Tag: Senior School
The SMUS Class of 2017 “Lifers”
A "Lifer" is a SMUS student that began at the school in either kindergarten or Grade 1 and graduated. Recently, the Grade 12 Lifers...
The Class of 2017
Congratulations to the Class of 2017.
Valedictorian Speech
by Jamison Schulz-Franco
Family. Everyone here tonight is part of a family, within one big family. The big family...
2017 Senior School Closing Ceremonies
SMUS held the Senior School Closing Ceremonies on Friday, marking the official end of the school year for the Grade 9-11 students. Every year,...
SMUS in the News: Quinn Ngawati
June 19, 2017
The Province
Head of the Class 2017: Quinn Ngawati
Boarding
When I was a boarding student, I wasn’t anywhere near as reflective as the students I heard today in our Closing Ceremony for Grades...
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
SMUS in the News: Punch Buggy
June 11, 2017
CHEK News
Grade 10 Experiential Program
Punch Buggy: St. Michaels’ students convert classic Volkswagen Beetle into electric car
(Photo courtesy of CHEK News)
Athletic Awards 2017
Congratulations to SMUS's student athletes on a great year in sport, and to our 2017 athletic awards recipients
Grade 10 Students Depart for Experiential Learning Pursuits
Grade 10 students head out on 'the pursuit' to immerse themselves in real-world activities and environments for experiential learning
Athletics Week in Review: June 6
Rugby, rowing, track and field, badminton and soccer are covered in this week's SMUS Athletics Week in Review
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 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
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
Sid Boegman ’16 Returns to SMUS to Talk Gender Identity
The SMUS Pride Alliance celebrated Pride Day this week with a variety of fun activities in the quad. The highlight was a talk and...
Athletics Week in Review: May 16
Sailing, soccer, rowing, golf, track and field, badminton and rugby are covered in this week's SMUS Athletics Week in Review
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 in the News: Students Participate in Mock Provincial Election
CTV Vancouver Island talks to Senior School students participating in a mock election ahead of the official B.C. election
Athletics Week in Review: May 4
Golf, rugby, soccer and track and field are covered in this week's SMUS Athletics Week in Review
SMUS Teacher Feature: Mr. Evan Fryer
Senior School math teacher, Senior boys soccer coach and Barnacle houseparent, Mr. Evan Fryer leads a very busy life inside and outside of SMUS.
Since...
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 Talks Event Builds Student and Community “Connections”
Senior School students share what they learned from organizing and experiencing the inaugural SMUS Talks event
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 in the News: Blue Jags Eye Another Rugby Title
The Times Colonist features the Senior boys rugby team and their quest for another B.C. boys rugby title
University Counselling: Thinking Ahead to Summer
Ms. Alison McCallum, head of University Counselling, offers some great advice for how to spend some of your time off in the summer
Spring Break Service Trip 2017: Mexico
Grade 12 student Fo Wu writes about the Senior School Spring Break service trip to Mexico
SMUS Teacher Feature: Ms. Alex Cecill
Senior School art teacher Ms. Alex Cecill is highlighted in this week's SMUS Teacher Feature
Spring Break Culture and Service Trip 2017: South Africa
Grade 11 student Samantha Cuell writes about the cultural and service trip to Cape Town, South Africa at Spring Break
Spring Break Service Trip 2017: Tanzania
Grade 11 student Sara Perelmuter writes about her experience travelling to Tanzania over Spring Break as part of a school service trip
SMUS in the News: Jamison Schulz-Franco ’17 Recognized as “Future 15” Award Recipient
Grade 12 student Jamison Schulz-Franco is recognized by UniversityHub.ca as one of their "Future 15" award recipients
Athletics Week in Review: March 14
Basketball, rowing and rugby are covered in this edition of the SMUS Athletics Week in Review
SMUS in the News: Quinn Ngawati ’17 Among the Pack
Grade 12 student Quinn Ngawati, recently named to the Toronto Wolfpack rugby league team, is featured by Kiwi League Central
SMUS Teacher Feature: Mr. Mike Jackson
Senior School science teacher Mr. Mike Jackson is highlighted in this week's SMUS Teacher Feature
The Best School Year Ever: “What is Your Dream?”
"It's always just been a dream of mine to go to boarding school." Find out who is the winner of a full-year boarding scholarship to St. Michaels University School
Athletics Week in Review: February 28
Volleyball and basketball are covered in this week's SMUS Athletics Week in Review
REVIEW: Opening Night of Ragtime
Senior School students – and members of the pit orchestra – review the Senior School musical, Ragtime
Athletics Week in Review: February 24
Squash, basketball and swimming are covered in this week's SMUS Athletics Review
SMUS in the News: Natasha Kis-Toth ’18 at World Cup Fencing in Richmond
February 22, 2017
Richmond News
Natasha Kis-Toth '18
The Pulse: En Garde
SMUS in the News: Ragtime’s Message Still Rings True
Saanich News promos the Senior School production of Ragtime, and the important message the show presents
Curtain Call: Meet Ragtime’s Coalhouse Walker Jr.
The SMUSpaper sits down with the two students playing Coalhouse Walker Jr. in the Senior School musical, Ragtime
The Best School Year Ever 2017 Finalists Are…
We are excited to introduce you to the five finalists of The Best School Year Ever contest
Athletics Week in Review: February 16
Volleyball, basketball and swimming are covered in this week's SMUS Athletics Week in Review
SMUS Teacher Feature: Ms. Susan MacDonald
Senior School English teacher Ms. Susan MacDonald is highlighted in this week's SMUS Teacher Feature
Choosing the Right High School Courses at SMUS
Senior School students will soon pick their classes for next year. Find out everything you need to know to help you choose the right high school courses
Athletics Week in Review: January 31
Basketball, volleyball and squash are covered in this week's SMUS Athletics Weekly
AP Students Map Their Family’s Migration History
AP Human Geography students learn about migration by researching and mapping their family histories
Athletics Week in Review: January 24
Basketball and squash are covered in this week's SMUS Athletics Week in Review
Reflections on a Service Day for Project Somos
Students Aysha Emmerson and Dalal Tubeishat spoke in Chapel this week about Project Somos, a charity in Guatemala that helps single and widowed mothers and their children
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
SMUS Teacher Feature: Mr. Peter Butterfield
Choir teacher and boarding houseparent Mr. Peter Butterfield is covered in this week's SMUS Teacher Feature
Athletics Week in Review: January 19
Basketball at the Senior School is covered in this week's SMUS Athletics Week in Review
Ask SMUS: “Why Did the Senior School Timetable Change?”
The Senior School timetable change could be the start of a series of changes as we further explore how daily timetables and the academic year impact student learning
SMUS Teacher Feature: Mr. David Kerr
Senior School teacher Mr. David Kerr is highlighted in this week's SMUS Teacher Feature
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
SMUS in the News: Toronto Wolfpack See Quinn Ngawati ’17 As One to Watch
Grade 12 student Quinn Ngawati – who earned himself a rugby league contract recently – is featured in the Ottawa Citizen
SMUS in the News: Jamison Schulz-Franco ’17 Leads the Way on Field and Court
Grade 12 student Jamison Schulz-Franco is featured on Chek News in the lead-up to the inaugural Passion Sports UVic Alumni Basketball Tournament
SMUS in the News: Quinn Ngawati ’17 Earns Pro Rugby League Deal
Grade 12 athlete Quinn Ngawati recently earned himself a contract to play rugby with the Toronto Wolfpack, Canada's newest pro rugby team
SMUS in the News: Quinn Ngawati ’17 Chasing English Rugby League Dream
December 17, 2016
The Province
Quinn Ngawati '17
Victoria teen Quinn Ngawati chasing English rugby league dream
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
SMUS Teacher Feature: Ms. Sarah Beeston
Ms. Sarah Beeston, a SMUS alumnus, is highlighted in this week's SMUS Teacher Feature
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
Engage, Inspire, Empower
It started out as colourful words on a page as we gathered around a table. Three words, “engage, inspire, empower”, were written in green...
Athletics Week in Review: December 7
Colonist Cup soccer, alumni basketball and more are covered in this edition of the Athletics Week in Review
SMUS in the News: Quinn Ngawati ’17 Selected as Finalist for Pro Rugby Team
Grade 12 student Quinn Ngawati has been selected as a finalist to play for the Toronto Wolfpack, a new pro rugby team
Grade 10 Students Reflect on Experiential Opportunities
Three students write about their experiences so far in the unique Grade 10 experiential program
SMUS in the News: Blue Jags Take AA Soccer Title
The Senior boys soccer team's provincial AA victory is covered in the Times Colonist and Saanich News
SMUS Teacher Feature: Mr. Kevin Cook
Mr. Kevin Cook, our Director of Service, is highlighted in this week's SMUS Teacher Feature
Athletics Week in Review: November 25
Volleyball, soccer and basketball are covered in this week's SMUS Athletics Weekly
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
SMUS Captures BC AA Boys Soccer Title
For the second time in three years, the Senior boys soccer team has captured the B.C. AA title.
Starting as the 12th seed, based on...
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
Grade 12s Return to Junior School for Lifers Assembly
Our Class of 2017 includes 19 Lifers – students who've been at SMUS since Kindergarten or Grade 1.
SMUS in the News: Senior Boys Punch Ticket to Colonist Cup Final
November 17, 2016
Times Colonist
Senior boys soccer team
SMUS, Reynolds punch tickets to Colonist Cup final
Vancouver Island AAA Girls’ Volleyball Championships 2016
Dates: November 18-19, 2016
Round robin matches are best of 3: first 2 games to 25, 3rd game to 15, no cap.
Semi-final, bronze, and final...
Our Past and Future Reflected in the Sun Centre
This week I announced that we are beginning construction of the Sun Centre, our new Dining Hall and Student Commons. The Sun Centre –...
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
AP Students Travel to Bamfield for Hands-On Environmental Science
Grade 12 student Gina Brown writes about the AP Environmental Science field trip to the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre
Athletics Week in Review: November 9
The first week of November saw several provincial titles up for grabs.
Field Hockey
It was with great anticipation that the Senior girls team headed to Surrey...
WANTED: (Even More) Amazing High School Students
We're well aware of it: The Best School Year Ever® contest is a little corny. But we're OK with that – because we know that this opportunity changes students’ lives.
SMUS Teacher Feature: Ms. Ruth McGhee
Ms. Ruth McGhee is no stranger to the SMUS neighbourhood. She was born and raised in Victoria, and her childhood home was three houses down...
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.
Senior School Library Named in Honour of Bob and Joan Snowden
Senior School library is named and dedicated in honour of Head of School Bob Snowden and his wife Joan for their contributions to the school
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.
Athletics Week in Review: October 25
Field Hockey
It was a banner 10 days for the Senior girls 1st XI team. First, thanks to a late game winner from Anna Mollenhauer versus Oak Bay, and...
UK Universities on the Ground: Snapshot Impressions
I had the great fortune to be in the UK this past summer for nearly two weeks, touring a dozen university campuses from London...
SMUS in the News: Grade 11 Student Tony Liu Fundraising for Our Place
Grade 11 student Tony Liu is organizing a tennis event for October 22 to raise money for Our Place Society
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...
East Coast Campus Visits Part II: Places and People of the Maritimes
SMUS University Counsellor Ms. Kate Knight visited universities on the east coast of Canada to learn about studying at schools in the Maritimes
How to Get a Great Letter of Reference from a Teacher
Asking a high school teacher for a letter of reference is a crucial step to help make your university or scholarship application stand out
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
University Options: Look Beyond the Usual Suspects
Earlier this week, the CUE (Canadian Universities Event) came to Victoria. This annual event is a fair format with representatives from about 50 Canadian...
“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
SMUS Teacher Feature: Mr. Jordan Tessarolo
From studying biochemistry to playing in a professional ultimate frisbee league, get to know Senior School math teacher Mr. Jordan Tessarolo in this week's SMUS Teacher Feature
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.
Athletics Week in Review: September 20
The 2016-17 high school sports season at SMUS kicked off with our Senior boys soccer teams and Senior girls field hockey teams taking to the field
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."
Marching Toward Grad 2017
We hosted our annual Grade 12 Student and Parent Information Evening last week to help students and parents prepare for the year ahead. If...
Cultural and Service Trip: Volleyball Tour to Cuba
Right before school started, I traveled to Havana, Cuba along with 12 of my classmates – and volleyball teammates – led by coaches Bendfeld and...
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
SMUS Teacher Feature: Mr. Eric Donatelli
Get to know physics teacher Mr. Eric Donatelli in this week's SMUS Teacher Feature
Winding up to get back in the groove
Alison McCallum, Head of University Counselling, offers advice to Grade 12 students looking ahead at their post-secondary options
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
10 Tips for Starting High School on the Right Foot
Head of Counselling Ms. Carole McMillan offers advice for starting high school on the right foot
SMUS in the News: SMUS Students Win Nanaimo Parklet Contest
July 13, 2016
Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC)
Fo Wu and Jasmine Yu '17
Nanaimo parklets leave lasting impact
The Graduating Class of 2016
Congratulations to the Class of 2016.
We are proud to add 151 names to the ever-growing list of SMUS alumni, as the graduating class officially...
2016 Senior School Closing Ceremonies
On Friday afternoon, the Senior School Closing Ceremonies were held, marking the official end of the school year for the Grade 9-11 students. Among...
The Pursuit – The Culmination of a Grade 10 Experiential Year
After extensive research and collaboration, SMUS faculty designed a unique program for Grade 10 students focusing on experiential learning. Weaving hands-on and real-world opportunities...
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...
University Prep: Our Top 10 Tips for Summer!
We all know that lounging at the beach is great way to spend your summer vacation. But what else can you do that is...
Athletic Awards 2016
Congratulations to SMUS's student athletes on a great year in sport, and to our 2016 athletic awards recipients
SMUS in the News: Ryan Hindson ’17 a Standout in B.C. High School Basketball
June 10, 2016
Yukon News
Ryan Hindson '17
Whitehorse’s Ryan Hindson a standout in B.C. high school basketball
Reflections from the Outgoing Head Girl and Head Boy
This week, our graduating Head Girl (Sarah Jones) and Head Boy (Jasper Johnston) led their final assembly and passed the Prefect Council torch on...
Athletics Week in Review: June 9
Our year of sports has officially wrapped up and there are several teams that competed in the last couple of weeks that deserve recognition.
Rugby
SMUS arrived in...
Wear Your Colours
There was a fabulous array of colours, university names, and accessories in assembly yesterday! We invited the Grade 12s and the school faculty (K-12)...
SMUS in the News: Grade 11 Students Have Designs on Parklet Competition
June 8, 2016
Saanich News
Fo Wu and Jasmine Yu '17
St. Michaels students have designs on parklet competition
University Preparation for the Class of 2016: Beyond the SMUS Bubble
We hosted two events on Tuesday, May 24 with the goal of helping grade 12 students and their parents prepare for the next phase...
Experiential Learning: Was Mr. Buckingham Murdered?
Was it Mr. Jackson in the lunch room with the knife? Or was it Professor Plum in the laboratory with the lead pipe?
It's early Monday...
SMUS in the News: Blue Jags Repeat as Provincial AA Rugby Champions
May 28, 2016
The Province
1st XV Rugby
B.C. High School rugby results
Athletics Week in Review: May 19
Some major hardware was up for grabs on a number of fronts, as local playoff action finished in advance of the Island and provincial championships.
Golf
At...
Walk for Water Promotes Global Awareness at the Junior School
"If I suddenly said you couldn't drink the tap water, you couldn’t get any clean water, does anybody know where you would go for...
Students Seek Their Potential at CAIS Leadership Conference
Sliding doors at the airport opened to reveal a group of cheering individuals waving signs. In a haze of initial confusion, we were immediately...
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...
East Coast Campus Visits Part I: Places and People
The Fitbit monitor read 20,805 steps. It was one very full day of walking – walking to subway stops, through train stations, around university campuses,...
SMUS in the News: Ryan Totz ’16 Wins Four-Year Scholarship to UNC Chapel Hill
May 17, 2016
Saanich News
Ryan Totz '16
St. Michaels student wins prestigious scholarship
SMUS in the News: Blue Jags find a way to Island soccer gold
May 18, 2016
Times Colonist
Senior girls soccer
SMUS Blue Jags find a way to Island soccer gold
Grade 9 Outdoor Trips are a “Challenging” Way to Push Yourself
Last week, all of our Grade 9 students headed out to various corners of the province to participate in outdoor trips that pushed them out...
Beyond the Bubble: Making a Successful Transition to University Life
University decisions are being finalized as I write; students are making plans about residence life and starting course selections for their first year at...
Athletics Week in Review: May 10
Soccer
The Senior girls team was in the news a lot, after a spectacular and exciting 10 days of play.
First, on April 26, a 74th minute goal...
Teacher Dorothy Hawes’ Children’s Book Comes Full Circle at SMUS
If it hadn't been for a couple "serendipitous" moments courtesy of St. Michaels University School, English teacher Dorothy Hawes likely wouldn't be celebrating the launch of her children's...
Applying to a University in the United Kingdom
Studying at a university in the United Kingdom is highly specialized. Students focus on one specific area (for three years in England or four...
Summer School Options: Victoria and Vancouver
If you are looking to complete one of your Grade 10-12 courses this summer at summer school in Victoria or Vancouver, you have options....
Spring Break Service Trip 2016: Argentina
Argentina was better and worse than I expected, but it was undeniably memorable. Travelling with a group of 30 to a Latin American country where few...
Athletics Week in Review: April 27
Sporting events have been coming thick and fast, in multiple sports and in events taking place not only locally but across Canada.
Squash
The team competed in the...
Spring Break Trip 2016: Japan
I suppose our Spring Break cultural trip began the day we left, which, since we were on our way to the other side of the Pacific...
Kindergarten Students Learn to Measure with Senior School Buddies
It's always a special occasion when our Junior School students visit the Senior School campus for some hands-on learning, and that was especially true...
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...
Athletics Week in Review: April 20
Rowing
The spring season is now fully underway, with SMUS recently competing at the annual Maple Bay regatta on Lake Quamichan. The races, featuring local clubs...
Spring Break Trip 2016: Europe
Before I went to Europe on a Spring Break music tour, I had never left North America. Being able to see just how similar...
Athletics Week in Review: April 15
The spring sporting season well and truly kicked into gear, with multiple SMUS teams in action in the first week back at school.
Soccer
The Senior...
My Week as a Gene Researcher
My interest in science began at a hospital when my grandmother was diagnosed with diabetes. I was intrigued by the thought that there were...
University Pre-Requisites: The Devil is in the Details
It was the week leading up to Spring Break, and they were knocking on my door in the University Counselling office with increasing regularity....
Blue Jags Fall to Oak Bay in 22nd Boot Game
In front of a large and partisan crowd, on a glorious spring evening at UVic's Centennial Stadium, SMUS and Oak Bay contested the 22nd Rees Boot...
Spring Break Service Trip 2016: Nicaragua
This Spring Break a group of about 20 students travelled to the small rural town of Jiquilillo, Nicaragua on a service trip. A service trip...
First Ever SMUS Girls Rugby Team
Rugby is a tradition at the school; we’ve been playing for decades. And by “we” I mean the boys. Finally, years overdue, we're incredibly...
SMUS in the News: Delphine Ji ’16 Becomes a Gene Researcher for a Week
Prince George Citizen
March 15, 2016
Delphine Ji '16
Federal grant for mushroom research at UNBC
(photo courtesy of the Prince George Citizen)
Athletics Week in Review: March 16
With the winter season of play drawing to a close, the basketball season culminated in various BC championships, while rowing took place at Elk Lake.
Basketball
In Langley March 2-5,...
Interview with Garth Martens
Garth Martens is a Kelowna poet whose debut collection Prologue for the Age of Consequence, was shortlisted for the Governor General’s Award of English-language...
SMUS in the News: Senior Boys Basketball at the 2016 B.C. AA Tournament
March 12 & 13, 2016
The Province
Jags, Cavs to collide for BC 2A hoops title
Epic first-half defence the key to stopping SMUS
Ryan Totz ’16 Wins Morehead-Cain Scholarship to UNC-Chapel Hill
One of the best parts about the work I do is the privilege I have to get to know so many incredible young people....
Standardized Testing for American College Applications
Standardized testing is a component of a student's application that some universities use to properly compare applicants from vastly different high school settings and...
Senior Girls Rugby Team Readies for Spring Debut
While the rugby season doesn't typically get under way until the spring, a group of SMUS students have been on the pitch since early...
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...
Best School Year Ever Answers the Question “What If?”
For the past three years, The Best School Year Ever® boarding scholarship contest has challenged students across North America to ask themselves this question:...
SMUS in the News: Lelia Hoube ’17 Reports for the CBC
CBC's Jeun'info C.-B.
March 2, 2016
Lelia Hoube '17
Pour la sauvegarde de la langue squamish (scroll down to the second to last video)
SMUS in the News: Senior Girls Basketball Coach Lindsay Brooke Talks Provincials
Times Colonist
March 2, 2016
Senior girls basketball
Island's top girls basketball teams begin chase for provincial titles
Athletics Week in Review: February 29
The Senior boys basketball team hosted the Island AA Tournament late last week, with the eventual SMUS versus Lambrick Park final game producing an array of...
REVIEW: Opening Night of The Phantom of the Opera
The SMUS production of The Phantom of the Opera premiered on Thursday, February 25. The opening night cast starred Ajay Parikh-Friese as the infamous...
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...
20 Minutes to Figure Out Life – Really?
Back in 1918, U.S. President Woodrow Wilson was asked how long it took to prepare a speech. He answered, "That depends on the length of...
Behind the Mask: Meet the Phantom of the Opera
Tonight the Senior School production of The Phantom of the Opera debuts to a nearly sold-out crowd at the McPherson Playhouse. For months, students,...
SMUS in the News: The Phantom of the Opera Production
February 24, 2016
Senior School production of The Phantom of the Opera
Saanich News
St. Michaels students stage Phantom of the Opera at McPherson
Shaw TV
(see video above)
Athletics Week in Review: February 24
The hoped-for basketball "dream weekend" never quite materialized, as SMUS suffered a series of close defeats in playoff action.
First, the Senior girls took part...
Victoria – A Hub for Off-Campus Learning Opportunities
One of the many advantages of SMUS’s location is our ability to participate in opportunities that exist in a thriving city like Victoria. Looking...
Phantom Performers: Meet SMUS’s Two Viscount Raouls
The clock is ticking, and we are now less than one week away from the debut of the Senior School musical, The Phantom of...
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...
The Best School Year Ever: And the Finalists Are…
For the past month, a panel of judges (made up of students and teachers) has been watching and rewatching all of The Best School...
Phantom Performers: Meet SMUS’s Two Christine Daaés
After months of hard work, long rehearsals and dedication, the Senior School musical production of The Phantom of the Opera debuts at the McPherson...
Higher Learning and Life: A Look at Our Grade 10 Experiential Program
This September the school took a big step forward in offering a Grade 10 experiential program that blends into everyday classes, applies the lessons...
Career Day 2016: Preparation for Life After SMUS
On January 27, the Senior School hosted its 7th annual Career Day. Students in Grades 9 through 12 had the opportunity to learn about a...
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...
Mia Roberts: Overcoming Injury with Commitment and Leadership
Mia Roberts, like many SMUS athletes, is a multi-sport student; soccer in the spring, field hockey in the fall and basketball in the winter....
SMUS Head Boy Talks “Excellence” at the Junior School
On Friday, SMUS Head Boy Jasper Johnston visited the Junior School and spoke during assembly. He spoke from the heart to the K-5 students...
Syrian Refugees Talk Family, Compassion With SMUS Students
by Liza Weymar and Radha Raina, Grade 9 students
Last week in Modern Studies 9, our class had the fortune of meeting two Syrian refugees...
Athletics Week in Review: January 21
It was another frenetic week of basketball, with multiple SMUS teams in action and with the school playing host to the 37th annual Victoria...
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...
Athletics Week in Review: January 12
Before the winter holiday break was over, numerous SMUS basketball teams were back in action early in the new year.
Pride of place went to the Senior...
Taylor Rankin ’99 Inspires Students to Play Outside of the Box
SMUS alumnus Taylor Rankin and his violin Leroy returned to SMUS this week to work with our Senior School strings students on improvisation and...
THE JAG: A Species Profile on the Blue Jaguar
by Jack Forgrave
When it comes to our beloved mascot, the Blue Jag, numerous naysayers claim that this majestic beast “isn’t even a real animal.”...
THE JAG: The Pride Alliance
by Jacki Zhang and Jiawen Chan
What does pride mean to you? To Pride Alliance members Sid and Molly, pride is more than a lunchtime...
Athletics Week in Review: December 16
Senior girls basketball enjoyed a successful week, playing in the Victoria Christmas Tournament and winning three straight games before falling to Pacific Christian School in...
THE JAG: An Interview with Dr. Sarah De Leeuw
A Professor and Journalist visits SMUS
by Jiawen Chan & Jacki Zhang
What is your writing process and editing process like? Do you have any quirks...
THE JAG: The Harsh Realities of War
On Thursday, November 26, Canadian veteran soldier Rafiele Gardezy, brother of senior student Desirée MacIntosh, came to campus to speak to students in AP...
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...
Law 12 Students Head to Court for Mock Trials
by Mr. Bruce Maxwell
The two Grade 12 Law classes participated in mock trials this week. One class experienced firsthand a criminal case, while the other had a civil...
Athletics Week in Review: December 11
SMUS basketball got underway on multiple fronts, with teams eager, after weeks of practice, to see game action.
The Senior girls had a particularly busy schedule, giving...
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...
SMUS in the News: Ajay Parikh-Friese ’16 Returns to the Belfry Stage in...
Oak Bay News
December 3, 2015
Ajay Parikh-Friese '16
Oak Bay teen returns to the Belfry stage
Math 10 Students Use Trigonometry to Solve a Crime
A newscaster (very much resembling math teacher Mr. Steve Bates) comes on the television to deliver breaking news.
"At precisely 7:47 this morning, Mr. Andy...
Athletics Week in Review: November 26
Senior boys soccer headed to provincials in Burnaby November 23-25, looking to repeat as AA champions.
An Island No. 1 seeding resulted in a favorable...
Surf, golf, and study…come to St. Andrews (but not for the weather!)
On a blustery Scottish day, I took the train from Edinburgh to St. Andrews to have a wee visit with my former advisee and...
Athletics Week in Review: November 12
The fall sports season moved into its closing stages, with Senior girls field hockey taking centre stage, as SMUS hosted the BC AA tournament on the turf...
SMUS in the News: Senior Boys Soccer Wins Island Title
Times Colonist
November 12, 2015
Blue Jags bag another Island AA boys Soccer title
Blue Jags eye third straight Colonist Cup
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...
Athletics Week in Review: October 28
As Halloween approaches, most of the SMUS fall sports teams are gearing up for playoffs at the local, Island and provincial levels.
Front and centre has been the...
THE JAG: Thinking About an Exchange?
by Saje Griffith
Ever thought about doing an exchange? Do you enjoy getting to know people from other places and cultures? Wondering what other people think...
THE JAG: Environmental Service Outtrip Review
by Delphine Ji
At the beginning of October, I was given the chance to lead the very first Environmental Service Outtrip to Salt Spring Island. No one knew...
THE JAG: Meet Hinton Chair Mr. Bruce Maxwell
by Sara Owen-Flood
Mr. Maxwell is the new Hinton Chair at SMUS teaching History 9 and Law 12. You may have seen him coaching the Junior...
THE JAG: Welcome to The Jag!
Welcome to The Jag! It’s a new school year, and the SMUS school newspaper has a new name and editor. My name is Becca Thomson and...
It’s the most wonderful time of the year … to be in Grade 12!
Fingers dog ear pages of an academic calendar. Eyes squint at the computer screen as the mouse clicks, scrolling through program choices and admission...
Post-Secondary Information for Parents
If you were unable to attend our information session held in the Chapel on Tuesday night, please visit the webpage below to view a...
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...
Athletics Week in Review: October 9
Twenty-one members of the squash team took part October 2-4 in the Vancouver Island Open.
Unlike most junior tournaments, which are divided by age group, this event...
7400 College Counselling Peers, 2 Campuses, and 1 Coalition
My University Counselling colleague, Timio Colistro, and I spent 4 days in San Diego last week attending the 'National Association of College Advising and...
A SMUS grad at UC San Diego
Len (SMUS Grad ’12) is in his fourth year of study at the University of California, San Diego, in the Jacobs School of Engineering....
Summer days…
Before summer memories fade away completely, I asked our students to share some interesting things they did over the summer holidays.
Jonathan attended the Shad Program at...
‘We Need Students to Understand the Impact of Politics’
With the federal election less than two weeks away, the SMUS Review asked some of our politics and history teachers to write about why it's important to...
Three ways to support our young leaders
Shifting from summer mode to the pace of September at SMUS can be a significant transition and the amount of information at this time...
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...
New Head Girl and Head Boy Aim to Strengthen Cross-Campus Community
We may only be a couple of weeks into school, but some students – Sarah Jones and Jasper Johnston, in particular – have been thinking...
Grad 2016, Start Your Engines!
In the world of education, September really is like everyone else's January: it's when we set new directions, make resolutions, and fine tune our...
Clubs and Councils are a Great Way to Get Involved
One of best ways to jump in head first at the Senior School is by joining a new club or council; getting involved in something...
Taking ‘Appropriate Risks’ to Make for a Great School Year
When Mr. Andy Rodford (Director of the Senior School) addressed students this week at the opening day assembly, he encouraged students to take "appropriate risks" over...
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 –...
‘Band Geeks’ Heads to Victoria Fringe Festival
Students from SMUS and a handful of other Greater Victoria schools returned to class a little earlier than most of their classmates this summer, all for...
Grace Thomas Represents Canada at World Squash Tournament
In the world of squash, Nicol David, Ramy Ashour, Raneem El Weleily and Nick Matthew are all household names.
And before each one of them...
SMUS Musician Shines in ‘Once-in-a-Lifetime’ Symphony Performance
POP QUIZ: Which talented musician performed to a screaming crowd of more than 40,000 British Columbians this past long weekend?
a) Taylor Swift
b) SMUS student Ben...
Go to university in Norway? Hvorfor ikke?
One of the many reasons I love my job is because I get to live vicariously through my students as they find out about...
The perfect addition to summer vacation!
Wondering how to fill your time this summer? Want to get a jump start on narrowing that list of university choices?
Why not combine a visit...
‘This Has Been The Best School Year Ever!’
Last September, Santiago Mazoy, Alessandra Massa and Silke Kuhn began their school year at St. Michaels University School. The three finalists in our inaugural...
Congratulations to the Class of 2015!
An excerpt from a speech by Eva Grant, co-valedictorian
When I was going through the college application process last fall – and can I get...
Senior Students Celebrate School Year’s End
As the school year comes to an end, students and staff alike take the time to think back to September and reflect on all...
Leavers’ Chapel Marks Last Days for Grade 12 Students
Before the Class of 2015 finishes at SMUS, the Grade 12 students were treated to their final chapel service. Weekly chapel is always a...
AP Students Get Behind-The-Scenes Tour of B.C. Legislature
by Olivia Roberts, Grade 11
On June 1, all three AP Comparative Government and Politics classes went on a field trip to visit the British...
2015 Athletic Awards
by Lindsay Brooke, Athletic Director
The 2014-15 school year has simply been the finest ever in SMUS sporting history. Pride of place goes to the athletes and coaches...
Getting Ready for USA Applications
Grade 11 - Most applications to USA colleges and universities will be completed using the Common Application (https://www.commonapp.org/Login). This is where you create your...
A day at the beach or 5 hours in an exam room?? Know your...
Standardized testing is a component of a student's application that some universities use to properly compare applicants from vastly different high school settings and...
Lifers Look Back on 13 Years at SMUS
September 5, 2002. Avril Lavigne's "Complicated" was sitting atop the charts, kids everywhere were anxiously awaiting the release of the second Harry Potter movie,...
Athletics Week in Review: June 10
The 70th edition of the Canadian Secondary Schools Rowing Association Championship was held June 5-7 in St. Catharines, Ontario. Some 2,000 athletes, including the...
Aspiring Young Fashion Designer Wins National Student Design Contest
For someone who only recently took an active interest in the fashion world, Kiko Wu is very quickly making her talents known.
The Grade 11 student...
Long summer days ahead
Ah, June. There is so much to do this month, and also so much promise for the two months that lie in wait. Some...
Athletics Week in Review: 1st XV Win Provincial Gold in Rugby
The 1st XV rugby squad travelled to Abbotsford May 27-30 to take part in the BC AA Championships. Among other things at stake, following...
Athletics Week in Review: Senior Girls Soccer Wins Bronze at Provincials
The Senior girls soccer season came to an end in a most exciting manner, as the team took part in the BC AA Championship...
SMUS in the News: Victoria’s Blue Jags rare triple crown winners
May 31, 2015
The Province
SMUS boys rugby lets peerless defence carry day, Victoria’s Blue Jags rare triple crown winners
Times Colonist
Vancouver Island schools take BC rugby honours
SMUS in the News: Chris Hadfield’s SMUS Chat
Retired astronaut Chris Hadfield's digital visit to SMUS on Monday (May 25) piqued the interest of some of our local media. Two great stories, courtesy of...
Astronaut Chris Hadfield Talks Space, Music and Education with SMUS Students
Astronaut Chris Hadfield became the unofficial ambassador of science to the universe in 2013 when he took command of the International Space Station and gained international attention...
SMUS’s Club Hub: Prefect Assembly
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...
19 SMUS Grads Earn Dogwood Scholarship for Extra-Curricular Excellence
Nineteen Grade 12 students were recently announced as recipients of a $1,000 Dogwood District Award, recognizing their excellence in non-academic work.
The awards, which recognize achievement...
Oman – the Takatuf Scholars
The country of Oman forms what you might call the “ball of the foot” of the Arabian Peninsula: on the southeast corner, at the...
Athletics Week in Review: May 22
Congratulations to the 32 SMUS Track and Field athletes who took part in the Vancouver Island Championships May 13-14. Over two busy days, athletes...
Senior Students Sharpen Leadership Skills at Montreal CAIS Conference
With an outrageously early wake-up call of 3:45am, four intrepid students and a chaperone embarked on a cross-country journey to the Canadian Accredited Independent...
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’s Club Hub: 30 Hour Famine Club
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: May 12
Senior badminton traveled to Nanaimo last week to compete in the Island Championships. Historically, SMUS has performed very well at this event, and, once again,...
One road to med school
I had the opportunity to meet with one of our '09 grads, Colin, this morning to talk with him about his path from high...
Grade 12 Student Composes a Personal SMUS Musical Journey
The journey that is high school is unique and very personal for every student. Most don't express that full experience in a public forum; offering up something tangible that...
Summer study opportunities
AP season is upon us now and there is ever increasing talk of exams in June, but many students are also turning their minds...
Athletics Week in Review: May 5
After winning the league early last week, the Senior badminton team entered the City tournament April 30 as top seed and slight favourites. Jake You and Theo Wu played especially...
SMUS’s Club Hub: Photo Club
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: April 30
It was a banner week for Senior girls soccer, as SMUS won six straight games in a 72-hour window to capture the local AA City...
Art School in London – Leonard Liao-Briere, SMUS class of 2014
The AA is by no means what I had expected it to be. The school is absolutely crazy, no grades, no classes, no essays....
Spring Break Service Trip: China/Vietnam – Part II
by Lucas Simpson, Grade 10
After a ferry ride, several bus rides, a 13.5-hour flight, another two-hour flight, and hours of layovers, we finally arrived...
SMUS’s Club Hub: Sustainability and Outdoor Council
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...
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...
Grade 12 Student Uses Science Fair Project to Offer a Helping Hand
As 3D printers grow in availability around the world, so too will affordable 3D-printed products. And one of the more innovative and life-changing devices that makers...
University Counselling Parent Information Evening
On Tuesday evening, there were over 80 parents and students in the Lecture Theatre listening to our University Counselling team talk about the myriad...
Spring Break Service Trip: China/Vietnam – Part I
This week, Sara Owen-Flood and Derry Li each wrote about their Spring Break trip for a Model UN Conference in China; and for a week-long service opportunity at...
Athletics Week in Review: April 21
The spring season has kicked into high gear, with numerous teams on the go.
This past weekend, seven members of the Senior School squash team traveled...
Brain Awareness Week: Staying Stress-Free at the Senior School
Brain Awareness Week at the Senior School is always fun and educational, with lots of activities to do and see. From terrific and insightful...
Spring Break Service Trip: Mexico
by Christian Okiring, Grade 10
A service trip is an opportunity to discover something about the world and about yourself. My service trip to San...
SMUS’s Club Hub: Reach for the Top
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 University of Guelph-Humber
Some record low temperatures were set in the Toronto area this winter (2015). On my visit to the University of Guelph-Humber on the west...
Athletics Week in Review: April 15
The SMUS spring rowing season began April 11-12 at the Maple Bay Regatta, held this year on Lake Quamichan.
Several local clubs (Maple Bay, Nanaimo, Victoria City Rowing Club) and a...
Spring Break Service Trip: Kenya
by Amy Bodine, Grade 12
Author Pat Conroy wrote: “Once you have traveled, the voyage never ends, but is played out over and over again...
Blue Jags Lose the Boot to Oak Bay in Tight Rugby Match
In what will go down as one of the most exciting games in Boot Game history, Oak Bay roared back from a large deficit to...
Athletics Week in Review: April 10
Senior girls soccer has made a strong start to the season. Just before spring break, SMUS decisively defeated St. Margaret's. Gabby Freer, Claudia Wheler (2), Maggie Manson-Blair,...
2015 Rugby Tour: The Home Stretch
With happy memories of Seville still fresh in the mind, the tour party heads west into the Algarve in southern Portugal for a day...
2015 Rugby Tour: Lisbon
We have finally found some consistent sun and, as I type, happy sunburnt faces are filing in for breakfast on a blue sky day...
Student’s Connection to Vanuatu Strengthened By Natural Disaster
It was just last summer that Grade 9 student Finn Goodyear and his family were on the island of Tanna, Vanuatu. There, they stayed...
2015 Rugby Tour: A Dose of Sun!
As we gear up to leave the sun and pool of gorgeous Abufeira, here are a few shots of our time in Sevilla and...
2015 Rugby Tour: Chasing the sun
March 23, mid day, and the tour party, after a three hour bus transfer from Granada, arrives in Seville. First impressions of the city...
2015 Rugby Tour: A Few Pictures
Without consistent wifi in Marbella, we were unable to load pictures. Here are a few from our days at La Alhambra and Marbella. Stay...
2015 Rugby Tour: Dos Victorias!!
The spectacular La Fallas "cremata" complete, the tour party, after just few hours shut eye, boarded the bus for the six hour bus ride...
2015 Rugby Tour: Carnival
It was an early morning departure from Barcelona, with the tour group still buzzing from the previous day's visit to La Sagrada Familia. The...
2015 Rugby Tour: Off and Running!
We have enjoyed a fantastic start to the tour! Sunday morning opened with blue skies and cool temperatures and the group started with a...
2015 Rugby Tour: A Long Haul
After almost 25 hours in transit the tour group has finally touched down to clear skies in Barcelona!. A long layover in Calgary afforded...
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...
SMUS Students Earn Perfect Scores on Advanced Placement Exams
Grade 12 student Nick Scholz and 2014 grad Jennifer Park achieved something quite rare last year.
The two students are among only 285 in the world to...
Model UN Competitions Are Fun and Rewarding Experiences
by Jonathan Mostovoy, Grade 12
Last weekend I attended the Canadian High School Model United Nations (CAHSMUN) in downtown Vancouver. Being a veteran at these types...
Talented SMUS Athlete Represents BC at Canada Winter Games
by Grace Thomas
Competing in the 2015 Canada Winter Games was one of the best experiences of my life.
I started playing squash about five years ago....
Students Make Meaningful Connections to Local Charities
A trio of students earned $5,000 for the Bridges for Women Society last week as part of a service project in their Planning 10...
Best School Year Ever: And the Winner is…
It happened again. SMUS launched its second Best School Year Ever contest in October 2014 with the tagline: "Wanted: One amazing high school student." What...
2015 Rugby Tour: Ten Days To Go!
Departure day is nearing as the SMUS Senior Boys Rugby squad gets set for its March 14-31 tour to Spain and Portugal. The excitement...
SMUS’s Club Hub: Buddy Reading Club
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: March 4
The Senior boys basketball team took part in the Island AA tournament February 26-28 at Kwalikum, registering three comprehensive victories to capture the title. In...
Legally Blonde
Legally Blonde is a clever title – for a movie, and more so, I think, for the musical the movie begat. Last night our...
SMUS’s Club Hub: Outdoor Leadership
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...
Beyond the Blonde: Meet SMUS’s Lead Actors
After months of hard work, our Senior School presentation of Legally Blonde: the Musical opens tonight! Students, staff, parents and volunteers have been at it...
Athletics Week in Review: February 25
The pressure was on this past week as basketball swung into playoff mode.
At Junior boys level, SMUS traveled to Brentwood to compete in the...
Grade 1 and 11 Students Become Fairy Tale Heroes
Once upon a time there lived a group of young princes and princesses learning about fairy tales in their Grade 1 class. Her Royal Highness the...
Students become more effective leaders at SMUS
Over the past two weeks, I have had the opportunity to teach two lessons to all Grade 10 students. The overarching questions that students...
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...
Meet the Best School Year Ever Finalists
The SMUS campus has been buzzing with Best School Year Ever chatter for months now. We launched the 2015-16 scholarship contest in late October,...
Beyond the Blonde: Senior School Musical Behind the Scenes
by Kyus Hicks, Grade 12
Since watching Guys and Dolls while visiting the school in Grade 9, I knew that I wanted to be a...
2015 Rugby Tour: Four Weeks Out
We are officially 6 weeks away from our departure on March 14th. The boys are excited and have been impressing the coaching staff with...
Spreading the Word About the Life-Changing Value of Service Trips
Every week, students attend Chapel for an opportunity to talk about leadership, character and belief. It's also a venue for students to report back...
Athletics Week in Review: February 4
Basketball was the name of the game at SMUS this past week, as our teams participated in a number of tournaments as we approach playoffs in...
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...
Squashing the Competition: A Mid-Season Review
by Chris Hanebury, coach
The 2014-15 SMUS squash season started with a number of amazing results. In November, four members of the team traveled to...
Transformed Grade 10 Program Opens Doors to a World of Experiences
On Tuesday, we hosted our Course Information Evening to provide insight and information to parents and students about the programs SMUS has to offer in the coming...
Athletics Week in Review: January 27
Squash took centre stage this past week with a highly competitive ISA Tournament at Shawnigan Lake School. After three days of relentless action, the...
Pitch Perfect: Large Ensembles Concert
If there's one thing that's certain about attending a SMUS concert, it's that your ears are always in for an outstanding auditory smorgasbord. From...
Athletics Week in Review: January 21
A busy January week featured, as usual, a lot of squash and basketball.
This past weekend 16 members of the Senior School squash team traveled to the...
How to Rock a Networking Event
by Laura Authier, Director of Marketing and Communications
One of the most valuable tools I have in my professional kit is my network. In my...
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...
Athletics in Review: January 13
Much has occurred on the basketball front since the last Week In Review blog post.
The Junior boys, in the Oak Bay Invitational in December, played extremely...
Cambridge Update from Keiler Totz ’13
Life at Cambridge University has been an incredible experience so far. Any initial fears about moving to a new country and attending one of...
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)...
How to Win the Best School Year Ever Contest
With the deadline to enter our Best School Year Ever video contest fast approaching, we want to help boost your chances of winning the once-in-a-lifetime...
Athletics Week in Review: December 10
The basketball season continued apace, with numerous SMUS teams in action through the week.
The Senior boys started proceedings with a physical 65-43 league-opening win...
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...
Boarding Community is Full of Good Surprises
This is the fourth part in a series of candid blogs written by our 2014-15 Best School Year Ever winners on the Good, the Bad and the Surprising of their boarding...
Global Issues Are Everyone’s Responsibility
by Livia Newman, Grade 10
One hundred and three students, teachers and parents took time out of their busy schedules last Friday to attend the...
Athletics Week in Review: December 2
Second term sports got underway November 24, with many of the SMUS basketball teams in action.
The Senior boys, behind David Lee's game high 19...
The Challenges of Living as a Boarder
This is the third part in a series of candid blogs written by our 2014-15 Best School Year Ever winners on the Good, the Bad and the Surprising of their boarding...
Small Ensembles: Small on Numbers, Big on Talent
Each year the Small Ensembles Concert, the first major event of the music season, offers students the opportunity to perform in front of an...
Athletics Week in Review: November 26
With the first-term sporting calendar drawing to a close, SMUS Senior girls volleyball traveled to MEI near Abbotsford November 22 for a six-team wild card event. At stake was...
Building Lasting Friendships is Intrinsic to Boarding Life
This is the second part in a series of candid blogs written by our 2014-15 Best School Year Ever winners on the Good, the Bad and the Surprising of their boarding...
Gold Medal Victory for Senior Boys Soccer Team at Provincials
With ISA, Colonist Cup and Island trophies already on the mantel, the Senior boys soccer team traveled to Burnaby November 17-19 to compete in the BC AA Championship.
A...
Celebrating Basketball with the SMUS Community
The 2014-2015 basketball season gets underway Saturday, November 22 with a Celebration of SMUS Basketball, a full day's worth of games featuring SMUS athletes from...
SMUS Students Recognized for Leadership in Philanthropy
On Tuesday, students from our Junior and Senior Schools were recognized by the Association of Fundraising Professionals during the National Philanthropy Day Awards ceremony at...
Athletics Week in Review: November 18
In frigid conditions at UVic's Centennial Stadium, SMUS Senior boys' soccer captured the prestigious Colonist Cup, defeating arch-rival Oak Bay 2-0 on November 12 in front of a large...
Vibrant Boarding Community is My Second Family
This is the first part in a series of candid blogs written by our 2014-15 Best School Year Ever winners on the Good, the Bad and the...
2014 Senior Girls Volleyball Islands Championships
Tournament dates: November 14-15, 2014
SEEDING/POOLS
SEED
TEAM
POOL #
SEED
TEAM
POOL#
1
Ladysmith
A1
2
Brentwood
B1
3
SMUS
A2
4
GNS
B2
5
Kwalikum
A3
6
Woodlands
B3
7
PCS
A4
8
St. Andrews
B4
GAME SCHEDULE:
FRIDAY NOV 14th
Time
Single Gym
RESULT
Featured Court
RESULT
12:00
Ladysmith v PCS
2-0
SMUS v Kwalikum
2-0
1:15
GNS v Woodlands
0-2
Brentwood v St. Andrews
2-0
2:30
Ladysmith v Kwalikum
2-0
PCS v SMUS
1-2
3:45
GNS v St. Andrews
2-1
Brentwood v Woodlands
2-0
5:00
Ladysmith v SMUS
2-0
Kwalikum...
Helping your Child Transition to University
Written by Matthew Gardner, M.Ed, RCC , who is one of our SMUS personal counsellors.
The stress of adjusting to university or college is...
Athletics Week in Review: November 12
Fresh from capturing both the Island AA title and the May Tully Shield, the Senior girls field hockey team headed to Oliver to play in the BC...
Wanted: Three Amazing High School Students
Last school year, we launched an unusual recruitment campaign: we made available a once-in-a-lifetime contest experience for North American high school students. Up for grabs...
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...
Athletics Week in Review: October 29
It was another busy and successful sporting week, starting with SMUS' performance in the Vancouver Island Cross Country Meet at Beaver Lake.
Indeed, 36 runners took part...
SMUS Distinguished Alumnus: Melissa Sawyer
This week, Melissa Sawyer '94, the recipient of the 2014 SMUS Distinguished Alumnus Award visited the school to speak with students about her life and...
Athletics Week in Review: October 22
It was a week of high drama, with the CAIS U15 girls soccer honour at stake, Senior girls volleyball visiting Saskatchewan and SMUS hosting...
Learn about American college options
Next week will be a busy week for students looking at their post-secondary options south of the border. Details about all university visits are included...
Athletics Week in Review: October 15
The Senior boys soccer team continued to display impressive form, registering two more comfortable wins to remain on top of the Tier 1 Victoria...
SMUS Field Hockey Goes on the Offence
Next weekend, the SMUS community will be hosting the 2014 SMUS Invitational Field Hockey Festival and of course, our hockey team will be looking...
Whitman College, Walla Walla, WA
Whitman College is a top Liberal Arts choice for SMUS students. Located in the southeastern corner of Washington state, close to the Columbia River,...
Athletics Week in Review: October 7
A large group of interested athletes came to rowing tryouts and were measured in a series of fitness events. They also went through an...
Athletics Review: October 1
With the Grade 11 class away on out trips and the public schools finally back in session (but only just getting their own athletic...
Royal Holloway, University of London
Representatives from both Admissions and the Faculty of Law were here this morning to talk about the merits of this university 45 minutes outside...
Student Exchanges Offer Cultural Immersion
“We live in a wonderful world that is full of beauty, charm and adventure. There is no end to the adventures we can have...
Link Crew Leads the Way
Link Crew is a way that Senior students at SMUS can welcome new kids to the school as well as learn and practice their...
Ready, set, apply!
http://youtu.be/eBE1isCvKyw?list=UUmtp7zgg7HYTtns7ySiXOmA
On Thursday, September 4, University Counselling hosted an information evening for Grade 12 students and parents to disseminate important information about what this year...
Athletics Week in Review: September 22
Despite the uncertainties created by the public school strike (happily now resolved), the 2014-15 SMUS sporting year is underway, with record numbers having tried...
Canadian University Representatives on our Campus
Admission representatives from universities near and far have started their annual pilgrimage to Victoria, armed with viewbooks and information to give to prospective students. Here...
A Different Perspective: Nicaragua
By Siri Knudsen and Megan Harrison, Grade 12
Over the past two school years, two service trips have gone to Nicaragua. We participated in the...
Four Universities in New York State
Rochester and Syracuse are just an hour by air from Toronto, and Cornell and Colgate are both an easy drive from either of these...
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...
The Class of 2014
An excerpt from a speech by Lydia Kenzie, co-valedictorian
Allow me to speak to one particularly memorable day spent with all of you. Valentine’s Day,...
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)...
2014 Athletic Awards
The 24th SMUS Athletic Banquet was held June 16. Congratulations to all the athletes who represented the school in 14 varsity sports this year....
Looking ahead: applying to the UK
The UCAS (University and College Admission Service) has activated its apply system (Apply 2015) much earlier than usual. Just go to this link: http://www.ucas.com/apply/undergraduate Make sure...
Grade 9 & 10 Closing Ceremony
While our Grade 9 and 10 students are not entering their final year of SMUS or heading off to university, the end of the...
Athletics Week in Review: June 10
With students gearing up for exams, there was still time for a few final athletic events, with a thoroughly enjoyable 5-aside barefoot soccer tournament...
Keeping the Beat For War Child
by Keeley Copeland, Grade 11
This year’s ‘Keep the Beat’ was a great success. The SMUS Arts Council worked together with students, staff and other...
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...
Athletics Week in Review: June 3
The high school sporting season came to a close May 31, with a series of provincial championships.
Track & Field
In the track and field provincial...
SMUS Lifers Go Back to Kindergarten
by Claire Williams, Grade 12
As lifers, we have 12-13 years of SMUS behind us and the Junior School was a big chunk of that....
Post-Secondary Transition Talk Without the Fluff
The evening began with an intentionally playful process using a panel interview format à la Jimmy Fallon: there was no preparation of questions but...
Business Students Learn From TeaPops Success Story
Business 10 students recently had the chance to get advice from the entrepreneur behind DeeBee’s SpecialTea Foods. Dr. Dionne Laslo-Baker and her TeaPops, tea-based...
May 27: Athletics Week in Review
Senior Boys Rugby
The 1st XV started the BC AA Tournament on May 24 with an opening round game played at Brentwood College, versus Frances...
Sending our chicks out into the world
As University Counsellors, we delight in our students’ successes and excitement about their post-secondary plans, but sometimes it is tinged with a little bit...
My Journey to Gene Researcher For a Week
by Cindy Kim, Grade 11
I was a sickly child, living in hospitals more than I did at home as my body attracted all kinds...
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...
Walk for Water
by Sarah Taylor, Grade 12
Walk for Water is happening on Friday, May 23. Free the Children puts on this annual event to raise awareness...
Service Day: Fundraising for Nicaragua
Throughout the year, Service Days offer students a chance to shed their uniform in exchange for a small donation to a good cause. Next...
NYU Abu Dhabi: Where Magic Happens
When I was invited in April to visit NYU Abu Dhabi for a weekend, my first reaction was 'absolutely', thanks to my strong adventurous...
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...
SMUS Ecuador and the Galapagos Trip
by Caryn Cooper, Grade 10
The 2014 SMUS Ecuador/Galapagos trip! Where to begin even writing about it? Begin at the beginning, you say? Very well...
In...
Leveraging the Power of GIS in Geography 12
Geography 12 at SMUS has been completely redesigned, thanks in part to the ESRI Canada GIS in Education Grant awarded to our school recently....
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...
And the BSYE finalists are…
Ever since January 15, when Kalkidan Amare, David Boroto and Ann Makosinski helped SMUS launch the Best School Year Ever scholarship contest, there's been...
Mixed Ensembles Concert "Out of this World"
by Jake Humphries, University Counsellor and Stage Crew
To be successful as a musician, a performer must have the "big picture" of what music is,...
Here is something you can do if you were not accepted to the program...
Ryerson University in Toronto has just published its list of university programs that are not yet filled. If you were hoping to be selected...
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...
Jobs 2020
The website CanadianBusiness.com includes various lists and rankings of future employment opportunities. Their recently published list, “Canada’s 100 Best Jobs” demonstrates some interesting trends....
The Leadership Puzzle
Every student at SMUS is a leader, but each one will have to figure out what kind of leader they will be and how...
Athletics Week in Review: April 16
Rowing
On April 12, the SMUS rowing team attended the Maple Bay Regatta, competing against local clubs Maple Bay, Nanaimo and Victoria City in addition...
Brain Awareness Week: Senior School
It was a busy week at the Senior School with many opportunities for both students and faculty to expand their understanding of the human...
SMUS Keeps the Boot
On a perfect evening for rugby, in front of a large and boisterous crowd of some 800 at UVic's Centennial Stadium, the SMUS 1st...
Looking ahead to summer
Sometimes students want to use the summer months to get ahead in some coursework, preview a course, or take advantage of a unique learning...
Soccer and Badminton off to a Great Start
Junior Girls Soccer
The team kicked off the season with a hard fought 2-1 win over GNS. SMUS opened the scoring early in the first...
Finding the Magic for Term 3
Beginning with an Orientation Day at Camp Pringle last week, the Grade 10 Experiential Program got underway for the term. After circulating through a...
Public Speaking Champ Earns Trip to the UN
Since joining the SMUS community in 2011, Eva Grant has established herself as a strong voice in support of marginalized issues and has practiced...
Adventures in Experiential Education
Every year at this time, a group of eager Grade 10 students challenge themselves with an experiential education. For the third term, the students...
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...
Rugby: Opening Matches of 2014
After six weeks of slogging through the rain and mud, Junior and Senior boys rugby finally started their respective seasons.
Exhibition matches were on tap...
The Value of Student Travel
This Spring Break, some SMUS students will be taking part in an annual tradition of Spring Break trips. These international trips will take students...
Senior Boys Basketball: Tripped Up at the Final Hurdle
After months of preparation, the Senior boys basketball team traveled to Langley for the BC AA Tournament. Qualifying had been the group's initial goal...
A New Extreme at the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria
Internationally-recognized artist Chin Yuen has been working with SMUS students as part of the New Extreme program run through the Art Gallery of Greater...
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...
Rowing: Elk Lake Spring Regatta
Though Mother Nature, thanks to a combination of wind and freezing temperatures, limited the rowing team to only five water-training days through February, hopes...
Audience Laughsalot at Spamalot
Last night, the SMUS production of Spamalot debuted on the McPherson stage. Based on the 1975 film Monty Python and the Holy Grail and...
A Cross-Campus Fairy Tale
by Cate, Grade 1
We were excited to have the Grade 11 Spanish class come to visit our Grade 1 class! It turns out that...
Senior Boys Basketball: AA Island Champs!
The 2014 Vancouver Island Senior Boys AA Tournament concluded on Saturday, February 22 in the most dramatic manner possible, as SMUS, following a Danny...
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...
Choosing A Course
Even though September 2015 seems a long time away, the time for students to plan their courses is, well, right now. For a peek...
Attending a Small University – Julian Allen, SMUS Class of 2012
Applying to University is a stressful, yet exciting time. The process provides you with the opportunity to explore your personality and identify a place...
Basketball: Junior Girls Take City Championship
The past two weeks of basketball certainly been busy and action packed, with numerous exciting games on tap as the SMUS teams positioned themselves...
All We Need is Like
There was lots of Valentine's Day love spread around all three campuses today, but love isn't confined to one day of the year. Last...
Ryan Taylor, SMUS Class of 2011, comments on Colgate University
Colgate University, nestled in the heart of central New York, is an ideal school for students who love the close-knit and vibrant campus life...
Rowing: Monster Erg Competition
On Sunday, February 2, the University of Victoria held the 29th edition of the grueling "Monster Erg" competition.
This year, hundreds of athletes competed in...
Why Go On An Exchange?
by Jasper Johnston, Grade 10
This March break, I get the amazing opportunity to travel with two other Senior School students, Oria James and Emily...
Life lessons from a career in media
I had the good fortune to listen in on the Career Day session offered by SMUS alum, Susie Wall, last Wednesday. Officially, she was...
Senior Basketball: Wins in Countdown & Classic
The Senior boys basketball team retained its BC AA #1 ranking, capturing the title at the Countdown to Playoffs Tournament at Brentwood College.
In running...
Networking – An Essential Skill
Knowing that 80% of jobs are not advertised, networking has become an essential skill for our students.
In preparation for Career Day this past Wednesday students...
Squash: ISA Championships at SMUS
On Friday, January 24th, SMUS hosted an extremely successful and competitive ISA Squash Championships.
In the Open Girls event, the SMUS top team of Grace...
Nash Visit Highlights Week of B-ball
The Senior boys basketball team took part January 23-25 in the prestigious Vancouver College Emerald Tournament. In a field loaded with ranked AAAA teams,...
Large Ensembles: The Diversity of Music
It was an exciting kick-off to the 2014 music season this week, as Band Director Gordon Clements made his debut on the Farquhar stage....
SMUS in the News: Free School Year
Victoria News
January 24, 2014
Free school year in Victoria for best and brightest
Basketball: Teams Court Victory
The Senior girls concluded a very busy week, hosting both a return league game against Parkland and then the Victoria City Police Tournament.
While the...
Senior Boys Basketball: SMUS Captures Police Tournament
The Senior boys basketball team concluded a successful week of play, capturing the 35th Victoria City Police Tournament after a showdown in the January...
Students on Ice in Antarctica
by Tessa Owens, Grade 11
This winter, I was lucky enough to participate in a two-week international scientific expedition to Antarctica called Students on Ice....
The Reality of Life Online
We hosted Jesse Miller of Mediated Reality this week, and he spoke to students, parents and staff about the illusion many people have of...
Malala Yousafzai: Activism or Exploitation?
Malala Yousafzai is the young Pakistani girl who the Taliban attempted to assassinate because of her activism for the right to education, especially for...
The Best School Year Ever
Today is the Day of Silence organized by our student chapter of Amnesty International. Good thing, therefore, that I was able to say my...
Basketball: Beyond Senior Boys
While the Senior boys have been in the limelight a good deal over the past month, having just reclaimed the provincial AA #1 ranking,...
Service Trip? India?
If you have ever considered going on a service trip, this video (created by SMUS student Olivia Sorley) may motivate you to sign up! She...
Squash: Canadian Junior Open
The beautiful White Oaks Conference Resort and Spa in Niagara-on-the-Lake played host to the 2013 Canadian Junior Open last December 7th to 10th. 270...
Student Short Film Tops VFF Contest
http://vimeo.com/81909195
Grade 12 student Olivia Sorley took first place in the Senior student category for the Victoria Film Festival, which officially begins on February 7,...
Bamfield Trip Fuels Environmental Science Experience
Way back in 2013, our AP Environmental Science students travelled to Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre. Soon after they returned, we received this great report...
Senior Boys Basketball: Holiday Wrap Up
The Senior boys basketball team just completed an extensive Christmas/New Year's exhibition schedule, competing against some of the best teams in Western Canada.
The Blue...
SMUS in the News: 28th SMUS Invitational
Island Sports News
December 29, 2013
2014 SMUS Invitational Senior Boys and Girls Basketball Tournament
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...
Duke of Edinburgh Award Recipients 2013
The Duke of Edinburgh's Award is an exciting self-development Programme available to all young people ages 14-25, equipping them with life skills to make a...
What About Santa Fe?
Sitting on the high plains at an elevation of 7,000 feet and just to the west of the sangre de Christos mountains, Santa Fe,...
Senior Boys Basketball: Jags Grasp #1
In front of a large and enthusiastic home crowd, the SMUS Senior boys basketball team moved to the top of the AA provincial rankings...
It’s Beginning to Look a lot Like Basketball Season
The basketball season moved into full operation, with multiple teams in action the week of December 2-8.
The provincially AA #2 ranked Senior boys split...
Junior Boys Basketball: Scrappy Efforts
The Junior boys basketball campaign did not get underway in the most auspicious circumstances, with Lucas de Vries, the team's only legitimate post player,...
Les Roches and Glion in Spain and Switzerland
Les Roches, Marbella
If students who are interested in studying business want a programme in which they can learn to specialize in an industry while...
Rowing: Back on Terra Firma
With Novice Rowing training and racing now complete, the SMUS Competitive squad has started its own pre-season program.
49 athletes from Grades 8 to 12...
Senior Boys Basketball: Let’s Get it Started
Fresh off the November 23 opener against the Alumni team, our Senior basketball boys kicked off their pre-season with a very busy week.
Up first...
Small Ensembles: Standards and Experiments
A show with a solid foundation of standards punctuated by experimentation and nerves, the Small Ensembles concert is always a good time. With a...
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...
Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
Australia is optimistic. Its people are positive and forward-looking. Business is good. And the weather’s great! International students would be lucky to study in...
Alumni Basketball: Student Side Keeps it Close
The winter term sports scene kicked off officially November 23 with the Alumni Basketball games. In the first of three contests, an older yet...
Senior Girls Volleyball Wrap Up
The Senior girls volleyball season came to an end this past weekend, as - for the second straight year - SMUS was eliminated in...
Recitations: Keep Calm and Speak On
http://youtu.be/u4PmY8m8wl8
While the exercise of reciting a monologue in public is a rare occurrence, those who have this skill in their pocket when they need...
YALP: Keynote Speakers Provide Fresh Perspective
by Zachary Kahn, Grade 12
Seeing as I had never been extremely involved with local poverty and never having attended a conference like this, I...
Senior Girls Volleyball: Wild Card Berth
The Senior girls volleyball team completed a successful weekend at the Island AAA Championships in Campbell River, navigating through a powerhouse field to claim...
Fall Theatre Production Captures Life of Anne Frank
by Morgan McLeod, Head of Theatre
A mere two months ago, we had our first read through of The Diary of Anne Frank. It was...
Grade 9 Rugby: Undefeated ISA Champs
Grade 9 boys rugby concluded November 14, with SMUS travelling to St. George's in Vancouver to take part in a season ending ISA Festival.
The...
Squash: Ivy League Scrimmages
Four members of our squash team - Janel Gaube, Grace Thomas, Gavin Maxwell and Jason Yoo - spent the Remembrance Day long weekend in...
Senior Girls Volleyball: Peaking at the Right Time
The Senior girls volleyball team appears to be rounding into form at just the right time, following an exciting 3-2 win over Claremont on...
SMUS in the News: Blue Jags End Colonist Cup Drought
Times Colonist
November 13, 2013
St. Michaels Blue Jags Defeat Glenlyon Norfolk Gryphons to End Colonist Cup Drought
Field Hockey Wrap Up
The Senior girls field hockey season came to a dramatic close the week of November 4-10, starting with the May Tully Shield match against...
The SMUS Distinguished Alumni Series: Douglas Freeman
The SMUS Distinguished Alumnus Award recognizes alumni who have excelled in their chosen fields and have been involved in their communities. This year's Distinguished...
Senior Boys Soccer: Island AA Tournament
Riding high after qualifying for the prestigious Colonist Cup, the Senior boys soccer team took part in the Island AA Tournament November 5-6 at...
Soccer: Two Teams Reach the End of the Line
Senior Boys Developmental
The Senior boys developmental team came up just short in Colonist Shield semi-final action, going down 2-1 to favoured St. Andrew's.
As had...
Rowing: Against the Wind
In what has been an ongoing, but no longer even mildly entertaining theme, Mother Nature - through driving rain and heavy winds - drastically...
Senior Girls Volleyball: City AAA Champs
The usual hectic Senior girls volleyball season moved through the final round of league play, confirming city placings within respective tiers and positioning teams...
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...
Grade 9 Rugby: Missed Conversion Seals the Deal
On October 24, the Grade 9 rugby team traveled to West Vancouver's Klahanie Park to play Collingwood. With both teams unbeaten this season, all...
SMUS in the News: Senior Boys Soccer
Times Colonist
October 29, 2013
Senior Boys Soccer
St. Michaels University School, Glenlyon Norfolk bound for Colonist Cup soccer final
Field Hockey: Blue Jags Retain Island Championship
It was another exciting seven days for the Senior girls field hockey team.
On Monday, October 21, powered by an Olivia Donald hat trick, SMUS...
Senior Boys Soccer: Colonist Cup Quarterfinal
The Senior boys soccer team, following a fourth place league finish, matched up with #5 Reynolds in Colonist Cup quarterfinal action on October 24.
Playing...
Field Hockey: Tough on the Turf
After the rigours of the previous two weeks, with a tournament in Ontario followed by the Bridgman Cup, the Senior girls field hockey team...
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...
Volleyball: Steady As She Goes
Junior
The Junior girls hosted the ISA Tournament, playing steadily enough to finish 6th in the twelve team event. In opening day pool play, thanks...
Soccer: A Fevered Pitch
Senior Boys
The Senior boys soccer squad hosted Oak Bay October 17 in the final round of league play, with supporters from both sides treated...
Rowing: The Fog Lifts
The rowing team competed October 19-20 in the second of three fall competitions, where - due to the horrendous weather which cut short the...
Cross Country: Take It On the Run
Competing at Beacon Hill Park in ideal fall conditions, the fourth race of the season saw 17 SMUS runners take on a course modified...
17 visits, one busy week!
Did you know that we had 5 university representatives on campus today, and we have 12 more coming in the next 4 days? It's...
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...
NACAC Toronto Conference and Thomas Friedman
Ms McCallum and I have recently returned from a trip to the centre of the universe, Toronto, where we attended the National Association for...
Grade 9 Rugby: In Pictures
Led by Jason Liao and Christian Okiring, the Grade 9 Rugby team edged by Brentwood 34-33 in an eleven try thriller to remain unbeaten...
Senior Girls Volleyball: Race for the Lindal Cup
The Senior girls volleyball team won an important AA challenge match at St. Margaret's, but not without some anxious moments. Improved serve-receive and commanding...
Shifting the Power
by Tessa Owens, Grade 11
From October 4-7th, hundreds of activists hailing from across Canada met in Victoria, British Columbia. They were united as part...
Senior Girls Field Hockey: Bridgman Cup
Fresh off their victory at a National Independent Schools Tournament in Ontario, the Senior girls field hockey team turned its attention to local matters....
Soccer: Junior & Senior
The Junior boys, despite bowing to league leaders Oak Bay, still finished third in the league and will open City playoffs October 16 vs...
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....
A university with butterflies, tunnels, and a superlab?!
I spent a day at Carleton University for a rapid-fire update about the Ontario universities. At the end of the day, a few counsellors...
38 Universities. One Night.
Tomorrow (October 8) universities from across the country will crowd into the SMUS gym to meet the students they hope will join their schools....
Field Hockey: Three is the Magic Number
The Senior girls field hockey team took a break from local league action, travelling to Oakville, Ontario and the beautiful lakeside campus of Appleby...
Volleyball: Resilience Brings Improvement
Both our Senior and Junior teams saw action this week.
The Senior girls volleyball team suffered a somewhat disappointing league defeat on October 1 to...
Athletics Wrap-Up
Though the Senior and Junior boys soccer successes of the past week have drawn the lion's share of attention, many other SMUS teams have...
SMUS in the News: Senior Boys Soccer
Times Colonist
October 1, 2013
Senior Boys Soccer
Blue Jags stay perfect in early going of Lower Island high school soccer
Home of the bilingual Gee-Gees
With 41,000 students (36,000 undergrads) on a campus that is only 0.5 km by 1 km, you would think that it would feel squashed....
Junior Girls Volleyball: Rising to the Next Level
Photo by Becky Anderson
The Junior girls volleyball team, after a busy training camp, opened its exhibition season September 20-21 at the Trinity Western University...
Rowing: A Hard Rain Falls on Crabfest 2013
With the 2012-2013 competitive rowing season affected to a large degree by poor weather, it was hoped that a new school year would allow...
Looking Into the Ivy League
by Ana Maria Fernandez, Grade 12
With the end of high school approaching, it becomes inevitable to start thinking about our post-secondary plans and what...
Junior Boys Soccer: Jags Ride the Storm
There are lots of full resolution images from Sunday's final available for viewing and download in our photo gallery. Thanks to Jasper Johnston for...
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...
Starting at SMUS: A Student Perspective
by Elaine, Grade 10 boarder, Symons House
Last Christmas, I got an email from SMUS and it gave me the email address of a girl...
Writing Help Now Available On Demand
by Denise Lamarche, Director of Academics
Stroll past Crothall 108 between 3:30 and 4:30 pm, Mondays through Thursdays, and you might notice some students working...
Junior Boys Soccer: Off and Running
The Junior boys soccer team, in a promising start to the season, opened its account September 18 vs GNS.
On a glorious fall afternoon, SMUS...
Grade 9 Rugby: SMUS Interupts Rhythm of the Saints
Our Grade 9 rugby team played their second match of the young season, hosting St. George's in a much-anticipated clash. The two teams had...
Field Hockey: Piling Up the Shutouts
The Senior girls field hockey team faced its usual hectic early season, completing no less than 11 matches in just eight days, a period...
Minnesota – 10,000 Lakes and Some Great Universities
Minnesota’s Twin Cities (Minneapolis and St. Paul) are alive with arts and athletic activity – The Minnesota Twins, Vikings, Wild, Timberwolves, (baseball, football, hockey,...
Grade 9 Rugby: First Appearances, Big Win
The Grade 9 Rugby squad made its season debut September 19, taking on Mulgrave on a beautiful fall afternoon at storied Brockton Oval in...
Senior Boys Soccer: "The vagaries of sport"
The Senior boys soccer squad, mainly featuring Grade 11 players but brimming with talent, opened its campaign with a 4-1 exhibition victory over Stelly's...
Senior Volleyball: Strong Early Season Matches
Having graduated four key starting players last year, the SMUS Senior Girls Volleyball team opened its 2013 season with a September 17 league match...
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...
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...
Leadership Via Horsemanship
On Thursday, our new Prefects, Heads of House and Council Heads jumped the Clipper ferry to make the annual journey down to Silk Purse...
Follow Me: Link Leaders
Last week, we talked about our two student-led welcome programs for new students from the perspective of the newcomer. This week, two Grade 12...
An Early Start for Grade 12 Planning
by Greg Marchand
The University Counselling presentation for Grade 12 students and their parents that was held on September 12th was a great success with...
Meet Your Head Boy and Girl
Dear New SMUSdents,
Welcome! On behalf of the entire school, we welcome you to our SMUS family! As you may already know, our school welcomes...
A Google Science Fair Summer
One of our students had a particularly exciting summer; Ann Makosinski was the sole Canadian out of 15 finalists in the Google Science Fair,...
From Secret Garden to Shakepeare
After taking on the role of Mary in the SMUS production of The Secret Garden last year, Grade 12 student Ellen Law spent her...
Graduation: A Rite of Passage
by Darin Steinkey, Senior Houseparent, Timmis House
There are different types of energy all rolled into one when it comes to a graduation ceremony. There’s...
A Fitting Close to the Grade 9 and 10 Year
by Darin Steinkey, Senior Houseparent, Timmis House
A colleague sitting next to me mentioned how much she enjoyed what she called the "lighter" closing ceremony....
Reflections on India
by Darin Steinkey
Each member of this group has spent time in India and wanted to share their impressions in Chapel. Whether it was a...
Lifers
SMUS "Lifers" are students who have spent their school lives at SMUS. This year, Grade 12 lifers will finally be leaving the SMUS nest....
Athletics Review: SMUS Hands Out the Hardware
by Darin Steinkey
A hearty thanks to all the coaches and teachers that contributed to the Athletics Review this past year and especially to Lindsay...
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...
A Bilingual Look at Victoria
http://youtu.be/PRuPN_Kpnbg
by Serena Edwardson, teacher
Throughout the year, my French 10A class has been corresponding with a class from France and collaborating on various projects. My...
Athletics Review: Pure Speed
We quickly recap the week in athletics with updates from a huge cricket tournament, our rowers at nationals, plus track & field, badminton and...
Brendan Snarr, SMUS ’05, PhD Research at McGill
Do you think fungus is only mushrooms, blue cheese, and beer?
Representing one of the most diverse kingdoms in taxonomy, fungi encompass everything from brewers’...
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....
Concerto Spotlights Soloists
The Concerto Concert always stands out in a very hectic concert season, perhaps because its format is so different from the rest of our...
A Lesson in Poetry
by Devon, Grade 4
A week ago, a Grade 12 student named Lindon Carter came to the Junior School to perform a song for us...
Athletics Review: Swinging Away
by Darin Steinkey
As the school year draws to a close so does our athletics coverage. Watch for updates from rugby provincials next week as...
Going Solo at the Concerto Concert
With the Concerto Concert coming up on Wednesday, May 29 in the Farquhar Auditorium at the University of Victoria, we thought we'd offer a...
Collaboration Across Continents
by Amal Khan, Grade 11
This year in Art 11, my class had the experience of being involved with a project directed by the Tate...
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...
A Blind Date With A Book
by Eva Grant, Grade 10
The Book Club worked hard last week and the week before to prepare for our pilot project for Grade 9:...
Oh to be young again!
When I was a teenager, I spent my summer vacations babysitting and bussing tables. Summer school was the furthest thing from my mind and...
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...
In Memory of David Gauthier
by Laura Authier
Another op’nin, another show
In Philly, Boston, or Baltimo’
A chance for stage folks to say hello!
Another op’nin of another show…
Four weeks, you rehearse...
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...
The Future of Careers
Career Week was a busy one this year, with two events running each lunch hour. Students had the opportunity to attend panel discussions of...
Brian Christensen ’11: If I Should Fall
One of the dreams of any music teacher is to see their students go on to love and play music as an important part...
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....
No Batteries Required
Just in time for Earth Week, we spoke to Ann Makosinski, whose human-powered flashlight just won her a trip to the Canada-Wide Science Fair....
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...
Bovine Role in Human Geography
What does milking a cow have to do with geography? Surprisingly, a lot. Our AP Human Geography class visited a local dairy farm as...
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...
India: A Festival of Colours
by David Boroto, Grade 11
India. Just a few weeks ago the word was a mystery to me and nine other SMUS students and staff....
Island Leadership for Bolton Boys
Boarding is bursting with leadership opportunities, and a group of Grade 11 boarders dedicated last weekend to building their leadership skills. Travelling to Tortoise...
Nicaragua: Changes
by Claudia Wheler, Grade 10
Going to Jiquilillo, Nicaragua was a whole new experience for me. I had never been on a service trip -...
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...
English language option in France
Sciences Po is an internationally renowned university in France composed of seven campuses, each with its own geographical focus area and dominant language on...
Mexico: My First Service Trip
by Flora Feng, Grade 9
I once saw a man on TV, who spent a year doing service in Africa. His mind and values, and...
Paris and Amsterdam: Music & Culture
by Danny Park
Although it is difficult to express how spectacular this trip was, I will try.
On March 13th, 36 students and four wonderful music...
SMUS Captures "The Boot"
In what is always one of the most anticipated games on the high school rugby calendar, SMUS travelled to Oak Bay on April 10...
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...
Athletics Review: Boot Force
by Darin Steinkey
With much of the talk around campus focused on the Boot Game, it's also worth reminding everyone that it's soccer season as...
California road trip: 11 college campuses in 5 days
In early February, Rea Casey and I spent a week in Southern California visiting colleges with three other University Counsellors from BC independent schools. With...
Last but certainly not least…University of San Diego
I have to admit that by the end of our tour, we thought we might have seen all that Southern California had to offer...
University of California, San Diego
Back to California road trip: 11 college campuses in 5 days
Five Colleges in Claremont, CA
What a bargain! Seven colleges for the price of one! Welcome to the Claremont Consortium located in the beautiful town of Claremont just 56...
Cowboys, Samurai, and Manly Men – A Writing Seminar
Occidental College is located 8 miles from downtown LA, though I have to admit that we were never really sure where downtown LA actually...
Chapman University – Orange, CA
Located about an hour and a half drive on the freeway from Los Angeles, Chapman was a real gem of a place. The people...
Our First Stop – UCLA
UCLA is located very close to Beverly Hills and the campus visit was the first one on our itinerary. The campus itself is vast...
Physical Education…Online?
by Nikki Kaufmann, teacher
Physical Education (PE) online, that’s preposterous! After all, isn’t the opposite of being online what we are trying to achieve? Technically,...
Groupwork Goes in New Direction
by Ryan Dewar, teacher
During our study of Romeo & Juliet, the students used Google Docs to complete a set of analysis questions for each...
Beauty, brains, and brawn at USC
Imagine getting credit towards your university degree for a course that entails listening to a talk given by a theatre critic followed up with...
Let’s Get Mathematical: Q&A
The above question is a demonstration of number theory, a favourite of SMUS mathematician Andrew Kang. In honour of Pi Day, we have two...
Writing 12 Puts Poetry in Motion
A major project for Writing 12 students in the second term has been mixing imagery, voice and sound to animate their poetry. The class...
Athletics Review: Basketball Wrap-Up
As we bid farewell to Daylight Saving Time, we must also say goodbye to basketball season. Our writers take a look back at provincials...
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...
2012 Grad is Governer General’s Award Winner
Each year, SMUS is able to award one Governor General Award Bronze Medal to the graduating student with the highest academic average of the...
Athletics Review: It’s All So Provincial
While our basketball teams compete at provincials in Richmond and Kamloops this week (stay connected with the various Twitter feeds), Coach Hanebury writes that...
Unearthing The Secret Garden
by Erin Anderson, editor
When I first heard SMUS would perform The Secret Garden, I recalled the book I read as a child, and thought,...
Fairy Tales Teach Espanol
by Alison Galloway, teacher
“If you want your children to be intelligent, read them fairy tales. If you want your children to be more intelligent...
Buddies With Books
Our reading buddies program brings Junior School kids to the Senior School throughout the year to share their favourite books with older SMUS students....
Athletics Review: Many Roads Lead to Provincials
This week's Athletics Reviews sees our SMUS basketball teams fight hard and take different routes to earn berths in the Provincial tournaments. In the...
Artists Talk Inspiration Behind McPherson Show
by Martha Cohn, Grade 10
The art show at the Mac is always a great exhibit for student work - when I was in Grade...
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...
Athletics Review: The Story of Stuff
by Darin Steinkey
SMUS shores up their defence this week in the Athletics Review with basketball tournaments and wins galore. Squash coach Hanebury chimes in...
Behind the Scenes in Musicals Past
Though this year's musical, The Secret Garden, doesn't open until February 27, the production takes months of preparation. As students and staff are hard...
Not the Usual Daily Grind
by Natrine Cheuk, Grade 12 boarder and Business Club Executive
The Daily Grind is a cafe ran entirely by the members of the Business Club....
Early Investigation Helps Course Selection Success
by Denise Lamarche, Director of Academics
With the deadline for course selection at the Senior School less than a month away, now is the time...
Athletics Review: Not Much Love for the Competition
by Darin Steinkey
Although we are in the heart of basketball season, SMUS has not shown a lot of love to the competition lately and...
The University of Toronto
The University of Toronto is one of Canada’s finest post-secondary institutions. Three campuses spread across the greater Toronto area serve more than 70,000 students...
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...
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...
Athletics Review: Bouncing Back From Adversity
by Darin Steinkey
This week we're highlighting Senior basketball with some tough tourneys for both the boys and girls. Sports Canada TV will live stream...
An Educational Exchange
Grade 11 student Kalkidan Amare didn't know quite what to expect when she signed up for our student exchange program and spent a term...
Diplomat Tony Quainton ’46 Talks Politics
by Athena Kerins, Grade 10
When I first learned about Mr. Quainton’s impressive career in diplomacy, I expected his speech to be very cagey. I...
Athletics Review: SMUS Squashes the Competition
This week we have an ISA squash update from coach Hanebury and we spend two minutes with Mathew Geddes '93, houseparent and math teacher,...
Large Ensembles: A View From the Wings
Although Jake Humphries writes about music as magic (and we agree), as you'll read below there is no magic to getting concerts organized. Jake...
Athletics Review: B-ball Battles
by Darin Steinkey
Tough schedules and lots of back-to-back games challenged the Blue Jags basketball squads over the last couple of weeks, but the teams...
Students Take On Responsibility of Global Conference
by Paris Lowe, Grade 11 boarder
Just this past Friday, I had the opportunity of putting on a global responsibility conference for youth in southern...
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...
A New Angle on Our City
Geography 10 students took a closer look at how Victoria works as a city on a field trip this week. Exploring the BC capital,...
Athletics Review: Basketball, Burgers and Beats
by Darin Steinkey
As SMUS preps for the annual Victoria Police basketball tournament this weekend, we have lots of basketball for you this week. Find...
SMUS Senior Wins Scholarship to Attend Cambridge University
Keiler Totz is still a little in shock. Even though he submitted a very strong application to the Blyth Cambridge Commonwealth Trust scholarship competition,...
Re-Examining Africa with Dariusz Dziewanski
by David Boroto, Grade 11
In my AP Human Geography class, we welcomed guest speaker Dariusz Dziewanski '97, a consultant in international development and alumnus...
Ahhh…January.
It’s a new year and things are cooking in the University Counselling Centre! To date, 37% of the graduating class is on record as...
Athletics Review: Grit Leads to Good Showing in Duncan
Senior Boys Basketball
The Senior boys basketball team rang in the New Year up in Duncan, taking part in the Cowichan Showcase Tournament.
A deep field...
Athletics Review: Gary Taylor Invitational
December 20-22 saw both the Senior and Junior boys basketball teams take part in the Oak Bay HS Gary Taylor Invitational.
The tournament, named after...
Athletics Review: Final Basketball of 2012
Our basketball teams continued their successful start to the 2012-2013 season, combining for six wins as both remained undefeated.
The Junior boys mowed through three...
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...
Tradition and Innovation Drive Small Ensembles
A yearly tradition, the Small Ensembles concert allows SMUS students the chance to show their musical stuff. In this video, the Vocal Jazz Ensemble...
Holiday Songs Brighten Winter Season
Carols are a staple of Christmas celebration, and with a student body packed with amazing singers, it seems only natural that SMUS contributes a...
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...
Former Students Get Junior School Swinging
by Tim, Grade 10 percussionist in the Swing Band
On November 29th, 30 keen Senior Swing Band students accompanied Mr. Reid to the SMUS Junior...
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...
Athletics Review: Winter Rugby on the Mild Coast
by Darin Steinkey
Even though it is cold (well, for the Island...), almost two dozen boys have shown up every day for extra rugby training...
SMUS Captures ISA Senior Boys Basketball Title
In a riveting weekend's play, SMUS captured the 2012 ISA Senior Boys championship, winning three games in the space of just over 24 hours...
Special Guests Combine Geography and Art
by Anna Forbes, Head of Art
We had some distinguished guests in this week talking to the art and the geography students in Copleand. Dr....
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...
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,...
Conflict Unifies Global Politics Students
by Tessa Owens, Grade 10 student
Since October 22nd, Crothall 116 has been transformed into a time-warp portal whenever Global Politics 10 classes have convened....
Athletics Review: Wild Cards and Jesters
by Darin Steinkey
Sports lingo is strange. References to spikes, stuffs, fools and something called a "roll out nick" (does someone want to explain that...
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...
Athletics Review: No Cliché Too Small
by Darin Steinkey
With the long weekend it was a light week for sports at SMUS, but we realize this is no time to get...
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...
And the Winner Is…
This year, we put our second annual Outdoor Education Photo Contest online and let everyone vote on the strongest photos. Thanks to everyone who...
AP Environmental Science: (Cold & Wet) Hands-On Learning
by Becca Clayton, Grade 12 student
There’s just something about digging your hands into what you’re learning (though you may have cold and wet hands...
Athletics Review: Spirits Not Damp
by Darin Steinkey
In this week's AR, Susanne Walker-Curry throws down numbers like rain, SMUS takes the reins in rugby and the field hockey girls...
303 Million Jobs Worldwide by 2020
It is estimated that the number of jobs available in the Hospitality Industry will reach 303 million by the year 2020. When you see...
Outdoor Education Climbers Not Repelled by Long Trip
by Vivian Lam, Grade 11
For our out-trip, we (a group of 19 kids including the Grade 12 leaders) went to Penticton to rock climb.
Photo...
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...
Interesting times in the Canadian post-secondary world
Here at SMUS, we are committed to preparing students for higher learning, whatever shape that may take. In this article printed in the Globe...
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...
Ocean Centre Visit Spawns Artwork
Some Senior School artists visited the Ocean Discovery Centre to complete assignments working with moving subjects. There were no shortage of captivating creatures to...
Athletics Review: Grade AA Island Quality
by Darin Steinkey
Beyond an outstanding week of sport — highlighted by an Island Championship, a Western Canadian bronze medal and several first place finishes...
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...
Something Wicked for SMUS Boarders
"You are an ambitious soul, Macbeth. You long for greatness, but will you be wicked enough?"by Martha Cohn, Grade 10 boarder
On Tuesday evening, October...
Parent Presentation October 11, 2012
We were pleased to welcome more than 50 parents who attended the University Counselling Department's presentation on Thursday October 11, 2012. We gave an...
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...
US College Fair in Vancouver – Oct 24, 2012
For students applying to US colleges this fall, or thinking of it for next year, you have the chance to take part in a...
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...
Re-examining Creativity: Everything is a Remix
Video by Darin Steinkey
Kirby Ferguson, our opening Scholar in Residence this school year was first suggested by art teacher Chris Bateman as a presenter...
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...
Changes to Scholarships – UBC and Queens
University of British Columbia
New this year - UBC's scholarship application process has changed! There is no restriction on the number of applications coming from...
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...
Athletics Review: Hat-Tricks, Taking Their Licks and SMUS Coach Clicks
by Darin Steinkey
Lots of goals, saves and top-ten athletes in this week's Review, plus: What I Did Last Summer with Ian Hyde-Lay and Sailing...
QLEAD – Business and Leadership at Queens
November 7 – 11, 2012
Are you interested in business? Leadership? Queen's University? This is an amazing leadership conference at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario.
The...
What do Coldplay, Ghandi and Alexander Graham Bell all have in common?
They all attended University College London!
UCL visitor, Travis Edwards, popped by for a noon hour visit today. While acknowledging that university rankings should be...
A Student’s Take on Scottish Schools
Last week, SMUS hosted three university events: our annual IvyPlus Presentation, an Australian Universities Presentation and a Scottish Universities Presentation. Below, one of the...
Ivy League take on testing (SAT, ACT, TOEFL/IELTS)
Following up on the blog last week about testing, it was interesting to hear one of the Ivy League presenters at SMUS last week...
All Hands on Deck for Outdoor Education Trips
As we are in the heart of outdoor education trips (a.k.a "out-trips") season here at SMUS, we thought we'd publish one of our favourite...
Clubs and Councils On Display
This week, students and faculty filled the Senior School quad for the Council Fair, showcasing some of the extracurricular options available to Senior School...
Athletics Review: Skills to Pay the Bills
by Darin Steinkey
This week we encounter the Zen Master and Mad Skillz in squash, suggest that you try out sailing (no experience required) and...
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...
PRA, SAT & ACT on our campus
'Tis the season for sharpening pencils, filling in bubbles, and reasoning your way through problems! Many students applying to a US college or university...
Athletics Review: SMUS Athletes Take a Leap of Faith
Rowing tryouts
by Susanne Walker-Curry
The start of the new school year saw over 80 student athletes come to the two days of tryouts. All interested...
University of Miami – first college visitor of the year!
Palm trees, salsa, sunshine, sandy beaches are all obvious attractions at a Florida university but the University of Miami has much more than that...
SMUS is Number One in Advanced Placement Ranking
Our school recently received some truly outstanding news from the College Board: we have been ranked the number-one school in Canada for “equity and...
Senior Students Strongest Link for Newcomers
Seeing a friendly face can really take the stress out of joining a new school. The Link Leader program aims to connect Senior School...
Athletics Review: Don’t Fail to Try
Take your first step to glory by planning what teams to tryout for this year; spend two minutes with Michael Baart, an athlete on...
The Scots, The Ivys, and the Aussies
The week of September 17-21 will see visits from three wonderful groups of universities. These will be evening visits; all students and parents are...
Grads of 2012 Celebrate and Reflect
by Erin Anderson, editor
For the Grade 11 and 12 students, the end of the school year has a special significance. For Grade 11...
Diverse, Polite, Driven: Grades 9 and 10 Close Out Their Year
It was a night of music, awards and proud parents. The Grades 9 and 10 Closing Ceremony honoured the hard work of these classes...
