SMLS thanks Doug and Mary for recently committing a $10,000 donation toward the SMLS Grade 9 Entrance Award program launched in the school’s 125th Anniversary Year. As Founding Donors, their hope is that the Award will encourage students eligible to enter the new SMLS Grade 9 Program - being launched in the 2016-17 academic year - to apply and become part of the SMLS community. They are also hopeful their gift will inspire others who believe in the school as much as they do to support the Award Program.

“SMLS provides such a wonderful educational experience, and we know that there are more students – like our daughters – who would thrive in this environment,” says Mr. Jenkinson. “We relocated back to Oakville from Europe 6 years ago, and if is wasn’t for some of those in our network whose daughters were attending SMLS at the time, our daughters wouldn’t be here today". 

The SMLS Grade 9 Entrance Award was established this year to increase awareness for and access to the SMLS Grade 9 program. The recipient of the award receives $10,000 toward their first year’s tuition. Awards are granted through a special selection committee that determines the merit of the student based on academic qualifications, service to the community through their direct participation in activities and volunteerism, and an understanding of the core values of SMLS.

“What we know – and this has come out very clearly in information gathered from our alumnae and parent communities – is that girls that attend SMLS are truly inspired to become empowered women. Who wouldn’t want to have as many students as possible experience the same thing our daughters experience?” says Mrs. Jenkinson. “SMLS produces young women filled with confidence and a sense that they can do anything. We want to help provide opportunities for more girls to experience that.”

To help build the Award program and assist with the launch of our Grade 9 Program, the Jenkinsons are challenging others in the SMLS community to join them with either a financial contribution to the Award program, or through the introduction of a potential Grade 9 family to the school, just as they had been introduced when they came back to Canada.

To join the Jenkinsons by making a contribution to the SMLS Grade 9 Entrance Award, please contact the SMLS Advancement Office at 905.845.2386 ext. 810 or jbaillie@smls.on.ca. To refer a family or student, please contact our Admissions Office at 905.845.2386 ext. 814 or jmurray@smls.on.ca. 

Although the Award program is new, it is something the Jenkinsons believe is important for the future of the school. It is vital for as many supporters as possible to partner with the school for today and the future.

“We know that members of SMLS community feel as we do. Their daughters have benefitted from a tremendous school that philanthropic- minded individuals before us have built. We want to take part in that building process, and truly believe that supporters will join us in funding this important Award.”