SJS students have been busy over the summer! From a professional debut to empowering youth initiatives and deep learning opportunities, our students have been chasing their dreams across a variety of disciplines. Here are some highlights of the incredible work and experiences SJS students undertook!
Professional Drumming Debut
Over the summer Harry Whyte, Grade 11, made his professional debut as a drummer in the pit band for a production of Cabaret. Harry was originally enlisted as the backup drummer, but found out that he was going to be called to perform only two weeks before the show opened! The show must go on and Harry showed great professionalism and talent in his first ever professional performance. He plans to perform in future productions in Vancouver. Congratulations to Harry for his professional debut!
Youth For Change
Neo Chan, Grade 8, had the honour of being selected as the youngest-ever member of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research – Institute of Human Development, Child and Youth Health’s (CIHR-IHDCYH) Youth Advisory Council.
The IHDCYH works to foster equity and growth across Canada’s human development, child and youth health research community. Its Youth Council provides a vital youth perspectives on medical topics, helping to guide how research funding should be directed across the country.
As one of 13 institutes within The Canadian Institute of Health Research (CIHR), the IHDCYH aims to promote better beginnings, vibrant childhoods and empowered youth. Congratulations to Neo on his role in this important initiative.
A Stanford Summer
This summer, Iona Jiang, Grade 12, attended the Stanford Humanities Institute, a three-week residential program that brings together high school students from around the world to study the humanities in a college-level setting.
Her course, Books to Bollywood, explored how literature is adapted into film using a variety of approaches, and how these shape our understanding of cultural messages. Over the three weeks, she participated in daily seminars with Professor Roanne Kantor, joined discussion groups with Stanford graduate students, and produced a 3,000-word research paper as her final project.
Reflecting on the experience, she shared:
“I highly enjoyed the balance between rigorous academic work and hands-on learning. The high-intensity workload pushed me to engage with readings more critically than ever before.”
Beyond the classroom, she also enjoyed film screenings, field trips, and group activities, which enriched seminar discussions and fostered collaboration. Thank you, Iona, for sharing your incredible experience at Stanford!
Share Your Good News
We love to hear what our students and community are getting up to outside of school. Share your good news with us at communications@sjs.ca.
