When I first wrote to the community in August, I shared reflections from a cross-country journey that reminded me of the quiet, yet powerful stories woven across Canada. Stories that often reveal themselves not through grand gestures, but through small, meaningful moments. I connected those impressions to the beginning of my own journey at St. Michaels University School, wondering what stories, relationships, and discoveries might shape this new chapter.
Now, as we approach the holiday season, I find myself returning to that initial reflection. The spirit of curiosity and discovery that guided me across the country has accompanied me through these first five months, and what has stood out most are the quiet stories, the unspoken strengths that define this community. Much like the landscape I travelled, SMUS reveals its character in ways both subtle and strong. It shows up in the dedication, professionalism and care of staff and faculty, the support and partnership with parents, and the remarkable compassion, curiosity and engagement of our students.
In many ways, this theme came into sharper focus for me during the Founders and Benefactors dinner; an evening that reminded us that the strength of SMUS has always been built quietly, through conviction, generosity, and hope. Our early founders faced challenges of scale and resources, yet they persisted because they believed in an idea: that a school could shape citizens and leaders for a future they would never fully see. What struck me that night was how that same spirit lives on today, not only in the history we honour but in the people who continue to ‘found’ something new with every act of care, mentorship, scholarship, and innovation. These quiet contributions form a powerful collective story. They show that our students are not just inheritors of a legacy, but co-creators of the world to come, and that together, we are still building the world we want to believe in.
I’m intentionally avoiding a long list of the incredible events, people and experiences that have impacted me to date, there are just too many! I will conclude however, with a Chapel from a couple weeks back on the theme of light, which brought all of these reflections into sharp relief. Our students led the service with such courage and sincerity, and reminded us that light is a shared human symbol present in Hanukkah, Diwali, Kwanzaa, Lantern Festivals, and the Christian traditions of Advent and Christmas, as well as many more around the world. Light as a powerful human truth. Through music and personal stories, students spoke of light as resilience, renewal, and hope. I asked all students to consider, as we enter the holiday season, that even the smallest acts of kindness can be a source of light for others, and our collective light shines brightest when shared generously.
In many ways, this season’s theme captures my experiences and impressions since my arrival; a community illuminated not by grand statements, but by countless quiet acts of kindness, mentorship, curiosity, and care. These small lights, shared generously, reveal who we are, and the future we are creating together.
All the very best to you and your family over the holidays.
Dr. Jeff Aitken
Head of School
