Greenwood College School NOTABLE ALUMNI

The community really jumps out at me when I think about what I appreciate the most about Greenwood. Having teachers and advisors who overlap in many roles—on outdoor education trips, on sports teams, and in the classroom throughout our whole journey—was really special. I still keep in touch with many of my teachers, catching up at alumni events and feeling that they genuinely care about what’s going on in my life. The overall student community also stood out. Because it’s such a small school, you become close not only with people in your grade but also across different grades. For example, I was on the hockey team throughout my entire time at Greenwood and served as captain in my senior year. The team included students from Grade 7 through Grade 12, and those bonds remain so strong that whenever I see a former teammate, I get incredibly excited. That closeness and unique environment made the experience very different from most middle school and high school experiences.

What surprised me most was how sad I was to leave. I always liked school, but I didn’t expect to be crying on graduation day. It’s an incredible community, and even though I still feel connected to it, you do move on. I didn’t realize at the time just how many relationships I’d formed, or how much I depended on that support network every day.

Something that people might not realize about Greenwood is just how connected the community is. Even with people in grades above or below me, there’s always an instant recognition. At work, sometimes I meet other Greenwood alumni, and there’s an instant bond: ‘You went to Greenwood, too?’ It feels like family. Greenwood is a part of my identity that I still carry today, and I’m very grateful for that.

The broader community at Greenwood is united. Wendy Herod, Director of Student Success and Guidance Counsellor, organized events where we had Greenwood alumni come back to share their experiences. Last year I was invited back to Greenwood along with 3 other alum and shared information about how to stay connected with Greenwood and what it means to be an alum. Parents were welcome to be involved in the school life and part of the curriculum required them to. Parents made sure homework was done, listened to them read, and discussed concepts and ideas with their children. We also had PTA and volunteering opportunities for the parents with the school. I found few parents seemed to either work with the school or pay a lot of attention to their kids' education. If more would work with their children, making sure they do their homework and have their children read to them, show the children the importance of education, and support the teachers rather than go in and rail at teachers because their little darling was called out for something, the kids would do a lot better.

I encourage parents and prospective students to look at different schools and align what a school offers with the needs of the individual student. Every independent school in Toronto is excellent, but each has its own character. At Greenwood, you will find high-calibre academics, an outstanding adviser program, and a culture of care and innovation. Our alumni are confident self-advocates who contribute to their communities. Greenwood is a place for all students, but the ones who thrive here are those who want to be involved, embrace challenges, and value community. Our twice-yearly outdoor education trips highlight this, as students develop friendships and build skills such as resilience, collaboration, and problem-solving. Students who want to grow in community do especially well at Greenwood.