REVIEW OF St. George's School BY student, Matthew O'Leary

(N/A) Student Experience

I love everything about St. George's School. As a lifer, which means I've been at Saints for all 12 years, I'm grateful to have had the opportunity to gain experiences in athletics, the arts, and academics. I have played competitive basketball, volleyball, and ultimate at Saints, developing unique relationships with my teammates and coaches. I've been taught by incredible band directors throughout my 7 years playing the bass clarinet in the Music Program at Saints. In my academic work, I feel supported by my teachers, and am able to genuinely connect with them inside the classroom and around the school. Whenever I need help understanding important topics in a course, or have questions for my teachers, they never hesitate to make the time to help me with whatever I need.

(5) School Leadership

I feel that the school leaders at St. George's really do put their best effort forward in making the education process enjoyable and memorable. Each grade in the Senior School has a 'Head of Grade' teacher. Throughout each grade level I've experienced at Saints, my Head of Grade teacher has always dedicated themselves to organizing and planning fun events for the student body. Another aspect I love about Saints is that each student is assigned a personal counsellor. Having a counsellor is a significant source of support for the Saints Community - if a student is struggling with a challenge, their counsellor's door is always open. Teachers and counsellors at Saints are willing to put their own work on hold to support their students.

(4.5) Teaching

In my experience at St. George's, I've found that my teachers will always clearly lay out their expectations for us at the beginning of the academic year. It is the student's responsibility to remain diligent with their work and to proactively communicate with their teachers if they are struggling. I feel that the teachers ask for reasonable amounts of work from the students. Of course, this depends on the course rigour, however, the teachers at Saints understand the busy schedules of the students and are empathic towards them. The teachers spend time thoughtfully planning each lesson and assessment, so as to help each student be fully ready to the best of their abilities. St. George's teachers do an amazing job of staying organized and helping their students feel prepared in their academic pursuits.

(4.5) Academics

I would definitely say that the courses I am taking, and the skills I am developing through my learning will equip me to handle my future. Depending on the course rigour, the work may be easier or more challenging. Some courses have topics that are hard to grasp, some take more time to understand, and others may come more quickly to a student. That being said, an amazing aspect of St. George's is the wide variety of courses and areas students can immerse themselves in. A student may experience a struggle in a demanding science-based class but will be able to express themselves freely in an art-based course. There is no 'set' schedule each student must take; rather, students have the freedom to design their own course loads depending on their interests, especially in Grades 11 and 12.

(5) Extracurriculars

St. George's does an incredible job of offering the student body opportunities to get involved in co-curricular activities. Saints offers both competitive and recreational sports, including basketball, table tennis, hockey, pickleball, and many more chances for the students to be active! Students are even able to start their own clubs at Saints: some featured clubs are the Chemistry Club, Business Club, Fishing Club, Barber Club, and more with opportunities for every student to share their interests with the community.

(5) Students

One of my favourite aspects of St. George's is the community we have. Whether it is during an assembly, in the classroom, outside on the field, or in the hallways, the students never fail to bring positive energy to each day. There is a lot of emphasis on 'belonging' at Saints - each student is encouraged to take part in activities they are interested in or to share their passions with those around them. Our new academic buildings will provide students with new educational environments. St. George's will have a mini university campus-like feel to it, with multiple academic buildings students are able to thrive in. In every aspect of school life, Saints has a sense of camaraderie among the student body and creates a place of belonging for everyone.

(5) School Life

I would take my group of visitors to the Lower Great Hall first. The Lower Great Hall is one of the most busy and packed locations in the school, representing a space where students can be comfortable with each other. During morning breaks, lunch times, and after school, students from Grades 8-12 swarm the hall, socializing with one another and bringing life and excitement to the day. Saints provides its students with foosball and table tennis tables that are well enjoyed by the community. Important announcements and fun activities are often held in the space, including teamwork-building games, yoga lessons, and 'Wing Competitions' set to bring the student body together. The Lower Great Hall encapsulates the joy shared among the student body, and that joy is contagious to anybody who steps into the hall!

(5) Community

St. George's feels like home to me. I always feel a welcoming sense every time I step into the building, and that I belong and am appreciated. I believe that many other students feel the same way. St. George's does an amazing job of creating a warm and welcoming learning environment - this is important because having a space where students feel comfortable with one another can enable them to gain more from their learning experience and develop skills for their futures. Many of the initiatives and celebrations throughout the year at Saints aim to include each student, no matter which domain of school life they thrive in. The opportunities Saints provides for students to get involved in are unparalleled, allowing every person to delve deeply into their passions. I truly believe that each member of the Saints community feels that they belong and are included.

(4.5) School Location

When students reach Grade 12, they have the privilege to leave campus during the day. Younger grades must remain on-campus but are allowed to go outdoors during break times. I love going outside during the day to play games on the field with my close friends - Saints has well-kept fields and grounds and provides its students with games they can enjoy. There are so many things at Saints that students are able to have fun with during the school day!

(5) Admissions

I came to St. George's in Grade 1. A large part of the interview process for me was a group assessment with other students, and my ability to socialize and interact with them. The most important piece of advice I would give to an incoming student is to take advantage of each opportunity that comes to them. St. George's is a place where there are countless opportunities for each student and mini-communities within the larger student body. Each student is able to find their own place at Saints.