THE OUR KIDS REPORT:
Hillfield Strathallan College

REPORT CONTENTS

School Overview

Reviews

Analysis

School Leadership

What is the leadership style at Hillfield Strathallan College? How do the school leaders shape the culture, priorities, and daily life of the community? How does this leadership style compare to that of other private and independent schools, and how might it influence your choice of school?

Page Contents

Facts and analysis
- Message from the school leadership
- Our interview with the school leader
Qualitative insights

Facts and analysis

MESSAGE FROM THE LEADERSHIP

We asked Mr. Marc Ayotte, Head of College at Hillfield Strathallan College for their message.

They shared an overview of the vision, values, and guiding principles that shape both their leadership and the student experience at Hillfield Strathallan College.

Mr. Marc Ayotte, Head of College

Welcome to HSC

Welcome to Hillfield Strathallan College—a community where children and their learning are at the forefront. Each child is known, challenged to do their best, and supported in that pursuit. We believe the best education of any child is achieved through a partnership between the school and the family, with the shared goal of helping students to achieve their full potential.

HSC consists of four small schools united by a common commitment to a shared Mission and Ideals. We are committed to ensuring a balance between the development of student independence and guidance from a caring faculty, sensitive to the age and stage of the student. We aim to develop students who ask great questions, are resilient problem-solvers and are connected to the wider world. All students learn differently, and we make every effort to address individual learning needs and styles.

True learning occurs when curriculum is meaningful and relevant, and we believe learning is not restricted to the classroom. Students who are most successful in university and beyond are those who are engaged fully in a rich program of co-curricular offerings, in addition to a solid academic program. HSC students discover and follow their passions, whether they lie in academics, athletics, fine arts, outdoor education or community service. Through shared experiences, the close-knit HSC community helps students bond with their classmates and teachers for life.

Please explore our site to learn a bit more about the incredible opportunities available at HSC. However, the true flavour of the HSC experience can only be gained by paying us a visit. You will see engaged and happy learners, students and faculty working together, students pursuing their dreams on the fields, in the gymnasia and in the theatre, or simply enjoying on another's company in the dining hall. I hope you will join us to discover what makes Hillfield Strathallan College such an amazing place.

Marc Ayotte
Head of College

INTERVIEW WITH THE LEADERSHIP

We interviewed Marc Ayotte, Head of College at Hillfield Strathallan College.

We asked them about their approach to education, the mission of their school, and the vision guiding their decisions.

Video Contents

0:44 - What are three things you love about your job?
0:44 - What are three things you love about your job?
0:49 - Please describe your professional journey leading up to your current role at Hillfield Strathallan College
Show Full Video Contents
1:52 - What were you excited to do at the school when you first joined?
1:52 - What were you excited to do at the school when you first joined?
2:06 - What have been some of the major influences on you and how you approach your work?
3:19 - What does a typical day look like for you?
3:19 - What does a typical day look like for you?
4:38 - How your perspective on leadership and education has changed over time?
4:48 - What journey does a student at your school go through?
4:48 - What journey does a student at your school go through?
5:41 - What resonates most strongly with you about the history and mission of Hillfield Strathallan College?
6:12 - What does the staff turnover look like?
6:12 - What does the staff turnover look like?
6:53 - Please tell us more about the culture and values of Hillfield Strathallan College?
7:08 - What’s an example of someone who lives the values of the school?
7:08 - What’s an example of someone who lives the values of the school?
8:46 - What’s the relationship between alumni and current students?
8:46 - What’s the relationship between alumni and current students?
10:07 - What strategies does the school rely on to equip students for navigating both academic and personal challenges?
10:34 - What kind of student is drawn to your school?
10:34 - What kind of student is drawn to your school?
11:37 - Is there a student that wouldn’t excel at your school?
11:37 - Is there a student that wouldn’t excel at your school?
12:18 - Have there been any major changes in recent years at Hillfield Strathallan College?
12:52 - What is the culture like at your school?
12:52 - What is the culture like at your school?
14:22 - How technology is integrated into the curriculum and the culture of the school?
14:38 - What’s the relationship like between parents, school teachers, and administration?
14:38 - What’s the relationship like between parents, school teachers, and administration?
16:43 - How do you envision the evolution of Hillfield Strathallan College in the near future?
17:04 - How would your school address an inter-student conflict?
17:04 - How would your school address an inter-student conflict?
18:28 - If your school were a person, what personality traits would it have?
18:28 - If your school were a person, what personality traits would it have?
18:30 - What are the families like at HSC, and how does the school approach the partnership with the parents?
20:07 - What’s the relationship like between the school and the surrounding city/town?
20:07 - What’s the relationship like between the school and the surrounding city/town?
20:18 - How do you approach conflicts at the school?
21:58 - What do you hope to be remembered for in terms of your contributions to the school's culture and success?
22:24 - What advice would you offer to parents who are searching for a school?
22:34 - What’s your advice for a parent in their school search?
22:34 - What’s your advice for a parent in their school search?
23:39 - Final thoughts

Highlights from the interview

Qualitative insights

These insights are based on conversations with parents, alumni, and school leadership. Handpicked and curated by our editor, they offer a close look at how the school is experienced and perceived by those who know it best.

They build a close and supportive community.

Insights from administrators, faculty, students, and parents underscore the school's commitment to building a close-knit community where personal interaction fosters strong relationships and empathetic leadership nurtures a supportive environment.

The connection between the school, the staff, and the students is really strong and getting better and better. When my dad passed unexpectedly, the staff really stepped up, including the head of school. He was quite empathetic and understanding about what happened, and so were the rest of the staff, my coaches, and things like that. The students are always connected to each other because it's a small enough school.

—Rob Alexander, alum (see full interview)

What I appreciated most about Hillfield Strathallan College would be the opportunities we had outside the classroom. Hillfield Strathallan College provided a top-quality education, but I feel like it built so much more in terms of my character development. There's a really big push towards getting involved in extracurriculars, and exploring leadership opportunities, which played a role in some of the decisions I took on later. During my fourth year of university, I was the President of the Dan Management Students Association, which is the undergraduate association for the Western Business program. I was also heavily involved in councils, starting up my own clubs, and things like that as well. It was foundations that Hillfield Strathallan College embodied that allowed me to carry on some of those really great skill sets when I moved into post-secondary.

—Luke and Daniela D'Ambrosi, alum (see full interview)

My kids love the school. When they were little, they loved the food in Lawson Hall better than going to school. They love school buses, they can be picked up on our own driveway and drivers are always nice to them. Principals really know every student’s name, that is truly amazing. Kids feel they are important. All teachers really encourage them to come out of their comfort zones, and challenge themselves a little bit. I think the school can ask students to do some surveys about how to improve school life. The school has had lots of leadership opportunities for kids such as ambassadors, Prefects, House captains etc. There are scholarships tests for kids. It can encourage them to achieve better academic goals and feel more confident.

—Andrew Liu, parent (beginning 2017) (see full review)

There's a long-term commitment to relationships and stability.

Statements from various stakeholders emphasize the unique, long-term connections at Hillfield Strathallan College, where students often spend their entire educational journey and staff remain dedicated members of the community for decades.

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They're adaptable and responsive to community needs.

Observations from parents, students, and alumni illustrate Hillfield Strathallan College's ability to quickly address and adapt to the evolving needs of the school and its community, highlighting nimbleness as a critical strength.

Hillfield Strathallan College is more nimble than many other schools in the region, able to address needs and challenges that arise for the school, the students, and even parents' concerns. They are very quick to react and implement a plan that works for everyone. Their ability to pivot quickly is a significant strength.

—Rob Alexander, alum (see full interview)

I was very happy with the school's response to the pandemic and how flexible they were with the learning. At the time during the pandemic, I was looking for a school with a strong remote program. I reached out to a former classmate of mine, whose son was currently enrolled, about the remote program. She was very impressed with it and encouraged me to contact admissions to see if there was space available.

—Sarah Coulson, parent (beginning in Gr. 1) (see full interview)

There's a focus on community engagement and transparent communication.

Insights from families emphasize the school’s dedication to maintaining transparent and meaningful communication, fostering a collaborative community where parents' voices are heard and valued.

The school communicates with families well. We get regular emails from the school. We can log in to Myhsc to check up on all news and notifications there. The school cares and listens to parents’ feedback. For example, about E week. The school has parent-teacher meetings and some information and curriculum nights for parents so parents can be involved to know everything about children’s academic plans. Parents can always call or email teachers and principals to express concerns and questions or seek special help.

—Andrew Liu, parent (beginning 2017) (see full review)

Reflecting back on my time at Hillfield Strathallan College, what stands out about the school leadership and administration is the constant conversation between these vastly different areas of the school. Students felt that their voices mattered and were heard by the administration. Through the many different opportunities for student based leadership, I found myself looking up to the administration for advice on how to be a better leader. Overall, Hillfield Strathallan College instilled respect through leadership which translated over to disciplinary issues and other type of issues at the college. We were encourage to see how a leader would handle such situations and strive to do the same in the future. Leadership is a key aspect of life at Hillfield Strathallan College, from as earlier as kindergarten to grade twelve and everyone between.

—Elyse Creamer, alum (1999-2014) (see full review)

Every morning we are greeted with a smile by the Montessori principal, and the kids settle into their classroom. The teachers and principals are quick to communicate any issues that arise in person, with a phone call, or an email. When necessary, they offer their guidance or 'pearls of wisdom" to deal with anything that arises. They also hold orientation nights for parents several times a year. These sessions tell us what is currently happening in our children's grade, what to expect, what is expected of us, and how things will transition in the next year, and answer any outstanding questions.

—Rebecca Punthakee, parent (beginning 2022) (see full review)

They balance rigour with humour and humility.

Accounts from students and administrators reveal that Hillfield Strathallan College values a balanced approach to education that combines rigorous academics with a sense of humor and humility, fostering an environment of hard work and enjoyment.

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The staff are engaged and approachable.

Accounts from students, parents, and alumni suggest that the school's educators and administrators are deeply invested and accessible, fostering meaningful relationships and open lines of communication for handling any issues or offering support.

With respect to administration, they've always been very friendly and helpful whenever I've had questions. When searching for a school for your child to attend, I recommend looking for a school where both you and your child feel comfortable being part of that community. In addition, a school that values an education philosophy aligned with your own. And to do that, I recommend talking to other families, taking a tour of the school, and talking to teachers.

—Sarah Coulson, parent (beginning in Gr. 1) (see full interview)

There are many reasons that make HSC an amazing school experience for my boys. The educators are truly are dedicated. My son's teachers ask me when they feel my children are having an off day. There are multiple outdoor play areas (including climbers, a sensorial garden, and multiple fields), and 3 gymnasiums. The principals and vice-principals are always around and are the most approachable group of people; The Head of College (and coach of the girls' hockey team) has regular meetings with students and participates in weekly chapel (picture a giant, positive, team-building assembly). The staff are the most invested group of educators who really care about the success of their students. As a parent, I am aware of their presence and can feel their positivity and influence on the whole community.

—Rebecca Punthakee, parent (beginning 2022) (see full review)

Through my experience as a student and especially as a student leader, I have built great relationships with my teachers and school administrators. I respect them but also feel like I get mutual respect in return. I appreciate how they help me to see different perspectives. I have never felt like an idea was being pushed on me. I was given the freedom to think for myself and come to my own conclusions. I think across the board they try to engage with students on what they are interested in and put the student experience first.

—Lucie Osborne, student (beginning 2020) (see full review)

My children’s teachers are generally very competent at their jobs. They provide good feedback when students ask them for extra help and provide reasonable deadlines for their students. I also appreciate that they provide extensions quite easily as my children often have outside-of-school commitments that hinder them from completing their coursework on time. I feel that both my children receive a good amount of work. It is challenging, but not too hard. We are happy about the academic progress. My kids definitely are more advanced than lots of their friends in public schools. Only one substitute teacher was a little harsh, we talked with the school about it. It was solved by the school. I feel all teachers care about all kids and genuinely love teaching.

—Andrew Liu, parent (beginning 2017) (see full review)

The admissions process is welcoming.

Insights from parents involved in the school community highlight the organized and welcoming admissions process, with tours, open houses, and personal interactions that help families get acquainted with the school's environment and expectations.

Come tour the school. Meet the principals of your child/children’s grade. For parents who want feedback from other parents, they should ask to reach out to the active PG members. During our application process, my older daughter was entering Grade 6. She had to do an entrance exam. My younger one started in Grade 1 and an exam was not required. I believe there is more interest in HSC now, as there are wait lists for various grades. I would recommend contacting the school as soon as possible if there is interest in joining the school. I volunteer at our open houses and assist the admissions team welcome families touring our school. We hold about four sessions each year and we see a lot of participants every session.

—Wendy Lam, parent (beginning 2019) (see full review)

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