At SJS, fostering healthy, independent learners means recognizing that the path to success is rarely a straight line. To help our students navigate life’s inevitable challenges, the Senior School has elevated its approach to student life, continuing our emphasis on holistic care, belonging and the personalized support necessary to balance big ambitions with wellbeing.
Building Connections Across the School
This year, the Senior School has undergone a restructuring, welcoming Ms. Aliya Minnema as the Vice Principal of Student Life.
“This position focuses on the pastoral side of the school,” explains Ms. Minnema, who is excited to be stepping into this role. “I look forward to collaborating with our counsellors and teachers to connect all the many ways we support our students.”
“We have physical wellbeing, social and emotional wellness, and learning strategies all in place to complement the curriculum,” elaborates Senior School Principal, Ms. Chee. “Ms. Minnema’s role bridges those individual initiatives and oversees the connectivity between them. It also enables the academic coordinators, Mr. Daniel Ahn, and Mr. Keith McCann to focus on the academic integrity of their programs and all that it entails.”
Fostering Self-Advocacy
We love when our students are ambitious, so long as it doesn’t come at the expense of their wellbeing. Ms. Minnema sees this as a crucial part of her role. “We have a lot of students who come in with big ideas and can benefit from guidance on balance,” she explains. “We want to make sure they aren’t overloading themselves, supporting them in pursuing their goals in a way that is sustainable long-term.”
With this enhanced support system in place, students are empowered to advocate for themselves. Having students reach out to teachers directly is a vital step in their development as learners and future leaders.
“It’s important that parents help students learn to self-advocate,” adds Ms. Chee. “Ask the student to communicate themselves rather than depend on a parent to do it for them. In the whole scheme of life, there are long-term benefits for the student. The advocacy demonstrates trust, responsibility, and resilience.”
Who to Talk To
Every student has an Advisor, and this adult should always be the first point of contact when a student or parent has a question or concern. The advisory teacher can provide immediate guidance or help bring in additional support if needed. From there, specific inquiries are directed to the appropriate school leaders:
Academic Questions: Inquiries regarding courses, grades, academic integrity, or projects should be directed to the IB programme coordinators (Mr. Ahn for the MYP, or Mr. McCann for the DP).
Student Life Questions: Anything outside of academics such as; pastoral care, experiential learning, uniforms, co-curriculars or outdoor education, should be directed to Ms. Minnema.
