Leadership

Our understanding of leadership has shifted. Today's leaders require more global understanding, emotional intelligence, cooperative ability and an empowering, rather than overpowering, approach. Every student at SMUS is a leader and is involved in the leadership program. From Kindergarten to Grade 12 there are opportunities for students to explore and experience their potential as leaders in an age-appropriate way.

We believe that leadership is a process of engagement which moves people to understanding and action in an environment inspired by trust. SMUS supports each student in their journey to becoming a leader. Just like academics, arts and athletics, all our students can benefit from having the experience of leadership, to graduate into the global community and influence others in positive ways to make a difference in the world. 

The Five Streams of Leadership

Effective leadership requires a complex set of skills, knowledge and values. With this in mind, our school has developed a multifaceted approach to leadership education. Our program includes five interdependent streams: principles of leadership, service, sustainability, global responsibility and experiential/outdoor education.

Principles of Leadership

The Principles of Leadership stream focuses on personal development. More than knowing how to lead, we want our students to be responsible, positive leaders who consider the interests of others. As we build a theoretical and ethical foundation for solid leadership, there are opportunities to discuss ethics, character and how to be a good leader.

Service 

To foster a culture of service, citizenship and responsibility at SMUS, each student from Kindergarten to Grade 12 participates in meaningful service to others. Students work around our local community as well as fundraise for national and international causes. Some students also choose to work on service projects through SMUS trips around the world during school breaks.

Sustainability

We focus on environmental issues, increasing our awareness and decreasing our impact. Our school works on small everyday actions as well as major facilities changes to improve our environmental sustainability. There are whole school initiatives to bring us together in our efforts to “green” our campus and change our habits for the benefit of the planet.

Global Responsibility

Being globally responsible means appreciating that there is a world beyond us; a world we are a part of and one that we can – and should – play an active role in improving. While learning about different places, cultures, issues, and governments, students learn about our civic responsibility and what it means to be a global citizen. These are tools that will help our students be successful in the global world.

Experiential Education/Outdoor Education

Both our experiential and outdoor education programs provide hands-on learning. Students learn through doing, reflect on their experiences, and apply their learning to other situations in the outdoors or in the classroom. Through these programs, students in different contexts examine their relationships with themselves, others and the world.