Alumnae
Welcome
Alumnae Association
The SMLS Alumnae Association is a global network of 3500+ alumnae who have maintained their connection to the School and to other SMLS graduates. The SMLS Alumnae Executive Committee is comprised of a slate of volunteers whose goal is to inspire our alumnae community to stay connected to the school and to each other through relevant alumnae programs and events held throughout the year. They actively work to promote alumnae involvement and to raise money for the Alumnae Bursary Endowment Fund.
List of 3 items.
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Executive Committee
President: Sarah REEVES Sims ‘90
Past President: Bisma Bhatti ‘08
Head of Events: Emily Milligan '17
Secretary: Stephanie Kennedy ‘02
Treasurer: Kavita BHANGU Parashar ‘00
Member at Large, Fundraising: Sarah Turner ‘03
Member at Large, SMLS Connect: Chantal Giurlanda ‘06
Member at Large, Class Representatives: Effie Bouras ‘93
Member at Large, Young Alumnae: Onaiza Kazi ‘13
Member at Large, Alumnae Wear: Kristen Ashworth ‘18
Member at Large, SMC Representative: Catherine Cherry ‘70
Member at Large, Lightbourn School Representative: Debbie Scott MLS '65 and Averill Ambrose MLS '65
Ex-Officio - Director of Community Relations: Christine Spence -
Monthly Meeting Schedule
Tuesday, September 19th at 7:00 p.m.Tuesday, October 17th at 7:00 p.m.Tuesday, November 21st at 7:00 p.m.Tuesday, December 12th at 7:00 p.m.Tuesday, January 16th at 7:00 p.m.Tuesday, February 27th at 7:00 p.m.Tuesday, March 26th at 7:00 p.m.Tuesday, April 16th at 7:00 p.m.Tuesday, May 21st at 7:00 p.m.Tuesday, June 18th at 7:00 p.m.Monthly meetings are held every 3rd Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. in the SMLS Boardroom (unless otherwise specified).All alumnae are welcome to join us! -
SMLS Connect Portal
Whether you’re looking to find classmates, see photos from a recent event, catch up on school and community news, or explore career opportunities, the SMLS Connect platform has it all. It could be described as a mash-up between LinkedIn and Facebook, but it’s really so much more (and better!) than that. Join SMLS Connect Here.
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Upcoming Events
Message from the President
Connection & Community
I have been a Millie for 42 years. When I first walked into Mrs. Murray’s Grade 6 class, a shy, awkward girl newly arrived from England, I never imagined that my parents had given me a lifelong gift. It’s funny to think that my eight student years are actually such a small part of my overall Millie experience. While the closeness of my connection to the school may have ebbed and flowed through the years, my Millie friends have always been my nearest and dearest.
A little over nine years ago, my connection to the school changed again when my youngest daughter Amelia became a Millie too. I loved re-experiencing the school, rekindling memories as I saw her enjoying everything the school has to offer. (I’m quite envious of the girls’ opportunities today in comparison to the “old days.”) This past June, Amelia graduated from SMLS as part of the Class of ‘24. I’m thrilled to have her and her friends join our alumnae community.
During the first year of my term as President, I developed a deeper sense of the history and long traditions of our school. I was honoured to attend the celebration for the 100th Anniversary of Miss Lightbourn’s School. I spent time talking to several of our more senior alumnae and exploring the school archives. I also got to know many more recent graduates. SMLS Alumnae are doing some great things in this world (and around the world)! I want to ensure that our Alumnae Association continues to flourish so that we can support each new generation of Millies following in our footsteps.
We naturally maintain our bonds with our closest friends, but there’s so much more to the Millie community. The broad networks of alumnae of all ages, across industries and countries are an invaluable source of community and connection. I said at the start of my term that my top priority as President is to build our sense of connection. There are myriad opportunities in the ranks of our alumnae - friendships, mentoring, job opportunities, and advisors on all aspects of life. We are an amazing group of women and we need to share this with each other.
Building connections was the driving force behind the launch of the new SMLS Connect Alumnae Portal. In addition to our social media and monthly newsletters, SMLS Connect provides opportunities for more direct alumna-to-alumna interaction; ways to find mentoring and career connections, reunite with old friends, register for events, browse photos and so much more. The power of this portal will be best realised when we have strong participation, so please register!
The marquee Alumnae event of the year is always our Reunion Brunch in the spring. This year’s event will be Saturday, 26th April, 2025. So mark your calendars now - especially if your grad year ends in 0 or 5, because we’ll be celebrating your anniversary. After the great success last year, Reunion Weekend will also feature a casual pub night, Founder’s Day Chapel and the hotly contested Alumnae vs Grads Dodgeball game (24-26th April)
I love connecting with Millies of every age and stage. If you’d like to chat about ideas for alumnae events, how to volunteer, or to share some news, I hope you’ll get in touch. alumnae@smls.on.ca Remember - Once a Millie, Always a Millie.
Kind regards,
Sarah REEVES Sims ‘90
President, SMLS Alumnae Executive
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Alumnae Executive President Sarah Sims smiling with cup of coffee in her hand
There are myriad opportunities in the ranks of our alumnae - friendships, mentoring, job opportunities, and advisors on all aspects of life. We are an amazing group of women and we need to share this with each other.
Alumnae News
List of 4 news stories.
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Miss Lightbourn's School Reunion
Thanks for Coming: Miss Lightbourn's School 100th Anniversary Celebration
On Friday, April 19, alumnae, former faculty and friends gathered at SMLS to celebrate a momentous milestone - the centennial anniversary of Miss Lightbourn’s School. The excitement was high as memories were shared and connections were renewed. Many special guests attended including one of our oldest alumnae who graduated in 1941, the wife of Ruth Lightbourn’s nephew, and even some men who were students at Miss Ligthbourn’s School in its earliest days. Thank you to all who joined us for this momentous occasion, and a special thank you to Debbie Scott ‘65 and Averill Ambrose ‘65 for their leadership in planning this joyous occasion.
Thanks to SMLS alumna Sarah REEVES Sims '90 for the photography that so wonderfully captures the celebration. -
SMLS Alumna Awarded for Excellence in Teaching
Lauren Tribe ‘87 (Western University, Faculty of Engineering, Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering) was recently presented with The Edward G. Pleva for Excellence in Teaching award from Western University. Lauren’s dedication to teaching and commitment to student success has earned her this well-deserved recognition. Her innovative approach to teaching and unwavering support inspires and supports her students to reach their full potential.Not only has Lauren achieved impressive success in her career and research, she remains involved and supportive of SMLS as a current member of our Board of Governors, and has often visited our students as a special guest speaker and mentor, offering unlimited help and advice to Millies interested in Western or Engineering, as well as attending our alumnae reunions in the London area. In 2020, SMLS presented Lauren with the Outstanding Alumna Award for her significant achievements in her field and for her positive impact on the local, national or global community.Lauren wishes to thank everyone who supported this nomination and all of the amazing students that she has had the privilege to guide in their educational journey.Congratulations Lauren on your outstanding achievements and receiving this well-deserved award! -
Alumnae Pub Night Enjoyed By All
Another Alumnae Pub Night took place on February 22nd at Beertown Oakville. We had a great turnout from Millies from 1974 through to 2022. Lots of laughs, great conversation and some yummy food and beverages were enjoyed by all.
If you missed this one, mark your calendar for Thursday, May 2nd when we’ll be kicking off SMLS' Celebration Weekend with our next Alumnae Pub Night. -
Kicking Off Our New "Let's Lunch" Series
The Inaugural “Let’s Lunch” gathering this past Sunday was a wonderful combination of delicious food and lively conversation. We enjoyed a lovely “High Tea” at the new Cupcake Cafe in Burlington. Conversation ran the gamut from what everyone has been doing since leaving SMLS to reminiscing about favourite teachers.
Mark your calendars for the next lunch in the series, taking place April 13th in downtown Toronto.
*NEW* Fall/Winter 2023 Alumnae Wear Collection
Show your Millie Pride! The Alumnae Association is excited to announce the launch of our new Fall/Winter 2023 Alumnae Wear Collection. We have a great lineup of crew neck sweatshirts, cozy hoodies, and long sleeve and short sleeve tees so you can show off your Millie Pride wherever you go!
Click Here to view our new designs and find other important information! Preorders are now open! Please email alumnae@smls.on.ca if you have any questions.
Three Ways to Stay Connected
St. Mildred’s-Lightbourn School
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