Comments from the school community reveal that the culture at St. Mildred's embodies strong support and inclusivity, creating a welcoming and nurturing environment where students feel safe and supported by both peers and teachers.
I think the first one would be supportive in all ways. Teachers are supportive, students are supportive. And I think kind of having that opportunity to be in an environment from preschool all the way to grade twelve, even if you were only there for a few years, kind of allows you to be nurturing and supportive and understanding of a lot of different situations. I know that they probably have specific things on their website, but I know that their slogan is Inspire Girls, Empower Women. And I remember when I was applying to St. Mildred's, even today, when I'm talking about it, that's always something I bring up. I think it holds true, because truly, every chapel, every class, even just walking in the halls, I honestly believe that I was always inspired and very empowered to do what I want to do without really any questions asked.
Okay, so I enrolled in a difficult time. At least I thought it was going to be a difficult time because it was kind of like grade eight to grade nine where you have all of your friends. And so I was really scared coming because I honestly just assumed everyone would have their own friend groups. And that was just so not the case. I remember walking into the school and being immediately greeted by my buddy, who I've been kind of attached to for that day, just so I knew where I was going. And I immediately felt so welcomed. And it's a feeling that I'll never really forget and a feeling that I think stayed with me my whole time at St. Mildred's. And even today when I walk through those doors, I just feel so safe and comfortable. And so when I talk to parents about St. Mildred’s, I also like to mention that I was really surprised about its lack of stuffiness. I feel like a lot of the time people kind of believe private schools are going to be very pretentious and entitled, and that was just so not the case. And being at other private schools beforehand, I definitely experienced more that side of it was always a competition with money. It was so not like that at all. It was very much everyone kind of realized how lucky they were to be there. And I think maybe it was the all-girls environment. I haven't really figured that one out, but it was never a conversation about anything other than how lucky we were to be there and how we wanted to. It kind of honestly motivated us to work even harder. And that environment was super important for me.
St. Mildred’s is such a great school and such a great place to kind of build your foundations before you move on to real life and post-secondary school. And so I would obviously just encourage them to get involved in everything. There's an opportunity for everyone. There's so many different options in every single realm of the school. And so I would say get involved, make good friends, Be kind to everyone and just walk around the hallways and say Hi to everyone Because everyone will say hi to you if you say hi to them.
I'd also like to say that one of the best parts about St. Mildred’s is that it’s rooted in tradition. The school in itself is so open to every religion and so diverse, And I think that's really important in any school, especially when you're sending your kid to a private school. I keep saying you're preparing your kid to go to post-secondary school, and it's so important to send your daughter, in this case, to a school that's open to all religions and is very diverse. That's exactly what St. Mildred gave me, and I'm really grateful for that now Because obviously, in real life, that's exactly how life is. And so I was able to learn about every religion, and obviously it wasn't necessarily religious school, but we celebrated everything, and so I was very cultured leaving the school.
New students and families might see the size of the campus and be surprised to find out that it feels really like a small, close-knit community despite the size. The teachers and staff go to great lengths to make sure that every girl is truly supported. And that extends to the classroom and to other areas of the school community and to the school experience, including clubs, sports, academic support, and more.
The most important thing was the fit between the school environment and our children’s personalities. And, for us, St. Mildred's-Lightbourn checked all of our boxes. I think that's why our children thrived in the environment. The child needs to feel comfortable and open to trying those new experiences and meeting new friends. When these things work together harmoniously, the child will thrive, and the results are unlimited. For us, St. Mildred's was the right choice.
I would say just don't be afraid and don't worry about making friends. It is such a small school and such a close-knit community that it can be scary to go into a place where a lot of the girls already know each other, but I think it is such an accepting place and you really just get folded into the community so quickly and no one even remembers that you are new like in the third week, which I think is fantastic.
The cohesive vibe and like-mindedness that pervade the community at St. Mildred's are quite evident, nurturing the students and setting them on a path of achievement and personal growth. Through the years, we've gotten to know many families from different walks of life, cultures, and backgrounds, yet share the common goal of wanting the best for our girls. These relationships have blossomed into close friendships, which are treasures in themselves. By the end of their time at the school, you can clearly see the effects of this nurturing environment, with the girls achieving their goals and taking steps towards their chosen paths.
There are numerous fun events and traditions organized for both the girls and the parents, creating a lively community spirit. These events, ranging from galas to parent-daughter dinners, offer an opportunity for parents to be actively involved in the school community, fostering strong relationships and camaraderie. These events are cherished, because they contribute to creating a special and inclusive environment at St. Mildred's-Lightbourn.
The preschool program has been a significant feature for the school, thriving greatly and introducing us to St. Mildred's community. We have been at St. Mildred's-Lightbourn School for over ten years, since my oldest was in preschool. It's been a wonderful journey watching her move on from preschool to middle school, nurturing a great connection with the community at the school.
The school emphasizes inclusion and diversity, portraying a far more diverse environment than what one might expect in Oakville. Various cultures are represented, and the community celebrates numerous festivals, including Chinese New Year and Diwali, promoting respect and appreciation for different walks of life.
