REVIEW OF The Bishop Strachan School BY student, Ava Comisarow

(4.5) Student Experience

Arriving at BSS on my first day of Grade 7 was nerve-wracking. I didn't know my classmates, was unsure about the structure of the day, and felt very lost in this new environment. However, from that day until the present, I have never once felt alone. I quickly got involved in clubs, immersed myself in daily life, and took every opportunity I could to learn, try new things, and branch out. Since the start of BSS, I have played 3 sports, become involved in 9 student-run clubs/associations, and made more friends than I can count. The welcoming environment that BSS offers, coupled with the constant opportunities to try new things, has made me love this place. Looking back on my first day, I wish I had known that I was not isolated in my position. BSS did, and still does, a great job of uniting the student body through events, field trips, and other experiences, making my transition and the years to follow a very positive experience. Looking into what BSS could have done more of, I feel as though the "how-to-do-high-school" course in Grade 8 was very helpful; however, I wish that the guidance counsellors were more available in the earlier years of high school to continue that education and check in. In my later high school years, I also wish that there were more opportunities to learn outside the classroom, as that was something I really enjoyed and benefited from in Middle School. Other than that, I have loved my time at BSS and feel that it has shaped me into a well-rounded person.

(3.5) School Leadership

Getting involved in school life—more specifically, different clubs throughout the school—has given me some good insight into BSS's leadership, faculty, and school leaders. I understand the hard and passionate work they put into the school, and I recognize the difficulty of their roles. Overall, I have viewed them as supportive figures whom I can turn to when I am interested in proposing an initiative, seeking guidance on a BSS-related issue, or just for a chat. However, in my six years at the school, it goes without saying that there have, of course, been a few instances where I felt that more support was necessary. For example, leadership made it very difficult to plan grad events that were meant to bring the graduating class together, such as prom or the making of grad sweatshirts. These events and activities had become staple BSS traditions over the years, and it was often difficult to come to an agreement, leaving the graduating class feeling unheard. Additionally, over the years, BSS has had cases of abrupt teacher turnover. In these special cases, students weren't often informed enough, and it impacted class time. Otherwise, BSS faculty and staff played a pivotal role in my positive BSS experience, and I am forever grateful for their dedication to their students.

(5) Teaching

Throughout my years at BSS, I can confidently say that I have enjoyed my teachers. They have been supportive, accommodating, and keen on making the effort to develop individual relationships with me and my peers. They understand the different learning styles of students and always make an extra effort to stay after school or take time at lunch to provide "office hours" to support their students whenever they need. BSS is widely regarded to have a high level of rigour within its curriculum. That said, my teachers understand how to create balance within and outside the classroom—be it providing "consolidation days" to catch up on work or even throwing in an attendance question at the beginning of class to lighten the mood. They have done a significant job at creating a safe and welcoming space for students while incorporating a healthy amount of rigour that will aid students when they move into their post-secondary plans

(4.5) Academics

From a personal standpoint, I believe that BSS academics are one of the key factors in my love for the school. In my middle school years, they offered a wide breadth of classes, encouraging exploration and curiosity. As I moved into high school, each year allowed for a few electives, with the number of electives increasing every year. This experience allowed me to not only tailor my classes to what I was interested in but also what would help me in university. Delving deeper, most of my teachers have told more than a few stories of former students coming back or reaching out about BSS topics that were re-discussed in university lectures. Knowing that I am learning content that will be applicable to my university courses is amazing, and it makes me feel so much more prepared and engaged in my classes. Though the homework can sometimes be a heavier load, understanding that everything I complete for my classes is meaningful and necessary makes it easier to complete. Overall, BSS’s rigour, the class styles, and the materials are a huge part of why I love the school and I think are a very competitive factor between BSS and other girls’ schools.

(5) Extracurriculars

My experience in various clubs and extracurricular opportunities, I feel, prepares me very well to speak on this subject. I have played 3 sports, been a part of 5 student-run organizations, 1 academic team, and 3 student unions throughout my time at BSS. There is nothing I love more than a BSS club. These spaces have provided me with immeasurable chances to grow, learn about my surroundings, and develop meaningful connections with those around me. I feel as though BSS offers a very large multitude of clubs and activities, and additionally does a great job of providing space and opportunities for students to start their own clubs should they not exist previously. Also, BSS makes sure that students have the chance to build something meaningful within these spaces. Be it assuming a leadership position, creating a subgroup, or organizing additional meetings, BSS encourages student involvement across the board and makes sure that everyone has a chance to partake in something they love, are interested in, and find meaningful.

(5) Students

With BSS’s population of just over 1,000 students, it is safe to say that the community is fairly tight-knit. However, that doesn’t mean that there isn't a friend for everyone. There are people who like sports, there are people who like robotics, and there are people who like sports and robotics. BSS fosters a community of well-natured people who are eager to reach out and excited by the prospect of a new friend. Someone who will thrive socially at BSS is someone who has an open mind, is not scared of new connections, and is able to accept that the first person you meet might not become your best friend. Due to the outgoing dynamic of the BSS student body, it is easy to meet people and find those who will make your adjustment to the school a positive one.

(5) School Life

If I were to give a tour of the school to a group of visitors, I would take them to the atrium. The atrium is a point of entry to the building, mainly used by Middle School and High School students. To me, the atrium is the heart of the school, and it is where I feel most at home. It is also a great place for the group to see what types of events and activities are going on, as there are usually posters up and club heads advertising. Additionally, I feel like this space is a very strong representation of the sense of community and friendship that BSS embodies. There are always friend groups congregating, and anytime I pass through the doors leading into the atrium, I am always overwhelmed by a welcoming feeling.

(5) Community

BSS most definitely feels like home to me. At BSS, I enter an environment where I know I am supported and cared for. My friends and peers are excited to engage with me, and they are eager to check in. The faculty want to know how my classes are going, if there is any material I am still uncertain about, and if I have heard about the bake sale coming up the following week. BSS is a place where I, alongside the people around me, feel seen and appreciated for the friend, peer, and student that we are. Though it took time to fully fit in and recognize that I have a place in the student body, knowing that I can come to a place every day where I feel at home is one of the strongest roots of my passion for BSS.

(5) School Location

BSS's campus is truly like no other. Located in Forest Hill in Toronto, the area around the school feels bright, safe, and beautiful. Going to school in a residential neighbourhood brings a sense of relaxation every day, and, coupled with Forest Hill Village being only two blocks away, students are able to enjoy peaceful time outdoors and off campus as well. There are a variety of spaces to work outside (two courtyards, a brand new turf field, and various gardens), and engaging with the outdoors and neighbouring community is very encouraged at BSS. BSS is an active volunteer member of neighbouring food banks and creates spaces for students to branch out of the comfort of the BSS walls in a safe and supportive environment. In my time at the school, I have grown to love and appreciate every lunch off campus, every school trip to the local ravine, and the location of BSS as a whole.

(4.5) Admissions

I am sure the admissions process has changed slightly since my process in Grade 6; however, I can say with confidence that BSS has truly figured it out. The online written supplementary, the in-person interview, and the exam, though selective, truly work incredibly well in order to curate a diverse class of extraordinary people. My advice for new applicants would be to make sure that they understand that BSS doesn't have a "cookie-cutter" type of student. Instead, BSS offers "The Signature of a BSS Girl," which is a model of the characteristics that a true BSS girl embodies. Definitely use this model to your advantage. Showing your passion, your curiosity, and your love for learning makes for a strong application. Though the process may be stressful, it does have a purpose; so my advice would be to think of it not as a daunting experience, but more as an opportunity to show off your best assets, your interests, and the things that excite you. Being yourself and being proud of it will never steer you wrong.