Victoria Arneja is currently in Grade 8 at St. Michaels University School. She started in Kindergarten in 2017 and when she was in Grade 2, her family won an auction item for Victoria to be "Head of School for the Day. " She interviewed Mark Turner in his final year as Head of School (2025-26, and recently Victoria took the opportunity to meet and interview current Head of School, Dr. Jeff Aitken. This is her essay from their interview.
After nearly a year at St. Michael’s University School, Head of School Dr. Jeff Aitken has already made a strong impression on the community. Through a recent interview, I had the opportunity to learn more about his background, his values, and his vision for the future of SMUS.
Dr. Aitken’s journey into education began unexpectedly. Growing up in Ontario, he attended a large high school where he was deeply involved in sports, the arts, and extracurricular activities. Although he once considered becoming a lawyer, a co-op placement in Grade 11 helped him realize that his true passion was working with people, especially in a school environment. From that moment on, he knew education was the right path for him.
Dr. Aitken went on to become an English and Drama teacher, while also coaching sports teams and directing theatre productions. Hearing this was especially meaningful to me because the arts are a very important part of my life. Theatre and other creative opportunities at SMUS allow students to express themselves, build confidence, and connect with others. Knowing that our Head of School has such a strong background in the arts makes me happy, because it shows that he understands how valuable these experiences are. At the same time, his involvement in athletics reflects his belief that students benefit most when they are encouraged to explore both creative and athletic pursuits.
When asked what has stood out most to him about SMUS so far, Dr. Aitken highlighted the strong sense of pride within the community. He shared that students, staff, and even alumni, some who graduated decades ago, continue to feel deeply connected to the school.
“It’s not just a building,” he explained. “There’s something unique and special about this community.”
Of course, stepping into such a large and dynamic role comes with challenges. For Dr. Aitken, one of the biggest challenges has been building meaningful connections across the entire school community. From students and teachers to parents and alumni around the world, he emphasized how important it is to truly understand the people who make SMUS what it is.
Rather than immediately making changes, Dr. Aitken has taken a thoughtful approach to leadership. He is currently focused on listening, learning what the school does well, and identifying areas for growth before making decisions about the future. This reflects his belief that strong leadership starts with understanding and collaboration.
A key priority for him is ensuring that student voices are heard. He spoke about the importance of creating multiple opportunities for students to share their perspectives, whether through leadership groups, clubs, or direct conversations. He also shared an exciting idea: inviting Grade 12 student leaders to the patio at Reynolds House for lunch to participate in a feedback session about their experiences at SMUS before they graduate.
Looking ahead, Dr. Aitken hopes that his impact will be felt in how the school prepares students for the future. He emphasized the importance of evolving curriculum, skills, and facilities to match a rapidly changing world.
“We can’t just rely on what we’ve always done well,” he explained. “We need to think about what students will need 10 years from now and beyond.”
At the core of his leadership is a strong commitment to respect, a value that he says has guided him throughout his career. By building relationships based on respect, he believes schools can create environments where students and staff feel supported, understood, and able to succeed.
When asked to share a piece of advice for students, Dr. Aitken quoted Shakespeare's Hamlet (his absolute favourite play): “To thine own self be true.” For him, this message is about authenticity, encouraging students to be proud of who they are and to stay true to themselves, even as they grow and face new challenges.
As Dr. Aitken continues his journey at SMUS, it’s clear that his focus on connection, respect, and forward-thinking leadership will shape the school’s future in meaningful ways. As a student, it’s exciting to be part of that journey!
