Head of School Message

As we approach March Break, I would like to take a moment to connect with our entire community at Laureate College.

This will be my final newsletter message before the break, as I will be leaving next Thursday for a recruitment trip on behalf of the school. I look forward to sharing updates upon my return as we continue building and strengthening our vibrant school community.

March Break comes at an important point in the term for both our Elementary and Secondary students. It is a valuable opportunity to pause, reflect, and recharge before we begin the final stretch toward the end of the school year.

For our Elementary students, March Break is first and foremost a time to rest and enjoy being a child. After weeks of learning, growing, and working hard in class, this is a chance to relax, play, explore, and spend meaningful time with family and friends.

Parents, this can also be a wonderful time to encourage light reading, journaling about adventures, practicing math facts, or exploring learning in everyday ways — through cooking, travel, nature walks, museums, or creative projects at home. Most importantly, we hope our younger students return feeling happy, confident, and refreshed.

For our Secondary students, March Break can serve two important purposes: rest and responsibility. The second half of the term moves quickly, and this break offers time to recharge mentally while also catching up on assignments, completing required readings, or preparing for upcoming evaluations.

I encourage our senior students especially to stay focused on their academic goals and university pathways. Use this time wisely — not only to relax, but also to organize, plan, and set yourself up for success as we move toward the final months of the school year.

Whether you are travelling or staying home, please be safe and make thoughtful decisions. Take care of your health and well-being, support one another, and return ready to finish the term strong.

Enjoy your March Break — you have earned it.

Welcome

I want to welcome some new students to Laureate College.

Joining our Elementary school in our grade 5/6 class we have Bryson, Nathan, and Ekaa. And in our Secondary school Megan joins our talented Grade 12 class.

Junior School News

Staffing Updates

As we arrive at March Break, we will be saying goodbye to some staff members. Ms. Deppe will be leaving to pursue her passion, Music. She is increasing her commitment to performances and appearances which unfortunately for us means she will not have the time to continue at Laureate.

On our return from March Break Dr. Li, our co-director of the Gifted Arts program will be taking over the elementary Music classes for the remainder of the year.

Ms. Ixchel will be leaving to pursue her passion, Art. She recently received a grant to support her as she was an invited artist to attend a prestigious art show in the US.

I want to thank both these very talented individuals for their contributions to Laureate College and for helping our students develop an interest, maybe even a love, for the arts.

I am happy to also to introduce Mrs. Hyatt as our new Grade 5/6 teacher. She will be starting after March Break. Mrs. Hyatt has had several years of experience in both public and private elementary schools. She has her Ontario College of Teachers certification along with a Special Education Specialist qualification.

STEAM Theme Week

Next week March 2nd–6th, will be our STEAM Theme Week. Students will kick off the month of Creativity by coming together to innovate, create, and explore the world’s continents and how STEAM has developed within different countries. Each day, we will focus on a specific continent and an area of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math), where junior school students will dive deep, inquire, build, and collaborate with their peers.

Look for a separate follow up email with more details and reminders to help prepare students for next week.

Musical Showcase

A quick reminder that our Musical Showcase will be held on Tuesday March 3rd at 2:45 pm. Looking forward to seeing you there.

What’s Happening Junior

March 3 - Elementary Music Celebration - 2:45pm

March 8 - Daylight Savings Time – Clocks go ahead 1 hour.

March 9-20 - March Break – NO SCHOOL

March 23 - Classes resume

April 3 - Good Friday – NO SCHOOL

April 6 - Easter Monday – NO SCHOOL

*Subscribe to the School Calendar*

Students and parents are strongly recommended to subscribe to the school calendar HERE to keep up to date with upcoming important events and announcements, and never miss a beat.

Senior School News

Mid-Term Reports

Our Secondary mid-term reports will be sent home on Friday March 6th. If you do not receive them or have any questions, please contact the school.

Parent/Teacher Conferences

These will be held the afternoon/evening of Thursday March 5th. Please remember to arrange a time with your child’s teacher. This is a great opportunity to further develop the partnership between home and school in your child’s educational journey. This is an early dismissal day with classes ending at 12:00 pm.

What’s Happening Senior

March 5 - Parent/Teacher Interviews – Half Day Schedule

March 6 - Term 3 Mid-Term Report Cards distributed

March 8 - Daylight Savings Time – Clocks go ahead 1 hour.

March 9-20 - March Break – NO SCHOOL

March 23 - Classes resume

April 3 - Good Friday - NO SCHOOL

April 6 - Easter Monday - NO SCHOOL

April 9 - Science Fair - Morning

April 13 - Tutorial Day - 12:00 noon dismissal

April 14-15 - Term 3 FINAL EXAMS

April 16 - Exam Review Day - Online Appointments

April 17 - First Day Term 4

*Subscribe to the School Calendar*

Students and parents are strongly recommended to subscribe to the school calendar HERE to keep up to date with upcoming important events and announcements, and never miss a beat.

Laureate College Celebrates 99 Years of Heritage at 1921 Snake Road

Laureate College proudly celebrates the 99th anniversary of its historic campus at 1921 Snake Road, the former School Sisters of Notre Dame Canadian Provincial Motherhouse, a landmark that has served as a centre of education, community, and leadership since its completion on February 14, 1927.

Originally constructed as the Canadian Motherhouse for the School Sisters of Notre Dame (SSND), the building welcomed three sisters, ten candidates, and 22 aspirants upon opening. Within a decade, the community expanded to 19 missions and 123 sisters, establishing the site as a vibrant hub for formation, teaching, and service across Ontario.

Throughout the mid-20th century, the Motherhouse played a central role in local education. Sisters studied at Hamilton Teachers’ College, taught in area schools, and operated Notre Dame Academy, which served both day students and boarders. The community farmed 196 acres, maintained extensive grounds, and added significant facilities, including a chapel (1956) and the Villa wing (1964).

As needs evolved, the site adapted—hosting retreats, Montessori programs, seniors’ services, and community events. Renovations in the late 1990s modernized the original structure, while the Jubilee Garden (2000) and the sale of land to the Bruce Trail Conservancy (2006) preserved the property’s natural and cultural heritage.

A New Chapter Begins: Laureate College Purchases the Campus (July 2022)

In July 2022, Laureate College acquired the historic property, ushering in a new era of educational innovation while honouring the building and Sisters’ legacy.

Grand Opening Ceremony (September 30, 2023)

Laureate College officially opened its new campus with a community celebration attended by students, families, educators, alums, and local partners. The event marked the rebirth of the historic building as a modern centre for STEAM learning and global citizenship.

Junior School Launch (September 2025)

Laureate College expanded its mission by opening its Junior School (K–G8), creating a unified K–12 learning community. The Junior School integrates STEAM, inquiry-based learning, and nature-connected education inspired by the Niagara Escarpment.

A 21st Century STEAM School in a 99-Year-Old Landmark

Today, the campus houses a forward-learning K–12 program offering the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) at the Senior School level. Students benefit from:

• 50+ after-school clubs

• Co-op and experiential learning opportunities

• Individualized pathway planning

• A culture of character, stewardship, and community

These foundations have led to exceptional outcomes. The Class of 2026 earned more than 60 university offers and over $900,000 in scholarships, demonstrating that the building’s tradition of excellence remains as strong as ever.

“As we approach the 100-year milestone, we honour the generations of Sisters who built this place and the students who now carry its legacy forward,” said James Shen, the Director of Laureate College. “This building has always been a home for learning, purpose, and community. Today, it continues to inspire the next generation of innovators and leaders.”

One campus. One extraordinary journey. Unlimited opportunities await at Laureate College.

Senior School Virtual Open House Recap

Laureate Private Music Lesson

Laureate College is pleased to offer private music lessons in piano, voice, flute, and violin for both Junior and Senior School students. Lessons are designed to nurture individual growth, strengthen musical skills, and build confidence in performance.

Lesson Details:

• Duration: 30 minutes per lesson, once a week

• Available Times: 8:30 a.m. – 3:15 p.m. (during the school day)

• Location: Laureate College

• Teachers:

  • Dr. Lina Li, Senior School Music Teacher

  • Ms. Maddison Deppe, Junior School Music Teacher

Perks of Private Lessons:

• One-on-one instruction tailored to each student’s learning style

• Development of technique, musicality, and confidence

• Opportunity to prepare for performances, exams, and auditions

• Lessons conveniently scheduled during the school day

Please contact Dr. Lina Li at lina.li@laureatecollege.ca for any other questions.

Try Canada’s most exciting STEAM Program

Stay Connected

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