SMLS » About SMLS » Head's Message
A Message from the Head of School
White Paper
Learn more about educational trends and issues in these informative papers prepared by the Head of School.
» Preparing Students (Jan. 10)
» Why Independent School? (Nov. 09)
» Nothing Like a Good Read (Summer 09)
» Keeping RIICE Values (Jun. 09)
» Girls' School Grads Have Edge (Apr. 09)
» An Important Educational Choice (Feb. 09)
» New Strategic Plan (Jan. 09)
» iBrain (Dec. 08)
» Curriculum Mapping (Nov. 08)
Hello, my name is Jane Wightman, and I'm proud to be the Head of School here at St. Mildred's-Lightbourn School. I am often asked what makes SMLS the educational journey of a lifetime. There are many factors - small class size, caring faculty, innovative programs, supportive parents - but at the heart is our commitment to the development of girls and young women.
In an all-girls' environment, programs can be designed and delivered to accommodate the predominant ways in which girls learn. By meeting the gender and age-related needs in the junior and intermediate years, the foundation is set to support the "I know I can" way of thinking that we have here at SMLS.
For more than 118 years, we have been helping young women reach their full potential. There is a growing body of research to suggest that girls' brains actually develop differently from boys' brains. And the evidence is clear: when learning takes these differences into account, girls are more likely to achieve their full potential. At SMLS we plan our programs around the learning needs and preferences of girls. As a result, they blossom.
Our students have the opportunity to participate actively in class, to experience leadership and to explore subjects that are not traditional for women. Between 2002 and 2008, over 30% of our graduates chose programs in science and engineering - a remarkable result! As researchers Myra and David Sadker put it, "When girls go to single-sex schools, they stop being the audience and become the players."
Professors at universities have identified our graduates as young women who participate actively in discussions and think independently. There is nothing they cannot tackle.
At St. Mildred's-Lightbourn School we have created a culture of life-long learning. Our faculty are encouraged to attend professional workshops and to upgrade their teaching qualifications. I am very proud of our faculty. They genuinely care for your daughters whether they are teaching or non-teaching faculty.
Please take a moment to explore our wonderful School through this website. More important, take the time to visit us and talk to our faculty and students. I know you'll be impressed.
Jane Wightman
Head of School
905-845-5830 Ext: 801