St. Margaret's School

This weekend, our community gathered at Kidlandia, the relaxed, family-friendly area of Rifflandia, one of Vancouver Island’s largest and most established multi-genre music festivals. A heartfelt thank you to all our students, parents, and staff who volunteered at our bracelet-making booth, while also sharing their love for SMS!

Yesterday, our leaders gathered on our field for an afternoon of fun, spirit, and competition during our annual Housewarming. Students participated in many games and ended with a tug-of-war contest between the Houses.

Earlier this week, our boarding students took advantage of the warm weather by enjoying an outdoor BBQ dinner and games. ☀️

Day three of Spirit Week was Fun Hair Day, and our youngest leaders were fully committed to the theme.

Thank you for a wonderful first week, Junior School. ✨

Thank you for a beautiful first week, SMS families!
We were delighted to see so many of you at the Head’s Reception on Tuesday evening. It has been lovely to welcome new families into our community and reconnect with those returning. We look forward to an exciting year ahead!

Students made the most of the warm weather today by taking their art class outside. ☀️ 🎨

This morning, some of our youngest leaders went on a tour of our 22-acre campus and stopped by Maggie’s Hall to say hello to the Admissions Team, the Principal of Academics and Deputy Head of School (interim), Dr. Zielonka, and the Vice Principal of the Primary Years Programme, Ms. Nasseri.

It was a pleasure to welcome new students and their families to campus for orientation today. We’re looking forward to seeing all our leaders tomorrow morning!

This week, we welcomed back our incredible staff, who have been preparing for the return of our young leaders. We can’t wait to see everyone next Tuesday!

A mandatory outdoor education program was introduced at SMS in the fall of 1988. It was consistent with the School's new direction to provide a challenging environment leading to confidence and independence. Senior School students attended a five-day adventure camp where they were introduced to camping, canoeing, kayaking, and rock climbing. They learned the importance of teamwork and trust while studying the environment in a natural setting. It has become a highly anticipated annual trip for both new and returning students! Swipe all the way to see students at Strathcona in 1988. 🛶 🌲 🌊

On the final day of Baking Adventures, an SMS Summer Camp, campers baked cookies and cupcakes to take home. 🧁 🍪

There's still space in our upcoming Summer Camps. Discover them at the link in bio.

We are excited to share the final university acceptances for the Class of 2024. Congratulations! 🎓✨

One of our most popular summer camps this year was the tennis camp with Craig Wilkinson and his team at Wilkinson Sport. Campers aged 5-10 had the incredible opportunity to learn from a professional.

We still have openings for our other camps this summer. Discover them by clicking the link in our bio!

Our summer camps are in full swing! Today, our campers enjoyed a bit of relief from the heat. ☀️ 🌊

There are still spots available in some of our camps. Register now at the link in our bio!

FROM THE ARCHIVES | 1945

The war was over when victory in Europe was finally celebrated on May 8, 1945. Maureen Coniff (1944-1948), a boarder from Port Angeles remembered "escaping" from the residence to join the VE celebrations in downtown Victoria and at the Parliament Buildings. The group of "escapees" all arrived safely back at the School, but were met by an annoyed headmistress (Miss Pearce), who confined them to their rooms as punishment.

Flashback to June 14, when the Class of 2024 gathered to dine, dance, and celebrate with our community and their loved ones.

Reminiscing about our last full school assembly of the year. We celebrated the year, danced, and witnessed what might have been the first-ever dry synchronized swimming routine, performed by a few beloved staff members.

A huge thank you to our community for joining us at Sidney’s Canada Day Parade! We had an amazing time.

Today, we celebrate our diverse nation, beautiful land, and our ongoing commitment to reconciliation and peace. 🇨🇦

It's been an exciting year of House competitions, culminating in an afternoon of fierce events, including the highly anticipated tug-of-war match between Grads and staff.

And the winner of this year's House Cup is... Christian House! 💛

Last week, we celebrated our SMS Lifers: four students who have been at SMS since Junior Kindergarten (Sophie C., Sydney G., Syna M., and Julia M-F.), three who arrived at SMS in Kindergarten (Naomi C., Brianne D., and Eryn K.), and our Boarding Lifer, Arabella O., who arrived at SMS in 2019.

One very special part of the ceremony was a speech from their Kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Kaukinen, who shared stories of their time with her, their report cards, and a book that she read to them during their Kindergarten graduation.

Congratulations to our 2024 Lifers. We will miss you within the walls of 1080 Lucas.

Graduation 2024 | And then there was the ceremony. Congratulations to the Class of 2024, who received 191 offers of admission into 107 programs. 🎓✨🎓

Graduation 2024 | First, there was the parade. ✨

University acceptances are in for the Class of 2024! 🎓 We are incredibly proud of all our grads and can’t wait to celebrate them this week.

University acceptances are in for the Class of 2024! 🎓 We are incredibly proud of all our grads and can't wait to celebrate them this week.

Last week, our Extended Music Program held its annual showcase, where students performed for our community. We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who attended, our talented musicians, their families, and the entire community for their support.

What an amazing afternoon at the Family Association's Summer Kick-Off Bash! We enjoyed the thrilling dunks at the Dunk Tank, the delicious food, the bouncy castle, and all the fun activities. A huge thank you to the Family Association for organizing this incredible event!

Today, Grade 11 students presented their Theory of Knowledge (TOK) Exhibitions for the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme. Each student showcased three objects that illustrate how TOK is reflected in the world around us, examining the nature of knowledge and the process of knowing.

Throughout the year, students have delved into the nature, scope, and limitations of knowledge, contemplating the process of knowing. They have also reflected on their identities as knowers and thinkers, explored the different communities of knowers they belong to, and gained awareness of their own perspectives and those of others. This exploration has led them to ponder the fundamental question, "How do we know that?"

We were thrilled to welcome Rochelle Grayson, an expert in Artificial Intelligence and epistemology, who joined us for the event. Rochelle discussed the ethics of Al usage, its global challenges, and applications, prompting students to think critically about how to evaluate and use Al tools creatively and responsibly. She also explored how Al will shape their future relationship with knowledge. A huge thank you for joining us!

Last week, we hosted our Fine Arts Spring Showcase. Congratulations to all the performers and a big thank you to the volunteers and staff who made the event such a success!