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Student Life
Prefects
Each spring Prefects are elected and then interviewed for ten Prefect positions. These Millies have a multitude of duties: they organize activities and events, assist in chapel, and serve as role models for our girls. The Prefects wear burgundy blazers to signify their position.
Student Leadership
Leadership is an important part of the learning experience at SMLS. The School offers its students many opportunities to work with others in leadership and volunteer roles.
Leadership Opportunities
Each spring, elections are held for student, leadership positions on our Prefect body. These include, among others Head Girl, Games Captain and House Heads. Every student in her final year at the School has the opportunity to hold a leadership position and assist in running an event. The Athletics Council, Arts Council and House Council provide other opportunities to lead.
The House System
The House System is an opportunity to connect girls across all grade levels and develop a special sense of school spirit. Each student and faculty member belongs to one of three houses: Brant-Massey, Cartier-Vanier or Grenfell-Alexander. Throughout the year, each House earns points for academic effort, participation in athletics and clubs, School and community service, participation in fundraising, the House Challenge, and other events.
House Representatives
The role of the House Rep. is to assist the appropriate House Head with various activities throughout the year. The House Reps work as a team and are part of their House Council. The main focus of Council activities is raising House spirit and promoting inter-House competition. Their peers elect House Reps each spring. All students in Grades 6 through S5 vote for one person in their House and grade.
Final Year Leaders
Each student in her final year has the opportunity to hold a leadership role and assist in running a school event. These students can be identified by their custom graduating tie.
Co-curricular Opportunities
At SMLS we know that some of the most important learning opportunities happen outside the classroom. In addition to our remarkable Global Studies program, we provide our students with many opportunities to learn, serve and lead.
Other co-curricular activities include, among others:
- Yearbook, through Communications Technology
- Roots & Shoots and Guts & Gore, clubs that support and enhance the science curriculum
- Debating Club
- Red Maple Reading Program
- Tertulia Espanola
- Mosaic Multicultural Festival
Arts Activities
Through our co-curricular arts programs, our students find many new ways to grow, express themselves, and explore life. Our activities are designed to develop artistic skills and encourage arts appreciation.
Students have many opportunities to follow their interests and build their talents. Some of these opportunities include:
- performance in major musical productions and plays
- technical theatre including: lighting, sound, set design, scene painting, and construction for stage productions
- special projects and clubs such as Photography, Scrapbooking, and the Studio Art and Portfolio Club
- competing in the Independent Schools' Music Festival and the Independent Schools' Drama Festival
SMLS Arts Council
The SMLS Arts Council is responsible for the life of the arts at the school, organizing and promoting events such as drama productions, concerts, art shows, and the Arts Awards Tea. Students nominate themselves for positions on the Council by forwarding their names to the Arts Coordinator, who also acts as staff advisor. The Council consists of 12 students. Eight students in S4 to S6 represent Music, Drama, Visual Arts and Communication Technology. In addition, one student from each of S1 to S3 serves as representative for her grade. The Student Life Prefect chairs the Arts Council.
Athletics Activities
Our Athletics Program offers opportunities for all our students, whether they compete at an elite level or just like to play for fun. At SMLS, we encourage all girls to participate in sports and physical activity to promote important life skills and healthy living.
SMLS' Junior School Athletics Department is affiliated with the Private School Athletic Association (PSAA), a group of local independent and private schools who participate in a variety of sports tournaments throughout the year. This year, our Junior students will compete in swimming, soccer, cross-country, basketball, floor hockey, track and field, and 3-pitch baseball.
For those in the Senior School who seek a high level of competition, we offer a well-organized inter-school program. Numerous school teams participate in the Conference of Independent Schools Athletic Association (C.I.S.A.A.) competitions throughout the school year.
Our co-curricular program provides opportunities for everyone to build their athletic skills, develop confidence and discipline, and learn to succeed in a team environment. Through our programs we promote an active lifestyle and a lifelong love of physical exercise.
Athletics Council
The Athletics Council is made up of students from Grades 6 to S5. Athletic Council Reps assist the Games Captain and Athletic Director with various activities such as Michaelmas, the Athletic Banquet and Sports Day and have other responsibilities throughout the year. The Games Captain, an elected position, is president of the Athletic Council. To become a member of Council, students may nominate themselves by submitting their name to the Athletic Director.
Community Service
Our tradition of service to others began with the founders of St. Mildred's, the Sisters of the Church. SMLS continues to offer many opportunities for students in both the Junior and Senior School to serve their community.
Fundraising events are held throughout the year for various charitable organizations, including The Terry Fox Foundation, United Way of Oakville, UNICEF, and KidsFest Canada. There are also many opportunities for students to volunteer their time both within the school and in the wider community. We believe that it is an important part of education to reach out to others both locally and globally.
See Junior School Community Service and Senior School Community Service for more information.