“Being in a grade where everyone knows each other is a feeling I will miss.”
LIZA ALEXANDEROVA Graduating Grade: 12
REBECCA ALAIN
Graduating Grade: 12
Graduating Grade: 12
What aspects of school life/extracurriculars were you involved in? At CDS, I have been most heavily involved in sports and music - having played on a sports team for every term and been a part of the senior concert and jazz bands. In my last two years, I volunteered as a school ambassador and have also taken on informal leadership roles.
ST. MICHAEL’S COLLEGE SCHOOL
Graduating Grade: 12
How do you think The Country Day School (CDS) has prepared you for life after graduation? It has helped me develop not only as a student but as a person. The Country Day School has instilled within me values of integrity, community involvement and diversity.
“All of my teachers inspire me in many ways, whether it is to never give up or to improve at what I’m good at!”
“The opportunity to speak on behalf of the student body was truly a memorable experience.” JACOB KENNEDY
Did you have a teacher who inspired you? All of the teachers I had the privilege to learn from inspired me in various ways. They are all very passionate about the subjects they teach, diverse in their talents and character and are truly invested in the success of their students.
TORONTO FRENCH MONTESSORI SCHOOL THE COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL
What will you miss most about Blyth Academy? Blyth Academy has become my home away from home in these past two years. I am going to miss all the teachers and staff who created such an open and positive environment for learning. I am also going to miss all the friends that I have made in these past two years.
BLYTH ACADEMY
How does it feel to be awarded valedictorian? Being selected as valedictorian by my peers is an amazing honour. I'm thankful for all of the genuine support and kindness I've received from them.
What’s your best memory of the school? My best memory has to be the Model UN trips. It was such an incredible experience to be able to travel to Montreal, Washington, as well as a number of conferences within Toronto, and have the opportunity to debate and discuss current world issues and political states of the world as well as bond with my fellow teammates.
| POST | S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 8
ETHAN DHANRAJ
How do you think Blyth Academy has prepared you for life after graduation? Blyth Academy has taught me how to deal with stressful situations and how to handle all situations, good or bad, with courage and pride.
What aspects of school life/extracurriculars were you involved in? I was part of student council, the yearbook committee, prom committee, intermurals, and Model UN.
68
“Don’t be afraid to ask for help – the teachers are extremely caring and are always willing to help.”
SOPHIE RAMSEY Graduating Grade: 8
What will you miss most about St. Michael’s College School? I think that the everyday life of high school is something I will definitely miss, as I had attended the school since Grade 7 and the level of comfort developed over 6 years truly made the school feel like a second home.
How does it feel to be awarded valedictorian? I feel very excited and proud to be one of the valedictorians at the Toronto French Montessori School graduation ceremony. The school has done a lot for me, and I have a lot to be thankful for.
What’s your best memory of the school? I think it would have to be graduation. Being able to finally see what we as a grade had been working toward for four to six years was incredibly rewarding and exciting.
What will you miss most about Toronto French Montessori School (TFMS)? I will miss everything - the helpful and kind teachers, the friendly classroom environment, my friends and, of course, our principal, Mme. Marie.
How do you think St. Michael’s College School has prepared you for life after graduation? St. Mike's has provided me with the necessary foundation to excel in the academic environment of university; however, even beyond this, it has instilled within me the desire to pursue excellence in every facet of life.
What advice would you give to new students on how to get the most out of their time at St. Michael’s College? The advice is relatively straightforward: Get involved! It is in those early mornings and late nights spent at the school that one fully understands what the experience is at St. Mike's.
What’s your best memory of the school? Within the framework of our curriculum, I had a really great time at last year’s Science Challenge! It was my first time participating, and I rediscovered my interest in science. What advice would you give to new students on how to get the most out of their time here? I think I would tell new students the usual… to work hard and have fun, but not overwork themselves or underwork themselves either. What are your long-term career plans? I might want to be a vet, as I feel we need more of those, but I know I will be a writer for sure.
What will you miss most about TFS? The community. There is something so incredible about spending my life surrounded by the same people in the same environment for 15 years. I created lasting friendships, and I will never forget the moments I shared with my graduating class. What is one piece of advice you would give to TFS students? I’d tell them to remember that academics are important and to work as hard as they can but to understand that failing one test or having difficulties in a class isn’t important in the grand scheme of things. Middle school and high school are a tiny portion of our lives, and they are the years where you begin to identify what your passions are. How do you think TFS has prepared you for life after graduation? The rigorous academic program as well as the IB diploma program have allowed me to develop a strong work ethic, which I think will help me manage the academic difficulty of university. TFS has also helped me understand the importance of balance between academics and other activities and how to manage my time properly, which will be beneficial for life after graduation.
“TMS School is going to give you more opportunities than you can ever imagine. Take them all.” JAMES WALL
Graduating Grade: 12 How do you think TMS School has prepared you for life after graduation? Although it is cliché, TMS School has prepared me in the sense it was my second home. This environment has allowed me to discover and grow as a learner, maturing to this point where I can now live life after graduation. What aspects of school life/extracurriculars were you involved in? Throughout the years, I have grown from an enthusiastic club participant to a communicative leader. Rising to the challenge of student elections, I started as student council treasurer and finished my final year as Head Boy.
TMS SCHOOL
“Blyth Academy has made me an independent, mature and overall wellrounded student.”
TFS – CANADA’S INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
TVALEDICTORIANS – WE ASKED THE TOP GRADUATES FROM OUR LOCAL PRIVATE SCHOOLS TO SHARE THEIR WISDOM.
What will you miss most about TMS? Everything. The building with my favourite study corners and areas to chat with friends. The student body and the many friendships I’ve made. The faculty and our many interesting conversations. What advice would you give to new students on how to get the most out of their time here? Embrace TMS School. You will reap what you sow — if you go through life rejecting opportunities or failing to recognize them you can’t harvest the most delicious and abundant crops.