Roundtable Q&A Discussion About Rothesay Netherwood School (2022)

One of the biggest things I appreciated about Rothesay Netherwood School (RNS) was the small class sizes and the individualized attention from teachers. The student-to-teacher ratio was relatively low, ensuring a focus on each student rather than a large, impersonal classroom setting. Looking back, this level of attention and engagement made a significant difference in my experience.

Athletics also played an important role in providing structure to student life. The school schedule ran from 8:30 to 4:00, followed by an hour dedicated to physical activity, whether in the basketball gym, on the soccer field, or at the hockey rink. This structure not only encouraged physical well-being but also helped instill discipline and routine.

Beyond academics, the teachers at RNS genuinely cared about both academic success and personal growth. Their focus extended beyond grades to achievements in extracurricular activities, personal development, and even relationships outside of school. This well-rounded support helped students grow in multiple dimensions of their lives.

The welcoming and vibrant community at RNS stood out from the very first visit. When we toured the campus in Grade 8 during Rugby Fest in 2012, the energy on campus was incredible. Everyone was friendly, introducing themselves and making us feel at home. That same warmth carried over when we officially joined RNS—students and faculty embraced us with open arms, creating an environment where we felt truly included.

One of the most valuable aspects of RNS is the lifelong bonds formed there. Even years after graduation, I remain in close contact with many of my classmates. I recently visited the East Coast for Easter and met up with former classmates, which speaks to the lasting friendships that develop both in the classroom and in the dorms. This sense of connection is something that sets RNS apart.

I would encourage any new student to get involved in as many activities as possible. RNS offers a wide range of opportunities in athletics, drama, music, and community service. Even if you come in as an athlete, don’t hesitate to explore the arts or leadership opportunities. Getting involved allows you to grow as a person and as a leader, making the most of your time at the school.

The chapel speech was a particularly memorable experience. It was a reflective exercise where students worked closely with their advisors to craft and present a speech in front of 200 people. At the time, it was a daunting challenge, but looking back, I really appreciate how it pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped develop my confidence and public speaking skills.

If there’s one area I would have liked to see more emphasis on, it would be community engagement. While RNS provided great academic and extracurricular experiences, I think there could have been more opportunities to give back, such as participating in park cleanups or supporting individuals experiencing homelessness in Rothesay and Saint John. Additionally, I believe more scholarships should be allocated based on financial need rather than primarily for athletics, ensuring that students from diverse financial backgrounds have access to the school.

What's been terrific about RNS’s approach was that it allowed for a balance between my son's commitments. While he couldn’t take on a leading role in the musical and also play soccer at the same time, he was able to participate in both activities. This aligns with Calvin Ron’s point about getting involved and stretching oneself. It’s an incredibly valuable opportunity for students to engage in multiple pursuits simultaneously and discover their potential and passions.

As a Toronto-based family, we were looking for an opportunity for our son to gain independence in a serene and welcoming environment. The school’s culture aligned with our family values, and as a former boarding school student myself, I appreciated the presence of the IB Programme. While I had some connections with the school, ultimately, it was our son who made the final decision. For parents considering boarding schools, affordability is also a factor, and RNS presented a relatively accessible option compared to some other schools.

RNS provides benefits that set it apart from some of the more elite and occasionally pretentious schools in the Greater Toronto Area. One of the most surprising aspects of the school was its inclusivity and diversity. The student body includes a significant number of students from Latin America and Asia, creating a rich cultural mix. Additionally, the physical campus exceeded expectations. Despite selecting the school without an in-person visit due to early COVID restrictions, we were struck by its beauty and size. For a school with only a few hundred students, the breadth of activities and the scale of the campus were impressive, reminiscent of a U.S. liberal arts college just outside Saint John.

The impact of RNS on my son’s development has been transformative. When he arrived there he was 16. His self-confidence, social skills, and sense of humility were still developing. The school’s tight-knit community fosters a culture that does not tolerate meanness and instead emphasizes collaboration and warmth. The structured environment has helped him grow significantly. A clear example of this was his Chapel speech, which he delivered with remarkable self-awareness and reflection. His experience at RNS has profoundly shaped his character and confidence.

Academically and socially, RNS has been a challenging but rewarding experience for my son. The rigorous academic expectations have instilled discipline and a strong work ethic. At the same time, the friendships he has formed are deep and meaningful, with many of his peers planning to attend the same university. Leadership opportunities at the school have also been significant. In a smaller community, senior students play an active role in mentoring younger students, fostering leadership skills and a sense of responsibility. My son speaks warmly about these relationships and the positive impact they have had on him.

RNS embodies values such as authenticity, determination, and inclusivity. Beyond the school’s stated values, there is a strong emphasis on character, decency, and goodness. The school encourages students to explore a broad range of interests, from athletics to academics to the arts. The approach is reminiscent of a Renaissance education, where students are encouraged to pursue multiple passions. Whether through athletics, robotics, music, or community service, RNS supports students in finding and following their interests. The diversity of opportunities ensures that students can engage in activities beyond traditional sports like hockey, rugby, and soccer.

If there were one area for potential improvement, it would be expanding language options within the IB programme. While students can take French and English, the opportunity to study an additional language, such as Spanish or Mandarin, would be beneficial, particularly for students aspiring to attend university in Europe. However, scheduling constraints and resource allocation understandably present challenges in implementing this change.