Tag: Middle School
Middle School Project Envisions Sustainable Urban Spaces
by Julie Harris
This term, Grade 6 students collaborated on a real-world interdisciplinary project to redesign an urban space to meet the sustainability challenges of...
Grade 8 Students Create ‘Les Caravanes Gastronomiques’
At lunchtime one day last week, our Grade 8 students opened for business their own "caravanes gastronomiques" a.k.a. food trucks! This year, the Grade...
SMUS Bids Farewell to Three of the Best
With almost 75 years of combined teaching experience at SMUS, we wish Jim de Goede, Lisa Hyde-Lay and Lindy Van Alstine a fond farewell....
2017 Middle School Closing Ceremonies
The Middle School Closing Ceremonies provide an opportunity not only for students to look forward to summer break but also to reflect on the year that...
SMUS Teacher Feature: Mr. Bob Snowden
Head of School Mr. Bob Snowden, who retires at the end of this school year, is highlighted in the SMUS Teacher Feature
“Best Exploratory Ever” Pairs Middle Schoolers with Local Seniors
"I don’t know if there will ever be something at school that will impact me the way this did." Middle School students reflect on a unique partnership they made with residents at a local seniors home
SMUS Teacher Feature: Ms. Lindy Van Alstine
Middle School science teacher Ms. Lindy Van Alstine, who retires this year after 26 years at SMUS, is featured in this week's SMUS Teacher Feature
Athletics Week in Review: June 2
Tennis, golf, cricket and track and field are covered in this edition of the SMUS Athletics Week in Review
SMUS in the News: SMUS Students Bridge the Generations with Seniors
The Saanich News highlights a wonderful community project that connected our Middle School Exploratory students with seniors at a local retirement home
SMUS in the News: SMUS Makes Provincial Tennis Finals
The Yukon News interviews two SMUS boarding students about their roles on the SMUS tennis team, which reached the provincials finals last week
Athletics Week in Review: May 26
Soccer, field hockey, tennis, track and field, and rugby are covered in this edition of the SMUS Athletics Week in Review
Middle School Tests a Flexible Schedule to Personalize Learning
For one day, May 10, the schedule was wiped clean and students had a modified schedule that allowed for longer, more personalized learning opportunities
Young Singers Rock Out for Choral Concert
Grade 4-8 students took to the stage for a Choral Concert this week that was more like a rock show than a choir performance
SMUS Teacher Feature: Mr. Andy Rodford
Mr. Andy Rodford, Director of the Senior School and next year's Acting Head of School, is highlighted in this week's SMUS Teacher Feature
Dream Big Stories: Mr. Duncan Frater
Choir teacher Mr. Duncan Frater talks firsthand about how the Dream Big annual fund helps students do more of what they love: the arts
SMUS Teacher Feature: Mr. Mark Turner
Our newly introduced Head of School Mr. Mark Turner is highlighted in this week's SMUS Teacher Feature
SMUS Teacher Feature: Ms. Dariol Haydock
Middle School assistant director Ms. Dariol Haydock is highlighted in this week's SMUS Teacher Feature
Athletics Week in Review: April 28
Track and field, squash, rugby, tennis, soccer, golf and badminton are covered in this week's SMUS Athletics Week in Review
SMUS in the News: Grade 8 Digital Detox and Ms. Lee’s ‘Talking With Strangers’...
Ms. Tanya Lee and her Grade 8 Communication Skills class are featured on Chek News
Athletics Week in Review: April 19
Rugby, track and field, rowing and soccer are covered in this week's SMUS Athletics Week in Review
SMUS Teacher Feature: Mr. Zyoji Jackson
Middle School teacher and senior houseparent Mr. Zyoji Jackson is highlighted in this week's SMUS Teacher Feature
Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory Closes Its Doors
The SMUSpaper sits down with five students who played varying roles – from Oompa Loompas to stagehands – in the Middle School musical, Willy Wonka
Willy Wonka: Golden Ticket Holders Talk Middle School Musical
The SMUSpaper sits down with the young actors taking a tour of the chocolate factory in the Middle School's musical presentation of Willy Wonka
Athletics Week in Review: February 28
Volleyball and basketball are covered in this week's SMUS Athletics Week in Review
Athletics Week in Review: February 24
Squash, basketball and swimming are covered in this week's SMUS Athletics Review
SMUS Teacher Feature: Ms. Amanda Chen
Middle School Humanities and Mandarin teacher Ms. Amanda Chen is highlighted in this week's SMUS Teacher Feature
Athletics Week in Review: February 16
Volleyball, basketball and swimming are covered in this week's SMUS Athletics Week in Review
Athletics Week in Review: January 31
Basketball, volleyball and squash are covered in this week's SMUS Athletics Weekly
SMUS Teacher Feature: Mr. George Floyd
Middle School science and technology teacher Mr. George Floyd is highlighted in this week's SMUS Teacher Feature
Grade 8 Students Ask, “What is Your Weird?”
Grade 8 student organizers of the Accepting 2 Connecting leadership conference highlight the importance of "embracing your weird" and accepting everyone for who they are
Athletics Week in Review: January 24
Basketball and squash are covered in this week's SMUS Athletics Week in Review
How Sleep Impacts Learning and Development
Listen to Director of Learning Adrian French discuss what happens when we sleep and why it is so important to learning and development
Digital Detox: Challenging Students to Unplug for the Weekend
"I just can't imagine living without my phone for a weekend." Middle School students and teachers lock their phones away for a digital detox
Athletics Week in Review: January 6
Squash and basketball played over the winter break are covered in this week's SMUS Athletics Week in Review
Putting the “Service” in Christmas Carol Service
Our annual Christmas Carol Service brings the community together for a beautiful evening of music and student reflections
GALLERY: SMUS Community Comes Together for Christmas
Students and staff gathered together to celebrate Christmas, sing some carols, have some laughs and enjoy the holiday season
SMUS in the News: Singer Anj Djearam ’23 Wins Conservatory Gold
December 1, 2016
Peninsula News Review
Anj Djearam '23
North Saanich girl gets gold medal from Royal Conservatory of Music
(photo courtesy of Peninsula News Review)
SMUS Teacher Feature: Mr. Mike Danskin
Middle School teacher – and SMUS lifer – Mr. Mike Danskin is highlighted in this week's Teacher Feature
SMUS Teacher Feature: Mr. Kevin Cook
Mr. Kevin Cook, our Director of Service, is highlighted in this week's SMUS Teacher Feature
At Home With Boarders Without Borders
Our annual Boarders Without Borders event sees boarding students invited into local homes for a home-cooked meal and an authentic Canadian experience
Walking the Talk On Healthy Eating
Mr. Ritch Primrose writes about how eating healthy food impacts the brain, and the newest healthy food options available in the Tuck Shop
Remembrance Day: Stand in Silence and Remember
The St. Michaels University School community came together on Nov. 10 to mark Remembrance Day
SMUS Teacher Feature: Ms. Nancy Mollenhauer
Middle School teacher Ms. Nancy Mollenhauer is highlighted in this week's SMUS Teacher Feature
Athletics Week in Review: November 3
Basketball, soccer, rugby, volleyball, squash and cross-country are covered in this week's SMUS Athletics Week in Review.
SMUS in the News: Nancy Mollenhauer Inducted into Victoria Sports Hall of Fame
Middle School teacher Nancy Mollenhauer is inducted into the Victoria Sports Hall of Fame.
GALLERY (Oct. 22-28): Family Fall Fest, Togas and Motocross Racing!
Across our school in all areas – athletics, academics, arts and more – our students were very busy these past seven days.
Middle School Lends a Hand and Enjoys Community Service
Our Grade 6-8 students headed into our community this week to engage in meaningful service work as part of our annual Community Service Day
SMUS Teacher Feature: Mr. Adrian French
Get to know Director of Learning Mr. Adrian French in this week's SMUS Teacher Feature
Athletics Week in Review: October 19
Field hockey, rugby, soccer, volleyball, rowing, cross-country and squash are covered in this week's SMUS Athletics Review
SMUS Teacher Feature: Mr. Shawn Zhang
Get to know SMUS's newest Middle and Senior School Mandarin teacher, Mr. Shawn Zhang, in this week's SMUS Teacher Feature
GALLERY (Oct. 7-14): Seattle Trip, Cross-Country, Sculpting and More!
It was a short school week this week, thanks to the Thanksgiving long weekend.
A large group of boarding students travelled to Seattle for the long weekend to...
Athletics Week in Review: October 7
Soccer, rowing, rugby, field hockey, cross-country and volleyball are covered in this week's SMUS Athletics Review
SMUS Teacher Feature: Mr. Dave Hlannon
Get to know SMUS's Director of Educational Technology, Mr. Dave Hlannon, in this week's SMUS Teacher Feature
“There’s No Such Thing as a Born Leader”
At St. Michaels University School, we believe the idea of the born leader is a myth. What we do believe is leadership is a skill all students can learn.
Athletics Week in Review: September 29
Rugby, field hockey, volleyball, soccer and squash are covered in this week's SMUS Athletics Review
GALLERY (Sept. 19-23): Terry Fox Run, Outdoor Ed, Volleyball and More!
Here are a handful of photos from the week of Sept. 19-23 at St. Michaels University School.
Digital Detox: Why Students Need to Unplug and Go Outdoors
"When we can do a five-day outdoor education trip and build in time away from technology, we're seeing that it’s really valuable for students."
SMUS Teacher Feature: Ms. Crystal Vaughan
Get to know Middle School counsellor Ms. Crystal Vaughan in this week's SMUS Teacher Feature
GALLERY: Faces and Fun from the First Week Back at School
Here are a handful of photos from all of the fun events that kicked off the 2016-17 school year
6 Tips for New Boarding Students – from Veteran Boarders
The six Grade 12 students elected Heads of our boarding houses offer advice to new boarding students
Teacher Bruce Kuklinski Sets His ‘Cites’ on Rio Olympic Rugby
Middle School teacher Bruce Kuklinski heads to Rio de Janeiro to work as a citing commissioner for Olympic rugby sevens games
SMUS Goes Greek
Earlier this summer, a group of Grade 8 (soon-to-be Grade 9) students headed around the world to visit Greece. The students were all members of...
2016 Middle School Closing Ceremonies
The annual Middle School Closing Ceremonies is a highlight of the school year – albeit held on the very last day of the year...
SMUS Says Goodbye to Our Retiring Teachers
SMUS is saying goodbye to a number of longtime familiar faces this, year as five teachers – with more than 100 years of combined...
Innovation Hour is “Personalized Learning at Its Best”
What is your passion? Every student at SMUS has a different answer to that question. For some their passion lies somewhere in the realm of arts or...
Middle School Rugby 7s: Kuklinski Cup
It has been a superb season for the Grade 7/8, seven-a-side rugby team and coaches. After a stellar regular season, the team held a...
The Mirror: A Chalkboard Talk from the SMUS Middle School
What does an average day entail when you're a Middle School student?
To gain a better understanding, I set up seven chalkboards around the school...
French Public Speakers Deliver at Concours d’Art Oratoire
"Tout ce qui brille n'est pas d'or." (All that glitters is not gold)
These were the closing lines of Grade 6 student Vienna W.'s speech. Her...
French Speakers Head Downtown for The Amazing Race
French students at the Middle School are learning about places, towns and how to effectively navigate a city using directions, so what better way to...
Grade 6 Students Look to Solve Issues of Urbanization
As part of their City 2020 final project, Grade 6 Humanities students were presented with a driving question: “As urban planners, how can we...
Grade 7 Students Perform Shakespeare in the Park
The 400th anniversary of William Shakespeare's death was an appropriate backdrop for the Humanities 7 students to bring the magic of The Bard's words...
Brain Awareness Week: An Active Brain Keeps It Healthy and Well
Our annual Brain Awareness Week – now in its fourth year! – is a time for our community of students, parents and staff to...
Middle School Band Clinics Offer Unique Learning Opportunities
Middle School musicians performed in the Greater Victoria Performing Arts Festival this week. For many of the Grade 6-8 students it was their first opportunity...
Middle School Artists on Display
Middle School students have spent the last few months putting their creative and artistic talents to work on a variety of projects. Now on...
Middle School Musicians, Singers Perform “Melodies in March” Concert
As a way to showcase all they've learned so far in their musical education at SMUS, our Middle School music students – choir, band...
Learning and the Brain: Mindfulness and Technology
As technology becomes more prevalent in all of our lives, the challenge of being mindful and living life the way we want to also...
Middle Schoolers Make a Lasting Difference on Community Service Day
Last Friday, the entire Middle School spent the day out of the classroom and lent a helping hand in the community. Community Service Day at...
Robotics Club Takes Home Lego Trophies After Competition
Remember the days when you would sit in class, anxious to get home so you could keep building your latest Lego creation? Well, now...
Young English Students Become Published Authors
Two Grade 8 students will soon be able to put "published author" on their list of accomplishments, as both were named finalists in Polar...
Students Cram for World Scholar’s Cup Competition
A group of nine Middle School students will test their mettle this weekend as St. Michaels University School participates in the World Scholar's Cup...
Athletics Week in Review: February 16
Squash
The squash team enjoyed a very successful Pacific Northwest Tournament, with the event held in Victoria at various sites February 9-12. More than 220 athletes from...
Learning and the Brain: Managing Stress and Anxiety in the Dark Months
As the short days of winter continue, Director of Learning Heather Clayton's latest brain session looked at managing stress and anxiety in the dark...
French Students Compete in Concours d’Art Oratoire
Months of hard work by nearly 200 French-speaking Middle School students culminated in the first two rounds of the recent Concours d'Art Oratoire. For...
Middle School Learning: Are Grades Necessary?
I recently visited a school in Manchester, New Hampshire. The school uses some innovative programming and I went to check out how things work...
Athletics Week in Review: February 3
Basketball
Another busy sporting week saw the Senior girls team capture another title, this time after going unbeaten at the Southridge KFACE (Kenya Foundation to Aid Children...
Grade 8 Student Brings Harry Potter Magic into the Classroom
The Middle School will soon be transformed into Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, thanks to the passion and ingenuity of a Grade 8 student.
Jenna S....
Middle School Learning: How Much Screen Time is Too Much?
by Ms. Tanya Lee, Middle School personalization leader
In a recent Communication Skills class, I posed the provocative statement: The Internet has done more harm...
Grade 8s Ready to Host Inspiring Leadership Conference
Grade 8 students are walking the talk next week, as they put their passion for leadership into action by organizing and hosting a leadership conference...
B.C. Curriculum Changes Reaffirm SMUS’s Technological Vision
by Ms. Maureen Hann, education technology specialist
In December, SMUS students participated in the Hour of Code, a worldwide initiative aimed at introducing school-aged children to...
Exploratory: Freedom to Try Something New Without Being Graded!
Once every couple of days in the Middle School timetable, all students in Grades 6 through 8 step outside of the traditional classroom setting...
Middle School Learning: The Power of Setting Goals
I read a quote the other day that read: “A goal without a plan is just a wish.” I believe the same is true...
SMUS Community Gathers for Fun Christmas Celebration
As with any family, the holiday season just doesn't feel complete unless everyone gathers together for some fun and merriment. And at SMUS, that...
Middle School Learning: Can Creativity Be Taught?
If creativity is a new generation skill, how can we teach it? Quite simply, I don’t think we can. I do believe, however, it...
Music, Reflections Bring Christmas Carol Service to Life
Against the backdrop of the majestic Christ Church Cathedral, our annual Christmas Carol Service is a wonderful way for our school community to assemble and get into...
Middle School Dojo: Earn a Black Belt in Band Karate
While many people view karate as a martial art, it's rooted in the greater concept of self-improvement on a physical, mental and spiritual level....
Never Forget: Remembrance Day at the Middle and Senior Schools
May 8th of this year marked 100 years since University School founder Capt. Robert Harvey's death as a prisoner of war in a German...
Middle School Learning: If You Build It, They Will Come
Does workspace impact creativity, innovation and productivity? Google, Facebook, Samsung and a number of other major companies believe so. In fact, the Harvard Business Review...
New Squash Team Teaches Young Athletes the Spirit of Competition
The squash program at the Middle School expanded this year to give up-and-coming athletes more opportunities to learn and play. For years, Grade 6-8 students have played...
‘SMUS Reads’ Event Brings Community Together Around Literacy
At the start of the school year, every Middle School student was gifted a book. And not a math textbook or a dense history...
Middle School Learning: Finding Your Perfect Struggle
Imagine being good at everything you ever tried. You enter a basketball court, pick up a ball, take a shot and “swoosh” the ball...
We Day Inspires Students to Be Leaders, Difference-Makers
Members of the Middle School Free the Children club returned to campus on Thursday ready to make change. The 27 Grade 8 students (plus a...
U15 Soccer an Opportunity for Fun and Travel
by Makayla Lintott
A soccer trip to Montreal with a bunch of my friends? Yes please! We are throwing it back two weeks ago to...
Learning and the Brain: Sleep and Exercise
How are sleep and exercise crucial for learning in students of all ages? Using John Medina's book, Brain Rules, as a starting point, SMUS...
Middle School Learning: Providing ‘Voice and Choice’
The year is 1986. I take my seat in my Grade 6 class and wait patiently. My teacher rises from his desk and begins to tell us...
Middle School Tech Students Get Behind the Wheel of a Race Car
Last week, students participating in the Middle School's technology exploratory visited a very interesting workplace: VRX Advanced Simulators, located in the industrial park by Victoria...
Tour de Rock Team Rolls in to SMUS
by Kyle Slavin, SMUS Review blog editor
This week the Cops for Cancer Tour de Rock team finished their 1,100-km ride down Vancouver Island, but...
Exploratory is All About Your Passions and Trying Something New
The Exploratory program at the Middle School gives students in Grades 6 through 8 a chance to try new things, pursue their passions or...
Grade 6 Outdoor Ed Trips Underscore Inclusiveness and Risk-Taking
To start the year on the right foot for our new Middle School students, we sent our Grade 6 classes on Outdoor Education experiences...
Middle School Library Gets Upgrade for 21st-Century Learning
Libraries aren’t what they used to be – just ask Middle School teacher-librarian Ms. Sarah Craig.
“Well, in classic libraries there was no talking, no...
The SMUS Chapel: Reworking Space for Our Growing Community
More than half a century ago the school community came together to do something extraordinary: build the Chapel.
In the early 1960s, the school –...
Student Travellers Return from Service and Culture Trip to Greece
Learning about Greece from a classroom is interesting; learning about the Mediterranean country and its rich history by actually travelling there is unforgettable.
Last school year, Middle...
Grade 8 Students Anticipate Life at the Senior School
School is nearly out for the summer at the Middle School. For the Grade 8 students, that means their final days at the Middle...
SMUS’s Club Hub: Middle School WEB Leaders
SMUS students have access to a wide variety of extracurricular opportunities that interest them. We offer more than 100 fun and rewarding clubs or councils that provide students...
Going Around the World with Grade 6 Humanities Students
Grade 6 students took classmates and parents on a trip Around the World in 80 Minutes this week. The annual Humanities project sees students working...
Junior and Middle Schools Get Together for a Choral Evening
It's a great time of year for concerts. The kids have been practicing and are at the height of their musical ability. Everyone is...
Middle School Donations Help Educate Youth Halfway Around the World
A library, like a yard, sometimes needs a good weeding (but for very different reasons). Unlike unwanted garden trimmings though, books that are no longer...
Students Deliver at French, English Public Speaking Competitions
Trophy shelves are a little heavier this month for a number of talented SMUS students who spoke their way to a fantastic finish at...
SMUS Students Sell Prayer Flags to Raise Money for Nepal
Grade 8 students Georgia Haydock, left, and Anna Considine hang handmade prayer flags in the lobby of the Middle School.
If there's one thing that...
Young Artists Put Works on Display at ISA Art Show
SMUS students in Kindergarten to Grade 8 hung their hard work and dedication for all to see, at an art show last weekend hosted...
Middle School Explorers Set Out For Weekend Camp Experience
by Matthew, Grade 8
I love cities. I admire places such as Hong Kong and New York for their pace, skyscrapers and for how urban...
Badminton Players Have a Smashing Good Time
by George Floyd, coach
Badminton season for Middle School started on the first day of classes right after our Spring Break. Drawing on a pool...
Cross-Campus Strings Show Highlights Musicians of All Ages
by Darin Steinkey
Some people are surprised to hear that SMUS students begin learning to play stringed instruments in Grade 4. The real surprise, to...
Brain Awareness Week: Middle School Learns About Brain Injuries
A visit from UVic's Let's Talk Science outreach team was one of the big highlights of Brain Awareness Week at the Middle School. Not...
Middle School Students Gain Worldly Views at Model UN
Do you know what the German government's stance on drone use is? What about Finland's? Or the Philippines'? If you're curious, just ask the...
SMUS’s Club Hub: Math Challengers
SMUS students have access to a wide variety of extracurricular opportunities that interest them. We offer more than 100 fun and rewarding clubs or councils that provide students...
The Wizard of Oz Comes to a Close
It took a lot of brains, heart and courage from everyone involved to stage such a big production, and after more than half a year of...
Dancing Down the Yellow Brick Road
The Middle School's three-night musical, The Wizard of Oz, kicked off last night in a great and powerful way. Audiences left the McPherson Playhouse...
Grade 8 Girls End Basketball Season on High Note
by Coaches Lisa Hyde-Lay and Charles Ford
The SMUS Grade 8 girls basketball team enjoyed a very successful season this year. In the Victoria Middle...
Pink Shirt Day a Big Piece of the Kindness Puzzle at SMUS
It wasn't just the cherry blossoms, blooming flowers and Legally Blonde posters showing off their pink pride this week at SMUS, our students also donned...
Hands-On Learning Through Exploration
Our Middle School Exploratory Program is a great way for students to expand their interests; where the thrill of learning something new becomes priority...
SMUS’s Club Hub: Admissions Ambassadors
SMUS students have access to a wide variety of extracurricular opportunities that interest them. We offer more than 100 fun and rewarding clubs or councils that provide students...
Athletics Week in Review: February 18
The junior squash circuit moved to Victoria last weekend in the form of the Pacific Northwest Jesters tournament. Four venues around the city, including SMUS, were required to host...
Young String Musicians Head Over the Rainbow to Oz
Beyond the enchanting story and colourful characters, The Wizard of Oz is perhaps best known for its iconic music. "Over the Rainbow", "We're Off...
From Surviving to Thriving: Grade 8 Students Shine as Leaders
Last Friday, Grade 8 students from Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland descended on SMUS to participate in a unique, student-organized leadership conference, From...
Experience the SMUS Community at Open House: February 20
by Paul Leslie, Director of Admissions
The SMUS Open House is an opportunity for families to visit our Junior, Middle and Senior school campuses and get...
Middle School is Off to See the Wizard
Follow the yellow brick road from the Middle School and it'll lead you on stage at the McPherson Playhouse, where in just over a...
Grade 8 Girls Serve Up Competitive Volleyball Season
by Brady Doland, coach
The Grade 8 girls volleyball season started off swiftly, with 26 girls committing to team try outs. After three tryout sessions, coaches...
Project-Based Learning: Grade 8 Students Turn Injustice into Service
Hard-working Grade 8 students had a financial incentive to do their best this week, as they became legitimate human rights advocates in an attempt to...
Learning and the Brain: Executive Functions Part III
"It's impossible." "It's too hard." "I want to give up." "I don't think I can do it."
Do any of those sound familiar? All of us,...
SMUS Broadens Its Technological Scope
by Denise Lamarche, Director of Academics
One hour is all it takes to introduce children of all ages to coding and get them excited about...
SMUS Filmmakers Get Red Carpet Treatment at the Victoria Film Festival
What do three SMUS students have in common with world-famous directors Martin Scorsese, Frederick Wiseman and Lone Scherfig? They all have films selected to...
Happy SMUS Year! Looking Back at 2014
As is customary for most people at this time of year, the first days of January is a time for reflection; looking back at the previous 365...
The Best Way to Spread Christmas Cheer is Singing Loud for All to Hear
Every family has Christmas traditions. For the SMUS family, our tradition is a very large gathering (everyone from Kindergarten to Grade 12 comes together)...
Middle School Band Students Exude Christmas Cheer
A concert leading up to Christmas doesn't have to simply include traditional holiday music to make it a great show, and our Middle School band students...
Carol Service Brings Reflections on the Holiday Season
Our annual Carol Service is a joyous opportunity for members of the SMUS community to gather and reflect on what the holiday season means to...
Middle School Music: Learning Through Performance
SMUS has a number of amazing opportunities to rehearse and perform as a group and individually. Mrs. Smith's annual Strings Ensemble concert is one...
Exploratory Camping Trip Leaves Lifelong Memories
by Zyoji Jackson, Middle School teacher
“One touch of nature makes the whole world kin.” – William Shakespeare.
While I cannot assume exactly what Mr. Shakespeare had in...
A Francophone Adaptation of Goldilocks in Outer Space
This week 70 Grade 6 students performed their way into our hearts with a terrific French-only adaptation of Goldilocks and the Three Bears. In...
A Sanctuary of Experiential Learning: Swan Lake Christmas Hill
Microscope Discoveries is a school program offered at the Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary.
On a warm but rainy fall morning, Grade 6 students...
Bonjour, Montréal! Middle School Soccer Competes in Quebec
Words and photos by Xavier Abrioux
A few weeks ago, 15 of our Middle School boys travelled to Montreal to compete in the CAIS U13...
Middle School Choir Joins Victoria Symphony to Remember World Wars
From the balcony of the majestic Royal Theatre, as Maestra Tania Miller conducts her Victoria Symphony on the stage below, the melodic voices of...
Remembrance Day: We Need to Remember
Remembrance Day at SMUS is steeped in tradition as a way to honour those who served our country; those members of our community –...
Happy Halloween!
Fuelled by tons of fun activities (and maybe a little bit of candy), Halloween at SMUS is always a great event!
The festivities kicked off...
Project Based Learning: How has Immigration Shaped Canada?
by Tanya Lee, Middle School teacher
On October 6th, the Grade 6 classes took part in a panel discussion as part of their Humanities classes....
The Diversity of Living Things: A Visit from SeaQuaria
Recently, SeaQuaria, a local organization that brings sea life into the classroom, visited the Grade 6 classes to introduce the new critters that will...
Tolmie’s Rugged Hill: A Grade 7 Perspective
by Angelina & Josh, Grade 7
On Thursday, September 11th, the Grade 7 Science students at the Middle School went with Mr. Floyd, Mr. Jackson...
Middle School Soccer: Just For the Fun of It
In extracurricular sports at the Middle School, all students can shine. In Grades 6 and 7, students can join and play on any team...
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Roommates
One of the greatest parts of attending boarding school is living with a roommate from another country. Each roommate pair at SMUS is specially...
New Year, New Brain Series
If you've never been to a Learning and the Brain lecture, well, you're forgiven. But you should sign up right away for the September...
Simple Things
Each September, you only get one chance to make your first address to the students, in my position. Sort of like remembering you only...
SMUS Welcomes the World
by Paul Leslie, Director of Admissions
Dear SMUS Team:
Congratulations to all on an excellent and well organised orientation week. We thoroughly enjoyed the experience and...
True Colours at the Middle School
Students and faculty were abuzz with opening week excitement as the Middle School opened its doors for the new year. WEB (Where Everybody Belongs)...
Middle School Closing Ceremony
by Jared, Grade 8
Looking back at our years at the Middle School, we are not only filled with very positive memories, but also some...
How to Download Images from the SMUS Photo Gallery
The SMUS photo gallery can be intimidating but if you refer to this post, you will have access to more than 200,000 (and counting)...
Jazz Night Embraces Rock, Soul and the ’80s
The annual Jazz Night (either the 12th or 13th annual, depending on who you talk to) is a great event for the musicians to...
Grade 6 Classes Take a Trip Around the World
Each year, Grade 6 Humanities culminates with a year-end project called Around the World in 80 Minutes. In groups of four or five, students...
Exploring the Renaissance
Grade 8 students recently completed their projects on the Renaissance, which they presented to each other this week as a way to share in...
May 20: Athletics Week in Review
Track and Field
The track and field team took part in the Vancouver Island Championships on May 14 and 15, with a number of impressive...
Young Voices, Old Songs at Choral Concert
Our Junior and Middle School choirs teamed up for a concert this week, filling Christ Church Cathedral with their lovely voices.
For the Grade 4...
French Students Succeed at Concours d’Art Oratoire
by Valerie Pike and Mimi Brown
Fourteen students from the Middle and Senior School recently attended the British Columbia and Yukon division finals for Concours...
The Boundless Talent of Kenneth Oppel ’85
Alumni Weekend may end on Sunday, but one fairly famous alumnus will be on campus next week. Author Kenneth Oppel '85 will be speaking...
April 29: Athletics Week in Review
Senior Girls Soccer
In a very exciting ISA Senior girls soccer tournament, SMUS moved smartly through the pool stages, notching 12 goals without reply in...
Science 8 Students Look Into Hearts
Science 8 students partnered up for a major biology lab last week, where they concluded their study of the heart with a hands-on examination...
Grade 6 Scientist Becomes Teacher
Yesterday afternoon, the Grade 4 students had the opportunity to listen to Grade 6 student Larry Yu. The class is starting their Light and...
Athletics Week in Review: April 23
Golf
Congratulations are in order to Leif Skogland, who captured second place in the Delta Police Invitational Golf tournament! His two day total of 143...
Middle School Rugby: Home & Away Recap
The Middle School spring rugby teams played their second round of games this past week.
The Grade 6 team showed tremendous improvement from their first...
Brain Awareness Week: Middle School
Many of the Brain Awareness Week events at SMUS focused on research, what we can do to improve our learning and how our brains...
Arboreal Life at SMUS
Our campus is now officially in bloom and over the break we had a visit from Verna Mumby of Mumby Tree Services, who is...
Tech Club Engineers Some Fun
by Lucas Galloway, Grade 7
Before Spring Break, a group of 20 students from the Middle School Tech Club went with Mr. DeMerchant and Mr....
Rugby Springs Back From Break
Middle School
Seven-aside spring rugby began this past week, with 46 SMUS students competing in exhibitions against Victoria-area schools. All players involved in these matches...
Middle School Musicians in the Spotlight
Unlike most of our concerts, the Middle School Melodies in March concert is not an annual affair; rather, it happens on the years when...
Victoria Middle School Conference
On Friday February 28th, a group of grade 7 students went to SJ Willis school to attend a leadership conference.
The focus of the conference...
The Outsiders Inspires Song Battle
by Dalal and Jiawan, Grade 8
Have you ever read the The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton? If you haven’t read it, you should and if...
Squash: BC Junior Closed Tournament
Twelve members of the SMUS squash team travelled to Abbotsford March 1-2 to participate in the BC Junior Provincials. The players' skill, hard work...
A Blitz on Hunger
Updated March 6: The tally for the Peanut Butter Biltz House Challenge was 287 jars, surpassing the goal of 245 jars. Congrats to Bolton...
Medals for Math Challengers
by Saje, Grade 8
Academics are a large part of what we focus on at SMUS, but there is more to learning than just classes....
Connecting the Dots
In her final parent talk for the school year, Director of Learning Heather Clayton discusses personalized learning and how SMUS teachers use our growing...
Student Council Spreads the Love
by Catie, Grade 8
Our Middle School has many leadership opportunities, one of them being Student Council. Student Council organizes dances, service days and spirit...
Read a Book Over Break
Wondering what to do with your five-day break? The Middle School Book Club has put together a list of books you might want to...
Tynker-ing with Code
by Anna Miller, teacher
The next exploratory term at the Middle School is going to be an exciting one and a huge learning experience for...
Climate Change Showdown
Our Middle School has had the environment on its mind this week. Last Friday, the Eco-warriors won a presentation from the BC Sustainability Energy...
Grade 7 Girls Become City Champions
Our Grade 7 girls basketball team had a strong season, culminating in a city championship win over the holiday break. Above, centre Marika shares...
Young Designers Revive House Shirts
The Middle School house shirts have undergone an overhaul thanks to some talented student artists. Every Middle School student submitted at least one t-shirt...
All We Want for Christmas is SMUS
It wouldn't be the holidays at SMUS without the annual all-school assembly. From chipmunks to kings, the traditional student-led skewering of the faculty, a...
A Season of Giving
Our Middle School students put together 18 hampers to brighten the holiday for local families in need. Below, one of our students writes about...
Writing for Human Rights
by Dariol Haydock, Assistant Director of Middle School
On December 10, the Middle School held our second annual Amnesty International Write for Rights event. In...
Middle School Theatre, en Français
by Jo Ross, parent
The Grade 6 classes presented Boucles Rouges en route pour Mars for their family and friends. The play was a collaboration...
Learning and the Brain: Cultivating Strengths
http://youtu.be/uEEj2m80o5k
How are our personal strengths defined? Often, other people - our parents, teachers and bosses - tell us what we are best at and...
Middle School Musicians: Ragtime and Jazz
by Mary Smith, strings teacher
On a bright, sunny day the musicians in this Middle School string orchestra presented pieces by George Frederic Handel and...
YALP: Local Activists Inspire Grade 8 Students
by Aysha and Taylor, Grade 8
Aysha: Inspiration
When I was younger, I would see people on the streets who looked ragged and scruffy. I never...
Authors Inspire Readers to Write
The Middle School has hosted two authors in the past fortnight: Eric Wilson and Kit Pearson. Both writers spoke to students about what makes...
Eco-Warriors in Their Natural Habitat
by Terra, Grade 7
On October 29th, the Middle School Eco-Warriors went down to Uplands Park and worked on restoring the Garry Oak ecosystem there....
A Hectic Halloween
Students from Kindergarten to Grade 12 had a very happy Halloween, showing off some amazing costumes and enjoying all sorts of spirited activities.
Both the...
The Consequences of Cyberbullying
by Saje, Grade 8
Bullying in the world is a big problem, but cyber bullying is often much worse in today's digital world. On the...
Mathematics: The Key to the Universe
Professor Mike Miniou from the University of Waterloo recently spoke to Middle and Senior School students about the applicability of math in future careers....
Humanities 7: Connecting Skills for Enriched Learning
by Min MacLean, teacher
This year, the Middle School has a new course: Humanities 7. An amalgamation of English and Social Studies, Humanities 7 covers...
Rugby: Always on the Run
Grade 8
The Grade 8 rugby team completed its fall season on October 17 with 20 players traveling to St. George's School in Vancouver. Under...
Examining Introversion and Extraversion
Based on the best-selling book Quiet, Director of Learning Heather Clayton gives parents insight into how introverts and extroverts behave in different situations and...
A Look at Exploratory
Our exploratory program allows Middle School students to choose their own elective course. Each year, teachers come up with new activities and students select...
Thanksgiving, Canadian Style
The Top Five Canadian Thanksgiving Traditions
5. Watch sports on television
4. Get outside!
3. Give thanks for health, family and friends
2. Spend time with family
1. Eat....
U15 Girls Soccer: Clouds Have Silver Lining
The fifteen Grade 8-9 girls selected for the SMUS CAIS team for the National U-15 Girls Soccer Championships arrived in Toronto on October 2...
Testing the Leadership Waters
Several of our Middle School students recently attended the CAIS Middle School Leadership Conference. The event featured activities, guest speakers and plenty of recreational...
Grade 8 Rugby: Learning the Game
by Bruce Kuklinski, head coach
Grade 8 rugby has been under way for the last couple of weeks. After a handful of practices, a team...
Starting at SMUS: A Parent Perspective
One of the most important aspects to becoming a boarder at SMUS is the new boarder orientation. Sculpted by the Admissions team and aided...
Terry Fox Run: A Canadian Tradition
Each September for the last 33 years, Canadians have run to remember one of our heroes: Terry Fox. Terry lost his leg to cancer...
Language Games
by Jenna, Grade 6
In Japanese class this week, we had five Japanese university students come and spend the class with us. It was a...
All Aboard!
As students have written in recent Link Leader program posts, it's not always easy coming to a new school. Imagine, then, if you were...
First Days
Both the Middle and Senior School run programs before school officially starts to welcome newcomers to the school. Grade 12 students run the...
Middle School Closing Ceremonies
The Middle School ceremony is always an interesting mix of perspectives. Students from Grade 6 are celebrating their first year at the Middle School,...
Standards and Solos for Jazz Night
Depending on who you talk to, Jazz Night has been an annual event for anywhere from 12 - 17 years. A few changes marked...
Exploring Exploratory
The Exploratory program is a unique Middle School offering that allows students to try new activities without an academic component. Bringing all three grades...
Gratitude for War Child & Keep the Beat
Words by Lindon Carter, Grade 12; video by Olivia Sorley, Grade 11; pictures by Song Panvichean, Grade 10 and Darin Steinkey
My first year in...
An Olympian End
After a year of intense competition - both physical and mental - the house games season wrapped up this weekend with the House Olympics....
Athletics Review: SMUS Rugby Gives and Receives
by Darin Steinkey
We're in the scrum with this week's Athletics Review, as we receive updates from both the Senior and Middle schools. In addition,...
Campuses Unite in Song
by Darin Steinkey
I love shooting pictures at Christ Church. Although it's dark, the light is usually fairly even and the performers are set against...
Science Challenges and Triumphs
by Lisa Hyde-Lay, teacher
This year, we entered three teams of four kids from Grades 6 to 8 in the All Science Challenge. Each had...
Athletics Review: Coach K’s Cup
This week's AR is proud to document recognition for one of our coaches. Bruce Kuklinski has supported rugby on the Island and beyond for...
Athletics Review: Alumni Recap
by Darin Steinkey
Spectacular weather welcomed alumni, families and friends back to campus last weekend to reunite and receive a dose of school pride. From...
Banding Together for a Farewell Concert
by Erin Anderson, editor
It was an exciting and moving concert that marked John Reid’s final appearance on UVic’s Farquhar stage. Special guests, dedicated songs...
A Look at Ancient Japan Through Art
by Zach, Grade 8
On April 26, the Grade 8 Japanese class went on an amusing and educational field trip to the Art Gallery of...
Athletics Review: More Daylight, More Sports
by Darin Steinkey
It's finally starting to look a little brighter outside, so the cricketers are in the cages just a little longer these days....
Cross Campus Strings: Firsts and Finals
In the opening show of concert season at SMUS, the Cross Campus Strings featured appearances (musically, anyway) from Mahler, Saint-Saëns, the League of Legends...
Speaking Out
This week, several students in Grades 6 & 7 attended a speech competition through the Independent Schools Association of BC. The Grade 6 students...
Athletics Review: Ready to Roll
by Darin Steinkey
Like a coxswain in the bow, our rowers are plotting strategy and steering their way to the Brentwood Bay Regatta this weekend....
Building A Better Brain
SMUS held its first annual Brain Awareness Week from April 5-12 in order to educate our entire community about not only how our brains...
Storytelling
Grade 6 Humanities students have been working on developing their skills as creative writers. Through the writing process, students brainstorm ideas, organize their storylines,...
Athletics Review: Outdoor Sports Spring to Life
by Darin Steinkey
April means the SMUS field is in heavy rotation. The Senior girls are back on the pitch and coach Kaufmann provides a...
Model Students Replicate the UN
There's nothing unusual about SMUS students participating in a Model UN, but this week was the first time we involved some Middle School students...
Boarders Vs. the West Coast: A Lively Weekend
After the longer breaks, the boarding community comes back together with Community Weekends. This means our usual weekend activities are replaced with house activities...
Let’s Get Mathematical: The Challengers
For many, math may not be an exciting subject, but SMUS seems to have more than its share of avid mathematicians. Math contests bring...
Energetic Cast Powers Annie
The Middle School launched their production of Annie on Thursday night and we have three reflections on the play supplied by actors from last...
Black History Month
Students from around the world celebrated Black History Month in one of the most exuberant and power-packed chapel services of the year. We hear...
Pink Shirts Remind Us To Be Kind
This Wednesday, students wore pink shirts to show their support for a bullying-free atmosphere. Pink Shirt Day, an international movement against bullying, was celebrated...
Annie Prepares to Take the Stage
Next week, the Middle School will be on the McPherson stage, debuting their production of Annie. For a three-day run, there is much work...
Conquering Concours
Middle School students put their language skills to work last week by participating in a long established French-speaking competition. Below, one of our students...
Mardi Gras, Brains & Badminton
With so much going on in the day-to-day life of the community, the chance to relax, have some fun and add a little competition...
Parents Tell Us: Why SMUS?
Why do parents choose SMUS for their kids? This week, the SMUS Open House will bring a lot of new families to campus, some...
Miraculous Marine Creatures
On a visit to the Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre, Grade 6 students witnessed our amazing local marine life in action, including the camouflage abilities...
Boarders Take a Photo Stroll
A "photo stroll" is just as relaxed as it sounds. Boarders hop on the bus and arrive at Willow's beach, Royal Roads University or...
A Report from the Slopes
by Jamison and Sam, Grade 8
The Grade 8 ski trip was a great opportunity for new and experienced boarders/skiers to hit the hills, while...
A Look Into The Eye
As part of their biology unit, Science 8 students get to dissect a real ocular specimen from some bovine donors. For their lab, students...
Experiencing Japan (Without Jetlag)
by Madison, Grade 8
On Thursday, November 15th, I went to Vancouver with my Japanese class and the Japanese class from the Senior School. I...
Something to Talk About
by Tanya Lee, teacher
Literature circles allow students to develop their active reading strategies and “dig deeply” into their novels. By assuming different roles as...
Are You Having a "Good Day"?
by Darin Steinkey
Reverend Fletcher led us in an exercise of gratitude this past Sunday in chapel. We all took a moment to breathe and...
Reptiles Return
Just before the break, Middle School Science students hosted some very special visitors from the Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary. Accompanied by their...
A Celebration for All Ages
The holiday season is always a busy one at SMUS, but every year we make time to come together for a fun-filled assembly, featuring...
A Play En Français
This week, Grade 6 students took to the Copeland stage to perform a play in French, as part of their language studies. Through music,...
Athletics Review: It’s the Most Basketball Time of the Year
by Darin Steinkey
The SMUS basketball teams have generated a lot of buzz this season and feel confident going into the holidays. Even the Middle...
Mania Over Math
Math Mania, a new event at SMUS, brought a crowd of students and parents to the Middle School to enjoy games and puzzles for...
Songs and Stories for the Season
The SMUS community filled the historic Christ Church Cathedral for its first all-school carol service. There were 300 performers, three schools and a packed...
Inside Our Strings Ensemble
Last week, our Grade 7 and 8 Strings students gave their first concert of the year. The afternoon featured both solo performers and the...
Athletics Review: Tales From the Beginning and the End
by Darin Steinkey
This week's AR sees our basketball teams hit the court in the annual Alumni Tip-off, while we bid adieu to sailing, soccer...
The Complexity of Clay
by Erin Anderson, editor
One of the greatest things about the SMUS Middle School is located way down in the basement, tucked into the corner...
Boarders Give Thanks for a Common Bond
by Acacia Welsford, Grade 10
Thanksgiving is a holiday where families and friends get together to reflect on all the things that brought them there,...
The joys of Middle School Mathematics. Really.
Imagine dedicating your life to Mathematics. Or rather, to teaching Mathematics. And trying to get other teachers enthusiastic about it.
A couple of weeks ago...
Best Coast Living: Surf. Bike. Home by Dinner.
Video by Zyoji Jackson, Middle School Teacher, Senior Houseparent
Music: Dirt (Jahzzar) / CC BY-SA 3.0
One of the great advantages to living in Victoria is the...
Cleat Collection Supports Gender Equality
by Georgia and Anna, Grade 6
Shooting for Hope is an organization that allows young girls in India to be active and play sports, especially...
Students Scare Hunger
by Livia, Grade 8
On Halloween, we participated in a fundraiser called We Scare Hunger that was started by an organization called Free the Children....
We Mark Their Sacrifice and See Our Promise
by Keven Fletcher, Chaplain
If you were to pick up pen and paper and write a letter setting out your life this week…
If you were...
Field Trip Yields Deeper Understanding of First Nations
by Terra, Grade 6
On Wednesday, the Grade 6 Humanities classes all set off to the Royal BC Museum. For many of us, the museum...
Eat, Drink and Be Scary in Boarding
While some people find school itself terrifying, fear takes on a whole new meaning at SMUS during Halloween. Timmis House continued a tradition of...
We Day and CAIS Launch Leaders
Two major — but very different — events have given Middle School students a chance to sharpen their leadership skills. Several students travelled to...
Athletics Review: On an Even Keel
by Darin Steinkey
With fall in full force, SMUS athletes brave the chill and sail into this week's Athletics Review with toques firmly fastened.
Sailing
by Lizette...
Boarders Without Borders
by David, Grade 11 boarder
Boarders Without Borders was a great experience for me. I did it last year, and had a wonderful time, so...
Mandarin Students Take In Chinatown
by Lucas, Grade 8
On Wednesday, October 17th, the Grade 7 and 8 Mandarin classes went on a very educational and entertaining trip to Victoria’s...
Athletics Review: SMUS Sets the Pace
by Darin Steinkey
From the chip trail to the water court at UVic, Beaver Lake and the Monkman hard courts, this week's AR has you...
Athletics Review: A Full Plate for Thanksgiving
by Darin Steinkey
This edition includes Senior School Director Andy Rodford eating some humble pie while our teams work off their turkey dinners against difficult...
Thanksgiving in Action: Food for Thought
With so many reasons to be thankful, it is important to stop and show our gratitude. Each year, we give thanks by treating the...
Making Time for Books
by Ricky, Grade 8
I believe the Drop Everything And Read program, or DEAR, at the St. Michaels Middle School is very enjoyable and gives...
Athletics Review: Newbies Make Their Mark
by Darin Steinkey
Strong novice players dominate the AR this week, and Ethel Kiggundu gives props to Brown Hall in "Two Minutes With...".
Grade 8 Rugby
by...
Visitors Help Connect Language to Culture
Ten university students from Morioka, Japan came to Canada for two weeks to learn about and experience Canadian culture. The students visited our Japanese...
Swimming, Slugs, Flashmobs and Fire: Boarding Hits the Town
This past weekend a full docket of activities topped the schedule in boarding. With trips to Commonwealth Pool for a swim, Fired Up! Ceramics...
Boarding Welcomes the World
by Darin Steinkey, Senior House Parent
Imagine, if you will, what it's like to arrive on our campus as a student during Orientation Week. You...
A Treasure Hunt Without a Map
by Ankit, Grade 8
This week, the Grade 7 and 8 students of St. Michaels University School embarked on a quest to find 18 geocaches...
Middle School Caught Up in WEB
by Anna C, Grade 6
On September 5th, all the Grade 6 students gathered in the single gym to prepare for a whole morning set...
Middle School Celebrates End of Year
The Middle School ended the year with a wonderful celebration of the wide range of experiences students had throughout the year. Director of School...
2011-2012 Boarding Year in Review
From a smoking hot opening day to the House Olympics, it was a stellar year in boarding. The video slideshow below shows the year...
Connections across campus
One of the many benefits we have as a Kindergarten to Grade 12 school is the amazing relationships that are made across the grades....
Handmade Fashions Hit the Runway
by Maddi T, Grade 6
The Project Runway exploratory was the best exploratory that I have ever done! We had so much fun learning how...
Concert Bands Mix It Up for Spring
Photos by Darin Steinkey
Last week, the SMUS bands celebrated spring with their annual band concert in the Farquhar Auditorium at the University of...
Olympian Efforts in Boarding
Video by Darin Steinkey; Photos by Chris Bateman
Music: Cold Cold Kiss by Oh! Belgium CC BY-SA 3.0
With the London Olympics just around the corner,...
Around the World in 80 Minutes
by Jasper Johnston, Grade 8 student
Last Thursday, all Grade 6 students took part in an evening event showcasing their work this year. "Around the...
Choirs Present Movie Songs and Latin Classics
by Erin Anderson, editor
Last Tuesday, young voices filled the already crowded Christ Church Cathedral, as students from Grade 4-8 performed a range of choral...
A Demonstration of Parliamentary Debate
by Jim de Geode, Middle School teacher
This week, Mrs. Yorath and Ms. Eden’s Grade 5 classes were treated to a Parliamentary debate by four...
Spooky Stories From SMUS
by Sue Vachon, teacher
When you have a school that is over 100 years old, there are bound to be ghost stories that surface. This...
Grade 7 Voices in the Wilderness
Pictures by Zyoji Jackson
by Sophie, Grade 7
On May 1, the Grade 7 science classes went on a field trip to Goldstream Park. While we...
Everything Middle School parents want to know about University Counselling and applying to university
Dr. Whitney Laughlin, Director of University Counselling, will talk to Middle School parents 7 – 8 p.m. Monday May 7 in Copeland Lecture Theatre...
Grade 8 Boarders Farm for a Cause
Photos by Kevin Lin
by Jerry, Grade 8 Boarder
In honour of Earth Day, all the Grade 8 boarders went to Woodwynn Farms on Saturday, April...
SMUS Sailors Ahoy!
Photos by Richard DeMerchant
by Sena, Grade 8
The SALTS trip was an extraordinary experience! During the Spring Break, a group of approximately 25 Grade 7...
An Artist’s View of the ISA Art Show
by Olivia, Grade 6
I really enjoyed the art show. You could see all the different types and styles of art from different perspectives and...
Demi-Gods and Goddesses Descend on SMUS
by Elise, Grade 7
Learning about Ancient Greece doesn’t have to be boring. Before Spring Break, the Grade 7 students were given the creative assignment...
ISA Art Show Highlights Junior and Middle Artwork
by Angelina Agathoklis, art teacher
Anyone can attend the annual Independant School Association art show this Saturday and you can see plenty of SMUS pieces...
Melodies From the Middle School
by Donna Williams, Head of Music
Anyone who was fortunate enough to be at UVic this Monday evening, was treated to an eclectic outpouring of...
Japanese Visitors Share Traditions
by Dawn Wilson, Director of Education Extension
Last Friday, a group of 35 students from Fukushima Seikei High School in Japan visited the school. They...
SMUS French Teacher Honoured
by Xavier Abrioux, Director of the Middle School
This week, Middle School French teacher Karen Oraas was celebrated at a ceremony at the legislature. Karen...
Cross-Grade Program Perks Up PE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GZmMDbfMyW0
by Erin Anderson, editor
Middle School students have been trying out all kinds of activities as part of the cross-grade PE program, which was recently...
Vive le Discours!
by Cam Culham, Junior Houseparent
Having worked in the boarding community as a Bolton house parent for nearly 19 years, one of the drawing cards...
SMUS in the News: The Long Awaited Return of Cooking in the Classroom
March 5, 2012
EAT magazine
Middle School, Ellie Shortt '05
The Long Awaited Return of Cooking in the Classroom
Black History Chapel Features Personal Stories
The Black community hosted a special chapel to celebrate Black History Month. With personal stories from Africa, Canada and the United States, to step-dancing...
Exploring Exploratory: A New Way to Learn
One of the unique programs at the SMUS Middle School, Exploratory classes, allow students to try out different activities in a relaxed atmosphere. Students...
Students and Parents Pick Up Literature Tips
by Melanie Edwards, parent
I was greeted with a warm welcome on Monday evening as I entered the Middle School library to attend Jocelyn Dimm's...
Super Sunday in Boarding
Photos by Ian Robertson and Craig Farish
Reflections on Boarding Super Sunday
by Mehrab Khazei, Grade 8 Boarder
This weekend was one of the best weekends that...
Scholar in Residence Combines History and Performing Arts
Historical figure Harriet Tubman visited SMUS last week, in the form of veteran performer Leslie McCurdy. Starting her day at the Junior School, she...
Grade 8 Students Get Medieval
by Erin Anderson, editor
For her Social Studies 8 class, Anna Miller instructed her students to draw from what they had learned about the lives...
Mathematics Adds Up to More Than Numbers
Professor Mike Eden from the University of Waterloo spoke to Middle and Senior School students last week, giving them problem-solving tips and talking about...
Outdoor Education Offers Beaver Tails and Snow Flurries
by Mike Danskin '98, coaching intern and house parent
5:15 am comes early on a Saturday morning. There were plenty of pillows stuffed under arms...
Middle School Leaders Learn About UN Goals
by Jasper, Grade 8
On Saturday, January 20, I traveled to Mulgrave School in Vancouver, along with 14 other selected Grade 7 and 8 students,...
It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like… January
by Erin Anderson, editor
Snow is still a pretty special event in Victoria, so it's not surprising that many people were excited to see the...
Victoria Film Festival Features SMUS Pictures
The 2012 Victoria Film Festival runs from February 3–11 and includes two pieces from the SMUS community: Figaro on the Go, a documentary created...
Dead Batteries Save Lives
by Jonathan and Christopher, Grade 7 & 8
A group of Free the Children members travelled to Vancouver to attend We Day in October. At...
Classic Dinner and Chapel Music for Boarding
Community dinners are an opportunity for boarding students and houseparents to come together around a meal and enjoy each others' company. The first community...
Special Speaker on US Admissions January 25th
Peter Van Buskirk, Author, Motivational Speaker, and Former Dean of Admission will be presenting on “ The Admission Game”, a lively interactive evening for:
Middle...
Leadership Opportunities – Middle School
There are many ways students at the Middle School develop and demonstrate their leadership skills. The focus through Grades 6-8 is really establishing a...
The Best SMUS Review Stories of 2011
by Erin Anderson, editor
Since we're embarking on a new year, we thought it was a good time to take a look back at the...
Back to School with SMUS Faculty
If you're like me, when you hear the phrase "back to school," you think of Rodney Dangerfield's 1986 return to college. Unlike the movie,...
A Look Ahead at 2012
As the calendar year ends, we still have six months left in the school year, and those months are some of our busiest times....
A SMUS Holiday Montage!
December is full of holiday celebration at SMUS. From the delicious shortbread cookies baked in Brown Hall to the pile of snow brought in...
SMUS Hands Out Christmas Hampers
Tis the season of giving and both the Middle and the Senior School embraced the holiday spirit by collecting toys and food for local...
A Memorable Afternoon of Middle School Recitations
Last week, the SMUS Middle School students performed at their recitations finals. Recitations - a long-held school tradition where students memorize poems, monologues and...
Students Dive Into Dodgeball
Students got some great exercise last week with a whole lot of dodgeball. Boarders began to practice their dodging skills through house games over...
A Uniquely Canadian Weekend for Grade 8 Boarders
Photo by Zoe Isberg
by Teresa Xu, Grade 8 boarder in Winslow House
This past week was amazing, especially the weekend activities. On Friday night, we...
Strings Students Give Stirring Performance
Middle School parents, students and staff were treated to a wonderful afternoon of music last week. Grade 7 and 8 strings students played a...
Have Snakes, Will Travel
by Darin Steinkey
As part of their Diversity of Living Things unit, Grade 6 and 7 science classes welcomed four visitors from the Travelling Snake...
Remembrance Day at SMUS
Each year, our school holds a very special service for Remembrance Day. Combining drama, music, speeches and song, this ceremony helps us to reflect...
Grade 6 Students Discover Ocean Life
At the Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre, SMUS students got a chance to see some local aquatic species up close. The centre has a variety...
Reflections on Boarders Without Borders
by Evelyn Zapantis, Boarding Services
We had an all-time record of over 60 day families and 122 boarders for our annual Boarders Without Borders meal!...
Planting SEEDS of Sustainability
From pulling broom on Mt. Tolmie to favouring re-useable bags, purchasing bikes for boarding or replacing the aging boiler in School House, SMUS is...
A Howl of a Good Time in Boarding
It was a weekend full of Halloween-themed everything for boarders and house parents; from Brown Hall meals, to fireworks, to the boarding-wide talent show,...
Middle School Spends Day Serving Others
All the teachers and students at the SMUS Middle School spent their entire Thursday out in the community. From student musicians performing for senior...
Grade 6 Students Explore Lake Life
Grade 6 students visited Swan Lake to learn about the various creatures, large and small, that live in and out of the water. Here's...
SMUS History Goes Online and Interactive
by Laura Authier
I love history. I love looking at old photographs and being surprised by what looks different and even more surprised by what...
Middle School Students Share We Day Experience
by Mark Piazza, Grade 8
On Thursday, October 13, I was fortunate enough to have attended We Day at Rogers’s arena in Vancouver. It is...
Prefects Talk Leadership in the Middle School
Last week, Head Girl Gaby Jeliazkov, Head Boy Quinn Kliman and Liam Maclure visited the Middle School to talk to the Grade 8 students...
Boarders Aim for Soccer Victory
Photos by Cheryl Murtland, Becky Anderson, Craig Farish, Ian Robertson & Darin Steinkey
Music by Kevin Macleod
Grade 8 Weekend Wrap-up
by Mehrab Khazei, Grade 8 Boarder
Last...
Houseparents Offer Thanksgiving Food for Thought
by Keith Driscoll, Director of Residence
To give thanks causes us to stop for a moment and reflect upon what is going well in our...
Learning Centre Students Take the Lead
Research suggests that kids who understand their strengths and weaknesses are more able to advocate for their own learning needs. For the past three...
Inside Open House
Next Friday, on October 21, SMUS is holding its first Open House of the year. Despite becoming a staple SMUS event in recent years,...
First Spirit Week Peps Up the Middle School
The Middle School House Council organized the very first Spirit Week, incorporating all kinds of events. On Monday, students were able to write little...
A Look Inside SMUS Chapel
Chapel is a weekly aspect of SMUS life and it is slightly different at all three schools. Though SMUS has an Anglican history, chapel...
Athletics Review: U13 Girls Soccer
The U13 girls soccer tournament held at SMUS on Thursday, September 29th and Friday, September 30th was a resounding success! This year only four...
Grade 6 Artists Dig Into Clay Sculpture
Grade 6 students got their hands dirty this week practicing sculpture fundamentals. They are preparing to learn about glazes and firing clay — knowledge...
Wall-to-Wall Action for the Grade 8 Boarders
Pictures by Zoe Isberg
by Mehrab Khazei, Grade 8 boarder
This weekend was jam-packed — we got to do three activities!
On Friday night we went to...
SMUS Leadership Definition
I feel that is important to begin each year with intention and clarity. With that in mind, I look to our leadership definition to...
A Grand Opening for Boarders
by Sydney Fraser, Grade 11
The first week at a new school tends to be overwhelming, and my first week at SMUS was no exception....
The Proof is in the… Sandbox?
by Kennedy Aragon-Scriven, Grade 8
On Monday, September 12, the Grade 8 math classes got together — outside the classrooms — along with their teachers...
Students Kick Off Athletic Season
"I challenge each and every student to get involved with athletics at the school. If you didn't play on a team last year, I...
Students Start Year with Leadership
Both the Middle and Senior Schools welcomed their newest members with student-led programs designed to help their younger peers quickly settle into SMUS. Grade...
Boarding Community Comes Together
by Darin Steinkey, Timmis Senior Assistant House Parent
Summer on the Island may have been short on heat, but campus was smokin' over the Labour...
Summer Students Perform Fringe Hit
From Culture Vulture Victoria
by Chris Felling
Urinetown comes courtesy of the SMUS Theatre Intensive. It’s an unauditioned high school cast who, while still green, shows...
Students Spend Summer Playing Rugby
Rugby continues for a number of SMUS rugby players this summer as they represent a variety of local regional and provincial sides. This weekend...
Middle School Closing Ceremonies
The Middle School community celebrated a year of learning, fun and achievement last Friday with the annual Middle School Closing Ceremonies. Kicking off with...
Middle School House Games
by Lindy Van Alstine, Middle School Teacher
Last Wednesday, the Middle School was a buzz of activity in eager anticipation of the annual end-of-year House Sports...
Keep the Beat 2011 Breaks Records
At this year's annual Keep the Beat fundraiser, the SMUS Arts Council raised a record amount of money for War Child Canada: $8777.35. Selling...
SMUS Raises Funds With World Partnership Walk
The World Partnership Walk was held on Sunday, May 29. Many families from SMUS gathered at Beacon Hill Park for this annual event in...
Choral Concert Features Many Voices
Students in Grades 4-12 sang in the Cross-Campus Choral Concert at Christ Church Cathedral last night, performing a wide range of pieces. The youngest...
Cross Campus Band Concert Scores Big
At this hectic time in the school year, it's great to have an opportunity for an enjoyable evening of music. On Wednesday night, band...
Grade 6 Students Learn Systems Theory
The Parents' Auxiliary brought in guest speaker Russel Horowitz to talk to Grade 6 students about systems theory and the problems humanity is facing...
Grade 5 & 6 Students Build Edible Atoms
Grade 6 students hosted some special visitors from the Junior School this week when Grade 5 classes came to the Middle School to build...
Grade 6 Students Present Space Stations
Last week, Grade 6 Science students created their own concepts for space stations and talked about their ideas with their classmates. After learning about...
Middle School PE Classes Learn to Cook
Cross-grade PE classes are doing something new this year. Thanks to the Middle School's burgeoning health and nutrition program, students are spending two classes...
Grade 8 Student Ranks High in Geography Competition
One of our Middle School students got some exciting news recently - he placed within the top ten for the Great Canadian Geography Challenge....
Athletics Council Runs Spring Break Camp
Over Spring Break, a few of our Senior School students returned to campus to run a soccer camp for students in Grades 4-7 and...
Survey Leads to Changes at Brown Hall
Recently, Brown Hall conducted an in-depth survey of staff and students, to find out how happy they were with Brown Hall. Thanks to an...
Oliver!
by Liz Humphries '05
As I walked through the doors of the McPherson Playhouse on the opening night of Oliver! happy memories of excited nervousness...
SMUS Basketball Teams Make History
It was another magical two-week period for SMUS basketball. For the first time ever, in the same year, five teams reached their respective provincial...
Artist Rande Cook Visits SMUS Middle School
by Mckenna Haz, Grade 7
Recently, my class had the opportunity to meet a special local artist, Rande Cook, known for his First Nations art...
Science 8 Class Examines the Eye
Grade 8 students spent some time examining the different parts of the eye through dissecting the eyes of cows. As part of their lab,...
New Opportunity for Middle School Squash Lovers
by Ethan Lee and Matt Ashton, Grade 10 students
We are organizing the first Middle School Squash Tournament as part of our business education class....
Middle School Musical Taking Shape
The Middle School will put on a production of Oliver this year and students are busy preparing for their big debut. This week, students...
Grade 8 Students Learn About Drug Dangers
Through the Health and Career Education classes, students learn about many topics that can affect their future health and success. Each grade also completes...
Students Help Families Have a Happy Holiday
Over the past month, several homerooms have been collecting food and gifts for local families who could use a little help celebrating Christmas. This...
Middle School Students Debut Businesses
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dcFar9uUfJ4
Students Compete in Film Festival Contest
The Victoria Film Festival includes FilmCAN, a contest for young filmmakers, where the favorite videos go on to be played in the film festival....
Boarders Tour Butchart Gardens Christmas Display
by Marisol Mayagoitia, Grade 10 boarder
I have visited Butchart Gardens during the summer a couple of times. Coming from Mexico, I was pretty amazed...
Middle School Carol Service
by Amita
On December 2nd, the Middle School had its annual carol service. I sung in the Grade 8 choir. The two songs we sung...
Athletics Review: Dec 10, 2010: Special Basketball Update
Grade 8 Boys Basketball
The Grade 8 boys basketball team completed their pre-Christmas season undefeated, thanks to important City playoff semifinal and final victories.
With BC...
Athletics Review: Dec 6, 2010
Senior Girls Basketball
The Senior girls basketball team opened play this week in an exhibition series. The team faced Belmont on Friday afternoon, winning 76-17....
Middle School Adds to the Festival of Trees
by Robyn, Grade 7
Last week, a number of students from the Middle School went to the Fairmont Empress Hotel to take part in the...
Middle School Students Perform Recitations
by Rachel, Grade 8
On Tuesday, November 30th, we had our Middle School Recitations. I was one out of 16 students who was picked to...
Exploratory: What’s Happening
by Amanda and Amita
Last exploratory, we spent our class visiting some of the other exploratory classes. We visited the cross-stitching, broadcasting, wood-working, games, house...
Bolton House Expands Knowledge of Its Namesake
by Brenda Waksel, archivist
Last week, we unveiled three posters depicting the life of William Washington Bolton, one of our founders and the namesake of...
Meet A Few Cast Members of Oliver
by Amanda and Amita
The Middle School is beginning work on our upcoming production of Oliver and the lead cast was recently accounced. We asked...
Boarders Without Borders
Submitted by Shelley Austin, photos by Lisa Hopkins
The long circular driveway was clogged with cars at 5pm, Sunday Nov. 7, 2010. Boarders were streaming out...
Boarders Get a Taste of Home
by Sophia Loers, Grade 11 boarder
Sunday evening. It´s cold outside. Four girls are waiting in the Symons foyer for their Boarders without Borders dinner....
Students Make Friends with Snakes
by Erin Anderson, editor
The Grade 6 science classes had an exciting morning this week, as the travelling snake program stopped by with two very...
Middle School Dedicates Day to Service
by Dariol Haydock, Director of the Middle School
Before our first Middle School service day, I must admit I wondered how it would work to...
Biology Students Create Incredible Edible Cells
by Laura Williams, Grade 6
On October 18th, the Grade 6 students did a cell lab in class. It was made up of an assortment...
Service Day: Woodwyn Farm
by Amita
On Thursday, November 4th the middle school had a service day. Everyone went out and did something for the community or the environment....
Service Day: Mount Tolmie
by Amanda
On November 4th, the Middle School had its very first service day. Every student in the Middle School split up in groups to...
Exploratory Students Take Over the Middle School Blog
by Erin Anderson, editor of the SMUS Review
On November 1, the Middle School began a new series of exploratory classes, where students can choose...
Boarding Students Howl for Halloween
by Donna Williams, Senior School Strings Teacher and Winslow House Staff Member
On Halloween night the entire boarding community, some 250 students and over 30...
Grade 8 Class Learns Math Through Dance
by Mackenzie Valentine, Grade 8
Watching Michael Boston (the tap-dancer) I was amazed! His feet were moving so fast it was making my head spin....
Grade 6 Scientists Study Swan Lake
by Ben, Grade 6
I liked the Swan Lake field trip a lot. The beginning was fun when we got to catch animals and some...
Athletics Review: Oct 25, 2010
Middle School Cross-country
The Middle School cross-country team wrapped up their season this week with some fantatic results! After six weeks of practicing on all...
Middle School Cellists Play with a Special Guest
by Athena and Keeley, Grade 8
On October 17th, Desmond Hoebig, a professional cellist, came to the Junior School with us. He played the Schumann...
SMUS Review: Middle School Cellists Perform
by Athena Kerins and Keeley Copeland, Grade 8
On October 17th, Desmond Hoebig, a professional cellist, came to the Junior School with us. He played...
SMUS Review: The Time Benders
by Rachel Olson, Grade 8
As I walked along the stone-brick path to chapel, I thought what was about to happen was going to be...
Grade 6 Students Go Outdoors
by Mattia, Grade 6
On September 27th, 2010, all Grade 6 students went to Metchosin Wilderness Camp. In one day at the camp we did...
New Head of Brown Hall Cooks Up Changes
by Erin Anderson, editor
Students might notice the food at Brown Hall is a little different this year. Paula Henchion, who was previously our executive...
SMUS: Where Everyone Belongs
by Owen, Grade 8
Where Everyone Belongs or WEB is the name of a newly developed leadership programme for Middle School students. The WEB leader...
House Games Victory at the Middle School
be Ben, Grade 6
The house games at SMUS Middle School took place on Friday, September 10th. I think they were fun! There were all...
Meet our New Director of Learning
by Erin Anderson
Last year, SMUS created a new position to examine how well the school's practices matched with new research into how our brains...
New Year, More Students
by Sue Saunders, Director of Admissions
The first week of September is an exciting time, especially for admissions. We welcome the families who we have...
What’s New at SMUS?
by Erin Anderson, editor
Over the summer, SMUS certainly wasn't idle. As our summer programmes filled the campus week after week, we also found the...
Middle School Closing Ceremonies
by Erin Anderson, editor
The Middle School wrapped up their year with student speakers, music and certificates. Students in Grades 6-8 were celebrated for their...
Colourful End to Middle School Games
by Nancy Mollenhauer, teacher
It was finally a warm June day when the Grade 6 and 7 students headed out on to the fields with...
Free Art at Middle School!
A message from Ms. Wilkens
Students, please stop by the Art Room during recess, lunch, or after school this WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY or FRIDAY and pick up...
Middle School Partners with the World
by Mr. Jim Williams, teacher
Awareness of the World Partnership Walk (WPW) ramped up for the Middle School on Tuesday, May 25th. Retired Junior School...
Grade 7 Student Wins Big at Science Fair
by Ann Makosinski, Grade 7 student
Last April 10 -12, 2010, I participated in the 49th Vancouver Island Regional Science Fair held at the University...
Middle School Students Lead Senior School Chapel
by Claire Williams, Grade 8 student
The most powerful rule: the Golden Rule. The most powerful way to get that message across: your peers. The...
The Concours d’Art Oratoire
The Concours d'Art Oratoire
By Nicholas Loughton
On May 7, 2010, 12 students from SMUS traveled to Vancouver to participate in the annual provincial French public...
Students Band Together for Cross-Campus Concert
by Erin Anderson, editor
Just as their strings counterparts took to the stage a few weeks ago, our Middle School and Senior School band students...
Eclectic Group Performs Traditional Russian Dance
by Anna Maeva, Grade 12 boarder from Russia
One thing I certainly love about SMUS is that people here are always open to and interested...
New Videos on SMUSTube
by Erin Anderson, editor
Since 2010 kicked off, much has happened at SMUS and a few big events were captured on video. SMUSTube, our video...
Middle School Artwork on Display
May has been a big month for Middle School artwork, as our students have been featured in the Independent Schools Association Art Exhibition, had...
Grade 6 Author Included in Anthology
Grade 6 student Simon Hassel was recently chosen to be included in The Dragon's Tale, an anthology of student writing produced by the Poetry...
Baroque Concert Rocks the House
by Erin Anderson, editor
The annual Cross-Campus Strings Concert took a different turn this year, expanding its scope to include everything from the Baroque era...
Spring Break Stories: French Culture Trip
by Sarah Fellows, Grade 7
This Spring Break, 31 Middle School students and three teachers got the opportunity to travel to Montreal, Quebec City and...
Gaming Exploratory at the Middle School
Gaming Exploratory at the Middle School
Written by Shinai Sorensen, Grade 8
Out of all the exploratories at St. Michaels University School (SMUS) there was one...
Earth Week
by Erin Anderson, editor
Earth week is upon us yet again. From April 16-22, students and staff will be paying extra attention to their environmental...
Melodies From the Middle School
by Erin Anderson, editor
This Wednesday, the Middle School held a concert that was unusual in many ways. From the choirs, to the string ensembles...
The Center of the Universe
Written by: Grade 6 Science Students, Olivia Donald & Aveen Glen
On Wednesday, February 24, the Grade 6 Science classes went on a field trip...
Middle School Students Master Math Challange
by Jo Lunn, Middle School mathematics teacher
Some of our keenest Grade 7 and 8 math students recently took part in the regional Math Challengers...
Winter Olympics at the Middle School!
Written by Jake Wilmot and Owen Sudul, House Council Members
On Thursday, in light of the 2010 Olympics, SMUS MIddle School held its own Winter...
Grade 2 Students Party at Senior School
by Grade 2 students Ben Lupin, Julian Fitzgibbon, and Jonah Wilmott
The Grade 2 class went on a pyjama party field trip to the Symons...
Middle School Art Greets Olympic Athletes
By Leanne Wilkins, Middle School Art Teacher
Grade 6 and 7 students at SMUS Middle School spent some time last fall creating “original, colourful and...
Poetry in Mrs. Lee’s Grade 6 Humanities Class
By Grade 6 student Jasper Johnson
This term our grade six class "ate" poetry, after being inspired by the poem, "Reading Poetry" by Mary McIver....
CAIS U13 Boys Basketball Tournament
Day 1 - Thursday, February 4
Just an amazing and unusual first day in Hamilton.
After a smooth trip yesterday to Ontario, the U13 Boys Basketball...
Grade 8 Students Sell Muffins for Haiti
by Jane Pirie and Stephanie Wong-Harrison, Grade 8
Since last year, when we were in Grade 7, we have been having a muffin sale in...
The Borealis String Quartet at SMUS
by Jonathan Sudul, Grade 5
On January 25, Grades 5, 6, 7 and 8 string students heard a recital by the Borealis String Quartet. There...
Grade 6 Classes Join the Six String Nation
by Sam Perelmuter, Grade 6
Yesterday, we had an exciting visit from Mr. Jowi Taylor. He has this guitar (which has been named the Voyageur)...
Grade 8 Students See How the Eye Works
by Jenna Dhillon, Grade 8
On January 20, 2010, Ms. Van Alstine’s Grade 8 science classes filed into the science lab to complete a cow...
Scholar In Residence Speaks to Grade 6 Students
The 'Scholar In Residence' program is sponsoring another visitor to SMUS who will be spending some of his time with Middle School students as...
Borealis String Quartet At The Middle School
On January 25, SMUS will be hosting the Borealis String Quartet. The quartet will be performing for many of our Grade 6-8 students and for the Grade...
Facing Challenges in Film
by Christina Robillard, Grade 8
The Victoria Film Festival offered a new project this year, titled FilmCan. It was a competition to offer Middle and...
New Middle School toilets to save about 350,000 litres of water per year
From the SMUS E-Team
Thanks to Mr. Floyd, the Middle School now has six new efficient toilets! The replacement of the old toilets, which used 13...
Middle School Delivers Christmas Hampers
by Lindy Van Alstine, teacher
The Christmas season raises awareness of less fortunate individuals and families in our community. We have a special tradition at...
A Grade 7 Mathematics Activity
(submitted by Athena; a Grade 7 student)
In Math Enrichment we have been focusing on trigonometry. We have learned how to find missing angles and...
Grade 8 ESL Trip to the Museum and Theatre
(submitted by Mr. Newman)
On December 9, the Grade 8 ESL students made their first educational foray into the Royal B.C. Museum. Accompanied by their...
Celebrations in Grade 6 Humanities
Grade 6 students have been studying various cultures throughout the year as part of their Humanities course. As the holiday season approaches, we have been...
Glowing lanterns in the Chapel
(submitted by Ms. Wilkins)
Middle School Sports Scene
(submitted by Mrs. Mollenhauer)
Well, it has certainly been a busy fall on the Middle School sports scene. From U-13 boys and U-15 girls' soccer traveling...
Middle School Christmas Service Reflections
by Rev. Keven Fletcher
One of the highlights of the Middle School Carol Service is the collection of reflections that the students offer on the...
Grade 8 Cross Grade PE
Submitted by Mr. Kuklinski
As part of the Grade 8 Physical Education program, the students have a double block of classes each day 1 and...
Pacific Rim Pen Pals at Middle School
Mrs. Lee's grade 6 Humanities classes are studying the culture of the Pacific Rim and doing a cross-cultural comparison with Canada. Our research will...
Grade 7/8 Strings Shine in Schaffter Hall
by Athena Kerins, Grade 7
On Wednesday, parents of strings students crowded into Schaffter Hall to hear us play. We had not played in that...
Coins For Kids and the Festival of Trees Service Project
Submitted by Mrs. Smith
The British Columbia Children’s Hospital annually launches a fundraising campaign through a Festival of Trees, held at the Fairmont Empress Hotel....
The Day of the Snakes
by Brennan, Grade 6
In my Grade 6 science class, there were two ladies from Swan Lake. They told us about how a snake eats...
SMUS Remembers
The Senior School campus held a moment of silence this morning at 11:00 in honour of Remembrance Day. Though the school was unable to...
Science Students Look Into Their Hearts
by Emma Donald, Grade 8
On Thursday, November 5th, both of Ms. Van Alstine’s Science 8 classes completed a sheep heart dissection. As I’m sure...
U15 Girls Share Their Soccer Experience
by Grade 8 students Jenna Dhillon, Ali Murtland and Sam Colby
After we arrived in Toronto for the U15 CAIS tournament, which consisted of 16...
Spooky Day at SMUS
Halloween is always a big deal at SMUS, with students and staff donning some truly fabulous costumes each year. This year, the Middle School...
Simon Gray Reflects on Soccer Success
by Simon Gray, Grade 7
The Under 13 boys soccer team has just returned from the CAIS national tournament held in Aurora, Ontario where we...
Grade 7 Student Commended in Essay Competition
by Tessa Owens, Grade 7
Last year, in humanities class, my peers and I took part in the Royal Commonwealth Essay Competition. This sounded very...
Nikki Chooi In Concert at SMUS
by Sydney, Grade 8 strings student
This past Tuesday my friends and I had the pleasure of hearing an amazing performance by Nikki Chooi and...
Stu Saunders Speaks at SMUS
Youth leadership guru Stu Saunders gave a series of successful talks this week. In addition to being the featured speaker at the Grade 9...
Grade 6 Students Look Into Lake Life
by the Grade 6 class
This week we want to Swan Lake to learn about the different organisms that live in the lake. We learned...
Middle School Students Treasure Museum Visit
by Jim De Goede, Middle School teacher
Seventy excited SMUS Grade 7 students and 18 teachers and parents arrived at the Royal BC Museum to...
Colourful Kick-off at the Middle School
Just as our boarders spend their first weekend together amassing points for their respective houses, our Grade 6, 7, and 8 students spend their...
Steve Nash Returns
It was an exciting morning on the SMUS campus, as Steve Nash '92 stopped by to talk to some of his former teachers, answer...
Annual Fund Raises Its Final Star
by Lori Adam, Director of the Annual Fund
At the beginning of the 2008/09 school year, the ambitious goal was set to raise $888,888 for...
Ceremonial End to the School Year
Last week, every SMUS student was honoured during the annual Closing Ceremonies, which are held by the Junior, Middle and Senior Schools.
The Junior School...
Choirs Conclude Concert Season
See slideshow
The Senior School Choral Concert was the final event in a spectacular year of musical performances. The concert was a wonderful way to...
Middle School Ties Up House Games
This Thursday, the annual Middle School Colours Day brought all of our Grade 6, 7 and 8 students to the SMUS field, where they...
Ice Cream Day Keeps Students Cool
A tradition carried on this week as all SMUS students received free ice cream, handed out by a band of alumni at the Junior,...
House Olympics 2009
House Olympics started off with the classic pre-game “surprise” water balloon fight, where we all attack the other house for a while, until we...
Schools Partner with the World
On May 31, many SMUS families took part in the World Partnership Walk fundraiser. Both the Junior and Middle Schools are huge supporters of the...
SMUS Athletes on Track
The SMUS Junior School sent 75 athletes to the VISSA track and field championships this week, where they competed against other independent schools from...
Grade 6 Students Globe Trot
See slideshow
The Middle School became a global microcosm this week, as the Grade 6 students showed off what they had learned about countries around...
Talent Takes Off at SMUS
See slideshow
Last week, students from Grades 6-8 showed what they could do at the Middle School Talent Show. Fresh from their Keep the Beat...
Jazz Night a Cool Treat
See slideshow
This week was the annual Jazz Night, one of the most swinging events of the concert season. The Middle School Jazz Band, Senior...
Students Entertain Seniors
See slideshow
This week, one of the Middle School exploratory classes visited the Luther Court Society care facility, where they performed music for a very...
Concert Shows Students' Growth
See slideshow
The busy spring concert season that kicked off last month with the Cross-Campus Choral concert hit a crescendo this Wednesday with the annual...
Spring Fair Blooms at SMUS
This weekend, the semi-annual Spring Fair returned, bringing much family fun to our campus, including an international food fair, live entertainment, carnival games and...
Athletics Review: May 17, 2009
Tennis
The tennis team had an absolutely incredible day at the Island Tournament last Tuesday. Placed in Pool B with Shawnigan Lake and GNS, the...
Middle School Art on Display
See slideshow
Last weekend, 35 Middle School students had their art on display at the annual Independent School Association (ISA) Art Show. The two-day event...
Athletics Review: May 10, 2009
Track and Field
The sixth and final training meet took place at UVic last week. Top performers included Leo Marchand, who placed 6th in the...
Grade 5 Students Meet Middle School
This week, the Grade 5 students saw a little bit of what their next year at SMUS will be like as they visited the...
The Sounds of Middle School
See slideshow
There was something for everyone at last night’s Middle School concert at the University of Victoria. Every student in the school took part....
Alumni Weekend 2009
See slideshow
This weekend was Alumni Weekend, and many former students returned to the school to see old friends, watch a few sporting events and...
Athletics Review: May 3, 2009
Senior Boys Rugby
It was a busy and demanding week for both Senior rugby squads. On April 28, the 1st and 2nd XV players travelled...
Grade 8 Poets Voice Their Work
On Monday, students and parents gathered on campus for a poetry reading, as Grade 8 students shared some of their favourite pieces of original...
Grade 7 Students Bring History to Life
by Jim DeGoede, Grade 7 teacher
On Tuesday, May 12, several SMUS Grade 7 students stayed behind after school to convert room 305 into a...
Athletics Review: April 26, 2009
Rowing
The SMUS rowing team was up at Brentwood International Regatta this weekend, the largest athletic event hosted by a single high school. Crews from...
Earth Week Grows at SMUS
Senior and Middle School students have been taking action on issues of sustainability in honour of Earth Week. Each day of the week was...
Concert Showcases Cross-Campus Voices
See slideshow
This week, choral students from Grades 4-12 performed at the annual cross-campus choral concert. The Christ Church Cathedral was filled to the ceiling...
Athletics Review: April 12, 2009
Strong Showing for SMUS up at the Track
The track and field team has been training hard up at UVic’s Centennial Stadium. Last week, the...
The King of Elfland's Daughter Debuts
Middle School students delighted their audience with a magical tale as The King of Elfland’s Daughter debuted on Thursday night. The musical production showed...
War Child Teaches Students
Lori Johnston from War Child Canada visited the school this week to speak about how wars around the world impact the lives of children...
The Many Faces of Elfland
When The King of Elfland’s Daughter takes the stage next week, parents may have a hard time picking out their sons and daughters from...
Used Uniform Shop Adopts Art
Visitors to the Used Uniform Shop will be able to enjoy some student artwork as the shop unveils a new mural this week. Designed...
Costumes Transform Elfland Performers
The King of Elfland’s Daughter features many magical creatures and most don’t look much like human children. In order to transform the Grade 6-8...
SMUS Set Nearly Ready for the Stage
With just three weeks before King of Elfland’s Daughter takes to the Royal McPherson stage, students and staff are hard at work making everything...
Middle School Students Put on a Show
Anyone who passes through the Cedar Hill Recreation Centre in the next few weeks will be able to see the art work of about...
Middle School Film Crew Gets Rolling
As part of preparations for the launch of King of Elfland’s Daughter, a small group of Middle School students are training to become a...
SMUS Student Takes Chess Trophy
Grade 7 student Jill Ding took first place at the Victoria Chess Championship earlier this month. By winning every match she played, Jill became...
Elfland Takes Shape at SMUS
In March, the Middle School will be putting on its new magical musical, The King of Elfland’s Daughter. The play, adapted by teacher Mr....
Local Silverwing Performance a SMUS Affair
Two of our Middle School students are currently performing in Kaleidoscope Theatre’s production of Silverwing, a play based on the multiple award-winning novel by...
Parents' Auxiliary Celebrates with Boarders
by Brenda Moore, Grade 12 boarder
The much-anticipated Parents’ Auxiliary Christmas Evening Celebration commenced at half-past six on Saturday, December 6th in the school chapel....
SMUS Comes Together for the Holidays
Last week was our annual all-school assembly, where students from kindergarten to Grade 12 celebrate the season together, with songs and skits. Some of...
Serpents Slither Over to Middle School
Grade 6 students hosted some special guests last week, as two snakes from the Swan Lake Nature Sanctuary came to visit the school. The...
Students Journey to See Salmon
Students from all three schools visited Goldstream Park last week to witness the salmon run, a natural phenomenon in which an estimated 40,000 salmon...
House Games Heat Up
Both boarding and day students have been enjoying competing to win points for their houses. While boarders have spent their weekends playing sports such...
Middle School Shows Awareness
Our Middle School has been busy these last two weeks, spreading the word about two important issues: diabetes and bullying. Last week, SMUS was...
Service Thrives at SMUS
Since September, our students and staff have been involved in a variety of fundraising efforts for people in need. Our Grade 7 students are...
Middle School Boys Score in Soccer
Last month, our U13 boys soccer team travelled to Toronto to take part in the Canadian Association of Independent Schools annual tournament. The Middle...
SMUS Remembers
Last week, students, faculty, parents and alumni commemorated Remembrance Day with music, words and prayer. At the Senior School ceremony, we were honoured to...
Annual Fund Launches with Stars
The Annual Fund campaign kicked off this week as banners went up at both campuses and a new team of parent representatives was launched....
First Notes from Strings Ensemble
The Grade 7/8 Strings Ensemble held its first concert this week, performing for a packed hall of parents, staff, the Grade 6 Strings class...
Things Get Spooky at SMUS
Halloween took over the hallowed halls of all three campuses this week, as students and staff donned costumes, carved pumpkins and enjoyed a few...
Middle School Student Runs Fundraiser
Last week, Grade 8 student Richard Cunningham held a silent auction to raise money for the Victoria homeless shelter Our Place. Amazingly, Richard planned...
Wiseman Shares Wisdom With Students
Our first Scholar in Residence visited the school this week to speak to Middle and Senior students as well as parents. New York Times...
SMUS Gets Ready for Spring
Spring Fair is returning to the school this year, after a long absence. The huge community celebration, which also acts as an important fundraiser,...
Middle School Students Get Justice
This week, Grade 7 and 8 students learned about the Canadian legal system as well as the consequences of online behaviour through an interactive...
Tour de Rock Rolls Into SMUS
Every October, we look forward to the arrival of the Tour de Rock and Cops for Cancer. We do major fundraising on campus before...
Students Warm Up to Arctic Stories
Middle School students welcomed explorer Ian Sterling last week. Mr. Sterling, who visited the school because of our involvement with the Canadian Geographic Society,...
Middle School Students Show Their Colours
Each year, the Middle School stages a big welcome for its new students, both those coming from the Junior School campus and those who...
New Students Bring Much to SMUS
Each year, our school seems to get even more diverse and 2008-2009 will be no different. Our 206 new students have come to us...
SMUS Staff Expands
This September, SMUS is welcoming new teachers, counsellors, house parents and staff. Here are just a few of the new people joining our school...
New Boarders Come to SMUS
As usual, the first week of September was an exciting time as boarders, day students, parents and teachers returned. It’s an especially interesting time...
Middle School Closing Ceremonies & Games
The Middle School celebrated the end of another excellent year on Friday with their closing ceremonies.
Director of the Middle School Xavier Abrioux gave his...
Students Say "Thanks"
With one week left to go, SMUS is already celebrating Annual Fund contributions to date of more than $842,000. The amount significantly exceeds this...
SMUS Poets Recognized Nationally
This year, three poets from the Middle School were recognised in a nation-wide poetry contest. SMUS ranked second out of 500 schools that participated...
Alum's Contribution Lends Support to a New Generation of Drama Students
The St. Michaels University School chapel is a significant place for alumnus Andrew Sabiston ’82. Inside the chapel hangs a tapestry made by his...
Keep the Beat 2008
The weather couldn’t have been better for the annual Keep the Beat Music Marathon at SMUS last Friday. All levels of musical talent from...
Jazz Served up with a Side of Ice Cream
jazz
On Tuesday, students, family and staff enjoyed a candle-lit evening of Jazz in the SMUS gym, with talented swing musicians from the Middle and...
World Partnership Walk
SMUS was well represented on Sunday when the World Partnership Walk kicked off in Beacon Hill Park with close to 200 SMUS students, family...
Spring Band Concert
This Wednesday, Middle School and Senior School band students showed off their talents at the much-anticipated cross-campus Spring Band Concert.
The Brass Ensembles opened the...
Mayhem Hits Middle School
Lyrical madness hit the Middle School last Thursday when the Mayhem Poets, a trio of New York writers and performers, shared their poetry with...
Greek Days and Museum Nights
Ms. Kathleen Cook and Ms. Pam Yorath were pleased to see thier classrooms taken over by a throng of Greek gods and goddesses this...
Grade 5 Students Get a Preview of Middle School Life
On Tuesday, Grade 5 students left their Junior School classes to spend an afternoon at the Middle School in order to get a taste...
1st Annual Capital City Jazz Festival
The 1st Annual Capital City Jazz Festival was in full swing in the SMUS gymnasium this Wednesday, featuring 153 talented young musicians from seven...
Middle School Musicians Shine
After six hours of rehearsing last Thursday afternoon, it is safe to state that the Middle School put together a stellar performance Thursday evening....
Head of School Looks Forward to a Long Future at SMUS
SMUS Board of Governors Chair David Angus is pleased to announce that the Board has finalized a new multi-year contract with Head of School...
Earth Week
This week, the E-team celebrated Earth Week and encouraged students to participate in eco-friendly activities to help SMUS and the Earth stay green. Mr....
Choral Concert
Parents, staff, faculty and students gathered at Christ Church Cathedral Wednesday evening for the Cross-Campus Choral Concert. Students in Grades 4 through 12 performed...
Cross-Campus Strings Concert
Monday evening’s Cross-Campus Strings Concert was another showcase of SMUS’ talented music students. The event was held at the University of Victoria’s Farquhar Auditorium...
Students Get Good Notes at BandFest
The Grade 7 and 8 Concert Bands performed at BandFest 2008 at the University of Victoria last week. BandFest is an educationally oriented, non-competitive...
Middle School Students Compete en Français
For the first time, Middle School students participated in the Canadian Parents for French (CPF) annual French-language public-speaking contest. Thirty-eight students competed on March...
Middle School Competes in its First-Ever Wrestling Match
For the first time at SMUS, students have had an opportunity to participate in wrestling. Mr. Bruce Kuklinski, Middle School Physical Education teacher, introduced...
Bring Your Own Pyjamas
Last week, boarding students hosted an afternoon pyjama party in residence for the Grade 2 students as a way to build cross-grade and cross-campus...
Scholar in Residence: John Dunn
This week, SMUS had the honour of welcoming John Dunn, a wilderness explorer and National Geographic photographer who has made more than a dozen...
A New Director of Annual Fund
This week the school welcomed Ms. Lori Adam, who joins the Advancement office as the new Director of the Annual Fund. Ms. Adam comes...
Middle School Band Concert was an Instrumental Success
Middle School band students proved hard work pays off during their evening performance in Monday's Winter Wonder Band Concert.
The show opened with the Honour...
French Teacher AIMs for Success
Last week, Middle School French teacher Ms. Karen Oraas went to Winnipeg to teach an Accelerated Integrated Method (AIM) workshop, a program designed for...
Used Uniform Shop New to SMUS
This Thursday marked the grand opening of the Parents' Auxiliary Used Uniform shop located at the school’s Shelbourne Street facility. All proceeds from used...
Grade 7 Student Hits Operatic Notes
At just 12 years old, Grade 7 student Richard Cunningham landed a lead role in the opera production Amahl and the Night Visitors.
In a...
Grade 8 Girls Take the Lead
Three Grade 8 girls are using their lunch hour to put leadership in action. Isabella Holt, Christina Chwyl and Michelle Wood started a lunchtime...
Middle School Students Perform in Aladdin Jr.
Grade 6 students Cimarron Langois and Lindon Carter are currently performing in Kaleidoscope Theatre’s Christmas production of Disney’s Aladdin Jr. This Tuesday, the entire...
School-wide Assembly Caps off Busy Term with a Spirited Finale
With over 900 students, it’s rare to be able to get all of the SMUS population under one roof, but last Friday’s all-school assembly...
Holiday Activities for All
Just because classes are ending next Friday, that doesn’t mean that things will be slow at SMUS in December. Students from ages five to...
First Scholar in Residence Visits SMUS
Last week, the school was visited by entrepreneur and former Olympian Jason Dorland, the first speaker selected by the Academic Council for the Scholar...
Middle School Ready for Recitations
After last week’s spectacular performances from the Senior School, the Grade 7 and 8 students presented their own memorized works in their Communication Skills...
Grade 5 Classes Explore Underground
The two Grade 5 classes have both been learning about the history of slavery in North America through a study of the novel Underground...
Recitations Take the Stage at SMUS
Last night, 26 students performed a variety of pieces for an audience of parents, faculty and their peers for the annual SMUS Recitation...
Health and Wellness Tip of the Week: Avoiding the Flu
As the chill of winter sets in, so do a few other things. Even the relatively warm winter of Victoria can help viruses take...
Students Shed Uniforms for Service
Students got to indulge in a little casual wear this week, as each school had its own Service Day, where students can donate two...
Information Evenings Educate Parents on SMUS
This week, Junior, Middle and Senior School each hosted an informative reception for prospective parents, students and families. The events are open to anyone,...
Book Sale Funds Used to Buy Books
This Wednesday was the first day of the second annual book sale, a fundraiser run by the Library Council. After over a month of...
Middle School Raises Funds for Mexico
Service at SMUS is still going strong, as both Middle and Senior Schools are working on important initiatives. This week, the Middle School held...
Pursuing Excellence through CESI Accreditation
This week, St. Michaels University School hosted an assessment team from the Canadian Educational Standards Institute (CESI). First accredited by CESI in 2000, SMUS...
Grade 7/8 Students Bring Music to SMUS
The first of several strings concerts took place this week, with the Grade 7/8 Strings class performing for parents, faculty, family members and...
SMUS Remembers
This week, the two campuses each held a Remembrance Day service in honour of the many people across the world, past and present, affected...
New Board Chair, Governors Appointed at 2007 AGM
Thursday's annual general meeting marked the beginning of a new era in the St. Michaels University School Board of Governors. Stephen Martin, who has...
Parents' Auxiliary Cooking Up Plans for Christmas Dinner
With Halloween over, retail outlets aren’t the only ones moving their eyes forward onto the next holiday. The Parents' Auxiliary is excited for the...
SMUS Students Take to the Ballet Stage
Three of our students took the Royal Theatre stage with the Moscow Ballet, for their production of Swan Lake this week Lindsay Solmer, Julia...
SMUS Haunted by Halloween
All three schools celebrated Halloween today with food and festivities. As usual, there were many elaborate and creative costumes on students of all ages...
E-team Cleans up Waste at Middle School
While environmental action is nothing new for SMUS, this is the first year the Middle School has had its own E-team. The Senior School...
Smooth Rowing for SMUS at the 22nd Annual Regatta
Our rowing team did exceptionally well at Elk Lake this weekend, taking first in Junior Girls doubles and Junior Novice Boys quad, as well...
SMUS Opens up for Open House
Last Friday, staff and students welcomed 113 families to the campus for Open House, an annual event where parents, students, alumni and community members...
SMUS Debaters Dominate Tournament
The 2007 SMUS Debating Tournament took place this Saturday, with five other schools coming to compete. Our students did very well at the tournament,...
SMUS Service Day Serves Orphanage in India
The last SMUS Service Day in June raised around $1200 for the Mother Teresa Orphanage in Bangalore, India, which Middle School student Trenton Schulz-Franco...
2007 CAIS Junior Girls' Soccer Tournament
Last week, the Middle School Girls Soccer Team travelled to Oakville, Ontario to take part in the Canadian Association of Independent School’s Junior Girls’...
SMUS Shows We Care with Hair
Faculty, students and parents will be keeping their heads cool during the coming winter, as many shed their locks for cancer this week. The...
Cops for Cancer Tour Through SMUS
On Thursday morning, 800 SMUS students and 100 SMUS staff lined the driveway to the Richmond campus, anticipating the arrival of 26 riders from...
SMUS Students Run for Terry Fox
Last Friday, Junior School children donned bandannas and took part in the 27th annual Terry Fox Run. The weather was chilly but the children...
Grade 6 Students Devote a Day to Teamwork
Last week, all of the SMUS Grade 6 students took part in an array of team-building activities at Camp Pringle. The one-day event allows...
Boarders Aren't Bored With Intramurals
This was the first week of intramurals, a set of after-school activities primarily for boarders. A huge range of activities are on the schedule...
Health and Wellness Tip of the Week: Cliques and Bullying
With a new school year beginning, plenty of new transitions are taking place at St. Michaels University School. Students are moving up from the...