Elmwood School

What an incredible start to the 2024-2025 school year at Elmwood! 🎉 Wednesday’s Welcome Back BBQ was a huge success, filled with delicious food, fun games, and great company. It was wonderful to see both new and returning families coming together, connecting with teachers, and getting a glimpse of the exciting year ahead. 🌟

A big thank you to everyone who joined us, and a special shoutout to all who helped make this event possible. Here’s to a fantastic school year! 🤩

🌟 We’re Hiring! 🌟

Elmwood School is looking for a passionate and dedicated Student Success Coach (Grades K-12) to join our team. This is an incredible opportunity to help empower students by creating personalized learning strategies that build resilience, confidence, and academic success.

Key responsibilities include:
* Collaborating with the Director of Student Success to develop individualized Success Plans
* Providing one-on-one coaching to enhance executive functioning and learning strategies
* Working closely with families, teachers, and staff to ensure every student thrives
* Supporting an inclusive learning environment for all students

If you have a passion for helping students reach their full potential and a background in educational psychology, inclusive education or a related field, we’d love to hear from you! 📚💡

Apply today by submitting your resume, cover letter, and references to [email protected].

Welcome back Elmwood! The first days of school are just the beginning of something extraordinary! As we return to class, we’re making sure every student, teacher, parent, and staff member feels LIFTED AND UNSTOPPABLE. Together, we can overcome challenges, celebrate successes, and support each other every step of the way. Here’s to a year of growth, unity, and limitless potential! 📚✨

At Elmwood, we are committed to creating an educational environment where students not only excel but feel lifted and unstoppable in their dreams for themselves and their future. Our mission goes beyond academic excellence; we strive to offer families peace of mind and endless possibilities for their daughters. Experience it first-hand by booking a student-led tour on our Campus Tour Day, Saturday, September 21.

Register today at elmwood.ca/campustourday 🌟

Get ready for Welcome Week 2024-25! 🎉

We are looking forward to another successful school year! The first couple of days look different depending on a student’s grade and whether they are new or returning. Here’s what to expect:

JUNIOR SCHOOL:
- 📅 Tuesday, Sept 3: Orientation Morning
New students join us from 8:30 - 10 AM to meet their teacher and see their classroom.
Parents stay for a brief presentation and Q&A.
- 📅 Wednesday, Sept 4: First Day of Classes for all!

MIDDLE & SENIOR SCHOOL:
- 📅 Tuesday, Sept 3: First Day of Classes!
Returning students arrive by 8:10 AM to meet your homeroom.
New students arrive at 8:30 AM to meet your buddy.
Regular Day 1 schedule. Dismissal at 3:45 PM.
- 📅 Wednesday, Sept 4:
Regular Day 2 schedule for all students. Classes start at 8:10 AM and end at 3:45 PM.

We can’t wait to see everyone back on campus! 🎒

🌟 Join Our Elmwood Junior School Team! 🌟
We’re excited to announce an opportunity for a dedicated and enthusiastic Student Teacher Intern to join our team! This full-time position is perfect for someone looking to gain valuable experience before applying to become a teacher. You’ll work closely with teachers and students, supporting our educational programs and helping to create a positive, engaging learning environment. You’ll also play a key role in our After School Program.

🕒 Hours: 10:00 am - 6:00 pm daily
For more details and to apply, visit the full job description on our website: elmwood.ca/careers


IN REVIEW: Beginning with our Old Girl & Alumni Association (OGAA) Prosecco Social in September, and concluding with the OGAA Luncheon at the Royal Ottawa Golf Club, Elmwood alumni have been busy socializing, networking, mentoring students, and sharing their love of the school far and wide! Here is a sampling of events, programs and activities that alumni were involved in during the 2023-2024 school year:

OGAA Luncheon - June 28
“Uni 101” with recent grads - June 6
Reunion Cocktails for milestone reunions - June 1
Record # of alum attend the Elmwood Gala - May 4
Alum attend the 100 Nights Dinner - March 7
Alum in judge the Science Fair - February 27
The 1st Alum Bowling Night - February 22
Sip & Shop Holiday Marketplace Preview - December 1
“Entrepreneurship with Purpose” discussion - October 14
Prosecco Social for 1950s - 80’s Old Girls - September 15

Elmwood Old Girls and Alumni are extraordinary. They are fierce, smart, adventurous, generous and proud. We are grateful for each and every one. Visit elmwood.ca/alumni to read more. 💚 💛

On June 14, Elmwood held its annual Senior School Closing Ceremonies. Thank you to Senior Prefect Cleo for her impactful words, and School Captain Danya for her meaningful Valedictory Address. Thank you as well to Jacqueline Palumbo-Sugunasiri, Chair of the Board of Governors, for her kind words.

Congratulations to all of Elmwood’s Senior School students on a fantastic school year, and extra special congratulations to the Class of 2024! We cannot wait to see what the future holds for each and every one of you.🎓✨

On June 13, Elmwood held its annual Middle School Closing Ceremonies. Thank you to Dr. Jane Mathew for her empowering speech, and Prefect M-E for her impactful words for our Middle School Students. Congratulations to all our Middle School students! 🎓🎉

On June 12, Elmwood held its annual Junior School Closing Ceremonies. Thank you to alumna Dr. Véronique French Merkley ‘96 for her inspiring remarks, and Prefect Camilla for her words of encouragement for our youngest students. Congratulations to all our junior school students on finishing the year strong! 🎓💐

This week, we lost a beloved member of our Elmwood community.  On Monday, June 24, Teresa Marquis passed away peacefully after her battle with cancer. She was surrounded by love in her home with her children and siblings. 

Teresa worked at Elmwood for over a decade and has shaped the lives of so many students and colleagues with her love of learning, literature and life. Teresa was a favourite teacher of our students.  As part of the 100 Nights Dinner traditions for graduates, the class votes for a teacher to give a toast.  With very few exceptions, the students selected Teresa to provide words of reflection at this intimate event every year, and we today fondly remember this quote of hers from one such recent address:  

“Soon, you will all be heading off to your own adventure stories. Remember, as you look forward to these adventures, that there are always paths, even when the way looks impenetrable. Remember to look up and be amazed by the infinite possibilities you have. Remember also to look down and realize that we are all connected in some way, and when we need support, or someone needs our support, the foundation for that support lies in our relationships with each other.” 

Teresa was not only an exceptional educator but also a remarkable friend and colleague. It was a privilege to know her, and will miss her.

On June 6, Elmwood’s Middle and Senior School Athletics Banquets featured inspiring guest speakers Erin Mulcahy and Michaela Haley, celebrating the importance of sport and women in athletics. Huge thanks to the Athletics councils, Sports Captain Alice, and Athletics Directors Ms. Chin and Mr. Hawksworth for organizing. Congrats to all our athletes on a fantastic year! 🏅🎉

🎓✨ Congratulations, graduates! Today is YOUR day! 🎉

Let’s celebrate this incredible milestone by reminiscing about Grad Appreciation Day last Thursday!

Elmwood’s Class of 2024 participated in an inspiring University Q&A with alumni, enjoyed a delicious lunch together, signed each other’s grad caps, and felt the love during the heartfelt rose ceremony, with speeches from younger students and siblings. 🌹🎤

Your hard work, dedication, and spirit have brought you here. Here’s to the bright futures ahead! See you tonight! 🎓🌟

This Monday was Spirit Day here at Elmwood! Even a power outage couldn’t dampen the energy of our students, as they competed in house games and competitions, in hopes of scoring points for their houses! Thank you to Senior School Prefect, Cleo, for all her hard work planning and organizing this amazing day! 🩵💙❤️💛

Monday was also our Relay for Life, in support of cancer research! Together, Elmwood staff and students raised over $10,000 for this incredible cause. Thank you to Sports Prefect, Alice, for running this event! 💚💛

Elmwood School will be closed today due to a schoolwide power outage. We asked that parents who have already dropped their children off pick them up as soon as they are able. We will keep you posted, but we currently have no indication of when the power will be restored. Thank you for your cooperation.

📚✨Good luck to all our middle school students on your exams next week! 

We know exam season is a stressful time, but we also know you’re going to crush it! 

To our Senior School students, who are currently in the middle of their exams. Keep up the amazing work, the end is in sight!

All the studying, preparation, Success Studios, Exam Prep Sessions, and guidance from Elmwood’s Student Success Center has been for this moment, so put pen to paper and show the world how incredible you all are! 📚✨

Salvete!📜🌿 Elmwood’s Classics Club recently had the honour of hosting the Ontario Student Classics Conference 2024, at Brock University! From trivia and relay races to jewelry making and creative workshops, there was something for everyone!

Highlights included the Vitruvius Lego Challenge, acting workshops, and insightful presentations from several archaeology professors. A special shoutout to Dr. Darius Arya from the American Academy in Rome for an unforgettable tour of the Theatre of Marcellus via Zoom.

Gratias tibi to Brock University and everyone who participated, helped organize, and plan this amazing event! 👑🏛️

Our teachers rocked student uniforms yesterday to celebrate reaching 75% of our Relay for Life fundraising goal! 🎉 We’re so close, but we still need your help to cross the finish line. Let’s make a difference together by June 10th—every donation counts!

🎭✨ Bravo, Grade 4! ✨🎭

Congratulations on a spectacular performance of “Dragon”! 🐉👑

The Grade 4 classes spectacularly portrayed this adventurous journey, complete with cunning villains, a mysterious Piper, quirky friends, and even a Dragonologist!

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who helped bring this enchanting story to life – Ms Pike, Ms Rock, Mr Johnston, and Ms Lia, your hard work and dedication helped in creating a magical experience for all! ✨

WHAT A NIGHT! The 2024 ELMWOOD GALA - IN FULL BLOOM held on Saturday, May 4th was a night to remember! It was a true celebration of the Elmwood community with current and past parents, alumni, sponsors and friends gathering to raise a glass, enjoy a “Michelin Star-worthy meal” and dance the night away. Also a significant fundraiser, the event raised $200,000 in support of the creation of a learning commons which will be a hub for learning at Elmwood for all students, Pre-K to Grade 12.

Our sincere thanks to Gala Patron Jamilah Taib Murray ‘82, sponsors and and our table hosts, alumni and friends who raised their paddles in support of the school. Your generosity and enthusiasm is greatly appreciated. To our Gala Committee Chair Simran Kochar and the entire Gala Committee, our heartfelt gratitude.

Swipe to see highlights from the 2024 Elmwood Gala.
📸

Join us on May 11 for our Campus Tour Day! Campus Tour Days are the perfect way for families with girls in Pre-K to Grade 12 to experience Elmwood and learn why it is the right fit for you and your family! Register by clicking this tile at the link in our bio!

https://bit.ly/3wkPkW1

Magical moments onstage! 🌟 🎭Last week, Elmwood’s Grade 2 & 3 students brought Fairytale Follies to life with their enchanting musical performance. Congratulations to our young stars on a tremendous performance! Extra special thanks to Ms. Pike for her expert direction! ✨🎶

LIVE AUCTION ANNOUNCEMENT! These six unique packages are EXCLUSIVELY available for bidding by guests at the Elmwood Gala Live Auction on May 4th.

🌸 The Ultimate Taylor Swift Ticket Package
🌸 A Sparkling Day
🌸 Champagne & Canapés at Crichton Lodge
🌸 Exquisite Exuma
🌸 For the Sens Fans
🌸 Deputy Head for the Day

More amazing Live Auction packages will be released shortly. To be in the room to have a chance to bid, secure one of the few remaining tickets at elmwood.ca/gala

📸🎨 Last Friday marked the unforgettable Arts Night 2024! 🖼️🎭Huge congrats to all the talented Elmwood students whose artwork graced the event. It was a showcase of pure creativity and skill! ✨Massive thanks to everyone involved in making this magical evening happen, with special appreciation to Arts Prefect Queenie, Ms. Lim, and Ms. Fischer for their unwavering dedication!

🌍✨ Happy Earth Week! Last Friday, Elmwood’s Climate Crew had an inspiring visit to Parliament! 🏛️ They met with Mona Fortier, MP of Ottawa-Vanier, who graciously welcomed them into West Block. Ms. Fortier listened intently to the students’ environmental concerns and discussed the Canadian government’s efforts to tackle climate change. 🍃

Their passionate advocacy didn’t go unnoticed as other MPs, including David McGuinty and Mary Ng, joined in to commend the students and talk about environmental policies. 🌟

A heartfelt thanks to Ms. Fortier, Mr. McGuinty, and Ms. Ng for engaging with our future leaders. 👏 And, of course, a huge thank you to the Climate Crew for their dedication and impactful work in environmental advocacy! Keep making waves! 🌊

Join us on April 20 for our Campus Tour Day! Campus Tour Days are the perfect way for families with girls in Pre-K to Grade 12 to experience Elmwood and learn why it is the right fit for you and your family! Register by clicking this tile at the link in our bio!

https://bit.ly/4d3QENE

This week, Elmwood held its annual Prefect Elections. It was amazing to see such an incredible group of students running for the various leadership positions - each demonstrating incredible courage, dedication, and confidence by putting themselves into the race! Thank you to everyone who participated and congratulations to our new 2024 - 2025 Prefect Team! Hannah, Temi, Khaliya, Elizabeth, Usha, Marta, Abbie, Madeline, Sarah, Rowan, Sophie, and Eliza!💚💛🦅

💜💛This past Wednesday was the annual Wilson Carnival, in support of the Boys and Girls Club! It was an incredible event filled with games, activities, delicious snacks, and amazing raffle prizes. Huge thank you and congratulations to Head of Wilson, Serena, for organizing such a wonderful day!

Thank you to everyone who attended and helped facilitate the event!🍌

Eid Mubarak to all those who celebrate!