Interview with Lynn-Rose School Alum, Nicholas Kingswell
Nicholas, an alumnus of Lynn-Rose School, shared his perspective on its welcoming community, strong student-teacher relationships, and emphasis on creativity, integrity, and open-mindedness. He highlighted its supportive learning environment, extracurricular opportunities, and adaptability, while suggesting gym expansion for improved athletics.
Highlights from the interview
One of the defining characteristics of Lynn-Rose is its safe and inclusive environment. Walking through the doors, you immediately feel a sense of belonging. The school encourages open communication, allowing students to speak freely and form deep connections. Whether discussing academic challenges or personal concerns, students can trust that their peers and teachers will listen and provide guidance. My friends and I value this aspect immensely, as it creates a supportive and nurturing atmosphere.
If I had to describe Lynn-Rose in three words, they would be creative, considerate, and open-minded. The school avoids repetition, ensuring that lessons and assignments remain unique and engaging. Teachers tailor their methods to meet students' needs, offering individualized support whenever necessary. Open-mindedness is also a key value, as we are encouraged to explore multiple perspectives, especially in courses like global politics. For example, in our study of Northern Ireland, we examine both Protestant and Catholic viewpoints, gaining a well-rounded understanding of historical conflicts.
When I first came to Lynn-Rose School four years ago, I was a very nervous and shy kid. The welcoming community helped me grow out of my shell and become a new person. Everyone, from teachers to students, welcomes you with open arms. The close-knit relationships between different grades make it easy to communicate and connect. Even as a Grade 12 student, I can talk with students from Grades 9, 10, or 11, and they look up to us. The teachers are also incredibly supportive, always willing to stay after school or come in early to help students with any subject. They make an effort to understand our learning styles and adjust their teaching accordingly.
The friendships I have made at Lynn-Rose have been easy to form and deeply reliable. Right from the beginning, my peers made an effort to help me adjust, whether by offering directions or simply making me feel included. The school fosters a family-oriented environment where students genuinely look out for each other. This strong sense of community is one of the aspects I appreciate most about Lynn-Rose.
The school has a student-oriented focus and that’s evident in how teachers prioritize our success, going above and beyond to ensure we thrive. Students and teachers support each other, whether in academics or extracurricular activities.
Lynn-Rose offers a variety of clubs that help students connect and grow together. From Chess Club and Athletics Club to Dungeons & Dragons and Model United Nations, these extracurricular activities foster teamwork and camaraderie. Athletics teaches collaboration through sports, while Model United Nations encourages critical thinking and cooperation in drafting resolution papers. Chess challenges students mentally, promoting strategic thinking. Another unique feature of the school is intergrade dependability, where students across different grades know and support each other. Whether you’re in Grade 9 or Grade 12, you can have meaningful conversations with peers from various levels, reinforcing a strong sense of community.
The school’s core values—strength, wisdom, and integrity—are not just words but principles that guide daily life at Lynn-Rose. Strength is instilled through academic challenges, preparing students for university-level rigor. Teachers assign significant homework, but this helps develop perseverance and resilience. Wisdom comes from a well-rounded education, including valuable skills like public speaking, which are essential in fields such as business. Integrity is reflected in the school’s strong sense of collective responsibility. Whether organizing bake sales or supporting one another in various initiatives, students and teachers work together for shared goals.
Many families are surprised by the strong sense of connection at Lynn-Rose despite its small size. Unlike what some might expect from a smaller school, the community is open-minded and welcoming. New students are quickly integrated, and the curriculum is structured to ensure everyone has a firm grasp of concepts before moving on. The gradual and student-centered approach to education allows for a smooth learning experience, shaping students into confident individuals prepared for the real world. Personally, my journey from an introverted Grade 9 student to a confident and outgoing Grade 12 graduate is a testament to the school’s impact.
If I could change one thing about Lynn-Rose, it would be the gym. As an athletic person, I find the gym relatively small, making it difficult to accommodate multiple sports. While we have excellent basketball nets and flooring, the low ceiling limits certain activities. Fortunately, outdoor spaces allow for football, basketball, and frisbee, but expanding the gym would enhance the overall athletic experience for students.
Lynn-Rose has also demonstrated remarkable adaptability, especially during COVID-19. While many schools struggled with online learning, Lynn-Rose quickly implemented an online portal and Zoom classes, ensuring minimal disruption to education. Teachers remained engaged, providing notes and maintaining strong connections with students. Despite the challenges of remote learning, the school upheld its supportive and interactive environment, further solidifying my appreciation for it.
The school’s defining qualities include its emphasis on family, extracurricular involvement, and inter-grade dependability. Many students seek a sense of belonging, and Lynn-Rose provides that through its welcoming community. Clubs offer opportunities for teamwork and personal growth, while intergrade interactions allow students to exchange ideas and perspectives. These elements make the school truly unique and contribute to an enriching educational experience.
For parents considering Lynn-Rose, I can personally vouch for its nurturing and inclusive environment. When I first arrived, I was nervous about making friends, but my peers immediately welcomed me, showed me around, and introduced me to teachers. As I moved through the grades, I had the privilege of welcoming new students in the same way. This cycle of support and mentorship is a hallmark of Lynn-Rose, making it a truly special place.
