Innovation, tradition: future of education at SMLS
Academic excellence, enrichment opportunities help ensure ‘ Millies’ are well equipped to succeed
As Amanda Adam prepares to graduate St. Mildred’s- Lightbourn School ( SMLS), she feels nostalgic about leaving its “close- knit family environment.” But thanks to experiences that include leading an awardwinning robotics program and completing a biomedical engineering internship, she’s excited and confident about her future.
“My robotics experience helped me discover my passion for STEM ( science, t echnology, engineering and math),” says the Grade 12 student. In addition to learning how to code using JavaScript, design robotic parts using computer- aided design software and build a robot, Amanda learned how to manage a team, write an award- winning business plan and make successful sponsorship pitches.
A global studies trip to China helped Amanda discover a unique culture while developing valuable skills in self- reliance and independence. Other SMLS students have travelled to Bhutan ( which measures National Gross Happiness instead of National Gross Product), India, Singapore and Australia, among other countries.
With her school’s support and encouragement, Amanda achieved gold in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, a program designed to empower, challenge and recognize young people through service, skill and physical recreation.
“Through these experiences and others, I’ve been able to know myself well enough to figure out what I want to do with my life,” says Amanda, who plans to complete an undergraduate degree in engineering before pursuing law.
SMLS, an independent school in Oakville for girls in preschool to Grade 12, recognizes the importance of helping students navigate the ‘ age of innovation.’ “As educators, we must equip our students with the tools they need to thrive in this new era,” says Nancy Richards, Head of School. “Schools need to be vigilant about the changing education landscape and the ideas that are shaping it, while maintaining valued traditional approaches.”
The unique combination of academic excellence and academic enrichment opportunities helps ensure ‘ Millies’ are well equipped to succeed in the real world and global community. Educational initiatives are guided by the underlying values of personalization, the inquiry approach and the 21st- century learning competencies of resilience, critical thinking, creativi ty, communication and problem solving, Richards explains.
Signature SMLS programs include robotics and STEM. Through the school’s awardwinning FIRST ( For Inspiration and Recognition of Science & Technology) Robotics program, girls from Grades 1 to 12 compete in STEM challenges. Its senior robotics team holds the distinction of being the first Canadian all- girls team and only Canadian team to date to win the prestigious Regional Chairman’s Award in the FIRST competition.
Through t he school’s Global Studies program, each student has the opportunity to explore and connect with l ocal and global communities through experiential learning trips, community service, cultural exchanges and international leadership opportunities. As part of its Professional Internship program, every Grade 11 student participates in a month- long workplace experience customized to her personal career interests.
Outdoor education, physical fitness, creative expression and spiritual reflection underscore the school’s focus on the ‘ whole girl.’ Students also enjoy a wide range of experiences in the arts, including dramatic and theatre arts, instrumental and vocal music, visual art and communication technology, which helps develop critical thinking and problem- solving skills, innovative thinking and selfdiscovery.
As educators, we must equip our students with the tools they need to thrive in this [age of innovation].