

In May, Heather Newsome, Faculty, travelled to Dublin and met with some alumnae, including (top photo) Vanessa Nguyen ’13 and Kristie Chau ’14, and (bottom photo) Ellen Orchard ’14 and Kristyn Dunlop ’09.

Bulletin Board Class Notes

PEACE

Ella Raiman ’15 spent three fulfilling and challenging months (February to April) in Igenge, Tanzania, working in a team of six UK and six Tanzanian volunteers to increase knowledge and awareness of sanitation, water, and hygiene practices among the villagers. Ella feels lucky and grateful to have had such an incredible opportunity. Through this experience, she realized all the skills and qualities SCS equipped her with prepared her well for her journey.

Polina Levina ’06 married Ramin Mahnad in Aix-en-Provence, France, on April 30, 2016. The couple met in Geneva, Switzerland, while Polina was working with the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and Ramin with the International Committee of the Red Cross. They are now posted in Kiev, Ukraine. Angela Wright ’06 and Katherine Andrikopoulos ’06 came from Toronto to join the celebrations.

Love

On August 22, 2015, Zahida Meghji ’03 married Jake Turowec at the Estates of Sunnybrook. Clementines in attendance included Christina Agostino ’04, Eryn LeMesurier ’04, and Emily Moore ’04.

Claire DesBrisay ’08 married Garreth Bloor on February 20, 2016. Garreth is from Cape Town, and the pair met when Claire did a gap year at St. Cyprian’s School (another SCS!) through Round Square in 2009. Her sister Amy DesBrisay ’10 was in her wedding party. Other Clementines in attendance were Kathryn Estey ’08, Annie Ewing ’08, Heather Tory ’08, and Claire Sigurdson ’08, and of course her mom Catherine (Fricker) DesBrisay ’79 and grandma Lois (Mulloy) Fricker ’51. Joy

Alexa Main ’07 married Beat Riedener on January 23, 2016, at her parents’ home in Toronto. They celebrated with friends on June 18, 2016, at a friend’s farm in Puslinch. Lia Mathiesen ’07, Ali Azzopardi ’07, and Annie Kavanagh ’07 attended the party.

Violet (MacLeod) Armbrister ’41 on December 11, 2015. Mother of Liv Alvaer and Layne Alvaer, both ’65. Predeceased by daughter Randi (Alvaer) O’Hara ’70, and sisters Betty (MacLeod) Dix ’47 and Jean (MacLeod) Jones ’44. Audrey (Warwick) Orr ’41 on June 22, 2016. Barbara (Babcock) Poulson ’43 on July 4, 2016. Sister of Janet (Babcock) Gouinlock ’47 and Mary (Babcock) Dale ’40; mother of Anne (Poulson) Riley ’72, and grandmother of Kate Riley ’04. Mary (Magee) Watterson ’48 on March 22, 2016.

Francesca (McGrory) Loftus ’08 and her husband Corey are thrilled to announce the birth of their son, Theodore Sterling Loftus, born May 5, 2016.

Shirley Mason ’58 on April 21, 2016.

Red Blazer Fall 2016 | 41

Bulletin Board Class Notes

Staff News

New Roles

Welcome New Staff

Welcome Back

Retirements

Hillary Armstrong ’05 joins SCS in a one-year contract as the Grade 2 Teacher.

Judy Burnham, Computer Science Teacher, is retiring after 23 years at SCS. Over the course of her career, Judy has taught every grade. She led the IT committee and was head of the Computer Science department during a time of great change in technology. She has overseen the Keyboarding and Programming Clubs, and has been a homeform teacher, Robotics Advisor, Intranet Web Advisor, Junior Cross-Country Coach and participant in many Junior School events. We thank her and wish her well in her retirement.

Sarah Basinski, Head of Library and Information Services (maternity leave contract) Katrina Brennan, Physical Education Teacher (maternity leave contract) Katherine Hicks will be following retiring Sarah Gleeson as the next Head of Junior School. She is thrilled to take on this leadership role with our Junior School girls and their families.

Jannilyn Caoile, Computer Science Teacher Alex Carlson, Grade 1 Teacher (maternity leave contract) Brianna Davidson, LINCWell Assistant (maternity leave contract) Jelena Diklic, Library Technician Emma Groia ’07, Advancement Officer

Laura Mustard ’03 has been promoted to Head of Library Information Services.

Jenn Hakes, Grade 5 Teacher (one-year contract)

Megan Clay returns from maternity leave as LINCWell Program Manager.

Heather Henricks, Vice Principal, Learning, Research and Innovation Kevin Mercier, Senior English Teacher Aparna Singhal, Senior Math Teacher

Nancy Taylor has moved into the role of Part-time LINCWell Teacher.

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Jamie Williams, Math Teacher AnnMarie Zigrossi, Junior School LINCWell Teacher and Curriculum Leader

Lana Fisher returns from maternity leave as LINCWell Curriculum and Department Leader, and Grades 9 and 10 Counsellor.

Sarah Gleeson, Head of Junior School, is retiring after 32 years at SCS. She has been a leader, mentor, teacher, coach, and friend to staff and students alike. Sarah has been one of the first people a prospective family meets when considering SCS for their

Bulletin Board Staff News

daughters and, without a doubt, has represented our School with authenticity, honesty, and genuine love for what we do. We thank her for her more than three decades of dedication, and wish her the best in her retirement.

the Upper School, has served as the English Department Head, Tudor House Advisor, and Clementimes advisor, and has coached several teams. She has attended the Classics Conference since 2008. She was a Graduating Class homeform teacher for 22 years, and has helped many SCS alumnae with applications to professional and graduate schools. We thank her for her dedication and wish her a wonderful retirement. Farewells

Zoë Nevison, Junior School Teacher, is retiring after 29 years teaching in the SCS Junior School. Year after year, she has been involved with Junior School drama productions, Pee Wee Dance Club, and Kiwanis Dance. She has assisted in the Strategic Planning Steering Committee, Guitar Club, the Technology Committee, the Arts Festival, and Sights and Sounds of Spring. We thank her for her many years of commitment to SCS and wish her a joy-filled retirement!

Joanne Thompson, English Teacher, is retiring after 23 years. Dr. T. has taught every grade of

Carli Fink, LINCWell Program Manager, has been covering a maternity leave, and her contract has come to a close. She has accepted a position with Western University.

Claire Hazzard, Head of Library and Information Resources, has relocated to Minneapolis,

Minnesota, with her family after devoting 13 years to SCS.

Sherri McFarlane, LINCWell Counsellor, was in a contract position, and it has come to a close. She has accepted a permanent position at a colleague school.

Matt Oliver, Mathematics Teacher, has relocated back to England to be with family.

Christine Vender, Mathematics Teacher, and her family have relocated to Cambridge, Ontario.

Births

Laura Ash, her husband Fraser, and their daughter Maggie welcomed Alice Rose Fraser Ash to their family on May 10, 2016.

Heather Longpré and her husband Joe are thrilled to announce the birth of their son. Joseph Maurice Longpré IV was born on June 27, 2016.

Peter McGrath and his wife Robyn welcomed a baby sister for their son Desmond. Josephine Sandra Caroline McGrath was born on May 8, 2016.

Red Blazer Fall 2016 | 43

Bulletin Board Tempus Fugit

On the heels of the Rio 2016 Games, we reflect on the Olympic accomplishments of Barbara Wagner ’56.

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In her graduating year, Barbara Wagner ’56

won the Canadian Championships in pairs figure skating for the first time with her skating partner Robert Paul. Together, they earned the nickname “perfectionists on ice” due to their consistently flawless performances, and went on to be five-time Canadian, two-time North American, and four-time World Champions. The pair’s Olympic dream was realized at the 1960 Winter Games in Squaw Valley, California, where, despite having to restart their program due to the music’s skipping, they were awarded the gold medal. Barbara and Robert glided into the history books! It was not only the first time Canadians won

gold in this event, it was also the first time any non-European duo came first. Following their Olympic triumph, Barbara and Robert continued to skate professionally for five years. In 1980, Barbara was inducted into both the World and Canadian Figure Skating Halls of Fame, and, in 1988, the Olympic Hall of Fame. The pair remains the most decorated figure skaters in Canadian History. Since 1964, Barbara has been coaching skating. Each morning, she imparts to her students the optimism and perseverance she learned from Ms. Waugh, former Principal; she tells her students, “Never give up and fight to the end!”

2016-2017 FALL / WINTER EVENTS

October

Thanksgiving Service Thursday, October 6, 2016

Homecoming Festivities and Field Day

London, UK Reunion Saturday, November 19, 2016

Admissions Open House Friday, November 18, 2016

Friday, October 7, 2016

Middle School Drama Production

Ottawa Reunion

Thursday, November 24, 2016

Saturday, October 15, 2016

Annual Fund Launch

York House Day Thursday, November 24, 2016

Monday, October 17, 2016

LINCWell Speaker Series Dr. Greg Wells Tuesday, October 18, 2016

Admissions Open House Friday, October 21, 2016

December

St. Clement’s School Application Deadline

Friday, October 21, 2016

Principal’s Book Club

Monday, February 6, 2017

LINCWell Speaker Series Dr. Laura Choate Wednesday, February 8, 2017

Windsor House Day Friday, February 10, 2017

Spirit Week Monday, February 13 – Thursday, February 16, 2017

Admissions Notification Day

Junior School Christmas Program

Senior School Drama Production

Carol Service and Alumnae Christmas Party Monday, December 19, 2016

Friday, February 24 and Saturday, February 25, 2017

March

Lenten Service Thursday, March 2, 2017

January

Tudor House Day

Oreo Night Showcase

Friday, October 28, 2016

Friday, January 20, 2017

November

Reclaiming Conversation: The Power of Talk in a Digital Age by Sherry Turkle

Friday, February 24, 2017

Originals: How Non-Conformists Move The World by Adam Grant Monday, October 24, 2016

Principal’s Book Club

Friday, December 2, 2016

Thursday, December 15, 2016

Western University Reunion

February

Music Recital Night Thursday, January 26, 2017

Queen’s University Reunion

Stuart House Day

Friday, November 4, 2016

Friday, January 27, 2017

*Dates may be subject to change. Visit scs.on.ca for more details

St. Clement’s School Open House Friday, October 21, 2016 Friday, November 18, 2016 8:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Pre-register for our Open House at scs.on.ca/open-house