Senior School - St. Michaels University School
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Senior School
Senior
School
As Head Prefects, we want to welcome you to our school and share some of our
experiences with you. At SMUS, the relationships we create are something special.
Best friends are naturally found in high school but what’s so exciting about SMUS is
that after you graduate you will have friends in every corner of the world. There are so
many different kinds of people here, and no matter your culture or personality, there’s
a niche for everyone and a common room for all.
Still worried about fitting in? With new students joining every year and new
opportunities in every grade, being new to an experience is practically the norm!
We’re just wondering where you will be new from. What are you passionate about?
We don’t know if there will ever be a place quite like this again for us; a place where
we know almost everyone. A place where you’re pushed hard but supported so
warmly; where you find a family, a home away from home. This community becomes
a part of your heart and who you are.
Classes here are something to look forward to. Although life outside the classroom is
loads of fun, as one would expect, some of the best laughs are often had in class. The
teachers feel like our friends. They’re understanding, accommodating and passionate.
Though they challenge us to the extreme, they want more than anything for us to
do our best and to love learning as much as they do. Their passion and devotion
naturally trickle down into us, the students, and no matter where you look, the
students work hard and care.
Feeling nervous? That’s totally understandable. You’re considering switching schools,
or coming to a new city, province, country – maybe even continent! We want you to
know how many people are waiting to welcome and support you as you join
our community.
We hope to see you soon!
Welcome to
St. Michaels
University School!
St. Michaels
University School
St. Michaels University School is an independent, not-for-profit day (Kindergarten to
Grade 12) and boarding (Grades 8 to 12) school located in Victoria, British Columbia,
Canada. This viewbook provides an overview of the Senior School (Grade 9 to 12)
program and experience. All information is current as of publication in July 2020.
Our Mission
We are a community shaped by the pursuit of truth and goodness,
providing outstanding preparation for life.
Our Vision
To learn, to lead, to serve.
Our Values
Respect | Courage | Honesty | Service
We acknowledge that our school rests in the heart of Straits Salish territory, a living
culture with its own rites, ceremonies and unfolding history. We honour the Esquimalt,
Songhees and WSÁNEĆ peoples, whose homelands we share and whom we recognize
as our neighbours.
CONTENTS
Key Features of the 2 Outdoor Education 18
Academic Program
Student Life 20
Grade 9 4
Healthy Minds, 22
Grade 10 6 Healthy Bodies
Grades 11 and 12 8 Living at SMUS 24
Advanced Placement 10 The Urban Boarding 26
School
University Counselling 12
How to Apply and 28
Arts 14 Financial Information
Athletics 16
1
Key features of
the Academic
Program at SMUS
The number one reason for choosing an independent school
is to get a good education and St. Michaels University School is
recognized nationally and internationally for the quality of our
academic program.
On the following pages, you can find more information about
each grade and the options we offer. But before you get
there, here are eight key features of the SMUS Senior School
academic program you should know.
“ I can genuinely say that you will love going
to class. I’ve never had a teacher here who
doesn’t make me feel excited about the subject
that I’m learning. Because the teachers are
passionate and enthusiastic, and the students
all want to learn, it makes for such a great
”
atmosphere. That’s something very special that
I don’t think many schools have.
- Aimee Look, Grade 10 student
2
Recognized Personalized Individual University
Qualifications Learning Support (and Life)
As a school in British Columbia, SMUS is a pioneer in Everything at SMUS is
Preparation
SMUS follows the BC high school personalization. What does this aimed at your success. Our Almost all the students who come to
curriculum and graduates receive mean? It means your education will personalized approach SMUS go on to higher education. It
a BC Certificate of Graduation be tailored to you – your strengths, means that teachers will used to be that getting good grades
often called the Dogwood your weaknesses and your interests. quickly get to know where was enough but now top universities
Diploma. The Dogwood Diploma Everyone has a different way of and how you might need are becoming more selective. They
is recognized worldwide. You can learning and SMUS has both the extra help. We have an want to see that you have a range of
breadth of courses and the depth Academic Support Centre skills, including teamwork, problem-
also take university-level courses
of teaching so you can follow your staffed by teachers after solving, self-motivation and the
at SMUS through the Advanced
own path. It also means there’s school and a Learning ability to lead. As a university prep
Placement (AP) program including school, these skills are at the core of
no coasting at SMUS. If you’re Resource team to help
the prestigious AP Capstone what we do, so you can be confident
finding a subject too easy, you’ll be students who might need
Diploma (see page 10). challenged with additional material. you’re receiving the best possible
more specialized support.
preparation for your future.
Discovering School in Teachers A Love of
Who You Are the City Who Love Learning
SMUS places a lot of emphasis on
self-discovery. We’re innovators in
An important part of self-discovery
is having experiences you typically
What They Do Perhaps the most important
difference is that the students
experiential learning, which will give don’t get in a classroom. At SMUS, Students often tell us that their here love learning. You’ll be in
you opportunities to use classroom we offer this by taking advantage teachers are more than just an environment where it’s cool
knowledge in real life. We’ll ask what of our location in the city of a teacher to them – a friend, to like math (or science… or
it means to you to live a purposeful Victoria. The Grade 10 Experiential a mentor, a counsellor. Our history…) and everybody is
life and challenge you to lead and Program (see page 6) extensively teachers take pride in getting encouraged to be themselves.
volunteer (we call this character uses instructors and facilities to know you and helping you
outside the school. However, many The SMUS community is on
education). All of this means that when through subjects you find
courses integrate off-campus your side. Whoever you are,
it’s time to look at AP courses and difficult. We also have an award-
learning. For example, you might winning development program whatever your background,
universities, you will know what you’re
work on a business project with a for our teachers, so they are at the you’ll find a home and a family
passionate about and you can make
local company or display your art at forefront of their profession for at our school.
confident decisions about your future.
a downtown gallery. your benefit.
3
Grade
9
“
Grade 9 is all about getting the ball rolling for success in Senior
Even though you’re just School. That means taking core courses to build up your knowledge.
beginning high school, you’re
already going to start looking You will also be challenged in ways you have not experienced before.
ahead. Before you even You’ll start developing important skills like creativity, teamwork and
think about universities it’s research skills. We think of this as building a toolkit that will help you
important that you know who succeed in later grades and beyond high school.
you are and what’s meaningful
to you. You’ll spend your Grade The big, driving question you’ll answer in Grade 9 is “What does it
9 year with one eye on the mean to me to live a purposeful life?”. Through different courses
and projects and during trips outside the classroom, you’ll start to
”
future, thinking about the kind
of life you want to lead. understand what is important to you. You’ll think about how you
might contribute to your community and the world.
- Mrs. Jenn Bateman,
English teacher By the end of Grade 9, you will have gained core academic skills and
challenged yourself with some important questions about where and
how you want to grow.
4
Rugby is one of the many sports open to Grade 9s
Starting at the Senior School in Grade 9 means You’ll spend a lot of time in The Snowden Library researching and
you’ll get the best preparation for university working with other students
Developing healthy habits is a major focus of Mock Parliament is just one example of how we make
Grade 9 classroom learning relevant to the real world
All Grade 9 students take a music class – band, strings or choir
Health and Wellness Grade 9 Courses
If you’re going to succeed in life, it’s important The following courses are required: In your Grade 9 year, you can also choose from
you know how to take care of yourself. Starting } Applied Design, Skills and Technology 9 the following electives:
in Grade 9, you’ll learn what it means to be } Athletic Leadership 10 } Modern Studies 9
} Art 9
healthy as it relates to your mental and physical
} Career Education 9 } Computer Science 10 } Music
well-being. From what you eat, to making smart
choices around social media, to sleep habits, } Drama 9 } Electronics and Concert Band 9
Robotics 10 Concert Choir 9
learning how to be conscious of your health and } English 9 or English 9 Plus
wellness is an important skill for the busy years (English Language Learners) } Marine Studies and Strings 9
Training 10
ahead. See more about how you'll prioritize } Physical and Health Education 9 } Painting 9
your physical and mental health and wellness } Modern Languages
} Math 9 or Foundations of Math } Sport Science 10
on page 22. and Pre-Calculus 10 French 9, Beginner
French 9, Advanced
} Modern Language (one course, see list right) French 9
} Music (one course, see list right)
Mandarin 9,
} Science 9 Beginner Mandarin 9
} Social Studies 9 or Social Studies 9 Plus Spanish 9 Beginner
(English Language Learners)
5
Grade
10
Your Grade 10 year at SMUS is all about
finding answers to big questions about
yourself like “What am I good at?” and
“What do I enjoy doing?”.
How will you uncover those answers?
Your Grade 10 year will help you narrow
down your interests through a variety of
classroom and off-campus experiences.
It will be challenging, fun and eye-
opening all at once.
And when you are in the classroom,
you’ll apply what you’ve learned to fun,
real-world scenarios – like investigating
a (fake) crime scene in science class
using forensic identification skills. You’ll
“
see firsthand how what you learn in
class is applied to careers and interests
after high school. Grade 10 is great because you’ll get to choose
things you have never done before – like sailing on a tall
By the end of Grade 10, you’ll know ship or working on a Volkswagen Beetle. It’s really about
enough about who you are (and how stepping outside of your comfort zone and figuring out
”
academics are applied in the real world) who you are and what you want to do in life, which is
that you’ll be better prepared to make really helpful for Grade 11.
decisions for Grades 11 and 12 that are
tied to your future goals. - Michelle Wong ’19
6
You’ll get to learn from experts based in the
City of Victoria
Subjects are linked to real-life projects like using physics and
math to build a motorized go-kart
In Grade 10, you’ll be encouraged to try new
things and step outside of your comfort zone
Grade 10 ends with a week-long adventure off campus
Part of the Grade 10 program allows you to test out
The Grade 10 potential careers
Experiential Program Grade 10 Courses
The Experiential Program is about self-discovery The following courses are required: In your Grade 10 year, you can also choose from
through progressive skill development. From the following electives:
organic farming, to running the school coffee } Arts Education 10
business to delving into sports analytics, there are (one course, see list right) } Arts Education } Entrepreneurship 10
many topics to choose from. } Career Life Education 10 Art 10 } Global Politics 10
The school year starts with a five-day outdoor } English (Literary Studies and Composition 10, Concert Band 10 } Marine Studies and
trip with classmates with options like rock Literary Studies and Creative Writing 10, or Literary Training 10
Studies and Composition 10 Advanced) Concert Choir 10
climbing, sailing, hiking and sea kayaking. From } Modern Languages
there, students join a smaller cohort to explore a } English 10 Plus (English Language Learners) Drafting 10
focused topic in the following ways: Drama 10 French 10, Beginner
} Foundations of Math and Pre-Calculus 10 French 10, Advanced
} Your Expeditions: Six day-long sessions with or Pre-Calculus 11 Strings 10 French 10
your cohort in Victoria to deepen your skills } Physical Education 10 } Athletic Leadership 10 Mandarin 10
and knowledge.
} Science 10 } Business Education 10 Spanish 10, Beginner
} Your Pursuit: A five- to seven-day off-campus Spanish 10
experience in June to put your skills to use. } Social Studies 10 or Social Studies 10 Plus } Computer Science
Recent examples include: (English Language Learners) 10, 11, 12 } Science 10
} Electronics and Expansion Pack
Hiking the Nootka Trail
Robotics 10 } Sport Science 10
Launching a coffee roasting business
Designing clothing for a fashion show
Converting a VW Beetle from gas to electric
Learn more in the Senior School Grade 10 section
at smus.ca/programs/senior.
7
Grades Grade 11
11
SMUS is a university prep school, so every grade is a
step on a journey toward higher education. However,
Grade 11 is when that preparation becomes more
focused. With the support of your university counsellor,
you'll start to make choices and take courses that are tied
to your future goals.
But it’s not all academic. The year is full of fun opportunities
and
that help you grow as a leader – like outdoor trips, playing on
12
the senior-level sports teams or becoming the head of a club.
You’ll find that Grade 11 is about finding balance. With a heavier
course load and lots of extracurriculars to choose from, this is the year
when self-discipline and time management become your best friends.
With so many opportunities at SMUS, you’ll have to plan carefully and
decide what really matters to you.
By the end of Grade 11, you will be firmly on the path to university and you will
have researched many of your future options. You’ll have a solid understanding of
your strengths and have had opportunities to grow as a leader, as a student and in life.
8Grade 11 and Arts Education
} 3-D Applied Design and Installation 11
12 Courses } Acting 11, 12
} Art Studio 11, 12
English } Concert Band 11, 12
} English 11: } Concert Choir 11, 12
Creative Writing 11 } Digital Art 11, 12
Literary Studies 11 } Directing and Script Development 12
Literary Studies 11 Advanced } Strings 11, 12
} English 11 Plus (English Language Learners) Physical Education
} English Studies 12 } Active Living:
} English 12 Plus (English Language Learners) Active Sport 12
} Creative Writing 12 Blended Physical Education 11
The Innovation Lab is a popular space for students Human Performance 11
interested in robotics and technology Math
} Foundations of Math 11, 12 Lifestyle and Fitness 11
} Pre-Calculus 11, 12 Standard Physical Education 11
Grade 12 } Calculus 12
Computer Science
Yoga and Wellness 11, 12
} Fitness and Conditioning 11, 12
Grade 12 is the end of your journey at SMUS and } Computer Science 11, 12 Outdoor Education
it will be bittersweet. You’ll be excited for life after } Outdoor Leadership 12
} Robotics 11
graduation but it’s also a year of reflection on
how far you’ve come and the close friends you’ve Sciences Grade 11 and 12 students can also take Advanced
made. That’s not to say that the preparation is } Anatomy and Physiology 12 Placement courses (see page 10). For full program
over. You still have many opportunities to learn requirements and descriptions see our Senior School
} Biology 11 Pre-AP
and grow. Course Handbook available on our website.
} Chemistry 11, 11 Pre-AP, 12
Required Courses
Key to this year is stepping forward into a } Environmental Science 12
leadership role (see page 21 for more on Grade 12 } Geology 12
leadership). All the students in younger grades } Life Sciences 11
The following courses are required in Grades 11 or
look up to you as a role model and you will be } Physics 11, 12 12. Refer to the list above to see the options in each
given a chance to affect change at the school. Social Studies subject.
Academically, you, your teachers and your } Criminology and Social Justice 12
} One English 11
university counsellor will ensure you have } Economic Theory 12
} English Studies 12
everything you need to make a seamless } Law Studies 12
transition to higher education. You’ll be applying } One Math 11
} Physical Geography 12
to universities and making important decisions } World History 12 } One Science 11
about your future. } One Social Studies 11
Modern Languages
} One Arts Education 11
It all means that by the end of Grade 12, you’ll be } French 11, 11 Advanced, 12
ready – ready for university and prepared for life. } Mandarin 11, 12 } One Physical Education 11
} Spanish 11, 11 Advanced, 12 } Career Life Connections 11, 12
9Advanced
Placement
AP courses are university-level classes you’ll
take in high school. You may earn first-year
course credits at many universities for
completing AP exams.
SMUS was the first school in Canada to offer
Advanced Placement and we have one of the
broadest AP programs in the country. Our
students are looking to challenge themselves
with university-level courses and you will be
able to focus your studies on subjects that
matter to you.
“ APs are one of the most
amazing opportunities
you’ll get here. This is
a university-prep school
and the APs are really
what prepare you. But
more than that, they
expand your world
and you will feel like
everything is starting to
connect. I’m taking AP
Psychology and I’m really
seeing the connections to
”
my AP Biology and AP
Chemistry classes.
- Titobi Wuraola ’18
10The AP Program at SMUS AP Course List
Our Advanced Placement program helps you deepen your knowledge in subjects you are passionate about. } Art History } French Language and
Working with your university counsellor, you will design a course load that is personalized to your interests } Biology Culture
and strengths, and aligned with your post-secondary goals. } Human Geography
} Calculus AB
With 27 AP courses to choose from at SMUS, you can dive deeper into diverse subjects or concentrate your } Calculus BC } Macroeconomics
area of study. We encourage our students to take at least one AP course to challenge themselves and we } Chemistry } Physics 1
offer the scheduling flexibility for students to design personalized course loads in their Grade 11 and 12 } Chinese Language } Physics 2
years. You can also choose to pursue the AP Capstone Diploma (see description to the right). and Culture } Physics C – Mechanics
No matter how you structure your AP course load, you’ll graduate with the confidence and skills you need to } Comparative } Physics C – Electricity
reach your goals. Government and and Magnetism
Politics } Psychology
} Computer Science A
Average AP Capstone Average AP Capstone } Research
} Computer Science (part of AP Capstone)
(Research) score in comparison (Seminar) score in comparison Principles } Seminar
} English Language and (part of AP Capstone)
Composition
4.13 SMUS 3.56 SMUS } English Literature and
} Spanish Language
and Culture
Composition } Statistics
3.76 CANADA 3.43 CANADA } Environmental Science } Studio Art (2-D Design,
} European History 3-D Design, Drawing)
3.15 GLOBAL 3.08 GLOBAL } World History
AP Capstone
226
Number of SMUS students writing at
least one AP exam
96
SMUS AP Scholars (students who receive scores
of 3 or higher on three or more AP exams)
Are you looking to take your university prep to a
higher level? The AP Capstone program is where
you develop in-depth critical thinking, research and
presentation skills. Think of it like a PhD prep program
in high school. It’s also a chance to challenge yourself
by researching a subject you’re deeply interested in.
28 593
Capstone is divided into two courses: AP Seminar,
which you take in Grade 11, and AP Research in Grade
12. AP Seminar introduces you to the seminar and
research format you’ll experience at university. In
AP Research, you’ll dive deeper into a topic of your
SMUS AP Canadian National Scholars (students
Total number of exams taken by choice, research it and submit a final paper. You’ll also
who earn an average of 4 or higher on all their
SMUS students be asked to orally defend your paper – just like you
AP exams and score 4 or higher on five or more
would a thesis at university. Students who take both
examples)
Capstone courses, as well as four other AP courses,
(AP data is from the 2018-19 school year) can earn the prestigious AP Capstone Diploma.
11“
From helping you with academic planning while
you’re at SMUS, to looking toward the future with you,
I will be here to support you. I’m excited to hear about
your goals and dreams, about where and what you
”
want to study, and your career ambitions.
I’ll help you find ways to achieve them.
- Ms. Ruth McGhee,
Acting Director of University Counselling
University As you enter Grade 9, you’ll be paired with one of our
four university counsellors who’ll work alongside you
every step of the way through to graduation. They
Counselling
will help you pick courses in high school, discover
possible career and post-secondary options, consider
scholarships, and support you through the university
application process. If you’re thinking about American
universities, SMUS is a test centre for the SAT.
12University Destinations
and Areas of Study
SMUS grads are currently attending some of the top
universities around the world. From business and
engineering to medicine and fine arts, the topics they
study are as diverse as the universities they attend.
Recent graduates are also studying science, sociology,
international relations, political science and computer
science, among other subjects.
Canadian Schools
} McGill University
} Queen’s University
“
} Quest University
} University of British Columbia
Beyond just providing answers to the what and how } University of Toronto
of post-secondary options, University Counselling } University of Victoria
pushed me to ask why – ‘why am I interested in a given
program and why does it make sense for me?’. I cannot American Schools
imagine the application process without them. I’m not } Caltech
”
sure I would have known where to begin looking and } Harvard University
my applications certainly would not have been as strong. } New York University
Jasper Johnston ’16 (right), Harvard Class of 2020, } Pomona College
pictured with Sean Finamore ’18 and } Stanford University
Aysha Emmerson ’18, Harvard Class of 2022 } University of California, Los Angeles
} University of Chicago
International Schools
Grad Class of 2020
} Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
} London School of Economics
} Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland
518 University
acceptances
Students
attending 115 schools
} Sciences Po
} Tecnológico de Monterrey
} University of Cambridge
} University of Edinburgh
} University of Oxford
160
Value of top five scholarships } University of New South Wales
Number of
graduates $40K-$200K } University of Tokyo
13Arts
Let your artistic talents shine by taking advantage
of our music, theatre, creative writing and visual arts
programs and extracurriculars.
No matter your grade or skill level, you can delve
into the arts – from Grade 9 choir or strings to AP
Studio Art and creative writing. See the previous
pages for the full list of arts education courses
you can take.
Victoria is a city known for its art (the world-famous
painter Emily Carr lived here). You’ll take field trips
to see exhibits and get master classes from local
artists. You’ll also get the chance to perform in the
annual musical, like a past year’s production of
Mamma Mia!, and show your art in city theatres
and galleries. If you want private music instruction
outside of class time, we work with teachers who
can take your skills to the next level.
14Extracurricular Arts
Need more art in your life? After school you have a
wide variety of options. The annual Senior School
musical brings together actors, singers, dancers,
set-builders, musicians and more to put on a huge
three-day show at a major theatre in downtown
Victoria. You can also play in a jazz band, sing in a
choral ensemble, sit on the school’s Arts Council and
so much more.
Art Opportunities at SMUS
You’ll find there is no shortage of creative outlets
for your talents at SMUS. We offer a range of art
opportunities both as part of the curriculum and as
extracurricular activities:
More than 100 students bring their talents to the annual
Senior School musical, a highlight of the year } 3-D Applied Design } Jazz Band
and Installation } Life Drawing
} Art } Photography
} Art History } Musical Theatre
Keep The Beat is an annual student-led music marathon } Choir } Script Writing
to raise money for charity
} Concert Band } Sculpture and
} Creative Writing Ceramics
} Digital Art } Strings
} Drama } Swing Band
Your artwork will be displayed throughout campus and
sometimes in downtown galleries
Art Schools
Recent SMUS grads have pursued a variety of arts
degrees – in musical theatre, architecture, dance, vocal
performance, creative writing, fashion design and
more – at prestigious schools worldwide including:
} American Academy of Dramatic Arts, New York
} ESMOD, Paris
} Parsons School of Design, New York
} Royal Conservatory of Music, Toronto
} School of Visual Arts, New York
You’ll perform at spectacular venues in the city like the The Schaffter Hall Music Centre has dedicated strings,
} University of the Arts, London
McPherson Playhouse and Christ Church Cathedral choir, band and practice rooms } USC Thornton School of Music, LA
15Athletics Whether you’re an experienced athlete or just enjoy keeping fit, you’ll become a Blue
Jag at SMUS. Physical education is part of the program and you’re also encouraged to
play sports after school. Joining a team is a great way to feel part of the community and
research shows that keeping fit will have a positive impact on your studies too.
The rugby Boot Game is an important annual rivalry, which began in
1995 (Go SMUS!)
The SMUS Rowing Centre is on the Gorge waterway, which connects to downtown Victoria
One, Two, Three, Vivat! Former students come back to campus each year at Alumni Weekend to
play against senior teams
SMUS sports teams regularly earn a spot to compete at Being part of a team is a great way for you to make The Girls Rugby team won the most recent CAIS national sevens
provincials, including many teams that reach the finals friends and have fun tournament title, hosted in Ontario
16Recreational Activities
You don’t have to play a sport competitively to enjoy
being active. The recreational program at SMUS is
important for keeping fit and having fun with other
students. There are many different activities for you to
try, which include:
} Dance } Strength and conditioning
} Hiking } Table tennis
} Rock climbing } Yoga
The on-campus fitness centre has long opening hours to fit
Competitive Athletic Facilities around your schedule
Sports } Four full-size playing
fields
} Fitness centre
} Squash courts
At SMUS you will be able to test your skills against } Two gymnasiums, } Rowing centre
other schools in local sports leagues – and sometimes including three full-
against teams in Canada and the U.S. You’ll receive size basketball courts } Erg machines
expert coaching and training to become the best In addition to our facilities, the school also benefits
athlete you can be. Some graduates join varsity from being able to use facilities in Victoria including
and professional sports teams, and many have swimming pools, tennis courts and all-weather pitches.
represented their countries at world championships
University-Level
and the Olympics. If you’re new to a sport or just
finding your way, SMUS has many developmental
Athletes
teams that also give you a taste of competition
Yoga sessions are a great way to unwind and stay active
against other schools.
Sports offered at SMUS: SMUS has a great track record of athletic scholarship
offers from universities. Recent grads have won
} Badminton } Sailing
awards to attend the University of North Carolina
} Basketball } Soccer (soccer), Princeton University (squash), University of
} Cross Country } Squash St Andrews (golf ), the University of Tulsa (rowing)
} Field Hockey (girls only) } Tennis and the University of Victoria (basketball, field hockey,
rugby, soccer).
} Golf } Track and Field
Steve Nash
} Rowing } Volleyball
} Rugby
If you play a sport we don’t offer, we’ll work with you Steve Nash ‘92, a two-time NBA MVP and Hall of
so you can continue to train and compete. As an Famer, is a SMUS graduate. It was on the courts at
urban school, there are many opportunities to play SMUS that he honed the skills that would eventually
in a community league or train at a local recreation make him one of the best players in NBA history. The
centre. You should talk to the Admissions team about Blue Jags continue to enjoy success as one of the
your sport. top high school basketball teams in British Columbia.
17Vancouver
CANADA
Victoria USA
Outdoor Seattle
Education Outdoor
Leadership
The Outdoor
Weather Leadership skills are one of the core
When you think of Canada, you probably
Education components of the outdoor education
program. You’ll be put in challenging
think of cold temperatures and snow, Program situations with your classmates and it
Vancouver Island but Victoria’s climate is one of the mildest
in Canada. It rarely ever snows in the city; You’ll experience the best of Vancouver
will give you the opportunity to learn
when to take charge and when to
SMUS is in the city of Victoria (see page 26) however, the Island’s diverse landscape Island as part of outdoor education at follow another’s initiative. As you gain
on the southern tip of Vancouver Island means you could ski in the morning SMUS. The program provides you with more experience, you’ll be asked to
on the west coast of Canada. You can and surf in the afternoon. Compared to hard skills like learning how to kayak and lead younger students too. Graduates
travel to the Island by ferry or airplane. the rest of Canada, the winter is much build a fire, as well as soft skills such as often say outdoor experiences are
Victoria has an international airport with warmer (the lowest average temperature teamwork, creativity and determination. some of their best memories of SMUS
direct flights to the U.S., Mexico and in Victoria is 4°C / 39°F) and we also get You’ll be amazed how much you’ll bond because of the confidence they gained
other Canadian cities. much less rain than Vancouver or Seattle. with your friends on an outtrip. from the program.
18Sailing Surfing Hiking and Camping
Kayaking Rock Climbing Skiing and Snowboarding
Outdoor
Activities
If you love the outdoors, Vancouver
Island will be your idea of paradise!
The beautiful scenery and range of
activities available are two of the
main reasons people choose to live
here (and why it‘s a major tourist
destination). Going to school on
Vancouver Island will give you the
chance to try the activities on this Survival Skills Canoeing
page (and many more).
19Student There’s so much more to being at SMUS than your studies. The campus is a hive of activity.
There is something happening every day and in the evenings too. From clubs and councils,
to leadership roles within the school and international service trips, you will be able to
explore what matters to you.
Life You’ll become a member of our community in and out of the classroom and build lasting
friendships. The teachers will know you on such a personal level that you’ll also want to
keep in touch with them after graduation. At SMUS, you can be who you are – no matter
your faith, orientation or background – and pursue your interests with like-minded people.
Everyone here wants to see you grow and succeed.
20Clubs and Councils Leadership and Service
When you’re not in class you have plenty of SMUS puts a high priority on helping you develop as a
chances to get involved in activities you’re leader. Leadership is hard to learn only in a classroom,
passionate (or curious) about. There are more so we give you challenging opportunities to hone
than 65 clubs and councils to join, including: the skills that make for a good leader: teamwork,
communication, encouragement and decision-making.
} Academic, Arts, } Peer Tutors
Athletic, Grade and } Photo Club While leadership is something you work on from
Intercultural councils Grades 9 through 12, the culmination of our
} Pride Alliance leadership program is becoming one of our school
} Amnesty
International } Psychology Club prefects. A prefect is a student in Grade 12 elected
} Book Club } Public Speaking, by their peers to be a role model and work directly
Debate & Model SMUS’s reputation attracts students from across with staff to make a positive impact on the school
} Buddy Reading Club UN Club the world
community. You can meet our two head prefects on
} Business Club the inside cover of this viewbook.
Thursday
} Radio Club
26
} Chess Club } Robotics Club Service and having a desire to help others is part
} Community Service } Set Design Club of being a SMUS student. You’ll work to make
} Entrepreneur Club a difference in our community to benefit local,
} Spoken Word Club r
} Film Club Novembe national and international charities, and graduate
} Sustainability & st
for breakfa understanding that giving back is an important part
} Grad Committee Outdoors Council G et ready and go
am
} Green Club } Swing Band 6:45 - 7:50 of life. There are service opportunities every week and
am French 11 the Volunteer Club is one of our most popular clubs.
} History Club } Volunteer Club 8:10 - 9:15 bly
am Assem You can also participate in Spring Break international
} The Jag Newspaper } Wellness Club 9:15 - 9:50
ess service trips, where you might, for example, build
0 am Rec
} Link Leaders 9:50 - 10:1 11 Pre-AP schools in Kenya or install water filtration systems
} Yearbook Club
2:1 0 pm Chemistry
1
} Math Challengers 10:10 am - g in Nicaragua. These trips will be among your most
ch & preppin
0 pm Lun meaningful activities at SMUS.
12:10 - 1:1 n classes
If you have an interest that isn’t a current club, for afternoo t & Politics
we’ll help you start your own! You can see the full pa rative Governmen
pm AP Com
clubs and council list on our website. 1:10 - 2:15
lculus 11
pm Pre-Ca e
2:15 - 3:25 etball gam
S en io r boys bask
pm
3:45 - 5:30
Dinner g)
5:30 - 6 pm usic buildin
z z ba n d practice (m
6:00 - 7:15
pm Ja alled Prep)
my room (c
S tu dy time in
7:15 - 9 pm or t Centre
the A ca demic Supp
or in
t in
hanging ou
Snacks &
9-10 pm mmon room
boarding co
The bustling Clubs and Councils Fair is where you’ll Example of a boarding International service trips provide you with a chance to
get to learn more about extracurricular activities student’s schedule make a difference with a humanitarian project
21Healthy Minds,
Healthy Bodies
As a university prep school, part of what you will learn at SMUS is how to balance your commitments to make sure
you get the most from your educational experience. As you discover how to effectively learn, you will also gain the
skills needed to ensure you are taking care of your physical and mental well-being.
From the food available to fuel your day, to the facilities and supports in place to help you reach your goals, you will
find what you need on campus.
22The student commons, in the Sun Centre, is a great
place to relax and socialize with your friends
The annual Health and Wellness Week includes activities
such as therapy dogs and healthy living celebrations
Students have access to confidential, 24-hour Activities such as yoga are available recreationally as Often student-led, chapel is a place to explore ideas
counselling services well as part of the curriculum across cultures
Food and Dining Health and Wellness Chapel
Our dining hall and student commons in the Sun SMUS has a well-equipped, on-campus Health Centre, SMUS is a non-denominational school that welcomes
Centre is a community gathering place where where nurses are on duty to provide medical assistance all faiths and beliefs. The school has a Chapel where
you will come together to share meals and spend and a doctor comes to campus for appointments. If you’ll join your classmates to reflect, listen and learn
time between classes. The dining hall feeds both you need to see a specialist, the Health Centre will from other cultures, and build community. We base
day and boarding students, providing breakfast, make an appointment and provide transportation. A our gatherings on the school's Values, which are true
lunch and dinner. You’ll have access to healthy hospital is only a five-minute drive from campus. to the school’s aspirations and upheld within most
and hot options at every meal, alongside a full cultures: respect, courage, honesty and service.
salad bar, fruits, cereals and more. The kitchen Your mental health is as important as your physical
staff will also work with you if you have allergies health, and staff at SMUS are committed to providing More than half of the Senior School gatherings are
or dietary restrictions. you with the support you need. You will regularly led entirely by students, giving you an opportunity to
meet with your homeroom advisor who can guide share in dialogue that is meaningful to you and your
If you need a snack during the day, you can stop you on academic or personal questions. You also peers. Everyone attends chapel once a week, with
in to The Howard Café, our student-staffed coffee have confidential, 24-hour support from our additional gatherings for boarders twice a month.
shop that serves lunch options, hot and cold counselling team.
drinks and baked treats.
If you’re involved in sports, you’ll know that injuries
happen, so SMUS also has a certified athletic therapist
to help you safely get back to performing at your best.
23Living
at SMUS
There are many reasons that students come to Victoria and
live on campus as a boarding student. For some it’s for the
increased academic opportunities, while for others it’s for the
adventure and independence. Whatever your motivation,
you’ll find a community here ready to welcome you.
Your Room and House
SMUS boarders live in bright, furnished rooms that
are shared between two roommates (you and one
student). We are serious about your privacy, so your WiFi
room also has its own bathroom – that means Wall-mounted bookshelves above desks
no communal showers and no large dormitory
bathrooms at SMUS – which is uncommon for
a boarding school. Lockable door to
boarding house
We have six boarding houses, with 21
hallway
rooms in each. Boys and girls live in
separate houses, but share a common Shared wardrobe
room where you’ll find TVs, games,
Window
computers, a kitchen and lots of great friends
to socialize with.
Houseparents Bedside tables with lockable drawer
You will live down the hall from adults at SMUS called
houseparents. Houseparents have many jobs but their
number one priority is caring for you. They keep track Bathroom
of you and your well-being, provide guidance with your
studies (most houseparents are also teachers) and make
sure everything in the boarding house is running smoothly.
Wall-mounted storage above beds
24Being a boarding student at SMUS means living in a
Every weekend you’ll get to choose from several fun activities
safe, friendly city
There is a friendly competition between the six boarding
Boarding rooms are both peaceful and private
houses, especially at monthly House Games
Evenings and A Weekend at SMUS
Weekends Below is a list of organized activities for just
one weekend at SMUS:
Boarding school is a
On school days, you’ll have a set daily schedule. big step but don’t worry,
} Watch an ice hockey game downtown it’s like joining a big global
After school, you will usually be involved in an
} Trip for coffee and to the beach family. We’ve got more
extracurricular activity before dinner and at 7pm
you’ll have prep time – two hours when all the } Guided naturalist hike than 30 nationalities at the
students in the boarding houses are quietly doing } Ice cream sundae bar! Senior School and if you’re
schoolwork. This is also when the Academic from another country,
} Ziplining through a rainforest
Support Centre is open and you can get one- you’ll see that everyone will
} Trip to the movies welcome you and celebrate
on-one help from a teacher. See page 21 for an
} Trip to Seattle for a baseball game your culture. And because
example of a daily schedule of a boarding student.
On long weekends, the boarding community we have day students from
On the weekend, there are fun and unique organizes optional trips to Disneyland, Whistler, Victoria at SMUS, you’ll
opportunities to try new activities, go on exciting Hawaii, New York and many other places. experience lots of
trips, explore and volunteer in your community, Canadian culture, too.
as well as free time to enjoy everything living
in Victoria has to offer (it’s a lot!). In fact, your - Danny Baer, Houseparent
hardest job will be deciding which of the many
activities you want to participate in.
25The Urban
Boarding School
SMUS is sometimes called “the urban boarding school” given our central location
in the city of Victoria on Vancouver Island (you can read more about Vancouver
Island on page 18). You’ll get to know Victoria very well. It’s small, safe, easy to
navigate and there are lots of fun things to do here.
26International Ferry Terminal
Airport to Vancouver
25 mins 30 mins
Mount Douglas Park
(PKOLS) Map of
Recreation
Victoria
Saanich Centre
University
of Victoria
SMUS
Rowing
Centre
Hillside Centre
Esquimalt SMUS and
Hillside
Hospital Willows Known as Canada’s most bike-friendly city, Victorians
Beach Walk
walk and cycle more than anywhere else in Canada
Downtown 10 mins
Victoria
Oak Bay Located in a quiet, tree-lined
0 1 2 3 4
suburb, SMUS is a 10-minute walk
Map Scale Beacon
1 cm = Approx. 1 km/0.6 mi to shopping, including Hillside
Hill Park
Centre with clothing stores, a
pharmacy, a bookstore and a
Ferry to grocery store. There are also
Seattle restaurants, coffee shops and
Floatplane
to Vancouver a recreation centre nearby. Bus
stops are located near campus.
Exploring City of Downtown Victoria is the capital of British Columbia and has easy
transportation links to Vancouver and the U.S.
the City Gardens Victoria Bus
15 mins
At SMUS, we think it’s important One of the reasons you’ll love Downtown is on a direct bus
you have the freedom to become living in Victoria is how beautiful route from SMUS and really has
more self-reliant. When you go to the city is (we’re known as the something for everyone. It’s quite
university, you will have to take City of Gardens because of all the common for boarding students
buses and navigate a new place, trees and green spaces). Victoria to head downtown on the
so it’s valuable prep to practise is almost completely surrounded weekend to shop, go to a board
those skills in a small city like by water so there are lots of game café, eat out and watch a
Victoria. Just like you would at beaches to explore. You’ll also movie, or just relax in beautiful
home, when you leave campus enjoy some great short hikes to Beacon Hill Park. Downtown is
you’ll need to tell houseparents get breathtaking views of the also the cultural hub of Victoria,
where you’re going, who you’ll be Olympic Mountains to the south where you’ll find museums, Downtown Victoria is home to the second oldest
Chinatown in North America after San Francisco
with and when you’ll be back. and Mount Baker to the east. galleries and boutique shops.
27How to Apply to St. Michaels Financial Aid and Scholarships
University School SMUS offers both financial aid and scholarships. More
information including conditions and deadlines to apply
In order to benefit most from a SMUS education, we
is available on the website. Financial aid is confidential,
recommend applying to Senior School for Grade 9.
needs-based and open to all students. Last year, SMUS
At Senior School, we have a rolling admissions process, awarded $2.8 million in financial aid to assist more than
which means there is no deadline to apply. However, 20% of the student body. If you feel the cost of a SMUS
demand for places at our school is high. Students are only education is prohibitive, you should ask about financial aid.
able to start at SMUS at the beginning of the school year in Scholarships are merit-based. SMUS offers a limited number
September. We strongly recommend you apply at least 10 of entrance scholarships for boarding students. To learn
months in advance. more visit our website.
Alexis, Kevin, Michael and Linda
Step 1: Complete an online application Fees
You apply to St. Michaels University School on our website
using the Online Application Centre. Start at smus.ca/apply Fees at St. Michaels University School include tuition,
and follow the instructions. textbooks and transportation costs for our clubs and teams,
Thank you for considering St. Michaels University School.
and for boarding students, it also includes accommodation
Choosing a school is an important decision and we hope You will be asked to provide documentation that includes and care in residence, meals, laundry and access to 24-hour
this viewbook has answered your biggest questions. report cards, teacher references, transcripts and a nursing. We also advise budgeting another $350 (day) to
The Admissions team is here to guide you through the verification of citizenship. There is an application fee of $250. $500 (boarding) per month for additional expenses (e.g.,
application process. Please contact us at any time if we uniform, optional trips and technology). You can find more
can assist you. Step 2: Interview and testing information on our website or ask the Admissions team.
Your application is reviewed by the Admissions team, who The cost of a SMUS education varies by the location of the
We look forward to connecting soon. invite select candidates to visit the school for standardized primary residence, as do the options for paying your fees.
testing and interviews. For international families who are Please see the website for further information.
The SMUS Admissions Team
unable to travel to SMUS, Admissions will make alternative
Phone: 1-250-592-2411 arrangements for testing and interviewing. 2020-21 Fees
Toll-free in North America: 1-800-661-5199 Step 3: Admissions notifies you of the decision Below are the Senior School fees for the 2020-21 year. Fees for
Email: admissions@smus.ca the 2021-22 year will be available in January 2021. Historically,
Web: smus.ca/admissions If you receive an offer of admission, you will need to accept annual fee increases have been between 2.5 and 5%.
the offer by the deadline provided by the Admissions office.
To accept the offer and hold your place, you will also pay a Program
non-refundable registration fee.
Place of
Annual Giving English Language Learners (ELL) Program Residence Day Boarding
St. Michaels University School is a not-for-profit After interviewing and testing, the Admissions team may British Columbia $24,950 $54,850
organization and students benefit every day offer admission to the English Language Learning program.
from community giving. We can offer all the The ELL program is for boarding students going into Grades North America $30,530 $60,440
opportunities in this viewbook because of the 9 or 10 who need additional assistance with English. ELL
generous donations of parents, alumni, staff, students take additional English classes to support their International $41,900 $71,770
students and friends. If you join our school, you studies at SMUS.
will be asked to contribute to our Annual Appeal
at a level that’s meaningful for you and your Summer English Programs Language Learning Supplement (LLS)
family. We thank you for your support. SMUS offers short summer English (ESL) programs for youth
aged between eight and 18. We have classes for every level LLS Grades 9-10 +$11,000
of English skill – from beginner to advanced students. Visit
smus.ca/ispy for more information. LLS Grades 11-12 +$5,000
The Language Learning Supplement (LLS) additional fee is
for students receiving specialist English Language Learning
(ELL) support.
28Average
class size
Senior
School
17
592 518
School Floreat, the school's ambitious 2020-2030
strategic plan is centred around four Strategic
Founded
1906
Priorities for excellence in all areas. Student
success is at the centre of everything we do
University Acceptances for and you can learn more at floreat2030.ca.
Students the Class of 2020
Gender
Nationalities
at Senior 65 Advanced
Placement subjects 13
27
School
30+
Ratio Clubs and Competitive
52 48 Councils Sports2020-21
St. Michaels University School
3400 Richmond Road
Victoria, BC
Canada V8P 4P5
smus.ca
Read the SMUSpaper
news.smus.ca
Contact the Admissions Team
Phone: 1-250-592-2411
Toll Free in North America: 1-800-661-5199
Email: admissions@smus.ca
© St. Michaels University School, 2020
Printed in Canada
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