Welcoming the World to SMUS

Starting at a new school always brings a mix of excitement and nerves, but for new boarding students the experience is especially profound. Just over 100 Grade 9-12 new boarding students are not only entering a new academic environment, but also moving into a new home, meeting roommates for the first time, and saying goodbye to family and friends — in some cases, even leaving their home country for the first time.

New Boarder Orientation is designed to make that transition as smooth and positive as possible. More than a move-in, the two-day event blended practical preparation with fun activities, shared meals, and celebratory moments that marked the beginning of the journey together. Whether arriving with existing connections to SMUS or discovering the school for the first time, every boarding family was welcomed with warmth and support, setting the tone for a year grounded in belonging and discovery.

A Warm Welcome to Campus

Some families arrived with deep ties to SMUS. Both of Grade 9 student Russell Wilson’s parents are alumni from the Class of 1997, and knowing what was in store allowed them to share their enthusiasm as he followed in their footsteps from their home in the Cayman Islands.

“There’s still so much connectivity,” said a nostalgic Michelle Butler '97. “There are people who were our teachers and now their kids are going to be his teachers, and the layers keep going.”

For Russell, the anticipation was about the sports program, especially rugby, tennis, and basketball.

For others, SMUS was an entirely new discovery. Grade 11's Anthony Kavalenka of Qualicum, B.C., had never considered SMUS until the entered the Best School Year Ever contest — and won a full boarding scholarship. A talented alto saxophonist and singer, he is eager to explore the school’s band program and deepen his studies in the sciences after being impressed by the teachers during an earlier tour.

The Best School Year Ever contest also played a role in the Harris family’s journey back to Richmond Road. Jeremy Harris ’92 and his wife, Desi, of Kelowna, B.C., enrolled their son Jack with the help of a partial scholarship. Jeremy’s connection to the school runs even deeper: his father taught at the Junior School, and Jeremy had long hoped one of his four children would one day attend. Jack, who had already sampled SMUS during a rugby camp last summer, was ready to seize the opportunity.

Throughout the orientation, families gathered in the Student Commons for information sessions, and a chance to relax and enjoy refreshments from Howard Café. They were invited to place pins on a map to show where they came from, and by the end it reflected boarding students arriving from across the map, a visible reminder of the global community they were joining.

Building Community in Boarding

Despite the distances travelled, the atmosphere often felt like a reunion. Parents embraced members of the Admissions team, their first touch point with the school, while current student ambassadors sporting their boarding house colours welcomed new boarders at the doors of their new home. Houseparents reassured families with warm conversations, signalling that the transfer of day-to-day care had begun.

Amid the practicalities of unpacking and settling into dorm rooms, excitement often outweighed nerves. Elias Camhi Arroyave, a Grade 11 student from Mexico, said he was “too excited to feel nervous.”

Drawn to SMUS by its academics, athletics, and community, he was already looking forward to new sports, making friends, and gaining independence — even while acknowledging he would miss his family and two dogs at home.

For Gretchen Longridge of Seattle, the day was emotional as she helped her daughter Evie, entering Grade 9, settle into her new home. Proud but reflective, she said she knew it was a big step toward independence at such a young age. What eased the transition was the family’s familiarity: Evie’s older brother is a Grade 12 boarder, and her father, David Longridge ’88, is an alumnus and current Board of Governor.

“He had amazing memories of his time here and wanted to share the same thing with his kids,” Gretchen said of her son.

Other students, like Tia Lo from Hong Kong, had already found their place in the community by the time orientation began. Having heard about SMUS from a friend, Tia decided its Advanced Placement (AP) program would be a better fit than International Baccalaureate (IB) options at other independent schools. Tia joined returning boarders in greeting new arrivals, confident in her decision and supported by her parents, Andrew and Hemans, who were eager to see her thrive.

Saying Goodbye, Looking Ahead

The two days culminated with a dinner under the tent on the campus lawn. Parents, students, and staff shared one final meal together before hugs, tears, and goodbyes. For the students, it was the start of a new chapter of independence and discovery; for parents, a moment of pride and poignancy as they entrusted their children to a new community that will guide and support them in the months ahead.