This summer, during a break from her university studies, Isla Betteridge ‘24 returned to serve as SJS’s official “history detective.” As an Archives Assistant with the Advancement team, she spent the season digging through four decades of school history and organizing our collection of historical materials ahead of this year’s 40th Anniversary celebrations.
SJS News caught up with Isla to learn about her summer experience, what she loves most about SJS, and how the IB programme prepared her for life after graduation.
Thanks for joining us Isla. How did you hear about the Archives Assistant opportunity?
I found the listing through Instagram. At first, I looked past it because my current nursing studies have nothing to do with archives or document management. But, in the end, I decided to apply the next day because it was a unique opportunity and I thought my experience as a Lifer could come in handy.
What drew you to the position?
First and foremost, this school and its people will always have a special place in my heart, because it’s been such a big part of my life. That, combined with being able to tap my fellow alumni on the shoulder to talk to, made me think the position would be a good fit for me.
What have you enjoyed most about this position?
On a personal level, it’s been so cool to go through photos and videos I’ve never seen. Seeing my friends and I performing with the Grade 1/2 Ukulele Club at the talent show was not on my 2026 bingo card, but I’m so glad I got the opportunity to reminisce. I also loved learning about the humble origins of our school. Noting our progress through photos, documents, and retellings from long-serving staff, it’s fascinating to see how we’re connected to that history. I hope I was able to highlight our past enough for everyone to appreciate it as much as I now do
Did anything surprise you when you were going through the archive collection?
Seeing the physical artefacts was surprising, like seeing how the tie designs have changed over the years. The thing that surprised me the most was realizing that we weren’t always an IB school. Technically, I wasn’t an official IB student until maybe Grade 2 or 3, but in my mind it’s just always been that way. It’s cool to know that I got to live through that transition.
Has there been anything from your time in the IB programme that helped you with this job?
So many things, both in this position and in my university program! The skills I gained through my time at SJS have been huge. Organization has been huge in the Archive Assistant role—there’s been so much stuff to go through. I’ve also noticed how prepared I was for university, especially in regards to writing and presenting. I’ve met other students in my nursing program who had never written a paper or done a class presentation prior to university. I think my university courses are easier because I went through the IB programme.
It sounds like skills from across the subjects have helped you, even when you’re now in a science-focused field?
Totally! For nursing especially, having soft skills like being able to initiate discussion and calmly solve problems are very important. Public speaking was also a big skill I got from the IB programme; not only the confidence to do it, but knowing how to choose the right words for any given situation. Practicing good time management and being able to prioritize work are also applicable skills, regardless of what someone goes into in the future.
“To appreciate the present and future we must understand the historical context that led to this moment.”
As we celebrate 40 years of SJS, what do you hope for the future of the school?
I believe that, in order to appreciate the present and future we must understand the historical context that led to this moment. There have been a lot of people who have helped SJS get to where we are now, and I feel it’s important to honour that. Myrnal Hawes is a great example of that. She brought a lot to SJS, most notably instilling risk-taking and confidence in her students by integrating outdoor education in the curriculum. It’s interesting to see how our core value of being community focused has always been a key part of the school throughout its history, whether it’s advertised like that or not.
What are you taking away from this job?
All good things. First, I was a student, and an alum, and now being a staff member has been a great way to see the school from a different perspective. It’s been a wonderful opportunity for me to exercise new skills but also reflect and appreciate the school.
Thank you for joining us this summer, Isla. We wish you all the best in your third year of nursing at the University of Victoria and look forward to seeing you at the 40th Anniversary events soon!
