Interview with Hillfield Strathallan College PARENT, Sadia Ansari
- Name
Sadia Ansari - Child 1
Gr. 5 - Gr. 8 (Female, Current Day Student) - Child 2
Gr. 9 - Gr. 12 (Male, Current Day Student) - Child 3
Gr. 11 - Gr. 12 (Male, Day Student)
Sadia, a parent at Hillfield Strathallan College, shared how smaller class sizes, individualized teacher support, diverse opportunities, and a welcoming community have profoundly enriched her children’s education, personal growth, and family’s school experience.
Highlights from the interview
We are very happy with the individual attention that our children receive, as well as the fact that they can all play team sports. I really like how the teachers are able to pinpoint the strengths and weaknesses of each student. My middle one, Ibraim, joined in Grade 9. Although he was offered accelerated math, I wasn’t sure if it would be possible for him. The teacher made sure he not only completed the course in time but also moved him up to the Grade 10 level and continued to challenge him throughout his high school experience. I really appreciate that initiative.
My younger one does very well in French, and the school encouraged her to take the DELF A1 and A2 exams by incorporating the preparation into their regular curriculum and signing students up for the tests periodically. She also loves soccer and volleyball and has been very happy with both the sports and the facilities at the school. My older one is a strong debater, and the fact that the school has a good debating team and encourages students to participate in competitions has been very helpful.
- What stands out most for me at HSC is the fact that everyone feels like they belong. It doesn’t matter about ethnicity, language, or any other barrier—everyone is treated equally as one big family. Coming from a different background in Canada, this has been very important for both my husband and me. Our kids were always encouraged, and there were no limits to what they could achieve.
When my kids joined HSC, I did not realize that I would also make many new friends. Parents at the school are encouraged to connect, and I was fortunate enough to become chair of the Parents’ Guild, which was one of the best experiences I’ve had. I had never thought that my own experience would be so enriched by my children attending this school. Parents care deeply about their children’s futures, and it is encouraging to see a community of professionals who understand the value of a good education and model the importance of hard work.
My children have also been recognized for their efforts. One of them was made a prefect this year, which made him proud because it validated the hard work he had put in and the fact that others acknowledged it. Communication with the school happens mostly through email, but since I am sometimes around the campus, I see that staff know who my children are, what they’re doing, and take an interest in them. I like that all of us are treated like one big family at the school.
