Roundtable Q&A Discussion About St. Mildred's-Lightbourn School (2021)

St. Mildred's-Lightbourn School always had a really welcoming environment. Because of that, I felt I was really able to learn how to challenge myself. With that opportunity the teachers provided during my time there, I learned how to tackle problems head-on, take a different approach to them, look at them from different perspectives, as well as take breaks when needed. I definitely learned that through the various academic courses as well as some of the extracurriculars I participated in.

One aspect of the school that I’d really like to focus on was the Global Studies program. I felt like that was super unique to SMLS and from all of the opportunities from camping in Ontario to getting out-of-country travel experience, that was absolutely phenomenal. I was able to learn so many different skills through that from camping, learning how to start a fire, which is not something you get to do in a classroom. I got to learn more about the culture from the countries I visited, meet some of the locals there, pick up a few phrases in the local language, and in most of the countries I went to, there was a little bit of a service aspect. We got to apply a lot of what we were learning in the classroom to real-life situations, and that was definitely an extremely unique experience. I got to bond with my classmates outside of the classroom in a traditional aspect, and we got to know everyone on a more personal level, which helped bond those friendships and keep in touch as we all grow older.

SMLS taught me to challenge myself, that also comes with gaining confidence—knowing when to push yourself and when to stand up for your opinions. That has definitely been something that I've used within my first two years of university, being in a male-dominated program. Sometimes it's harder to get your opinion out there or get your idea to push through on a project. But knowing what I've been taught at SMLS, I've never been afraid to say what I had to say and defend my opinion. That has been super important during my group projects, pushing our group to be the best. That aspect has been really vital throughout the first two years of my University life. 

The teachers there were really supportive and encouraging, helping with many of the problems that I felt I needed some help with. They would guide me to a solution that ultimately I myself would come up with. They would never give it to me straight out, which really helped with learning how to push myself. Now being away from the school for two years, I've definitely seen how I've been able to implement that through my academic coursework and the new extracurriculars I participate in. Learning how to overcome challenges and being able to push myself, or to reach out, or when I need to go to office hours, comes back to what I learned at SMLS and what those teachers taught me.

In the extracurriculars, from the athletic teams to the arts to the STEM-based clubs, there are so many opportunities for girls to get involved and apply what they are learning. There's always a teacher who's willing to support a new initiative. If there's a girl who is really passionate about something and she wants to start a club, they can do it. Every single year at the club fair, there were always at least two or three new clubs that popped up.

I wouldn't have been the same person I am today if it wasn't for the all-girls environment. It really allowed me to come out of my shell and gain confidence in saying my opinions without fear. I am very thankful for that.

From a student perspective, I also really want to highlight the friendships that I've made, across the different grades at the school. We still hang out, now that we have graduated, which really just shows the strong community that is fostered at SMLS.

It's clear from our conversation today that the school nurtures leadership, academic excellence, and personal success, tailoring the experience to the needs and aspirations of the individual child. My daughter cherishes the Global Studies program at St. Mildred's-Lightbourn, having had the chance to travel to China and Argentina, among other places. The experiences, like bartering in Chinese markets due to her Mandarin classes, have deeply impacted her. These experiences were initially something I feared, but seeing her growth has eased my anxieties as she prepares to move to university. These adventures have been instrumental in her development, fostering a sense of confidence and self-reliance in her.

The cohesive vibe and like-mindedness that pervade the community at St. Mildred's are quite evident, nurturing the students and setting them on a path of achievement and personal growth. Through the years, we've gotten to know many families from different walks of life, cultures, and backgrounds, yet share the common goal of wanting the best for our girls. These relationships have blossomed into close friendships, which are treasures in themselves. By the end of their time at the school, you can clearly see the effects of this nurturing environment, with the girls achieving their goals and taking steps towards their chosen paths.

St. Mildred's inspires both students and alumni to aim high and keep pushing boundaries, fostering a spirit of lifelong learning. I remember being inspired by a dynamic head of the school who encouraged us to shoot for the stars and pursue our passions relentlessly. This inspiration is carried forward as I embark on new ventures in my life.

The older students serve as role models, instilling a sense of ambition and inspiration in the younger ones. This chain of inspiration creates a ripple effect, encouraging everyone to strive for better and pursue continuous learning.

At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, I was pleasantly surprised that the co-op initiative continued to offer opportunities. Despite some of the initial plans being cancelled, the school arranged for a virtual placement with another company, where she gained invaluable experience. The unexpected change turned out to be fruitful, showing the school's commitment to providing enriching opportunities even in unprecedented times.

There are numerous fun events and traditions organised for both the girls and the parents, creating a lively community spirit. These events, ranging from galas to parent-daughter dinners, offer an opportunity for parents to be actively involved in the school community, fostering strong relationships and camaraderie. These events are cherished, because they contribute to creating a special and inclusive environment at St. Mildred's-Lightbourn.

We explored a variety of different schools before landing at SMLS. From the very first visit, my daughter felt a connection with the school. Even being a shy child, she expressed her desire to stay there, something we hadn't experienced before. The welcoming atmosphere and well-organised program with flexible options suited our needs and preferences, as she was still young and napping. When we were initially looking for a preschool, my daughter hadn't interacted with other children as she hadn't attended daycare.

The preschool program has been a significant feature for the school, thriving greatly and introducing us to St. Mildred's community. We have been at St. Mildred's-Lightbourn School for over ten years, since my oldest was in preschool. It's been a wonderful journey watching her move on from preschool to middle school, nurturing a great connection with the community at the school.

I am particularly impressed with the school's flexibility and continuous evolution in teaching methodologies. The teachers and faculty are constantly encouraged to adapt and learn new methods, keeping up with the changing times. They try to offer different experiences for each student, catering to individual learning needs effectively. They appreciate the teachers' efforts in bringing fresh and contemporary learning experiences, which are different from the education we received in our times.

My children often refer to their class as their community. That shows the strong bond and feeling of unity at the school.

Global Studies is a significant part of the curriculum, and it promotes confidence, and it offers opportunities for leadership and growth from an early age. I appreciate the focus on project-based work, allowing children to develop critical skills that will benefit them in the future. The school takes initiatives to encourage students to step out of their comfort zones and experience new things. My daughter had her first experience of sleeping away from home during this trip, which was a hit.

St. Mildred's-Lightbourn School encourages girls to challenge boundaries and stereotypes, nurturing them into empowered and versatile individuals. They are taught to be agile and well-rounded, focusing not only on academics but also on developing critical thinking skills from an early age. This approach helps in raising young women who are empowered and well-rounded, prepared to excel in various aspects of life.

The school emphasises inclusion and diversity, portraying a far more diverse environment than what one might expect in Oakville. Various cultures are represented, and the community celebrates numerous festivals, including Chinese New Year and Diwali, promoting respect and appreciation for different walks of life.

The school aims to meet all children at their point of need, ensuring no girl is left behind. They focus on fostering a sense of community and establishing a strong connection between students and teachers. This dedication was clear during the difficult times of online schooling, when a teacher went above and beyond to address an issue my daughter was facing, ensuring that her well-being was prioritised.

Looking back, choosing St. Mildred's-Lightbourn School is an easy decision, considering the small class sizes and personalised attention. Although we explored other local schools, which were indeed good, SMLS seemed to be the best fit for our needs. It has proven to be a wise choice, and we are thrilled to continue our journey with the school.