Academics

Signature Programs

Equipping Students to Achieve Excellence

SMLS students from JK to Grade 12 experience an enriched academic and co-curricular program through our unique signature programming. These programs are designed to give each student an opportunity to explore their own interests, talents, learning needs and strengths so that they are well equipped to achieve excellence in whatever path they choose.

Global Citizenship
Professional Internship
STEM & Robotics
Arts & Design
Active Healthy Living

Global Citizenship Signature Program

Real world learning and life skill development

Our Global Citizenship program, available to all girls from Grade 2 to Grade 12, engages students with the world beyond the walls of our school. Our program immerses students in authentic, real-world experiences that enrich their academic knowledge and have application across a broad range of curricula, while remaining purposefully geared toward character development and nurturing of personal life skills.

Millies explore and connect with local and global communities through:

Community engagement and service learning
Cultural exchanges
Experiential learning trips
National and international student leadership opportunities

Our Millies have explored countries such as India, Bhutan, Japan, China, Australia, Panama, Costa Rica and Argentina, while local trips have included Ottawa, New York City, and Quebec City.

How do Millies benefit?

Develop key life competencies
Grow personal character
Establish a profound understanding of themselves and their place in the world
Are empowered to contribute both personally and professionally as community members and global citizens

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Professional Internship Signature Program

Authentic hands on career exploration

Our unique Professional Internship Program provides every Grade 11 Millie with the opportunity to explore personal career interests in a customized, OSSD credited, 4-week work placement across a wide range of specialized industries.

Some companies that participated last year include:

The Hospital for Sick Children
Comtek
Ernst & Young
Gap Medics

How do Millies benefit?

Hands-on work experience that builds their resume
Gain valuable insights into potential careers at the right time, as they plan their post-secondary education.
Build professional networks
Develop skills outside of school activities
Learn to contribute and collaborate in a professional work environment
Gain competitive advantage amongst peers

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STEM and Robotics Signature Program

Deepening understanding of STEMR through real world applications

STEM programming is built into our academic programming through all divisions and grades. For robotics, a progressive program, starting in Grade 1, deepens students’ understanding of STEMR academic streams through age appropriate and practical applications (e.g., building models (Grades 1-3), small robots (Grades 4-7), and large robots (Grades 8-12)).

Beyond academic programming, Millies can participate in additional STEM and Robotics activities, including co-ed club challenges that are fun or competitive, local or international (depending on their age).

All MS girls and many JS girls participate in coding throughout the year to develop coding and programming literacy among our girls through applications that focus on logic, problem solving and critical thinking skills.

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A few of the outstanding accomplishments of SMLS’s competitive Senior Robotics Team SWAT 771 include:
- The first Canadian robotics team sponsored by NASA (typically awarded to US schools)
- The first Canadian all-girls team and only Canadian team to win the prestigious World Engineering Inspiration Award at the FIRST World Championships
- The first all-girls team to be awarded the prestigious Regional Chairman’s Award
- The only Canadian team invited to compete in Shengzhou China in July 2017, and recently hosted the Afghan Dreamers robotics team
- The team were Ontario Provincial Champions in 2019.
- They have also been awarded the prestigious Inspiration Award (2019), the Gracious Professionalism Award (2022) and the SustainabilityAward (2023).

Annually, more than 50% of our graduating class are accepted into STEMR-related study programs.

How do Millies benefit?

Experience the real-world application of STEMR concepts
Prepare for a rapidly technologically advancing world
Inspiration to pursue their passion in STEMR learning and related careers
Goal-setting and Personal growth opportunities through leading teams mentoring, and working collaboratively to solve problems
Connections with industry professionals and mentors

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Arts and Design Signature Program

Developing creativity, self-expression and problem-solving

Millies receive a wide range of experiences in art and design: drama and theatre, instrumental and vocal music, visual art, communication technology, integrative arts programming and STEMR. Art and design are woven into the curriculum through inquiry-based projects, design thinking and project-based learning. Girls have many opportunities to express their artistic talents and interests through exhibits, performances and concerts during the year.

How do Millies benefit?

Develop critical thinking
Understand and celebrate multiple perspectives and collaboration
Fosters self–discovery and imagination
Accept and thrive upon creative challenges, developing skills that lead to enhanced 21st century learning competencies

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Active Healthy Living Signature Program

Developing lifelong commitments to active healthy living and habits of wellbeing

At SMLS, each student is empowered to take ownership of her wellbeing in a safe and inclusive school culture. In alignment with our School’s mission, diversity is celebrated and individuality and uniqueness are respected. A holistic approach to self-care is promoted. Creativity, self-advocacy and healthy risk-taking are fostered through the strong partnership between all members of the SMLS community. In our culture of wellbeing, students thrive and are inspired to embrace their most authentic selves.

Our guiding principles are based on the following beliefs:

The five domains of Wellbeing (Physical, Social, Emotional, Spiritual & Academic) are interconnected
Student wellbeing is best supported through a strength-based approach
Mental health and wellbeing is a continuum that requires a differentiated approach for each girl
Adversity and setbacks are opportunities for individuals to develop resilience and grit
Social-emotional learning enables individuals to integrate thought and emotion for successful participation in the SMLS community and beyond

The Active Healthy Living program is aimed at empowering each student to take ownership of her own wellbeing.

How do Millies benefit?

Learn to establish healthy habits that will serve them well throughout their educational journey and life
Explore various sports and activities without long-term commitments
Stress management
Improved physical and mental health
Confidence building
Become the best version of themselves, with an emphasis on personal wellbeing

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Angel N., Class of 2023 and Laila C.,Class of 2024

"Being a part of SWAT-771 has allowed us to work with like-minded students from Grade 8 to Grade 12 and pursue our passion for STEMR. We are so grateful for the wonderful resources, incredible mentors, and generous sponsors that make the season possible. As the captains, we have been fortunate to see the team’s development over the years and watch them consistently break down barriers in the STEMR field.”
Ava B., Class of 2027

“I really enjoyed the sewing class during our Wellness Wednesday activities. It was fun and allowed the students to actually sew and not have an adult just do it for us. We learned how to use a sewing machine with the guidance of the teachers and volunteers, and we painted on the bags that we created which added another layer of creativity. Sewing is an important skill to have and is now more accessible and easier to learn through the school. It was an overall fun experience and it would never have been possible if not for the donations.”
Erika S., Class of 2024

"Everything from getting to attend OFSAA, going to South America on a Global Citizenship trip, spending a month as a working woman in my co-op, and participating in the countless clubs and councils has given me the opportunity to explore my interests and identity and prepare me to be successful in life after SMLS. I am so grateful for the once-in-a-lifetime experiences and lifelong friends that SMLS has given me."
Kira P., Class of 2024

"I had every opportunity available to me at SMLS, and I felt confident enough to try all of the things I always wanted to try. I joined the cross country team as well as the robotics team, I traveled to far away places, like the Kingdom of Bhutan, I gained real-world work experience as an intern at Clarkson North Dental, where I gained insight into the dental field while working as a dental assistant."
Samantha D, Class of 2024

"During my six years at SMLS, this close-knitted community has allowed me to embrace the person I am and become a better version of myself. The extracurriculars and leadership opportunities offered at SMLS have set grounds for me to take on new experiences and explore my interests, while my teachers and peers have always stood by my side to support me in every aspect and encourage me to discover my full potential."
Sophia T.,Class of 2024

"I have yet to encounter a community as encouraging as this one. There is a place for every interest, idea and girl. There is such a focus on extracurricular activities and involvement, which pushes students to try new things and deepen their love for areas like the arts, athletics, STEM and more. I cannot thank my parents enough for sending me to SMLS, and I know your daughter will say the same."