Senior School

List of 6 frequently asked questions.

• Q. ACADEMICS

  In SS9 and SS10, two types of courses are offered: academic and open courses. Academic courses emphasize theory and abstract problems. Open courses are designed to prepare students for further study in certain subjects and to enrich their education generally.
  
  In SS11 to Grad Year, courses are offered to prepare students for their post-secondary destinations, and include: university preparation courses, developed in close collaboration with universities; university/college preparation courses, developed in close collaboration with both universities and colleges; college preparation courses, developed in close collaboration with colleges, and open courses.
  
  Technology is integrated throughout curriculum in all subjects. Skills that were acquired in the Junior and Middle Schools are further developed and new skills are integrated as appropriate following the IT continuum, as outlined by subjects on our curriculum map.
  
  All Senior School students have their own personal laptop equipped with an SMLS suite of installed software. Updates are completed as necessary by the IT Department. Our use of technology, including a collection of web-based applications, is not limited to computers. Student’s curricular use of technology includes the following, among others: video and digital cameras, tablets, interactive projectors, sound recording, TI-83+ calculators, scientific probes, and GPS units. Technology use is guided by the Acceptable Use Policy signed by parents and students.

• Q. EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING

  Our Global Citizenship Signature Program is an integral part of the school program at SMLS and is compulsory for all girls. This unique and innovative program is designed to extend and enhance the compulsory Ontario Curriculum to connect us with the world beyond the school walls via technology and real life experiences. 
  
  Each year, in recognition of our goals to graduate young women well prepared for the 21st century, we extend the opportunities to learn beyond the walls of SMLS. These real world learning opportunities take many forms. Some are embedded within traditional courses of study and include external investigations and linkages through technology; some are unique programs and learning opportunities; others are purposefully geared towards character development and nurturing personal life skills.

• Q. CO-CURRICULARS

  A strong focus on academics coupled with involvement in co-curricular activities makes for a well-rounded student. We encourage girls at every age and stage to participate in their choice of co-curricular clubs and activities, and offer a wide assortment to choose from. Involvement with peers in such activities outside the classroom creates a stronger sense of community and school spirit, and naturally helps to forge new friendships. It also challenges the girls to explore their passions and discover new interests.
  
  SMLS students are provided with excellent opportunities to participate in a wide array of co-curricular activities in the form of clubs, drama/musical presentations, choir and bands, visual arts and CISAA varsity team sports. 

• Q. LEADERSHIP

  Across all levels, SMLS students have opportunities for leadership.  In their final year, girls can apply to be Prefects, who serve as the Grad Year student leaders of the school.  
  
  Each spring, staff and students from SS9 to Grad Year elect their Prefect Body. The Head Girl is the “head” of the whole student body, who represents them at all major school functions, leads the group, serves as a liaison between the staff and students, and helps maintain tradition and establish new policies. After a year of responsibility, her final duty is to give a valedictorian address at the Senior Closing Ceremony.
  
  The Prefect Body has a multitude of responsibilities as a team, and specific responsibilities with their portfolio. The positions include: Head Girl, Games Captain, House Heads, Junior School Liaison, Arts, Communications, Social and Global Studies, English and Modern Languages and STEMR. The elected girls are easily identified by their burgundy blazers.  
  
  They organize and coordinate day-to-day activities. They begin their day assisting at chapels and assemblies, check for infractions of rules and dress code, raise money for charities and have other special duties.  

• Q. SOCIAL & EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT

  All students in SS9-Grad Year are divided into advisor groups, where one staff member provides the pastoral care for each group of girls. They meet regularly once per week, and follow a program designed to meet the moral, social and emotional development of our girls. It is also a wonderful opportunity for girls from different grades to get to know one another and to share experiences. Various school-related announcements and House challenges are driven through advisor groups, and advisors are the first line of contact to the parents/families on concerns of a general nature.  They make contact at least every six weeks with the families.

  
  SMLS also offers a Student Support Team which includes Heads of School, Guidance Counsellors, Learning Strategists, Nurses, our School Chaplain, and Social Worker. This special group works to develop a school climate where all of our girls can thrive, and supports students and their families in a variety of ways. 
  
  As a member of the Coalition of Single Sex Schools of the GTA (COSSOT), Senior School girls have the optional opportunity to mingle socially with students from other single-gender schools, including attending dances and other fun and engaging co-ed events.

• Q. CREATING COMMUNITY

  Millies of every age and stage learn the importance of service and generosity, and come to understand that the positive impact is far-reaching, both locally and globally. In addition to making girls aware of the needs of others, it also brings to light the fact that even they can make a difference in the world. 
  
  Community Service opportunities are regularly provided by the school, and students are also encouraged to independently seek out opportunities within their own community. All students from SS9-Grad Year must complete a minimum of forty hours of community service to receive their graduation diploma.
  
  Senior School girls have opportunities to give back in many ways throughout the year, by supporting charities and organizations such as Home Suite Hope's Empty Bowls signature event, supporting residents of Sunrise Senior Living, and our very own annual community fundraiser Traditions of Christmas. Those in their final year are also encouraged to join our Grads Giving Back program.  
  
  

  These and other opportunities help support the completion of the Duke of Edinburgh Award. And more importantly, they help instill a strong sense of community and philanthropy at a young age.