Tag: Middle School
GALLERY: Back from Spring Break
Check out a photo gallery featuring shots of our Junior, Middle and Senior School students from the first week back after Spring Break
GALLERY: Spring Has Sprung
Check out a gallery of photos from our Junior, Middle and Senior Schools showcasing what has been happening in the weeks leading up to Spring Break
Finding Brightness in the Past 12 Months
Despite the challenges and hardship brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, there are bright spots to recognize from the past year
GALLERY: Final Days of February
Check out a gallery of photos from our Junior, Middle and Senior Schools showcasing some of the learning and happenings during the past couple of weeks
The Silver Lining of the New Athletic Normal
A stop to inter-school sports during the pandemic has allowed students to hone their athletic abilities in a significant way
Sending Love and Kindness to Victoria Seniors
A Valentine's Day service project spearheaded by a Middle School student aims to bring joy and positivity to local retirement homes
GALLERY: The First Week of 2021
Check out a gallery of photos from the first week back at our Junior, Middle and Senior Schools.
Middle School Carol Service and Holiday Concerts
Join us for three holiday shows from our Middle School community: a Carol Service, a band concert and a strings concert
GALLERY: Countdown to Winter Break
Check out a gallery of photos from the last couple of weeks at our Junior, Middle and Senior Schools
Middle School Leaders Prioritize Positivity and Belonging
Two Middle School WEB leaders highlight the important work they and their classmates do to build community
The Highs and Lows of Educating During a Pandemic
Our expectations of ourselves need to be adjusted, especially when it comes to adapting to long-term challenges, writes Susan Vachon
Sustainability Day: Small Changes Make Big Differences
The Middle School Sustainability Council highlights how "no one is too small to make a difference" when it comes to protecting our planet
Remembering the Fallen
Watch the 2020 Remembrance Day Service and join us in remembering the 134 students and faculty who lost their lives during the First and Second World Wars
How to Be Funny in Middle School
Chaplain Keven Fletcher writes about helping Middle School students navigate the pitfalls of developing their senses of humour
GALLERY: Happy Halloween from SMUS!
Check out photos from this year's Halloween festivities at SMUS
5 Tips for Supporting Your Child’s Mental Health During a Pandemic
Allison Peace, Middle School personal counsellor, offers helpful ways parents can ensure their child feels well through the challenges of their new normal
Renewed Appreciation
As we approach Thanksgiving, Richard Brambley highlights a renewed sense of appreciation and thankfulness for being together at school
PHOTO GALLERY: Welcoming Autumn on Campus
Check out a gallery of photos from the first few weeks of autumn at our Junior, Middle and Senior Schools
SMUS in the News: Why Orange Shirt Day is Personal for This 11-Year-Old
Grade 6 student and community leader Haley P. is interviewed by CBC Kids News ahead of Orange Shirt Day
Meet a Middle Schooler Rallying to Honour Residential School Survivors
Grade 6 student Haley P. has spent the last three years raising awareness of the impact of residential schools
PHOTO GALLERY: First Week of the 2020-21 School Year
The first week of school has been a wonderful opportunity for us to come together as a school community
SMUS Revamps Boarding Program to Safely Reunite Full Community
With new health and safety measures in place, we revamped boarding to bring our whole community back together
2020 Retirees: Dariol Haydock
Learn more about the outstanding contributions to SMUS by Dariol Haydock, Assistant Director of the Middle School
2020 Middle School Closing Ceremonies
The Middle School community comes together virtually for Closing Ceremonies that mark the end of the 2019-20 school year
An Engaging Way to Learn Français
Middle School students continue learning French from home through fun and interesting activities
The Impact of Remote Learning on Visual Arts Class
Middle School art teacher Leanne Wilkins highlights how students are adapting to learning visual art from home
Staying Connected While Worlds Apart
'I didn't think boarding would come home with me. It makes it feel like we’re ... still together but just on a screen.'
Challenge Accepted! Take Up the Weekly Outdoor Challenge
Mr. Zyoji Jackson encourages students to get outside
How to Make the Best Out of Learning at Home
Susan Vachon offers parents tips on making the best out of remote learning
Health and Wellness Week at Home
Students and teachers share tips to help you stay happy, healthy and well in times of change
Athletics Week in Review: March 17
Basketball, rugby, soccer and squash are featured in the latest Athletics Week in Review
The Culture of Performance
Christopher Smith delves into why preparing for and delivering a performance is a skill we want all students to develop
Athletics Week in Review: March 6
Basketball at the Grade 7/8 Girls and Junior Girls levels are highlighted in the latest Athletics Week in Review
Athletics Week in Review: February 26
Basketball and squash, and a look-ahead to the rugby Boot Games, are highlighted in the Athletics Week in Review
Reading Takes You Places!
Teacher-librarian Sarah Bailey highlights the Middle School students who are representing Canada in "the sport of reading"
A Deep Dive into the Adolescent Brain
Susan Vachon explores brain development in Middle Schoolers and highlights how the adolescent brain needs careful guidance to grow
Changing the World, One Science Fair Project at a Time!
Julie Harris highlights the ingenuity and passion students put on display at this week's science fair
Athletics Week in Review: January 29
Basketball and squash are featured in the latest Athletics Week in Review
Athletics Week in Review: January 22
Basketball and squash are highlighted in the latest SMUS Athletics Week in Review
Grade 8 Students Highlight Mental Health at Leadership Conference
Teacher Tanya Lee highlights why Grade 8 students chose to focus their leadership conference on mental health
Ringing in the Winter Break as a Community
The final days before Winter Break are filled with traditions that bring us together as a SMUS community
Athletics Week in Review: December 10
Basketball, cross country, rugby, soccer and volleyball are highlighted in the latest SMUS Athletics Week in Review
Carol Service: Traditions and Rituals Connecting a Community
The SMUS community gathers for the annual Carol Service to enjoy music and thoughtful student reflections
The Benefits of Failure
Richard Brambley, Director of Middle School, writes about how failure sets students up for future successes
Celebrated Storytellers Talk First Nations History and Respect
Authors Roy Henry Vickers and Robert 'Lucky' Budd spoke with students about First Nations history and respect
Remembrance Day: ‘Today We Remember Them All’
The SMUS community gathered to celebrate Remembrance Day and honour the men and women who fought for their country
Athletics Week in Review: October 29
Cross country, field hockey, soccer, squash and volleyball are highlighted in our latest Athletics Week in Review
Athletics Week in Review: October 24
Cross country, field hockey, soccer and volleyball are highlighted in our latest Athletics Week in Review
What Kind of Leader Am I?: Reflections from Leadership Camp
Grade 8 student Sophia T. writes about what she learned and the skills she gained at the CAIS Middle School Leadership Camp
Athletics Week in Review: October 15
Cross country, field hockey, soccer and volleyball are highlighted in our latest SMUS Athletics Week in Review
GALLERY: A Week of Community and Service
Check out a gallery of photos from the past week of events that highlight community and service
Athletics Week in Review: October 2
Cross country, field hockey, rowing, soccer, squash and volleyball are highlighted in our latest Athletics Week in Review
Should We Lower the Voting Age in Canada?
'Students of a young age have informed opinions and can make choices that are important to them'
Building a Student Community in Boarding
Student leaders help their fellow housemates find a home and build a caring community at boarding school
Athletics Summer in Review
When the school year came to a close in June, many of our student athletes did not take the summer off. Along with many...
GALLERY: First Week of the 2019-20 School Year
The first week of school has been jam-packed full of fun and memorable moments for students and teachers
Meet Kenzi and Max, Our 2019-20 Head Prefects
Meet Kenzi and Max, the two Grade 12 students who were elected to be our Head Prefects for the 2019-20 school year
Opa! Grade 8 Students Return from Unforgettable Greece Trip
After learning about Greece in school, a group of Grade 8 students travelled to the Mediterranean country at the start of Summer Break
2019 Retirees: Nancy Mollenhauer
Learn more about the outstanding contributions to SMUS by Nancy Mollenhauer, former Middle School physical education teacher and field hockey coach.
2019 Retirees: Mary Smith
Learn more about the outstanding contributions to SMUS by Mary Smith, former Middle School music teacher.
2019 Retirees: Jim Williams
Learn more about the outstanding contributions to SMUS by Jim Williams, former Middle School science and math teacher.
2019 Middle School Closing Ceremonies
Our Middle School community celebrates the end of the 2018-19 school year at Closing Ceremonies
Grade 6 Students Pitch Proposals to Redesign SMUS
A cross-curricular project sees Middle School students redesigning their school with an eye on sustainability
Athletics Week in Review: May 27
Golf, rugby, track and field, and our Tennis team's provincial win are highlighted in our latest SMUS Athletics Week in Review
The Halls are Alive With the Sound of Music
No matter what time of day you walk through the Middle School, you are almost certain to be greeted by the sound of music...
4 Tips for Supporting Your Child’s Mental Health
Personal Counsellor Ms. Allison Peace offers invaluable tips for parents to support their child's mental health
VIDEO: French Students Deliver at Public Speaking Competition
Watch Middle School students Bianca and Samantha perform their award-winning Concours d'art oratoire speeches
Middle School Math is All About Problem Solving
Middle School math at St. Michaels University School helps students develop the skills to persevere through problem solving
Athletics Week in Review: April 30
Badminton, golf, rowing, rugby, soccer, tennis, and track and field are highlighted in this edition of the Athletics Week in Review
Sun Shine
The new Sun Centre student commons and dining hall is at the heart of student life and community
SMUS Teacher Feature: Mr. Richard Brambley
Meet Mr. Richard Brambley, our incoming Director of Middle School, in this SMUS Teacher Feature
Take a Reading Adventure this Spring Break
Middle School teacher-librarian Ms. Sarah Bailey offers some reading suggestions for Spring Break
Selecting Courses for Next Year
Head of University Counselling Ms. Alison McCallum provides resources from the Course Information Evening and info on how to make course selections
Athletics Week in Review: March 14
Basketball, squash, rugby and soccer are featured in the last Athletics Week of Review of the winter sports season
Behind the Scenes of Seussical the SMUSical
We chat with some of the talented young performers in this year's Middle School musical, Seussical
SMUS Teacher Feature: Mr. David Enns
Middle School band teacher – and director of Seussical – Mr. David Enns is highlighted in our latest Teacher Feature
Athletics Week in Review: February 26
Basketball and squash are featured in the latest Athletics Week in Review
The Next Generation of City Planners
This article originally appeared in the Winter 2018 issue of School Ties.
by Kyle Slavin
If you were given the challenge of redesigning an important urban space,...
Athletics Week in Review: February 15
Though winter weather threatened to interrupt various school sporting competitions, SMUS teams completed their respective commitments with rowing involved in two erg competitions, all basketball teams...
Student Q&A: Grade 8 Leadership Conference
We chat with Grade 8 student Neil P. about his experience as one of the student organizers of the Grade 8 Leadership Conference
Walk Around SMUS in Our New Virtual Campus Tour
Tour around St. Michaels University School using our newly updated Virtual Campus Tour
Athletics Week in Review: January 30
Squash and basketball are highlighted in the latest Athletics Week in Review
Photo Gallery: Middle School Students Shine at Science Fair
Middle School students presented their research and findings at the annual Science Fair this week
SMUS Teacher Feature: Mrs. Laura Keziere
Ms. Laura Keziere, who has been teaching at SMUS since 1984, is highlighted in our latest Teacher Feature
Athletics Week in Review: January 22
Squash and basketball are highlighted in the latest SMUS Athletics Week in Review
An Interview With Mr. Xavier Abrioux ’76
An extended interview with Mr. Xavier Abrioux '76 from the Winter 2018 edition of School Ties
The Top 11 @YourSMUS Instagram Posts of 2018
We highlight the 11 most popular @yourSMUS Instagram posts of the past 365 days!
Athletics Week in Review: December 14
Basketball
The first school term came to a close on a high note this week, with two of our Middle School basketball teams taking home...
SMUS Teacher Feature: Ms. Megan Blackey
Middle School teacher Ms. Megan Blackey is now in her second year at SMUS. She is originally from Chilliwack and was raised in the...
Helping Our Head of School Provide Opportunities
Head of School Mark Turner reflects on the Annual Appeal and how it impacts every student and every opportunity
Carol Service Brings the SMUS Community Together
The SMUS community gathers for the annual Carol Service to enjoy choir performances and thoughtful messages about the holiday season
Athletics Week in Review: November 29
Basketball, volleyball and soccer are highlighted in this edition of the Athletics Week in Review
Middle School Math Rooms Get Learning Upgrades
Classroom renovations featuring flexible furniture and whiteboard walls help support learning Middle School math
The Importance of Feedback
A question we often ask students (and each other) in the Middle School is “how are you showing up”? How are your choices and...
Athletics Week in Review: November 14
Cross country, field hockey, soccer, squash, volleyball and rowing are highlighted in the latest Athletics Week in Review
Lest We Forget: Remembrance Day 2018
The SMUS community gathered to celebrate Remembrance Day and honour the men and women who fought for our country
Athletics Week in Review: November 1
It was a busy and successful week on the SMUS sporting front, with several teams qualifying for BCs and others positioning themselves to do...
Personalized Learning: Middle School Art Gets A Creative Redesign
Visual Arts at the Middle School gets a creative redesign to allow for personalized learning for each artist
What is School Spirit?
The Prefect Council enlists students from Kindergarten to Grade 12 – and our Head of School – to define 'school spirit' at SMUS
Portrait of a Learner: Helping Students Find Balance in Their Busy Lives
Middle School students learn the importance of finding balance in their lives to help set them up for academic success
Meet our 2018-19 Head Girl and Head Boy
Meet Morgan Warner and Ewan Halliday, elected Head Boy and Head Girl for the 2018-19 school year at St. Michaels University School
SMUS Teacher Feature: Ms. Kate Knight
Ms. Kate Knight was recently named Interim Director of the Middle School for the 2018-2019 school year.
Kate was born in Penetanguishene, Ontario and raised...
2018 Middle School Closing Ceremonies
Watch the full Middle School Closing Ceremonies that marks the end of the 2017-2018 school year
Athletics Week in Review: May 23
Soccer, field hockey, track and field and rugby are featured in this week's review
Athletics Week in Review: May 15
Track and field, rowing, rugby, soccer, sailing, badminton, tennis and golf feature in this week's review.
Athletics Week in Review: May 8
Soccer, track and field, golf, badminton and rugby are all featured in this week's review.
Athletics Week in Review: May 1
Rowing, track and field, badminton, soccer and rugby are all highlighted in this edition of the SMUS Athletics Week in Review
Athletics Week in Review: April 25
Soccer, tennis, badminton, squash and rugby are all covered in this week's roundup of sports.
Athletics Week in Review: April 18
Rowing, soccer, tennis, track and field, rugby, field hockey and sailing all feature in this week's review.
From Windmills to Lying: Science Fair Explains It All
Grade 6, 7 and 8 students used the Scientific Method to investigate questions or design an innovation for the Middle School Science Fair
Grade 8s Grace the Catwalk… en Français
Grade 8 French and ELL students worked collaboratively to prepare and present descriptions of individual outfits as they were being modeled by their classmates.
Athletics Week in Review: March 7
Basketball and squash seasons wind up with provincial tournaments; the Elk Lake Regatta is reviewed and we begin the spring rugby season.
Athletics Week in Review: February 27
This week's review features Island basketball championships and Pacific Northwest Squash Championships results.
Reflecting on a Great Grade 8 Leadership Conference
Middle School student Sophia H. writes about the experience of organizing and taking part in the Grade 8 leadership conference
Athletics Week in Review: January 25
From the courts, this week's SMUS Athletics Week in Review features results from a variety of basketball and squash tournaments
Facilities Upgrades Revitalize School Spaces
Renovations and upgrades to classrooms and other facilities over the winter break have brought new life to some learning spaces.
Head’s Up: An Interview with Mark Turner
Grade 12 student Samina Makhanbetazhiyeva interviews Head of School designate Mark Turner about his passions, challenges and future role at the School.
SMUSTube Celebrates Anniversary With Milestones
SMUSTube celebrated it's 10th anniversary in 2017 by reaching a number of milestones.
Grade 7 Students Display Their Work at the Royal BC Museum
Grade 7 science students researched different species and spent time at the Royal BC Museum talking with museum guests about their projects
Carol Service: A Time to Unwind
Students from our Junior, Middle and Senior Schools gathered to celebrate the season with songs and reflections.
Athletics Week in Review: December 14
More basketball news as the season moves through league play in the latest SMUS Athletics Week in Review
Athletics Week in Review: December 4
Catch up on the latest SMUS Athletics as the basketball season gets underway
The Race Car Design Challenge
by Julie Harris, Middle School Program Specialist
Grade 6 students have been using the Engineering Design Process to build race cars and deepen their understanding of...
New Middle School Club is a Great Place to be Crabby!
Grade 10 student Matias Totz writes about the newly founded Marine Science Club at the Middle School
Athletics Week in Review: November 24
Soccer
The Fall sporting season came to an official close this week, with Senior boys soccer, fresh off an Island title, competing in Burnaby at...
SMUS Teacher Feature: Ms. Amy Stark
Middle School Humanities teacher Ms. Amy Stark is highlighted in this week's SMUS Teacher Feature
Athletics Week in Review: November 16
Field hockey provincials, soccer, squash and volleyball are highlighted in this week's SMUS Athletics Week in Review
A Prayer of Remembrance
Rev. Fletcher's words from the Remembrance Day Service highlight why the day has a deep significance for our school
Athletics Week in Review: October 31
Field hockey, volleyball, cross-country, soccer, rugby, squash and basketball are covered in this edition of the SMUS Athletics Week in Review
How Will No Letter Grades from K-8 Impact My Child’s University Applications?
University Counsellor Ms. Kate Knight explains how having no letter grades at the Middle School can have a positive impact down the road at university
Athletics Week in Review: October 19
Another busy sporting week came and went, with local league schedules winding down and teams jockeying for playoff positioning.
Cross-Country
The Senior cross-country team hosted the...
Athletics Week in Review: October 11
Soccer, cross-country, volleyball, rugby and field hockey are covered in this edition of the SMUS Athletics Weekly
SMUS Teacher Feature: Mrs. Sarah Donatelli
Middle School teacher Mrs. Sarah Donatelli is highlighted in this week's SMUS Teacher Feature
Athletics Week in Review: October 4
The fall sports season continued on many fronts, with SMUS teams beginning league play and competing in various invitational tournaments or jamborees. October promises...
Ask SMUS: Why Are There No Letter Grades On My Child’s Report Card?
Director of Academics Ms. Denise Lamarche talks about the shift this year to have no letter grades on Middle School report cards
Athletics Week in Review: September 27
Cross-country, squash, field hockey, volleyball and rugby are highlighted in this edition of the SMUS Athletics Week in Review
Grade 6s Head to Camp Thunderbird for Outdoor Education Trip
Grade 6 students Damon and Michael write about their fun outdoor education trip to Camp Thunderbird
SMUS Teacher Feature: Mrs. Shannon Williams
Middle School teacher Mrs. Shannon Williams is highlighted in this week's SMUS Teacher Feature
#SMUSSelfie Instagram Contest: Meet Your Prefect Council
The first week back at school is the perfect time to make new friends. That's why we're running the #SMUSSelfie Instagram contest with the SMUS Prefect Council
Meet SMUS’s 2017-18 Head Boy and Head Girl
Meet Sean Finamore and Aysha Emmerson, elected Head Boy and Head Girl for the 2017-18 school year at St. Michaels University 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
Four Grade 8 students who've enjoyed their time at the Middle School reflect on their experiences in Grades 6-8
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 a