At the annual Board of Governors staff appreciation dinner on May 1, mathematics teacher Jeff Hunt was honoured for his 25-year milestone in teaching at St. Michaels University School. But Jeff’s relationship with SMUS began much earlier — 44 years ago — when he entered Grade 3 at the Junior School.
“As a student, he fully embraced the all-round spirit of the school — tackling the academic rigour, joining every sports team he could, and even playing the violin in the orchestra — before graduating in 1991,” shared colleague Mat Geddes ’93, also a SMUS alumnus and fellow math teacher. “His deep love of sports didn’t end with high school. It wasn’t long before SMUS drew him back in for his coaching talent.”
A Lifelong Connection Rooted in Passion and Purpose
Jeff’s family ties to SMUS are strong. His older brother, Tony, graduated in 1989, and his younger sister, Meggan, in 1996. Today, his nieces — Meggan’s daughters Ava and Rachel — are students in Grades 7 and 9 and may soon find themselves in one of Jeff’s math classes.
Jeff returned to the school in 1993 to coach and quickly made an impact, contributing to a wide range of SMUS athletics including soccer, tennis, field hockey, badminton, cross-country, and track and field. His coaching résumé includes back-to-back provincial championship titles in field hockey (1995 and 1996), along with numerous Island titles. Over the years, he has guided SMUS teams at over 40 provincial championships.
His teaching career officially began in 1999, when he was brought on the day before school started to help teach physical education part-time. Since then, Jeff has taught both Middle and Senior School PE, worked in the Learning Resource department, and for the last 14 years, has been a Senior School Mathematics teacher. In 2007, he also served as the school’s Athletic Director for a year.
“In the classroom, he’s known as a caring and patient educator, talented at breaking concepts into manageable steps,” said Geddes, also the head of the SMUS Mathematics Department. “Jeff often connects most deeply with students who struggle or lack confidence in math. He helps them believe in themselves by building an inclusive, supportive environment — where every student feels valued, building in them skills and confidence.”
Jeff’s favourite memories span decades and a wide range of experiences — from the Middle School mountain biking trip in Squamish to slip’n slide kickball games on the final day of PE classes. On the athletic front, the two provincial field hockey titles and a 2003 team tour to Barbados stand out as unforgettable moments.
“SMUS has been part of my life since I entered Grade 3 in 1981,” Jeff reflected. “It’s my home. I’ve been at the school for 43.5 years — coaching for 32, and teaching for 26. I don’t see myself going anywhere until my wife and I retire together in 11 more years — not that I’m counting.”
For new staff and faculty, Jeff offers this advice:
“Get involved. Every new teacher should commit to as many extracurriculars as possible. Most of my incredible memories at SMUS were made outside the classroom — and that’s where the strongest connections are formed.”
Three faculty members are highlighted this year for their 25-year milestone at SMUS. Read more about:
