Her Journey Starts Here.

Transcription

S PIRIT
Her Journey Starts Here.
Spirit 2009
1
St. Margaret’s Spirit
ST. MARGARET’S SCHOOL
SPIRIT MAGAZINE
2009 EDITION
Spirit is distributed annually
by St. Margaret’s Marketing
and Communications Office.
It is solely for the alumnae,
parents, friends, staff and
others interested in the
school. The information
contained herein may not be
published without permission.
Please send your contributions
and story suggestions to:
Michelle Iulianella,
Director of Marketing &
Communications
[email protected]
or
Chelsea Green,
Marketing & Communications
Coordinator
[email protected]
Many thanks to all
contributors, especially
Jeanine Stannard, who
provided many of the
photographs. Articles may
have been edited due to space
requirements.
Return undeliverable mail to:
1080 Lucas Avenue
Victoria BC V8X 3P7 CANADA
Tel: (250) 479-7171
Fax: (250) 479-8976
www.stmarg.ca
Table of Contents
Page 1..................................................... Message from the Editor
Page 2....................................... Message from the Head of School
Page 3................................... Message from the Board of Directors
Page 4-6............................................. Alumnae Profiles of the Year
Page 7........................................... Centennial Scholarship Winners
Page 8-9....................................................................................... A Year in Pictures
Page 10......................................................................... Forum for Young Canadians
Page 11................................................... Living at School: Boarders and Residences
Page 12-13................................................................................... Servite in Caritate
Page 14........................................................ Message from the Outreach Committee
Page 15................................................. Run for One Planet and Habitat for Humanity
Page 16-17........................................ Message from the Director of the Junior School
Page 18-19....................................... Message from the Director of the Senior School
Page 20................... Message from the Education Counselors and Graduate Statistics
Page 21..................................................................... Young Women in Public Affairs
Page 22............................................................. Message from the Parents’ Auxiliary
Page 23.............................................................. St. Margaret’s Athletics Programme
Page 24-25........................................................ St. Margaret’s Fine Arts Programme
Page 26........................................................................................ Europe Trip 2009
Page 27........................................ Fostering Leadership and Friendship at Strathcona
Page 28........................................................................ Message from the Head Girl
Page 29................................................................... Message from the Valedictorian
Page 30-31...................................................................................... Closing Awards
Page 32............................................................... Senior School Science Fair Results
Page 33.............................................................................................. Donor Report
Page 34........................................................................................ Alumnae Updates
Page 35....................................................................................... Alumnae Weekend
Page 36-37......................................................................................... Staff Updates
Message from the Editor
MICHELLE IULIANELLA, DIRECTOR OF MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS
I don’t have to convince anyone that enters the doors of St.
Margaret’s on a daily basis that ours is an incredibly spirited
school. Within one day the energy on our gorgeous campus
ranges from joyfully frenetic to peacefully reflective. When I
started as Director of Marketing and Communications 8 months
ago I felt that this incredible spirit should be reflected in all of
our marketing efforts. In a world of constant change, it goes
without saying that our public image must continually evolve,
and be promoted, in order to appeal to new generations of St.
Margaret’s students and their families. We must do this all while
honouring our community and the great things that have made
our school the thriving, globally recognized school it is today.
Over the past 8 months the Marketing and Communications
Office has been engaged in a myriad of new initiatives. I am
thrilled to be able to share just a taste of them with you—the
reader of the new St. Margaret’s Spirit Magazine.
beautifully redesigned
prospectus. Our new
prospectus is now
available in Spanish,
Cantonese, Mandarin,
Japanese and Korean.
The new St. Margaret’s
website features
four new video clips.
“Shadow Day at St.
Margaret’s” provides a
glimpse into a day in
the life of a student at
St. Margaret’s Senior School. The “Meet the Students”, “Meet the
Teachers” and “Meet the Alumnae” clips all provide an authentic
window into what makes St. Margaret’s such a special place.
Early in 2009, we began working with Hothouse Marketing on a
strategic rebranding effort. Focus groups were held with grade
rep parents and students and a brand strategy was developed.
New graphics, including a new word mark and logo were
designed (not to worry, our official crest remains intact), options
for new website and prospectus designs were discussed, and
video crews came on site to the delight (and sometimes horror)
of our students and staff.
With the objective of revitalizing the school magazine to reflect
the true spirit of St. Margaret’s, a competition to re-name the
“In Touch” was opened to all students, staff and alumnae. The
name Spirit was chosen because it so perfectly reflects the
energy and culture of our school, from our spirit of leadership
and compassion to the spirit of excellence that permeates all we
stand for.
I am proud of our new promotional DVD that will be available
online, in its own red envelope and as part of every new,
Thank you to everyone that has made the last 8 months such a
pleasure. The results that you see have been a labour of love,
involving the entire St. Margaret’s community.
Enjoy,
Michelle Iulianella, Director of Marketing & Communications
Spirit 2009
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The Spirit of Leadership
Message from the Head of School
LINDA MCGREGOR
I will begin by saying that I love the new name for our school magazine—a new name
for a new century and one that reflects so well the present mood of the school.
We look back proudly over our hundred years of history and tradition and look
ahead with “Spirit” as we move into the next hundred years. We will always focus
on offering the best education for young women in an academically rigorous but
supportive environment that strives to meet the needs of each student. Central to
the fabric of St. Margaret’s is our motto Servite in Caritate which is as relevant and
meaningful now as when the school was founded.
St. Margaret’s truly lives its motto through volunteering and fundraising—this year
with a focus on Queen Alexandra Hospital, Women in Need, BC Children’s Hospital
and Women’s Transition House. Our students, from ECE to our graduating class and
staff have contributed in many different ways—donating hundreds of hours of time
and participating in events that have raised thousands of dollars. In addition, a group
of our students approached Michelle Iulianella, our new Director of Marketing and
Communications, and asked for her support in starting a project to sell our amazing
student artwork online in support of children in the local community. This led us to a
new association with the Cridge Centre.
Linda McGregor presents the Robertson Salver Award to
graduating students Rosie Mazzola and Gabriela Gilmour for
best representing the school motto, Servite in Caritate by
giving back to the school community.
St. Margaret’s integrates service with another important focus in the school: leadership. By participating in fundraising activities our
students learn and reinforce many valuable skills—organizing, preparing and making presentations to various audiences, managing
time and money, and working with others. Service also instills concern, caring and compassion as the girls develop an awareness of
the needs of others who are less fortunate both in and beyond our community. We have had some very moving presentations from
representatives of our chosen charities explaining the need and importance of the contribution our students are making. Our hope is
that we will instill in our students a lifelong commitment to volunteering and fundraising, wherever they may be in the world. Such is
the “Spirit” of St. Margaret’s in our 101st year.
Linda McGregor, Head of School
2008/2009 School Year Highlights
• St. Margaret’s School was ranked the #1 Junior School in British Columbia and the #1 Senior School on Vancouver Island
• A new High School Preparatory Programme for students in Grade 7
and 8 will be launched this fall
• The Early Childhood Education Programme for 3 and 4 year olds
was expanded
• Graduates of the Class of 2009 were offered scholarships totalling
over $170,000 and were accepted to over 40 universities
Linda McGregor with Head Girl Tegan Lang at Sports Awards
Spirit 2009
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The Spirit of Leadership
Message from the Board of Governors
“May you live in interesting times.” An old phrase, but one that
aptly characterizes the world for the girls of St. Margaret’s
as the School enters its second century. Graduates today are
stepping forward into a world of upheaval and change not seen
in decades. By the time the kindergarten girls reach graduation
in 2021 their physical, social and economic environment may be
very different from the present.
As the Board of Governors, it is our role to ensure that St.
Margaret’s remains equipped to prepare girls for the changing
world that they will seek to lead. We should continue to ask
ourselves key questions: Are we preparing the girls we educate
today for the challenges they will face in the future? Is St.
Margaret’s giving them the crucial advantages they will need
to become the leaders of tomorrow? Are we doing all we can
to guide the School through its own transitions, maintaining its
strength as a leading educational institution while exploring new
initiatives in critical areas?
It is with comfort that we can answer these questions with
a definitive “yes”. Over the past year, we have continued to
fine-tune and enhance the School’s strategic plan with the
constructive input of the St. Margaret’s community, supported
the Head of School in developing an operational/business plan,
and enhanced communication with faculty, staff, parents and
alumnae. We continue to develop and refine our strategies in
responding to the issues that come our way, ensuring that we
look to the future, without forgetting its rich past.
In these challenging economic times, the Board has been
vigilant in its attention to the financial status of the School. We
are very excited by a new relationship between St. Margaret’s
and the Toronto Dominion Bank. We see this as an opportunity
to move forward in partnership with one of the most successful
financial institutions in the country.
We have also emphasized increased marketing and admissions
to ensure that the School is well-placed to develop leaders for
tomorrow in the years to come. The School has a new Director
of Marketing and Communications. The Board welcomes the
expertise and energy that Michelle Iulianella will bring to the job
of increasing St. Margaret’s profile.
As we prepare for the future, we also need to celebrate the
present. So we would be remiss if we did not offer (again!)
congratulations to the faculty and staff for the outstanding
2008-2009 Fraser Institute rankings, both at the Junior and
Senior School level. It is their hard work and dedication that
ensures the success of all St. Margaret’s girls.
As St. Margaret’s moves into its next 100 years, we can look
back on a legacy of success while looking forward to a future
that is bright with hope and potential. Will we live in interesting
times? Most certainly. Will the girls of St. Margaret’s be ready for
them? Absolutely!
Honorary Governor Appointed
The Board is pleased to announce the selection of Maggie Gilliam as an
Honorary Governor for St. Margaret’s School. Ms. Gilliam graduated from St.
Margaret’s in 1955 and attended McGill University and Harvard University. She
is the founder of Gilliam & Co., and has been a retail sales analyst for more
than 30 years. She is also the founder and president of the U.S. chapter of
Friends of St. Margaret’s.
St. Margaret’s School Society
Annual General Meeting
December 1, 2009
6:30 p.m. - Junior School
St. Margaret’s School Campus
Agenda items include: approval
of the Society’s Audited Financial
Statements for 2008/09 and
elections to the Board of Governors.
“I have always believed that my St. Margaret’s education prepared me for the
challenges and opportunities that have come my way,” Gilliam says.
To recognize the School’s centennial, Ms. Gilliam established the Maggie
Gilliam Fund. Proceeds from this fund will be used to provide financial assistance towards supporting the education of North American
boarders. Through her appointment as Honorary Governor, the Board recognizes the significant contributions that Ms. Gilliam has
made to St. Margaret’s. The Board looks forward to furthering the School’s relationship with Ms. Gilliam and hopes she will continue
to use her business expertise to play an important leadership role in promoting the School.
Spirit 2009
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Celebrating our Spirit
Profiles of the Year
St. Margaret’s School has so many interesting and inspiring Alumnae that we wanted to showcase a few of them to celebrate their
spirit. The Marketing and Communications Office sent out a survey to all of the Alumnae we have on record to gather information for
this new feature and we received a plethora of exciting responses. The Profiles of the Year section of the magazine is one we hope
to continue for years to come. If you are an Alumna and would like to share your story with us, please call us at (250) 479-7171 or
email us at [email protected]. We look forward to hearing from you!
Murial Braham-Wells
In 1927, Murial Braham-Wells (nee Mallory) came to live at
the Fort and Fern Street campus of St. Margaret’s School.
Murial was thrilled that St. Margaret’s offered so many sports,
including tennis, basketball, field hockey, cycling, horseback
riding and track and field. Her other athletic pursuits included
Greek dancing and pyramid building. She was very involved in
sports and excelled at them, winning the Sports Day Senior
of her own. Although
she did build a boat, it
never made it into the
water. Nonethless, Murial
held on to her maritime
dream for another 35
years.
Murial Braham-Wells (far right) winning the Vancouver Island Championship for the
100 yard dash in 1931.
Murial went to New
Brunswick in 1973
to buy an old fishing
boat. There she met an
Acadian boat builder
who agreed to build her
a new boat, which she
Murial and her boat, “Le Bateau”
named Le Bateau. That
summer she set sail
from St. Eduard, New
Brunswick up the St.
Lawrence to her home
on Lake Ontario in
Toronto. The following
is an excerpt from
a poem written by
Murial entitled Maritime
Memories in Verse; it is
a synopsis of the events that led to the realization of her lifelong
ambition to take to the water in her very own boat:
Championship three years in a row. Some of her fondest
memories of her time at St. Margaret’s include feasts in the
trunk room off the dormitory which they called the “Wookie
Hole”, pajama parties and listening to Miss Barton read from the
book The Secret Garden.
After her years at St. Margaret’s, Murial traveled by coastal
steamer to live with her family in Port Neville, B.C. where her
father had a logging contract with his tugboat. In 1934, she
went to live in Toronto. The big city was quite a change from the
rugged landscape she had become used to, but she welcomed
the change. She worked at the Head Office Staff Department of
the Canadian Bank of Commerce. She joined the bank basketball
team and played tennis at the bank tennis club.
While living in Toronto, Murial read a book about a couple who
built a boat and sailed down the California Coast. She was
fascinated with this idea and decided she would build a boat
Spirit 2009
My little boat called “Le Bateau”,
Fulfilled a dream I came to know;
A fishing craft of New Brunswick spruce
Created there - to set me loose.
Murial now lives in Kitchener, Ontario. She recently published
and shared with St. Margaret’s a lifetime of memories in her
book, Memoirs of an Enchanted Vagabond.
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April J.E. Gilliland
When April Gilliland remembers her years at St. Margaret’s
she says she was encouraged to focus academically, but also
took away an appreciation for music and art that continues
to influence her life and hobbies. She graduated from St.
Margaret’s in 1998 and then went on to study at the University
of Victoria. While working on a BA with a major in History and a
minor in Sociology, she took the LSAT. Influenced by her father’s
career in law, she decided to pursue an education in law as
well. She received early acceptance into law school and earned
her LL.B. from UVic in 2004. Following graduation, she articled
with the largest firm on Vancouver Island, gaining experience in
both litigation and solicitor’s practice. Gilliland was called to the
British Columbia Bar, in Victoria, in 2005.
She now works with the local law firm Velletta & Company, with
the majority of her files in the area of personal injury. She also
practices in the areas of general and commercial litigation.
Although she finds her career challenging and rewarding, what
she enjoys most about her career is meeting new people,
helping others, and constantly learning. “St. Margaret’s taught
me to focus on being a strong woman and making networks
Pamela Quigg
What Pamela Quigg loves most about her role as university
professor, teaching 5th year education students at the
University of Victoria, is the opportunity she has to engage
with young people starting out in their careers. She admires
their passion and commitment to making a difference in the
world. Passion and commitment are two characteristics that
she developed as a student at St. Margaret’s. Quigg enrolled in
St. Margaret’s in 1958 as a Grade 1 student and graduated in
1969, moving on to attain a Bachelor and Masters of Education
from the University of Victoria. Inspired by her experiences at
St. Margaret’s, Quigg taught with the Saanich School District for
36 years, even teaching internationally with a stint in BadenBaden, Germany for two years—an experience that she loved.
An accomplished author who has published numerous children’s
books and programs for education, Quigg continues to share
her passion for science and literacy at speaking engagements
across Canada.
Among other accomplishments, Quigg was one of a team of four
who wrote the BC Life Skills Primary Component for the Ministry
of Education as part of the Rick Hansen project. Despite her
professional accomplishments, she defines success as “being
loved and appreciated by your family and ‘chosen family’ of
Spirit 2009
with other women,” says Gilliland. She is
the Chair of the Canadian Bar Association’s
subsection called Women RainmakersVancouver Island, a group with a focus on
networking, business skills, and support for
women lawyers.
Last year, Gilliland came in to speak to the
Law 12 class at St. Margaret’s. She derives
great pleasure in speaking to any aspiring lawyer about a career
in law and believes the SMS community abounds with great role
models, both in its teachers and alumnae. Still living the school
motto, she says true success is “the ability to help others and
find happiness for yourself in this pursuit.”
In her spare time, April enjoys travelling, which gives her a
renewed appreciation for the West Coast. Although she has
not camped since her Strathcona adventures at St. Margaret’s,
she still says it is one of her fondest memories of her time at
SMS. Her other interests include painting, botany, writing, and
exploring Victoria, where she has lived for the last 17 years.
friends.” Quigg also defines success
as supporting others in need and
offering encouragement. The power
of encouragement was something she
learned early at St. Margaret’s from
her literature teacher Rosemary Penn:
“…she gave me a love of books and
a belief that I was a writer! Her early
support was remembered later when I
published my first series of books.”
Quigg’s twelve years at SMS were full of experiences and
opportunities that nurtured her already strong sense of
self, including a term as Canmore House Captain. Her most
memorable moment was winning the Robertson Salver award
at graduation, an award reserved exclusively for one graduating
student, who, by giving of herself to the school community in her
Grade 12 year, most fully represents the school motto Servite in
Caritate, Service with Love.
She says that St. Margaret’s helped to shape the person she is
today because she “learned to live by Servite in Caritate—and to
think of others—to be proud but humble”.
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Miléna Santoro
At Georgetown University in Washington, DC, Miléna Santoro
(nee Andrews) relishes the opportunity to tell American students
about Canada while exposing them to the literature and culture
of Quebec. As Professor of French and Quebec Studies, she
also finds time to be a Canadian ambassador of sorts as the
Associate Editor of two esteemed publications: the International
Journal of Canadian Studies and the American Review of
Canadian Studies.
Beginning her education at St. Margaret’s at 9-years-old, Santoro
recognizes that her parents were “both instrumental and
inspirational” in empowering her to attain her goals. Involved
in the St. Margaret’s community, Santoro’s father, Dr. Bruce
Andrews, was on the Board of Governors and her mother
Rolande was a “hot dog mom” for many years.
Santoro explains that her Senior School years had a profound
effect on her career choice: “Miss McAuley was my French
teacher and mentor before she became headmistress. She
nurtured my love of the language, giving up her lunch hours to
offer conversation classes.” She credits SMS with giving her
the support she needed for success after graduation. Fiercely
motivated, she explains that “the challenges and encouragement
I had at SMS led to a scholarship at UVic, where I graduated
with the highest average in Arts and Humanities”—a feat that
resulted in being awarded the Jubilee Medal.
The passion for French that she discovered early on at St.
Margaret’s led her to spend time at McGill and in France as
a teaching assistant before being accepted to Princeton
University’s PhD program. Now learning to balance her career
93% of girls’ school
graduates feel
prepared for college
or university.
Alumna Miléna Santoro with her twins at their preschool graduation.
with being a mother of 5 year-old twins, Santoro defines success
as “seeing the light of understanding in a student’s eyes, and
knowing that I helped them get there. I also find great fulfillment
when I see great students go on to do wonderful things after
graduation—like get a Fulbright (scholarship), start a PhD, travel
to disadvantaged places and make a difference.”
It can be said that accomplishing great things comes as a result
of capitalizing on all of one’s life experiences. When asked how
St. Margaret’s helped to shape the person she is today, Santoro
says that “It made me secure in who I am, and in the pursuit of
my dreams. I learned not to compromise, and to always strive to
do better, to learn more, to do more.”
graduates feel
prepared for public
speaking.
graduates feel
prepared to interact
with college faculty.
Source - The National Coalition of Girls’ Schools
Spirit 2009
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The Spirit of Excellence
Centennial Scholarship Winners
In commemoration of St. Margaret’s 100th anniversary last year, the school
introduced a new scholarship series. Centennial Scholars are new students
entering Grade 10 who have demonstrated academic achievement, leadership and
service to the community in keeping with the school’s motto, Service with Love.
These scholarships provide full tuition until graduation. After a rigorous selection
process, we are pleased to welcome to the St. Margaret’s community two new
Centennial Scholars. Congratulations to Kaija Sandberg and Talasha De Zoysa.
Kaija Sandberg
Talasha De Zoysa
Confident leaders, peer mentors, community volunteers and academic achievers:
These words describe St. Margaret’s students, both new and present. Congratulations
to the six recipients who especially exemplified these characteristics and were awarded this year’s internal SMS Centennial
scholarships.
Emily Jordan
Haddas Asfaw
Brigitte Gilmour
Amy McQuarrie
Casey McQuade-Eid
Iris Hsu
Alumnae, Parents and Friends of the School
are cordially invited to
St. Margaret’s Scottish Feast
Fundraising Dinner
November 14, 2009
Alexis Dining Hall
Scotch Tasting * Silent Auction * Highland Dancing * Bagpiper * Mead & Ales * Scottish Fare
Tickets will be available soon. Please email [email protected] for more information.
Spirit 2009
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A Year in Pictures
Clockwise from left: Junior School Basketball, Dudley at the Welcome Back BBQ, Midsummer Night’s Dream, Senior School Speech Competition Winners and Mrs.
McGregor, Residence-sponsored Easter Egg Hunt, Spring Break Europe Trip, Mrs. Chartrand at Midsummer Night’s Dream wedding feast, Ocean Kayaking during Outweek.
Spirit 2009
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A Year in Pictures
Clockwise from left: Junior School Cross Country Team, Junior School Performance of River Child, Unveiling the St. Margaret’s Heraldry Flag at the Alumnae Lunch,
Presenting in Math Class, Closing Ceremonies 2009, Math Department on Twin Day.
Spirit 2009
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Forum for Young Canadians 2009
Alycia Coulter, Grade 10 student
Along with 96 other individuals from every province and
territory except Newfoundland, I experienced one of the most
incredible yet mentally and physically challenging weeks of my
life. Between April 18 and 25 I attended a conference called
the “Forum for Young Canadians” in our nation’s capital. The
purpose was to expose youth to our country’s political system,
learn and debate governmental issues and meet people from
across the country in a bilingual and non-partisan format.
After initially hearing about this program through past students,
I was even more inspired to apply after learning it satisfied a
component of my Gold Level Duke of Edinburgh Award. The
applications are reviewed in early November and successful
applicants are notified thereafter. After receiving my acceptance
in early December, I was both excited and anxious to experience
all the unique challenges it would bring.
The program takes place on Parliament Hill, with some sessions
taking place at a hotel. During the week I heard from the likes
of Peter Harris of Global National News, the Honourable Jim
The entire week was incredible but I did have some highlights.
Flaherty, the Honourable Speaker Peter Milliken, Members
These include having breakfast with the Senators, signing
of Parliament and many others. We toured Rideau Hall, the
in the Senate Guest Register that President Obama signed,
Supreme Court, the National War Museum, downtown Ottawa
hearing from the Honourable Speaker in the House, attending
and Parliament Hill. Our days ran from 8 to
Question Period and just walking around the
“This program has halls of Parliament whilst being acknowledged
10:30 and were spent hearing from speakers,
attending sessions and holding our own First
further inspired me by the many MP’s that run our country.
Minister’s conferences debating our province’s
to pursue my passion Although I didn’t meet all these people, Forum
issues, press conferences and elections.
participants crossed paths with Prime Minister
for International
Don’t get me wrong, it wasn’t all work. We
Stephen Harper, Mr. Jack Layton, Mr. Michael
had downtime too, which was spent getting to
Relations and Law.” Ignatieff, Mr. Stephane Dion, and former Prime
know one another and holding fun events such
Minister Joe Clark. A stand-out highlight for me
as a Talent Show, lunches at Rideau Centre and a Closing Dinner
was the MP’s Dinner, where the Forum participants dined with
and Dance.
their MP from their home constituency. I had the pleasure of
dining with the Honourable Gary Lunn, Minister of Sport and the
Honourable Peter Mackay, Minister of Defense.
My week in Ottawa is one that I will never forget. I have 96
new friends of all ages and backgrounds who I hope to cross
paths with again in life. This program has further inspired me to
pursue my passion for International Relations and Law and I am
currently striving towards becoming a House of Commons page
in my first year of university. I highly recommend this challenging
but exciting program to anyone with interests in our government
or debating federal and provincial issues and encourage anyone
interested to apply.
Spirit 2009
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Heritage Spirit
Living at School – Boarders and Residences
BY Christine Godfrey, School Archivist, with thanks to Margaret Smith & Deidre Simmons
The Archives current location in a former SMS residence, and
the recent discovery, by Victoria residents Joanne and Trevor
Hughes, of a photo showing the reconstruction of the SMS
boarding house following the 1924 fire, made me wonder who
resided at school and where they lived.
Accommodation for students has been an integral part of
the history of SMS. The June 1911 census shows a teacher,
Miss Whitton, and four pupils, Gundrid Rebbeck, Lorna
Heaton, Beatrice Lucy Palmer, and Jean Petrie, residing with
headmistress Margaret Barton at 813 Cook Street. As this was
near the end of the school term, there may have been as many
as 10 boarders and five live-in teachers.
Concern was expressed regarding the amount of
accommodation for boarders, and plans began in the fall of
1911 to construct new school and dormitory buildings at the
corner of Fort and Fern Streets. The move to the new campus
took place during the 1912 Easter break, and by September
1912 approximately 25 boarders lived in the two-storey
dormitory with the boarding school matron, Miss de la Hey. The
boarding house expanded into the attic the following year but the
space was soon insufficient. Two houses on Fern Street across
from the school were later purchased to house teachers and
senior boarders.
An opportunity for additional space occurred inadvertently when
fire destroyed the upper floors of the boarding house on June
20th 1924. The building was repaired over the summer with
a new third floor added to provide a large dormitory for senior
Reconstruction of Fort Street boarding house following the June 1924 fire.
Photographer: Joseph Lawrence Near (1872-1958). Used with permission of Mr.
Trevor J. Hughes, Victoria, BC, grandson of photographer.
The School House on Cook Street, circa 1911.
students. The junior’s residence, built in 1926, increased the
total spaces for boarders to seventy-seven.
When the school moved to Lucas Avenue, the new campus
included a residence building with dormitory rooms on two
levels for the fifty-nine boarders, plus accommodation for the
matron. The kitchen and the dining hall were on the upper level.
A large common room with a fireplace, the music room, and the
matron’s office were on the lower level. A house on Ambassador
Avenue was rented for two years for Grade 12 boarders until
pre-fabricated buildings were built next to the main residence
building. Resident kittens, Smoky, Misty and Sooty, kept watch
for rodents looking for better housing.
Four new residences, accommodating 136 boarders, and a
common building were completed in the fall of 1990. The old
residence building was renovated into Junior School classrooms
and was used as such until the new Junior School was completed
in 2006. The Archives moved into the lower level of the West
Building (former residence/Junior School) in 2007 and is located
two doors from the former common room.
The SMS Archives would like to hear your tales about living in
“our” room or any other SMS activities. Heritage Committee
volunteers meet weekly during the school year and welcome
anyone in the School community (particularly parents, retired
staff, and alumnae) interested in maintaining the School’s history.
For Archive hours and volunteer opportunities, please contact
Christine Godfrey, SMS Archivist at 250-479-7171 or email
[email protected]
The SMS Archives is seeking information on student boarder Marjorie Frances Lintner (1919 -1982), an American from Kobe,
Japan, who began attending SMS on September 9, 1932 . If anyone has any memories or photos of this student at SMS, the
Archives and her daughters would greatly appreciate hearing from you.
Spirit 2009
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Community Spirit
Servite
in
Service
with
Caritate
Love
Every year, St. Margaret’s students and staff take on several projects to benefit the community and exemplify the school motto,
Servite in Caritate, Service with Love. The school chooses charities that support women and children and then donate their time and
the funds they raise at events throughout the year. This year, St. Margaret’s supported the Queen Alexandra Centre for Children’s
Health, Women’s Transition House, Women in Need (WIN), the Terry Fox Foundation, Tour de Rock, Run for the Cure, BC Children’s
Hospital, World Vision and the Cridge Centre for the Family.
Students Launch TIAMO Website
A group of students led by Grade 11 student Sylvia Lee is putting St. Margaret’s motto of
Service with Love into action in her community. This group of Senior School students from
Korea, Japan and Canada call their community initiative “TIAMO”, which means “I love you”
in Italian. Seeking a creative way to give back to the community, TIAMO is now selling art,
created by students of St. Margaret’s Visual Arts Program, online. One hundred percent of
the proceeds will go directly to supporting children’s services at the Cridge Centre for the
Family. TIAMO is also featured in the March issue of The Messenger, the Cridge Newsletter.
Please visit www.stmarg.ca and follow the TIAMO link to see the new website designed by the
students. While you are there, consider making a purchase for a worthy cause.
Tiamo group at the Cridge Centre
SMS Supports Women In Need (WIN)
On the weekend of May 23-24th, the Grade 6 class volunteered their time to the Women in Need Society (WIN). If you were at
Hillside Mall that weekend, you would have seen different representatives from the Grade 6 class helping at the WIN station.
The girls were busy collecting articles of clothing and small household items. They answered questions and helped the public
spin the WIN wheel.
30-Hour Famine
Gregor Campbell, Senior School Teacher
The 2009 30-Hour Famine was very successful as 48 students started with games in the South Gym and 33 stayed overnight
at the school. Students Kelsey Drew and Judy Kwok organized excellent ice breaker games from 7 to 8:30 pm and then
students had their pick of board games, a spa station, guitar hero, or the movie The Princess Diaries on the wide screen.
Students staked out their sleeping areas and talked well into the night. Thanks go out to Mrs. Richardson and the Student
Council, Mrs. Cameron and the Leadership class, Mrs. Chartrand and Mr. Wilson for chaperoning and Celia Chen for taking
photos. It was our 21st famine held at SMS and the school has raised $25, 000 since 1988.
Spirit 2009
12
Community Spirit
Junior School Book and Bear Sale
Last November, the Junior School held a Book and Bear sale in order to raise money for The Queen Alexandra Centre for
Children’s Health. The Junior School students brought in their gently used stuffed animals and books to sell and there was such
an overwhelming response that the sale was extended for an extra day. The Intermediate after-school care students had a
great time helping to organize the stuffed animals and monitor the sale. The St. Margaret’s community responded generously
and raised an astounding $1,985.17. With this donation, Queen Alexandra was able to purchase an adapted tricycle for
children with special needs.
Rock-A-Thon Fundraising Exceeds all Expectations
In April, the Junior School hosted a “Rock-a-Thon” to raise funds for the Queen Alexandra Centre for Children’s Health; proceeds
went to the purchase of platform rockers which enable children in wheelchairs to experience the neurologically calming benefits
of rocking. SMS students collected pledges for one hour of rocking in a rocking chair. On May 1, the Junior School proudly
presented a cheque in the sum of $7,000.42 to Jennifer Jashenko, Vice President of The Queen Alexandra Foundation and
Margot McLaren-Moore, a Queen Alexandra Board Member. The Junior School Rock-A-Thon event raised a staggering amount,
far exceeding any expectations. Congratulations to all the Junior School students—You Rock!
Students and Teachers Shave their Heads to Raise
Funds for Cancer Research
In October, a very special day was held at St. Margaret’s. Even though it was raining, the Cops for Cancer, Tour de Rock cycled
down the path to Alexis Hall while students, staff and parents cheered and huddled under their umbrellas. Everyone enjoyed a
great barbeque and then proceeded to the South Gym. The energy and enthusiasm was wonderful as everyone watched three
SMS students, one Lakehill student and two SMS teachers have their heads shaved. The event raised over $6,000 for cancer
research. Way to go SMS!
Brave SMS Student Grace Miller-Day has her head
shaved to raise funds for cancer research.
Spirit 2009
From left, Mr. Holland, Brigitte Gilmour, Grace Miller-Day and Ms.
Ms. Penner sheds her locks for cancer research.
Penner show off their new dos. (Missing from photo: Jung Soo Koh)
13
Community Spirit
Message from the Outreach Committee
gabriela gilmour, Grade 12 student and Outreach committee co-chair
As part of my final year at St. Margaret’s School, I, along with
fellow Grade twelve student Rosie Mazzola, decided to co-chair
the student-run Outreach Committee. The Outreach Committee,
founded in 2004 after the Indian Ocean tsunami, is focused on
raising funds and awareness for various global and local causes
and organizations. This year, we chose to focus our efforts on
the local organization Victoria Women’s Transition House (VWTH).
Along with a variety of fundraisers, including an iPod raffle, hot
drinks sale, vending machine sale and coffee bean sale, the
Outreach Committee also organized an item drive during the
months of November and December. The Senior School donated
over 1,500 new and gently-used items to both the VWTH run
WIN stores and the organization itself. A few of the committee
members also helped organize gifts to be distributed to women
in need.
The Committee’s greatest success of the year, however, was
the Coffee House and Talent Show, which was held on June 5th.
With over twenty-five performances by students in Grades seven
to twelve, the teacher-judges had an incredibly difficult time
choosing the various category winners. A variety of students’
talents were displayed, including musical performances, dancing,
rhythmic gymnastics performances and a magic performance!
The student rock band and the teacher rock band also
performed. The Committee sold coffee and other refreshments,
with all proceeds going to the VWTH.
The Committee had an incredibly successful year, and raised
$3,000 for the VWTH, along with the items from the item drive.
Rosie and I would like to thank all of the Outreach Committee
members, Ms. Cameron, and everyone who contributed to our
fundraising efforts.
Caitlin Danylkiw plays the drums in the rock band.
Spirit 2009
Daniela Camelo performs in the Outreach Committee Talent Show.
Renee Rogers performs with the SMS rock band.
14
Community Spirit
Run for One Planet Visits St. Margaret’s Junior School
The Run for One Planet 2008/2009 North America Tour is a carbon neutral yearlong run around the continent by two Canadians, Matt Hill and Stephanie Tait, to
inspire environmental action. Their goal is to run 1 marathon each per day, inspire 1
million new Actions for Earth and raise one million dollars for their Legacy of Action.
To do this, they will be running approximately 17,700 km into communities, towns,
and cities to meet with, speak to, and inspire people to take simple daily actions
to reduce environmental impact. Matt Hill and Stephanie Tait visited with the Junior
School on April 28th. They talked to the students about the steps we can take in our
own lives to reduce our impact on the environment. The students joined in with their
own presentations about caring for the environment. St. Margaret’s also presented
Run for One Planet with a cheque for $200. After the assembly, the students went on
a run with Matt and Stephanie and then took a tour of their eco-friendly motorhome.
Gingerbread Houses for Habitat for Humanity
Last November, students in Grades
Four and Six created two gingerbread
houses for Habitat for Humanity
that went on display in Hillside Mall.
The girls entered their houses in the
amateur category. Of course the goal
was not to win but to build the profile
of Habitat for Humanity, the need for
affordable housing and the work they
are doing toward that vision. The public was invited to vote for their favorite creation by purchasing a ticket for $2 and entering it in
the draw beside the creation. Then a name was drawn and that person won the gingerbread house. The students had a wonderful
time working together to build their gingerbread houses. One house was even modeled to look just like the Junior School.
The Grade 4 class, with the help of their Moms, make a gingerbread house for Habitat for Humanity
Spirit 2009
15
Junior School Spirit
Message from the Director of the Junior School
kathleen kirkpatrick, director of the junior school
As Director of the Junior School, I never
tire of witnessing the delight in the girls’
faces when they are thoroughly engaged
in their learning. In our small and caring
learning environment, all staff come to
know and understand the children so well
that it is possible to value and develop
the uniqueness of each and every girl.
Once again, this past year, our dedicated
Junior School teachers expertly provided
your daughters with exciting opportunities
to develop their skills in Math, Language
Arts and other subjects. Our #1 ranking
in the province for the past 5 years is
a testament to their excellent teaching
practices. A few very recent examples of
academic success include our Grade 4s
building and designing solar ovens, which
earned them the top award in a Canada
wide competition. Our Intermediate
students all participated in the SMS
Science Fair. Our Grade 6 girls wrote the
Grade 7 Gauss math test. Five Grade 6
students placed in the top 25% of Grade
6/7 students and one student in Grade 6
placed 1st.
While academic excellence is extremely
important, we believe in teaching
the whole child, providing her with
opportunities to grow athletically,
creatively, socially and emotionally.
This year all students were involved in
at least 30 minutes of daily, physical
activities. These included PE classes,
teacher-organized activities, intramurals,
and active play during recess and lunch
breaks. As well, interschool athletics were
offered to students beginning in Grade
3. Over 164 students participated in a
wide range of sports including swimming,
cross-country, soccer, basketball,
volleyball, field hockey and track and field.
In our Outdoor Education programme,
girls in Grades 4 and 5 spent a day in the
fall at Camp Pringle followed by a 2-day
Lauren Abernethy wins first place in the Grade 4 category for her science project “How Do Humans Hear?”
Spirit 2009
Kathleen Kirkpatrick, Director of the Junior School
presents Jaden Dosil with the Godson Trophy.
outing in June to Cowichan Lake Outdoor
Education Centre. The Grade 6 girls
had a 3-day trip to Camp Thunderbird in
September, a ski trip to Mt. Washington
and a full day bike trip to Sidney.
The Fine Arts are an essential part of the
curriculum. The girls’ artwork is displayed
throughout the school, highlighting their
unique talents. At the annual Junior School
musical, “Riverchild: Legends of the Great
Rivers of the World”, the Dance, Drama
and Vocal Music programmes were
celebrated. As well, the girls learned
how to use technology to enhance their
learning. They learned how to help, share
and play cooperatively both inside and
outside and to take risks, learning that
making mistakes is absolutely fine. They
were committed to making the school’s
environmental initiatives successful,
including recycling, composting and a
beach clean-up.
Students had many opportunities to lead
and to learn from their peers. The Primary
16
Junior School Spirit
Servite in Caritate
girls have taken on the role of the VIP
(Very Important Person) or Special Helper.
All classes have been responsible for
planning, organizing and running a Junior
Junior School Science Fair Results
Congratulations to all of the Grade
4, 5 and 6 participants in the Junior
School Science Fair in February.
“Every year, our girls
experience the direct link
between serving others
and leading a positive
and engaged life. ”
School Assembly. The Student Council,
comprised of students in Grades 5 and 6,
led our assemblies and planned activities
for the Junior School. The Intermediate
girls were often seen playing and helping
the younger girls on the playground and
the Grade 6 students acted as tour guides
for our prospective families at the annual
Open House.
Every year, our girls experience the direct
link between serving others and leading
a positive and engaged life. This year,
Primary students did their part to keep the
school grounds clean. They also created
a “Doves for Peace” banner for the Air
Force Veterans at the Royal Canadian
Legion Branch in honour of Remembrance
Day, travelled to Beckley Farm Lodge
and were involved in the Salmonoid
project that culminates with the release
of salmon into a local stream. Many of
the students made thank-you cards for
Queen Alexandra Hospital volunteers and
raised almost $10,000 through their Book
and Bear Fundraiser and Rock-A-Thon
event. The funds went to buy equipment
to support the children at the Queen
Spirit 2009
Junior School students raise money for Queen
Alexandra Foundation for Children at the Rock-A-Thon.
Alexandra Hospital. As well, Intermediates
built gingerbread houses in support
of Habitat for Humanity, ran a haunted
house to raise funds for a solar oven that
was delivered to a village in Guinea and
supported W.I.N. in a variety of ways.
In June, we had a few goodbyes and
au-revoirs to make: Mlle. Greco is taking
a year’s leave of absence to pursue
professional growth opportunities. Ms.
Paula Torkko has been on temporary
contracts with the school for 4½ years.
Next year we look forward to seeing her
frequently in the school in the role as
Teacher on Call. Mrs. Van Tol has resigned
to pursue her writing career full-time.
Definitely, we have had a very successful
and busy year! I would like to take this
opportunity to wish you a safe and happy
summer. We look forward to seeing you
again in the fall for another exciting year
of fun and learning!
GRADE 4
1st: Lauren Abernethy
How Do Humans Hear?
2nd: Kaitlin Rogers
Colour Matters
3rd: Tabitha Lu
The Plants Might Be Listening
Hon. Mention: Heather Aitchison
Light Efficiency
Hon. Mention: Christina Klimczuk
Why Do We See Colour?
GRADE 5
1st: Robyn Noel
How Good Is Your Memory?
2nd: Erin McBride
Does the Design of a Water Wheel
Affect Its Ability to Lift?
3rd: Ashley Volk
What Surfaces Should You Protect if
You Are a Victim of a Break-in?
Hon. Mention: Mckenna Haz
How Do Wind Turbines Produce Energy?
Hon. Mention: Claire Hayden
Do McDonald’s Hamburgers Grow Mold?
GRADE 6
1st: Lisa McQuarrie
The Perfect Form: Physics of Running
2nd: Katherine Evans
London Bridge is Falling Down
3rd: Jenna Allan
How Butter Affects Muffins
Hon. Mention: Georgia Fromager
Worm Castings and Bean Growth
Hon. Mention: Madeleine Marsh
The Battle With Bacteria
17
Senior School Spirit
Message from the Director of the Senior School
mary cameron, director of the senior school
The journey from September to June
has truly been exciting. Our Senior
School students have experienced a
wide selection of opportunities through
their classroom learning and in the
extracurricular fine arts and sports
offerings, as well as clubs and committee
work. Our Senior School staff and
students continue to amaze me with
all the projects and activities they are
involved in and all of their genuine “Spirit,”
which truly speaks to the Senior School
achievement of ranking #1 on the Island.
Our students have had the opportunity to
excel this year in speech competitions,
math and chemistry contests and science
investigation at school, provincially and
nationally. Fieldtrips have connected
them to their coursework both locally
and in Vancouver. The computer lab
has been a lively and active place
where media arts and technology have
Soo Yeon Park plays The Last Post at the
Remembrance Day Ceremony.
Spirit 2009
combined to promote distinction in our
students’ technology skills. The girls have
contributed enthusiasm and expertise
to the arts by performing in the Senior
School Bands (Beginner Band, Senior
Band and Jazz Band Combo) and the Jazz
Choir Ensemble. They have also been
an integral part of the artistic process
as co-directors, presenters, actresses
and dancers in our many wonderful fine
art performances. Our student artists
also displayed their talents via art
and photography at the Art Show and
throughout the Senior School. As well, the
girls have presented their strong athletic
skills in a wide variety of sports starting in
September with rowing and field hockey,
and continuing through the badminton,
basketball, volleyball, soccer, cross
country and track & field seasons. Our
students not only meet the expectations
of community involvement, they excel
at finding a balance between their
schoolwork and engagement in all the
school life opportunities that are offered
at SMS.
As we reflect on the past year, we also
look forward to the coming year by
unveiling the enhancements that have
been added to several of our current
programmes.
Our September Outweek programmes
continue to master the art of “Spirit”
and teambuilding amongst our students.
This year we have the addition of a Golf
Week. This opportunity will allow students
to develop the fundamentals of the
game, from proper technique to course
etiquette.
We have enhanced our Grade 7 and 8
programme for the start of our 2009 -10
school year. Our Junior School Grade
6 students and our current Grade 7
students are very excited to see the new
developments to their program, which
will include debating, foods & textiles,
art, band, information technology and
leadership. The Grade 7 students will also
experience two additional programmes
– FRIENDS (an early intervention and
prevention programme to build resilience
and reduce risk of anxiety disorders in
Grade 8 students Victoria Lunn, Bridgitte Gilmour, Rebecca Coulter and Laura Sawchuk in the new foods programme.
18
Senior School Spirit
Service with Love
children) and a study skills
workshop. Through their
Debating programme,
Grade 8 students will
have the opportunity to
be mentored by expert
Toastmasters.
The Grade 9 programme
saw changes introduced
over the 2008-2009
school year. Students in
Grade 9 have a specialized
programme that continues
to promote fine arts
while adding a focused
Surfing in Tofino during Outweek last September.
Information Technology
the 2009-2010 school year we have
programme. The Grade
added an exchange program to Japan,
9 programme also fosters leadership
specifically for our Grade 9 students. This
through a specialized SMS Leadership
year two students and a teacher sponsor
course allowing students to work above
will be traveling to Japan and spending
grade level to complete Grade 10
a few weeks immersing themselves in a
credits. This also allows students to
different culture.
finish their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh
programme through the completion of
Our Grade 10 to 12 students continue
four components: volunteering, athletic
to focus on their graduation program by
involvement, skill development and
specializing in their academic studies and
an outdoor adventure. Moreover, for
Representing St. Margaret’s global community with traditional dress during Mexican Week.
Spirit 2009
choosing specific Fine Arts, Sciences
and Humanities courses. Our University
and Scholarship Counselors continue to
connect our students with outstanding
universities and university scholarship
opportunities. As well, our students
continue, on average, to receive marks
that exceed those of their independent
and public school counterparts on
provincial exams.
Students celebrate Valentine’s Day with Dudley and
pick up the balloons for their candygram fundraiser.
19
Academic Spirit
Message from the Education Counselors
BY KRIS BOTTEN & cecilia Penner, Education counselorS
St. Margaret’s School Education Counselors’ office provides a
comprehensive and supportive program for students as they
progress through the steps of the post-secondary selection and
application process. The extensive guidance that St. Margaret’s
offers helps students identify colleges and universities that are
the best match for their academic potential, aspirations, talents
and interests.
Throughout their educational careers at SMS, students are
prepared for their post-secondary years by the mentoring of
teachers, advisors and administration. The academic challenges,
leadership opportunities, community service projects, artistic
programs and physical activities in which students engage,
contribute to their self-knowledge which is the starting point for a
successful post-secondary search.
Post-secondary information sessions signify the start of
the formal university process. These are conducted by the
Educational Counselors at the beginning of the Grades 10, 11
and 12 Graduation Transition Program (GTP). In Grade 12 the
students receive a GTP Handbook containing detailed information
on all facets of the post-secondary search and application
process. Students meet individually with their Education
Counselors throughout Grades 10, 11 and 12 as their university
lists are created, researched, refined and plans are established.
Students have opportunities to
meet with numerous university
and college representatives
who visit SMS, engage in
campus visitations, attend
local career and university
fairs, complete university
applications (Canada, the US
and abroad), request teacher
recommendations and write
university/college essays
with mentoring from English
teachers.
Education Counselor Kris Botten with SMS
In the senior year, students’
student Setareh Gray.
Educational Counselor
oversees the completion and review of all applications and
the management of final details for successful university
applications.
At St. Margaret’s School, ours is a student-centered approach
and we believe that the likelihood of satisfaction with their
post-secondary choices is enhanced when the students are
empowered to “own” the process.
Class of 2009 Graduate Statistics
The 2008-2009 Graduating Class was comprised of 44 girls
representing 8 different countries, including Canada, the US,
Hong Kong, South Korea, Venezuela, China, Macau and Taiwan.
Of the Graduating Class, 41% were day girls and 59% lived
in residence. One hundred percent of this class’ graduates
will pursue studies at a four-year degree granting college or
university. The class of 44 graduates received 104 acceptances
from over 40 universities across 5 provinces, 9 states and 3
countries. This year our grads have received over $170,000 in
entrance scholarships. Some of the post-secondary institutions
they have chosen to attend are amongst the top universities
in North America, including McGill University, Carnegie Mellon
University, York University, the University of British Columbia, the
University of Toronto, Emory University, the University of Victoria,
Drexel University and the University of Waterloo.
Spirit 2009
20
Academic Spirit
The following is an abridged version of the speech graduating student Rosie Mazzola gave as a finalist for the Young Women In Public
Affairs Award in which she addresses issues concerning the status of women. Rosie won two scholarships through YWPA Zonta, an
international organization committed to improving the status of women worldwide. She won the local award as well as the District
level award which includes Alaska, British Columbia, down to the California border and across to and including Idaho. The next step
would be at the international level. Congratulations, Rosie!
Young Women in Public Affairs
rosie mazzola, graduating sms student and Young Women in Public Affairs (YWPA) scholarship winner
I believe that most of you will agree with the statement that
Canada is a modern, developed nation. It is true that our country
does not match up to economic superpowers such as the United
States or China. However, Canada has many thriving industries,
is a trading partner to multiple countries, and is home to citizens
with relatively high standards of living. As Canada has become
an increasingly modernized nation, is it correct to assume that
our ideas and principles have followed suit? Are men and women
considered to be equals in society, in the workplace, and in their
own homes?
Traditional values are a significant part of what is preventing
women from reaching their full potential in our society. These,
in combination with a lack of education amongst women, are
arguably the greatest challenges which women in Canada must
overcome, in order to be successful and to be treated as equals.
Encouraging young women that education is the key to leading
a successful life is a major part of the complex solution which
will assist in the advancement of the status of women in Canada.
And ensuring that women are not denied any opportunities,
due to financial or personal constraints, should be seen as the
duty of both the Canadian government and non-governmental
organizations.
These issues are significant and must be addressed; however,
it is important to note that the majority of women in the world
do not enjoy even a quarter of the rights and freedoms which
Canadian women enjoy.
This is because they live in
developing nations. Women
who live in developing countries
often find themselves in
male-dominated societies. In
these societies, there is not a
notion or pretence of equality
between men and women.
Women are victims of cruel,
forced submission which gives
them no chance to become
educated enough to improve
their standard of living.
Rosie Mazzola, speaking at the YWPA
Zonta Awards banquet in February.
Once again, the key to the advancement of women in these
developing nations is education. Women who are educated are
able to make decisions that will help improve their standard of
living and make them more independent. They better understand
contraception and have smaller families, allowing them to better
sustain themselves, and avoid dire poverty.
Advancing the status of women is not a thing of the past.
Certainly not in developing nations, and not even in Canada.
A lack of education, poverty, male-dominance, and traditional
restraints are all a part of the web in which women worldwide
find themselves entangled. I thank Zonta for helping me break
free of that web, by contributing to the furtherance of my
education. I believe that my success will be defined by the
education I receive now and throughout my life.
What the research shows*:
• Women graduates of single-sex independent schools spend more time studying or doing homework, talking with teachers outside of class, tutoring peers, and studying with others.
• Girls’ school graduates rate their confidence in math and computer abilities higher than their counterparts in coed schools
• Girls’ school graduates are three times more likely than their coed peers to consider pursuing a career in engineering
* Source: The National Coalition of Girls’ Schools
Spirit 2009
21
Parent’s Spirit
So, What Exactly is the Parents’ Auxiliary?
BY Valerie Greene, Parents’ Auxiliary President
Glad you asked! The Parents’ Auxiliary—unlike a Parents’
Advisory Council - is made up of parents who participate in
exciting social and fundraising events that support our school,
whether they have a little or a lot of time to spare. Our purpose
is to organize fun activities that bring families together, and to
create successful fundraising endeavors that will provide muchneeded resources for the entire school.
What kind of activities? Well…we do Pizza Lunches for the
Junior School girls every Monday all year long which raised
over $10,000 this year alone. We also have Back-To-School,
Halloween, and Valentine’s Day parties; we host Scholastic
Book Fairs; we run a Holiday Craft Fair and Poinsettia Sale; we
participate in the Thrifty Card Program; and those are just the
basics! We also do Gala fundraisers and Spring Flings, but I don’t
want to get you too excited just yet…
Whether you’re a stay-at-home parent, or you work full-time, we
have activities to fit anyone’s schedule throughout the year! We
meet once a month, from September through June, to enjoy
some snacks and refreshments and talk over the latest news;
so don’t be shy, come and see how you can be a part of it all!
Everyone’s welcome, even if you just want to keep up on what’s
going on in the school, or want to meet and hang out with some
Valerie Greene and her daughter Madeline at the annual Parent/Daughter Tea
of your fellow parents. We even have free childcare during the
meetings, graciously provided by the Leadership Girls.
The Parents’ Auxiliary also has an Endowment Fund, toward
which we make annual contributions from our net fundraising
dollars, and from that fund we are able to create school
bursaries. With the help of volunteer parents like you, we are
able to raise thousands of dollars each year to buy important
resources that enhance our school, and organize exciting parties
and activities for our girls—so come on, and join the fun! Our
first meeting of the year will be in late September, so watch for
the date in the school newsletter. See you there!
SMS students Bridget and Holly Burton with their Dad, David, at the Junior School Halloween Party.
Spirit 2009
Bayleigh Dosil and Kristina Matthews at the PAC Disco Dance.
22
Athletics Spirit
SMS Athletics Programme
Deb secco, physical education teacher
The Athletics Programme at St. Margaret’s is adapted to ensure that it is suitable for the age, experience, ability and fitness level of
each athlete. The emphasis is on skill development, participation, fair play, consideration of others and a positive athletic experience.
St. Margaret’s athletes participate in a variety of leagues. These include the Victoria Independent Schools Athletic Association
(VISAA), the Independent Schools Elementary Association (ISEA), the Lower Island Middle School Sports Association (LIMSSA),
the Lower Vancouver Island Secondary School Athletic Association (LVISSAA) and the Independent Schools Association (ISA). The
sports teams offered at St. Margaret’s School include volleyball, cross country, basketball, field hockey, soccer, swimming, track
and field, badminton and rowing. The Athletics Programme at SMS has three components. In the P.E. programme, students develop
the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to incorporate physical activity into regular routines and leisure pursuits to live active,
healthy lifestyles. The Sports Programme is designed to enhance and complement the P.E. programme by teaching more intricate,
refined skills and introducing more complicated strategies and tactics. And finally, the Intramural Programme provides additional
opportunities for students to be physically active on a regular basis in a non-threatening, fun environment.
Athletics Award Winners
congratulations to all athletes honored at sports awards
ATHLETES OF THE YEAR
Middle School Athlete of the Year Runner-up
Kristina Walters-Schumka
Middle School Athlete of the Year Rebecca Coulter
Junior Athlete of the Year Runner-up Meghan Ledger
Junior Athlete of the Year Alycia Coulter
Senior Athlete of the Year Runner-up
Athletes of the year, Megan Ledger, Alycia Coulter, Lauren Coulter and Tegan Lang.
Lauren Coulter
Senior Athlete of the Year Tegan Lang
MOST SPORTSMANLIKE ATHLETES
Middle School Athlete
Mina O’Neill Bains
Junior Athlete
Casey McQuade-Eid
Senior Athlete
Lauren Coulter
Spirit 2009
Mina O’Neill-Bains at Sports Awards.
Casey McQuade-Eid playing soccer.
23
Fine Arts Spirit
Kickin’ Out the Jams
BY Louise Huneck, Fine arts department head
Gasp. Give us
a second. Okay
we’ve caught our
breath. What a
year it was in Fine
Arts! We had some
shaky starts, but
as we all know, it’s
not about how you
start, but how you
finish.
The level of music
at SMS was
fantastic this year.
Louise Huneck, Fine Arts Department Head speaking
at Carol Service last December.
Under the direction
of Mr. Millington,
the bands were outstanding. They kicked off at Remembrance
Day and then cruised into Carol Service as the featured
performance. Staging the program on campus for the first time
brought many challenges, but the whole school got into the act
resulting in a magical evening. The dance students, expertly
guided by Ms. Pass, sashayed through the audience with a wellreceived Louis Armstrong number. The Vocal Jazz Club, led by
Ms. Ewert, presented their version of the popular Mariah Carey
tune “All I Want for Christmas.” Beginning Band serenaded Alexis
Hall diners as part of the pre-Christmas festivities and the spring
brought the annual the Fine Arts Evening.
This multi-faceted event included a presentation of Twelve Angry
Men directed by two graduating students, Emily Nedwidek
and Andrea Swallow. Produced by Ms. Pass, this performance
involved students from the Drama, Dance, and Stagecraft
programs as well as students from outside the department.
Another component of the evening was the annual Art Show.
Besides decorating our hallways with exciting work, many of
our graduating students gained admittance into some of the top
art schools in North America. In addition, Ava An, Sylvia Lee,
and Jennifer Park spearheaded TIAMO, a fundraising project for
a local charity where student artists donated their pieces for
sale through our on-line gallery put together by Mr. Mutch, Ms.
Iulianella, and Ms. Huneck. Proceeds went to the Cridge Center
for the Family. This year also launched the beginnings of an
Spirit 2009
Advanced Placement Art option. Students put together portfolios
of 24 pieces of art that were sent to the U.S. for evaluation in
order to gain credit for a first year post-secondary program.
As part of the Grade 7/8 art program, SMS hosted the ISA
Art Show. This included 2-D and 3-D work from independent
schools on southern Vancouver Island. This wonderful event
was organized by Ms. McKinnon in Junior School and brought
many visitors to see our up-and-coming artists. The display was
dismantled only to have pieces taken to the Community Arts
Council middle school show downtown.
And just when you thought you’d seen it all, the Outreach
Committee hosted a wonderful talent show showcasing
everything from rhythmic gymnastics, comedy acts, and a
magician, to amazing singers and songwriters. Finally, our last
assembly of 2009 will be long remembered for a performance
by the most jamming rock band we’ve had in years.
I want to thank the members of the Fine Arts department,
Chris Millington, Andrea Pass, Jeanine Stannard, Sean Holland,
and the many students for making this a memorable year. It’s
confirmed. SMS has got talent.
Siobhan Semadeni, Gr. 9 and Lauren Coulter, Gr. 12 acting in the student-directed
performance of Twelve Angry Men at the Senior School Fine Arts Evening.
24
Fine Arts Spirit
Junior School Fine Arts
BY Louise Huneck, Fine arts department head
In addition to all of the wonderful Fine Arts experiences that
occur in Junior School classrooms, the spring brought a few
major events that were quite spectacular. One of these in visual
arts was the ISA Art show that SMS hosted in May. This included
2-D and 3-D work from independent schools on southern
Vancouver Island. This wonderful exhibition, orchestrated by
Ms. McKinnon, brought many visitors to see our up-and-coming
artists. When the show was struck, some pieces were packed
up and sent to a show downtown at the Community Arts Council
that featured work from Grade 6, 7 and 8 students.
An annual event that brings all of the Fine Arts programs
together is the Junior School Production. This year’s show
was the musical River Child. Students in Grades 1 through 4
performed the choral sections under the direction of Ms. Ewert
and Ms. Birley, with Ms. Huneck’s Grade 5 Drama students
presenting the theatrical portion, and the Grade 6 Dance class
stepping out with routines choreographed by Ms. Pass. New
this year was the assistance of student volunteers from Senior
School. Hannah Nawroth and Lauren Coulter acted as stage
and crew managers with many other Leadership and Drama
production students chipping in to move sets and properties,
assist with costume changes, run the lights and sound and apply
make-up. In addition, the sets were designed and painted by
Ms. Huneck’s Art 11 students with construction and technical
assistance from Mr. Gilson and Ms. Lefebure respectively. Along
with the Junior and Senior School staff, some of who also made
Spirit 2009
SMS Student, Kamilla Hoggan as the Queen of the Nile in the Junior School
Production of River Child.
cameo appearances, the students were having as much fun
backstage as onstage. Overall, it was a tremendous community
effort that resulted in a fabulous show.
25
Adventurous Spirit
Europe Tour 2009: Greece & Italy
BY Pat Giommi, mathematics Department Head
Fourteen students spent their spring break discovering classic
civilizations, walking cobblestone roads and eating gelato as they
toured Greece and Italy. Athens was the first stop, and despite
the frequent pelting rain, they visited the Acropolis and the
ancient Agora Museum, witnessed the changing of the guards at
the Greek parliament and did some shopping in the Plaka district.
The food was plentiful and authentic, as the souvlaki, salad and
kebabs hit the spot after a day of sightseeing.
They next explored the Peloponnese peninsula with a quick stop
at a spectacular groove in the earth that is the six-kilometrelong Corinth canal. The timeworn ruins of Mycenae, with their
mammoth conglomerate stone blocks, hewn by giants and
Cyclops, drew one back in time. The majestic views from its
pinnacle highlighted the beauty of the Peloponnese snow-capped
mountains, the azure of the Aegean Sea, and the lush greens
of olive groves and citrus orchards. The acoustically perfect
amphitheatre at Epidaurus captured their imaginations and
inspired some on-the-spot theatrics before the girls made their
way to Tolo, a seaside resort. A day tour of Nafplion, with its clifftop Palamidi fortress and breathtaking views of the sea was next
on the agenda. The girls had a chance to explore the seaside
city and do a little shopping. Then they were off to Olympia to
visit the site of the ancient games. Their time in Greece would
come to an end as
the bus weaved its
way along the west
coast of the peninsula
to Patras to catch a
wobbly overnight ferry
to Italy.
Tour director Anna
was waiting as the
girls disembarked
and made their way
across the Italian
countryside towards
Pompeii. Hidden
under a blanket of
ash for two thousand
years, the Roman
city was a step back
in time as the girls
Spirit 2009
The group of travellers in Greece at the ancient site of Epidaurus, an amphitheatre
that is still used today.
zigzagged through its pristinely preserved ruins during their
afternoon guided tour. With Mount Vesuvius behind them, they
snaked their way to Sorrento along the Bay of Naples for dinner
and a good night’s sleep. A bright morning greeted them for a
day trip to the island of Capri, where they walked along cliff-side
paths and admired the natural beauty that bewitched the Roman
emperors.
Rome was to be the final destination, and after a three-hour
bus ride the girls quickly set off to see the Colosseum and
the Roman Forum. For some, an evening stroll from the Trevi
Fountain to the Spanish Steps would not have been complete
without a stop for some delicious gelato. The next day, the girls
explored renaissance Italy as they combed the narrow streets of
Florence and braved the San Lorenzo market. The last day of the
journey found the girls touring the vast treasures of the Vatican
Museums, the jaw-dropping beauty of the Sistine Chapel, and the
sheer spectacle of St. Peter’s Basilica. After lunch, they marched
along the busy streets of the Italian capital, stopping at all the
landmark sites to drop a coin in a fountain or refresh themselves
with another gelato.
All in all, it was a wonderful twelve-day adventure. Even if Mother
Nature was not the most cooperative, the world famous sites
more than made up for the inclement weather. Thanks to the
girls and Mme Hedderick for making this a successful tour.
26
Adventurous Spirit
Fostering Leadership and Friendship at Strathcona
BY gregor campbell, Senior school teacher
Strathcona was blessed with excellent weather
“Strathcona provides was allowed after all gear was stowed away
properly. Strathcona affords our students
for the more than 125 Senior School students
a
world-class
natural
many opportunities to practice cooperative
and staff who went up there from September
experience and does teamwork in achieving a goal, experience
14 through 18. My Grade 9 canoeing and
hiking group went on a steep “tree climb”, low
that with a respect no-trace camping, confront fears and become
great friends with girls they hardly knew when
ropes course in the morning at the Campbell
for
the
environment
they left. Many of the residence students at
River Climbing Gym. Then our group paddled
that our students
SMS come from an urban background and
from the Strathcona Lodge along Upper
Campbell Lake to stay overnight at Rainbow
come to appreciate.” some will never come close to a real camping
experience again. Strathcona provides a worldIsland, before proceeding to the trail head for
class natural experience and does this with a respect for the
the Rogers Ridge hike. The group found this to be a strenuous
environment that our students come to appreciate.
day but the view was stunning when we finally got to the top.
We saw our leader, Jeremie Caza, start a fire with only a flint,
I was so glad to be in this group of Grade 9 students. I think this
piece of cloth and “old man’s beard”. He even made it look easy!
was my 20th year at Strathcona and I look forward to it more
As we hiked down, we all took in Lupin Falls from another great
each year. It is neat to see leaders stay on year to year at the
viewpoint.
Lodge; they love their jobs and do them with safety and fun
at the forefront. A very big thank you to Jeanine Stannard for
From Buttle Lake we took a “whale boat” back to the Lodge.
organizing this trip each September.
The girls were fully spent and craved a hot shower, which
Spirit 2009
27
Graduation Spirit
Message from the Head Girl
BY tegan lang, Class of 2009 head girl
I once heard, “Life isn’t about finding yourself. Life is about
creating yourself.” Creating is something that everyone is
capable of doing, whether it is creating a moment, a time, an art
piece or a memory. Creativity is all around us and it is our job to
find what drives us and mold it into our vision.
The twelve years that I have spent at St. Margaret’s have helped
transform me into the person you see before you today and it
has also helped mold the beautiful ladies you see on stage.
St. Margaret’s has taught all of us our likes, dislikes, breaking
points and points of accomplishment. Since the time that I
have been here I have seen this school change its form more
than once, ever growing, re-creating and adapting to its new
surroundings and students.
Many of you that have known me throughout the years that I have
been here would probably never have expected for me to be
standing here on this day delivering this speech; I myself never
would have dreamed I would be standing here as your Head Girl.
In past years I would have thought it to be a crazy dream, but
with time, change can be seen in everyone. Time shapes us into
the people that we eventually “grow up” to be. Old friendships
come and go and new ones develop; life changes make us
realize how valuable our time is. Senior School, as well as Junior
School, are only a small portion of our lives and for those who
are wishing it to go by fast (guilty as charged) will miss it once
it’s gone.
Live up the moments you still have at school where you get to
see your friends every day, go to the classes you love and the
ones you think that are absolutely unnecessary... (math, cough)
and learn useless facts that you can recite to your parents when
you get home, for these moments will not last forever. In a blink
of an eye, it’s over. Then it’s time to put on your big girl panties
(thank you, Ms. Penner, for that inspirational quote) and learn
to live life outside of the walls that you have come to know for
twelve years.
School, although sometimes painful with its exams, homework
and the Grad Transition Plan, is something that cannot be missed
or overlooked in our lifetime. Some of the greatest memories
in my life will be the moments I had at school with my friends,
teachers and peers. Everyone is allowed to say that they hate
Spirit 2009
Class of 2009 Head Girl, Tegan Lang with Greg James, Board of Governors
Treasurer and SMS Parent at Closing Ceremonies in June
school once or twice, or maybe a few times more than that—
trust me I’ve been there—but I digress. The good times outweigh
the bad and I am humbled by the experience that I have had
here. School has taught me patience, knowledge, acceptance,
love, anger and a whole lot of frustration. No one would be able
to cope with these feelings if they didn’t have people that were
there for them and gave them that shoulder to cry on.
The people that are in this school are amazing. They are always
looking to make a difference or take extra time just to make sure
that you don’t fall behind and for that I would like to thank you
for all that you have done because without you, school could not
be done. A school is just a building filled with cement, plastic,
laminate and paint. A school does not begin to come alive until
the people who go there are added. Without these fantastic
people St. Margaret’s would just be a big empty building. You all
make it what it is, even if you don’t think you do.
You’re going to call me cheesy at this point, but here it goes:
St. Margaret’s is like a family, a home away from home. When
you really need support no one will turn away a helping hand.
So live every moment you can to the fullest; keep creating the
masterpiece that is yourself. The canvas that the grad class this
year has painted is finally finished. Now it is your turn to frame
your vision, keep on constructing who you want to become, keep
your inner vision bright and capture the moments you have, for
they will become YOUR artwork, the portrait of your inner self.
Art is life, life is art.
28
Graduation Spirit
Excerpt from Valedictorian Speech
BY lauren coulter, Class of 2009 valedictorian
When I was told that I would be giving this speech, my first
thought was, “Oh how exciting.” Later, that feeling turned into
nervous terror, mostly in part to a reoccurring nightmare about
forgetting my dress and having to deliver this speech naked.
Let’s just say that I am very happy to have clothes on right now.
But no, I started to feel nervous because I started to think, “How
on earth am I going to represent 43 other smart, independent
girls in a 5-minute speech that is funny yet heartfelt?” It is
moments like this where you tend to fall back on what you have
learned in school, and the most important thing I learned here at
SMS was do your research. So, I did my research — I YouTubed
valedictorian speeches. It’s becoming a very reliable source
nowadays I’ve found. There were good ones, really bad ones,
and there was this one guy who did an interpretive dance for
his speech. I actually strongly considered that route. Strongly
considered. But I digress.
In addition, I decided to use another skill I learned here at SMS.
I did a survey. Now, of all things, why would I do a survey? Well,
that’s a good question. I did a survey to find out just who I was
representing here today. Not, who, like name-wise, rather WHO
these girls in front of you are. Well, ladies and gentlemen, before
you are (potentially) five doctors, one of them with doctors
without borders. There is also one politician, one reporter, who
might end up writing about that politician, one physicist, one
scientist, two anthropologists, one criminal profiler, one writer,
two economists and one interior designer. There are three
lawyers, one of whom might end up working for the one Nike
executive. There’s a film star, two businesswomen, one hotel
manager, two teachers, one artist and one sasquatch tracker
Spirit 2009
who might have a movie
made about her by one
of the two film directors.
We have one engineer,
one model/scientist, one
banker, one mother, two
trophy wives and finally,
someone who just wants to
be successful. Don’t we all.
I can’t imagine graduating
with anyone other than
these girls that sit up here
with me. We had good
times, we had bad times,
and we had times where
Lauren Coulter, Class of 2009 Valedictorian
making her speech at Closing in June
you just wanted to stay
in the lounge and sleep,
which was most of the time. It’s funny how most, including me,
waited until this year to say, “Hey, I’m leaving. Maybe I should
get to know these people.” It’s funny how life works that way,
but I’m glad it did, because I’ve found we’re not all that different
from one another. When the bell went after lunch, we would all
continue to sit there and talk, or sleep, or whatever, and then
when second bell went and everyone else was already starting,
we would begrudgingly heave ourselves off the couches and into
class. Or, the night before the big English essay was due – it
was comforting to see that twelve other people were freaking
out as much as I was, with statuses of “OMG English Essay”
rampant across my Facebook newsfeed. Guys, we had a good
run, and frankly I’m going to miss that.
29
The Spirit of Achievement
Closing Awards
trophies awarded at Saint Margaret’s closing ceremony IN JUNE
Margaret Barton Scholarship Shield
Anastasia Thorne
Phyllis Davy Art Award
Kelsey Choi
Daorung Vijitchuen International Citizenship
Adrienne Duimering and Bianca Jackson
Ferris Junior Stage Trophy
Emerson van der Linden
Rocky Award
Renee Rogers
St. Margaret’s Dance Trophy
Sylvia Lee
Public Speaking Cup
Rosie Mazzola
Wheeler Acting Trophy
Clarisa Sandoval
W.A. Kelly Memorial Trophy (Sr.)
Anna Luz
Rosalie Frampton Junior Choir Award
Mckenna Haz and Emerson van der Linden
Robertson Salver Award
Gabriela Gilmour and Rosie Mazzola
Rosalie Frampton Intermediate Choir Award
Mariah Greening and Grace Miller Day
Margaret Smith Award
Beatrice Fletcher
Anthea Waterfield Award
Rachel Hamilton
Residence Service Award
Sofia Calderon and Becky Clarke
Waterfield Junior Art Award
Chloi Cooke
Judges Choice Public Speaking Trophy
Beatrice Fletcher
Band Trophy
Soo Yeon Park
W.A. Kelly Memorial Trophy (Jr.)
Jenna Allan and Avnashi Singh
Godson Trophy
Canmore House
English Immersion Trophy
May Kim
Interhouse Challenge Trophy
Canmore House
Intermediate Mathematics
Mi Reu Kim
Margaret Barton House Cup
Malcolm House
Hochster Intermediate Science Trophy
Moya Zong
Bette Marshall Sportsmanship Trophy
Lauren Coulter
Sendall Francais Shield
Jessica Menelon
Sonya Rohrback Award
Marianne Delgado
Grade 12 Academic Effort Cup
Gab Gilmour
SMS Staff Scholarship
Paige Murray and Riley van der Linden
Creative Writing Cup - (Jr.)
Emily Jordon
The Alumnae/Old Girls’ Scholarship
Katherine Evans
Performing Arts Trophy
Lauren Coulter
Vic Clayton Trophy (Jr.)
Katherine Evans
Wheeler Stagecraft Trophy
Beatrice Fletcher
Vic Clayton Trophy (Sr.)
Emily Penner
Spirit 2009
30
Grace Vincent Award
Emma Wong and Mariah Greening
Ruth Jones Canadiana History
Alex Orekhova
Sendall English Award
Elena Steele
Rock Band Kick Out the Jams and Rock Award
Caitlin Danylkiw
Book Prizes
T1 Academic Effort
May Kim
Comparative Civilizations 12
Rosie Bateman
T2 Academic Effort
Karen He
Economics 12
Gloria Chang and Lauren Coulter
T4 Academic Effort
Katy He
English 12
Rachel Danesin and Adrienne Duimering
Gr 12 Academic Effort
Katie James
French 12
Anita Proom and Danielle Thompson
Kelsey Drew
Geography 12
Adrienne Duimering
Meghan Ledger
History 12
Stephanie Song
Julia Mohr
Japanese 12
Mi Reu Kim
Victoria Lunn
Law 12
Cindy Tu
Rheanna Hill
Literature 12
Emily Nedwidek
Art 12
Saori Tsutsumi
Biology 12
Rosie Mazzola
Calculus 12
Adrienne Duimering
Chemistry 12
Rosie Mazzola and Adrienne Duimering
Mandarin 12
Jennifer Lau
Mathematics 12
Kelsey Choi
Rosie Bateman, Grade 11 wins of the book
prize for Comparative Civilizations 12.
Physics 12
Adrienne Duimering and Rosie Mazzola
Writing 12
Renee Rogers and Kelsey Choi
Spirit 2009
31
Senior School Science Fair Results
BY Sue Blazey, Science Department Head
Congratulations to all of the students
who participated in the Senior School
Science Fair on March 5th. There were
a wonderful variety of projects, the
calibre of which impressed the judges.
The following winning entrants received
their medals and certificates at an
assembly in April.
Intermediate Category Awards:
First equal: Ellen Mackay
What “wood” you use on your deck?
First equal: Kristina Walters-Shumka
Blowin’ in the Wind
Third: Meghan Rogers
Erosion Exposed
Fourth: Stacy Cho
Natural vs Synthetic
Hon. Mention: Catherine Van Oort
Crystals
Hon. Mention: Madeline Lee
Conditioning Rabbits to Ring a Bell for Food
Junior Category Awards:
First: Amy McQuarrie
Evaluation of Erosion Control Methods
Second: Gillian Maycock
Deaf By Music
Third: Beatrice A. Fletcher
Beam Deflection
Fourth: Julia Mohr
Tests of Problem Solving for Horses
Hon. Mention: Siobhan Semadeni
Do you have good taste?
Hon. Mention: Amanda Volk
There’s more than meets the eye
Vancouver Island Regional Science Fair Results:
Amy McQuarrie, Grade 9, wins first place in the Senior School Science Fair Junior
Division for her project titled “Evaluation of Erosion Control Methods”.
Spirit 2009
Ellen MacKay, Kristina Walters-Shumka, Amy McQuarrie, Gillian
Maycock, and Beatrice Fletcher represented St. Margaret’s at the
Vancouver Island Regional Science Fair, held at UVic from April
4th–6th. They all went on to win more accolades at the fair. Our
Grade 7 Intermediate students won some specialist awards, and
our Grade 9 Junior level students did extremely well. Beatrice
Fletcher gained 3rd place in the Junior division. Amy McQuarrie
came fourth overall, and Gilly Maycock came 6th overall, which
means that of the 120+ entrants at the Regional Fair, our
students were in the top six entrants from Grades 7 to 12, which
is an outstanding achievement. The girls had a wonderful time at
the Canada-Wide Fair in Winnipeg, Manitoba last May.
32
The Spirit of Giving
Donor Report 2008-2009
A very big thank you to all donors who supported St. Margaret’s in the 2008-2009 school year. All gifts, regardless of the amount,
help to ensure the success of the school. Donors can choose to support Endowments, the Building Fund, Gifts for Excellence, the
Financial Assistance Program or to assign their support to the area of greatest need. Your gifts help to purchase invaluable learning
equipment, provide up-to-date facilities and allow motivated students to attend who otherwise might not be able to. To find out more
about donating to SMS, please contact the Marketing and Communiations Office.
Anonymous
Bateman, Katie
Birley, Kristen
Bleuler, Dr. Sharon
Braham-Wells, Murial - In memory of Doreen Parkhill
Brown, Lynda
Buck, Christopher & Astrid
Burton, Danielle
Cameron, Mary
Carroll, Martha
Che, Jain Xing & Chen, Shu Hong
Clark, Ian & Delve, Cindy
Clayton, S. Victor
Clearihue, Joyce
The Coulter Family
Coulter, Lyle & Marjorie
Cundill Foundation
Deyell, Sara
Douglas Place JV
Dutro, Daniel G. & Barbara J.
Eid, Patrick & McQuade, Colleen
Forsyth, Margaret
Fortner, Marian
Fromager, Mark & Suzanne
Gray, Roberta
Green, Sally
Hallett, Bonnie
Harker, Morgan & Lam, Nancy
Hedderick, Megan
Holloway, Sandra
Huang, Jin-Ming & Lim, Hsueh Chen
Huang, Shao Hui & Ko, Yuk
Hungerford, Edith Ann
Ito, Hiroshi & Kumi
Iulianella, Michelle
Jackson, David & Maria
James, Betty
James, P. Greg & Eleanor
Johnson, Kathleen
Jordan, Lynne
Kang, Nam Hoon & Jo, Seon Young
Kelly, Doug
Kim, Changgenn & Seo, Yeonsim
Kim, Ky-Hyung & Seo, Jung-Min
Kirkpatrick, Kathleen
Spirit 2009
Kneller, Katherine - In Memory of Mrs. H. W. Suttie
Krauel, Jill
Lam, Donna
Lam, Helen
Lee, Addy & Toh, Juliet
Legg, Edward & Margaret
Leppo, Diane
Lettice, Evelyn - In Memory of the Class of 1937
Li, Ming & Zhao, Bi Hong
Lunn, Alexis
Mack, Tiffany
McGregor, Linda
McQuade, Diane & Gerry
Millar, Annette
Morettin, Katherine
Page, Sheila
Panasenko, Oksana
Pellow, Kevin & Carole
Rancier, Judy
Reid, Mary Christine
Richardson, Mary
Roberts, Stephen
Robinson, Christopher
Rogers, Karen & Grant
Schroeer, Meredith - In Memory of Mrs. Ethel Biddle
Secco, Deb
The Semadeni Family
Sinclair, Kerri L.
Singleton, William R. & Tomoko
Smith, Andre & Orme, Margaret
Smith, Joan
Smith, Margaret J.
Steel, Philip Johnson
Tancock, John & Pat
Teeney, Vi
Thandi, Davinder
Van De Voorde, Loretta - In memory of Jan Lowery
Van Oosten, Gerald & DeWitt-Van Oosten, Joyce
Van Tol, Alex
Vincent, David
Vincent, Richard
Wheeler, Joyce
Williams, Audrey M.
Woodruff, Marie
Yang, Baoqing
33
Alumnae Spirit
Alumnae Updates
Brenda Stonham, SMS Lifer and Class of 1932, is living in
Victoria and is very active with Save the Children.
Dr. Carol Wooton, Class of 1950, released her fourth book
in 2007 titled Preening Clefs.
Melissa Shepard Legault, Class of 1972, is currently
working as a Resource Advisor for the Canadian Embassies in
North America, Latin America and the Caribbean.
Sharon Khoo, Class of 1989, is working as a Speech and
Language Pathologist with Civista Medical Centre in the U.S.
Dr. Sharon Bleuler (nee Whittaker), Class of 1957, came to
speak at St. Margaret’s in April about effective goal-setting.
She has a Masters in Physical Education and a Doctorate in
Psychology.
Kristy MacDonald (nee Hales), Class of 1992, is working as
a Behavioural Therapist and Education Assistant with children
with special needs.
Dr. Jody Schlatter, Class of 1973, is a Jungian Analyst and
Psychiatrist with a private practice in Zurich, Switzerland. She
has two children, Meinrad & Selena.
Jaskarian ‘Coco’ Atkinson (nee Nandhra), Class of 1999, is
working as an Aerospace Telecommunications and IT Systems
Technician with the Canadian Military.
Keep in Touch! Register for the Alumnae/Old Girls Directory at www.stmarg.ca
In Memoriam
Doreen Botterell (nee Parkhill) peacefully passed away on January 12, 2009. She was a boarding student at St. Margaret’s until 1930.
She met her lifelong friend and fellow alumna Murial Braham-Wells at SMS during the late 20s. She leaves behind her children John
(Stephanie), David (Pat), Eileen, Brian (Kenna) and six grandchildren.
Kathleen “Sheila” Weaver (nee Donnelly) passed away on May 16, 2009. She attended SMS from 1923-1927,
graduating from Oak Bay High in 1929. Sheila taught at Queen Margaret’s School in Duncan, worked as a
chambermaid at the Empress Hotel and then worked with the Provincial Government in the micro film department
until 1973. Sheila attended several SMS Alumnae functions, including the centennial celebrations last year. She
will be missed.
Sister Peta-Ann Jackson (nee McGowan) passed away on May 17, 2009 from complications during cancer
surgery. She graduated from St. Margaret’s in 1954 and then joined the Royal Canadian Air Force. She also
completed her B.Ed and M.Ed and later joined the Sisterhood of St. John the Divine. In 2003, she was Life
Professed as an Anglican nun. Sister Peta-Ann attended the recent Alumnae weekend held at St. Margaret’s in
May. We were all very saddened to hear of her passing.
Sadly, alumna Barbara Barratt passed away on May 19, 2009. She was born in Victoria and attended St. Margaret’s until 1927. She
then attended the Chelsea College of Physical Education in London. She returned to Victoria and came to teach at St. Margaret’s for
several years, later becoming a member of the Board. The current library at SMS is named in her honour.
Spirit 2009
34
Alumnae Spirit
Alumnae Weekend 2009
This year’s Alumnae Weekend was a great success. It started on Friday night with a Ghost Walk through downtown Victoria followed
by ice cream at the Roger’s Soda Shop. On Saturday, over sixty alumnae met at McMorran’s Beach House for a lovely champagne
reception and lunch. Following the lunch, many alumnae came back to the St. Margaret’s campus for tea and cake all the while
reminiscing about their days at SMS and listening to a wonderful performance from the Chris Millington Quartet. Many alumnae visited
the archives and the school store, Dudley’s Closet. The new heraldry flag was unveiled and the atmosphere was very celebratory.
Thank you to everyone who came out to enjoy the weekend. We hope to see you again this year. Stay tuned for details!
Spirit 2009
35
Staff Spirit
Welcome!
This past January, SMS Alumna, Michelle Iulianella joined the
St. Margaret’s team as the new Director of Marketing and
Communications.
After graduating from SMS as Head Girl in 1998, Michelle went
on to complete a Bachelor of Education from UVic. She then
taught Grade 4 at the BC Muslim School in Richmond where she
was a member of the teaching staff awarded the Garfield Weston
Award for Excellence in Education by the Fraser Institute.
After that, Michelle worked in marketing and sales with
Pearson Education Canada, a multinational publishing company
specializing in educational resources. She then returned to
Victoria where she recently completed her MBA with Service
Management Specialization at the University of Victoria.
As an alumnae, Michelle is very familiar with St. Margaret’s
School and all of the outstanding opportunities it offers young
women. Please join us in welcoming her back to SMS.
Michelle Iulianella, Director of Marketing and Communications, speaking at the SMS
Alumnae/Old Girls’ Luncheon at McMorran’s Beach House in May, 2009.
In March, SMS also welcomed Dionne Barnes to St. Margaret’s as the new Director of Finance and
Administration. Dionne was born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba. She earned a BA in Economics
and a BComm (Honours with Distinction) from the University of Manitoba. She then acquired her CA
designation and started her career with Grant Thornton.
She has worked as a Tax Analyst for Mobil Oil, a Tax Manager for ENMAX, a Senior Tax Manager for
Deloitte & Touche and a Treasury Manager for Carma Developers LP. Last year, she moved to Victoria
to be with her family and has been providing consulting services in tax and budgeting. She now joins
St. Margaret’s, bringing an abundance of knowledge and experience. Welcome, Dionne!
Dionne Barnes
Ms. Lara Scott also joined the school in April to teach Chemistry 11 and 12. Previously, she had
been working at St. Margaret’s as a House Mom in residence and a substitute science teacher.
She also went on the Outweek S.A.L.T.S. trip this past September and has fostered wonderful
connections with Senior School students. Ms. Scott is well acquainted with St. Margaret’s and many
of the students in residence, so she is a welcome addition to the Senior School.
St. Margaret’s also welcomed new staff Katherine Hunter and Jessy Qin to the ECE Programme,
Andrea Pass to the Dance Programme, Samantha McCreath and Jody Levins to Residence and
Natalie Gardner to the Kindergarten classroom to cover Ms. Kaukinen’s maternity leave. The school
also had the pleasure of working with GAP student Olivia Hall this year.
Spirit 2009
Lara Scott
36
Staff Spirit
SMS Staff Updates
Congratulations to Kindergarten teacher Rebecca Kaukinen on the birth of her twins. The babies
were born March 5, 2009. Mattea Alexi (right) was born at 10:32, weighing 6 pounds, 7 ounces.
Her younger brother, Carter Henry (left) was born four minutes later, weighing 8 pounds 1 ounce.
Congratulations also to former Director of Finance, Julie Collins on the arrival of her baby girl.
Sophia Segato Collins was born on April 14, 2009 at 5:08 am weighing 6 pounds, 6 ounces.
Lindsey Niedjalski in the Development Office welcomed the newest member of her family, son
Cole Niedjalski on August 16, 2008 at 8:14 pm. He weighed in at 8 pounds, 9 oz and was 21
inches long. Congratulations!
Congratulations go out to Senior School Teacher Maria Hogan who welcomed her daughter
Brielle Eve Hogan on May 1st, 2009. She weighed 8 pounds, 5 ounces.
Farewells
Kindergarten teacher Mrs. Kaukinen’s new
twins, Carter Henry and Mattea Alexi.
After much consideration, Julie Collins, Director of Finance, decided to leave the school so that she can dedicate herself completely
to her full-time role as a mother in order to fully enjoy this new phase in her life. Please join the entire St. Margaret’s community in
wishing Julie all the best in her exciting new journey.
In October, St. Margaret’s celebrated the retirement of Math Department Head, Jill Krauel and School Counselor, Zannetta Varley. Jill
Krauel had been at St. Margaret’s for over 15 years. Zannetta Varley had been with the school since 1994. Ying Sun also retired from
SMS this year after teaching Mandarin since 1992.
From Left: Senior School Teachers Carmel Linka, Jill Krauel and Sue Blazey at the retirement party in October.
Spirit 2009
From Left: Former Head of School, S. Victor Clayton with
School Counselor Zannetta Varley at her retirement.
37
1080 Lucas Avenue, Victoria, BC, Canada, V8X 3P7
P: (250) 479-7171 • F: (250) 479-8976 • [email protected] • www.stmarg.ca

Her Journey Starts Here.

Transcription

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