School Leadership

Mark Turner, Head of School, discussed St. Michaels University School's vibrant community, innovative approach, commitment to holistic education, faculty development, alumni engagement, and the importance of connecting students to Victoria’s enriching environment and leadership opportunities.

• Highlights from the interview

  • The energy of living in the middle of a vibrant and inspiring community ... where you have a thousand students and supportive parents that generate a really positive feeling of community, which I experience pretty much every day that I come to work, which is great. I'd also say the fact that we live in a very beautiful space. Victoria is a wonderful city, and our campus is particularly beautiful, renowned across Canada for that openness of space that you see on our website. I believe in the philosophy that gracious spaces inspire gracious thoughts. We live that every day.

  • There’s a real feeling here that, as a head of school, I am part of progress. Our school is very innovative, it's forward-looking, and being part of a team on this journey is a very rewarding experience. I've really enjoyed learning about the SMU way of doing things, which is progressive, forward-looking, and innovative. It tries to inspire through new ideas. I have learned about the benefits of a forward-looking approach as well as the foundation of tradition. Tradition can be a good thing, but it can also hold you back and limit your thinking.

  • I was really excited when I arrived to start a very thorough process of looking, listening, and learning. I visited the three sections, junior, middle, and senior, to see what they were like, and I explored our downtown rowing center. In my first year, I spoke with all 250 or so faculty and staff to hear their stories. It was really interesting to cross-reference those narratives and to form a picture of what our community is based on.

  • We believe SMU students are embarking on a journey for life, not just moving through school years. We celebrate our "lifers," those who spend their full educational experience with us. In the junior school, the focus is on the joy of learning, and specialist staff aim to inspire a love of school. The middle school supports students through their first steps into teenagehood with a bespoke approach. In the Senior School, the focus shifts to preparation for life, encouraging leadership and giving back to the community.

  • Our alumni community represents a fantastic resource. With nearly 8,000 alums spread across the globe, many have enjoyed success in a wide variety of fields, from architecture to philanthropy. We like to think that our alumni are always willing to give back, whether through wisdom, work, or wealth. Their experience, from recent university life to professional careers, offers invaluable insights to current students. Many alums work hard to remain connected, and we have alumni weekends where hundreds return to engage with our community and support the next generation.

  • We have a hugely diverse student base, with 250 boarding students from around the world. They bring a diversity of thoughts, religious, social, and cultural experiences, all of which enrich our school. We look for students with a spark of enthusiasm, knowing that our faculty will inspire that spark into something meaningful, whether in sports, music, or academic interests. There may be one or two students who prefer to stay disengaged, but for the vast majority, we find that spark of inspiration. Education is about lighting a fire, not filling a pale.

  • We have a really strong and committed parents' auxiliary who work hard as volunteers for the school. … Our relationship with parents has proved resilient and strong through good communication, regular questionnaires, and listening to different perspectives. We aim to keep this relationship strong, especially as we look forward to ambitious plans for the future.

  • We are a community based on individual relationships, which means our staff and faculty know students incredibly well. This allows us to guide, nurture, and encourage students without resorting to heavy-handed disciplinary tactics. While things sometimes go wrong, we see these moments as learning opportunities. With clear guidelines and expectations, we ensure that every student understands and is committed to our values. When conflicts arise, we address them with a spirit of compassion, believing that everyone involved can come out stronger.

  • We are privileged to occupy two beautiful campuses in Victoria, which itself is a beautiful city. Being located in the capital of British Columbia means our students have access to cultural events, shopping, and a secure, beautiful town. At the same time, the wildness of Vancouver Island provides leadership and adventure opportunities. We love that we're in town, and it offers our students both cultural life and convenience. Victorians may be a bit smug, but we know we live in the best place across Canada.

  • My advice to prospective families is to do your research. SMU is a leading member of the Canadian Association of Independent Schools and has a century of tradition, growth, and innovation. But there’s no substitute for visiting. I always advise parents to visit our campus, take a deep breath, and absorb the atmosphere. It's about a feeling and finding the best fit. While statistics can be helpful, they shouldn’t be the ultimate decider. Go on your instinct and emotion when choosing a school.