This past Monday night I had the opportunity to be a panellist on a joint webinar with the Toronto District School Board, Halton District School Board, and Pudong Education Bureau in Shanghai, China. One of the keynote speakers from Pudong shared their struggles as they realize that knowledge-based curriculum/skills is not the only, or most important, component and that “future ready competencies” need to be cultivated and developed. The term “future ready competencies” is synonymous with our Ontario version of “transferable skills”. These include; critical thinking and problem solving, innovation/creativity, self-directed learning, collaboration, communication, global citizenship/sustainability, and digital literacy. The challenge for educators is how to assess progress and acquisition of these skills. Traditional teaching pedagogy has evaluated more objective student products (essays, tests, etc.) while these important “soft skills” are more subjective.
This is supported in recent educational research published in the 2026 Global Education Report as it suggests a definitive shift in how we define academic success. The report emphasizes "Durable Skills"—such as communication, critical thinking, leadership, and resilience—as the most significant predictors of career satisfaction and long-term success. Unlike "perishable" technical skills that may change with new software or technology, these human-centric abilities remain relevant throughout a lifetime. This research confirms that the "how" of learning is just as important as the "what."
No matter what we call these important skills they are the defining and necessary elements for future success of our students. We can “load” the students with subject knowledge and processes, but the world evolves and changes so rapidly that the knowledge and processes they learn will be quickly outdated. Their success will be dependent on developing the transferable personal skills needed to cope with change and adapt to systemic and global advances. Education is facing a demanding time as we try and prepare our next generation to tackle the challenging and dynamic world in which they will be living.
Junior School Update
Today, the Junior School embarked on an exciting trip to the Royal Botanical Gardens for a full day of outdoor learning and exploration. Throughout the day, students worked collaboratively to create beautiful outdoor art masterpieces inspired by the natural world around them.
We also had the opportunity to explore the season of Spring in all its glory, admiring the plants and animals that are coming to life during this vibrant time of year. Students demonstrated wonderful curiosity, teamwork, and enthusiasm as they connected their learning to the outdoors in such a meaningful way.
It was a fantastic day filled with discovery, creativity, and hands-on learning — a wonderful way to begin the weekend!
This week, Grade 3 and 4 students delved into the exciting world of coding in Math! We have been embracing the program 'SuperCode' and exploring how text-based coding can be used within the world of gaming. Students have enjoyed experimenting with different coding commands and seeing how small changes to code can create exciting outcomes within the games. It has been wonderful to see their creativity, perseverance, and problem-solving skills shine throughout this engaging learning experience.
This week, grade 5 and 6 students learned about the importance of sleep and how it supports positive mental health. We also brainstormed a variety of coping strategies that can help when we are feeling anxious or overwhelmed.
Grade 7s did an experiment about melting ice and rising sea levels. While the grade 8s built a beaver dam with natural resources to see if it could hold back the water. Both grades also worked on their final production adding some action movements to accompany their spoken lines.
French Classes
As you may have heard we have a new French Teacher, Ms. Mrav. She is taking over from Madame Ece and will be with us until the end of the year. Ms. Mrav has taught internationally and more recently in the HWDSB.
What’s Happening Junior
May 22 - All School Field Trip
June 3 - Grade 3/4 Field Trip, Hamilton
June 4 - Grade 7/8 Field Trip
June 4 - SSND Tea and Talent Show
June 19 - Last day of Classes. 12:15 Dismissal
*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.
As we enter the final month before graduation, our Grade 12 students are experiencing a season filled with excitement, reflection, anticipation, and, at times, pressure. Graduation is much more than a ceremony; it represents years of growth, perseverance, learning, friendships, and personal discovery. For many students, this moment also brings uncertainty about what comes next.
During these final weeks, one of the greatest gifts we can offer our graduates is support that goes beyond academics. Students benefit tremendously from encouragement, patience, and reassurance from the adults around them. Sometimes the most meaningful support comes through simple actions: asking how they are doing, celebrating small accomplishments, helping them maintain healthy routines, or reminding them that their worth is not defined by a final mark or admission letter.
At Laureate College, we continue to encourage our graduating students to stay focused, finish strong, and take pride in the effort they have invested throughout the year. Equally important, we want them to take time to appreciate the memories they are creating with classmates and teachers. These moments will become part of the stories they carry with them long after graduation day.
Families also play an important role in helping students manage stress and maintain balance. Encouraging healthy sleep habits, proper nutrition, organization, and moments of rest can make a significant difference during this busy period of culminating assignments, exams, and transition planning.
To our Grade 12 students: your Laureate College family is proud of the resilience, character, and leadership you have demonstrated throughout your journey. Over the next four weeks, continue supporting one another, stay engaged in your learning, and remember to enjoy these final moments together. Graduation is not simply the end of high school; it is the beginning of a new chapter filled with possibilities.
We look forward to celebrating the Class of 2026 very soon.
Our Class of 2026 has already earned 108 offers from universities and over 1.4 million in scholarships to date, with acceptances across Engineering, Business, Arts, Sciences, Media, Bachelor of Education, and more.
June 5 - Sprummer Formal 6:30pm-11:00pm, Activity Room
June 12 - House Event/Competition
June 17 - Tutorial Day 12:00pm Dismissal
June 18-19 - Term 4 Final Exams
June 22 - AM: Exam review
June 22 - PM: Campus Graduation 2:00pm
June 23 - Online Graduation 9:00am
Share Your Experience at Laureate College
We are inviting you to share a brief testimonial about your family’s journey with Laureate College - whether it relates to academics, student support, community life, or your child’s personal growth. Your words help future families better understand what makes their choice special and support us in continuing to improve and grow.
If you are willing to participate, we kindly invite you to email a short testimonial to kristine.foy@laureatecollege.ca. With your permission, testimonials may be featured on our website or in school publications.
Thank you for your continued trust and partnership. We truly appreciate your time and support.
Aventuro Canada Exchange Program
Downtown Milton Summer Festival!
Saturday, June 6
We warmly invite all Laureate families to join us for an engaging and enjoyable Saturday experience.
Get ready for the US College Expo in October!
Private Mandarin Lesson
Laureate is pleased to offer private Mandarin lessons with our Mandarin teacher, Ms. Zhu.
This opportunity is open to all JS students who wish to participate. The lessons are offered at an additional cost. Parents who are interested in registering their child should contact Ms. Zhu at judy.zhu@laureatecollege.ca directly. She'd be happy to answer any question related to fees, payment method, and timing.
Laureate College Celebrates 99 Years of Heritage at 1921 Snake Road
We are excited to share that our school is now a member of Let’s Talk Science, a national Canadian organization dedicated to inspiring and supporting youth through STEM education. It provides free, curriculum‑aligned programs and hands‑on learning experiences that help students build skills in science, technology, engineering, and math. The organization has been operating across Canada and works with universities, colleges, research institutes, and a large volunteer network to bring engaging STEM activities to classrooms and communities nationwide. Click to learn more.
In the meantime, we are excited to become a new member of the The World Trails Network (WTN). It strives to connect the diverse trails of the world to promote the creation, enhancement, and protection of outstanding trail experiences. The World Trails Network brings trail associations, trail advocates, walkers, hikers and people passionate about the outdoors together from around the world to foster global collaboration and networking for the betterment of the world’s trails. For Laureate students, they can explore more leadership initiatives, increase community and global outreach, and broaden horizons in outdoor education. Click to learn more.
Try Canada’s most exciting STEAM Program
Join Canada’s most exciting STEAM and entrepreneurship program and spend July 2026 discovering new passions, building lifelong friendships, and shaping bold ideas that matter. Learn moreHERE
Stay Connected
Be sure to follow Laureate College on all of our social media platforms, as well as sign up for our newsletter, and regularly check our website for more updates, and information and to stay in touch 😄
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