Elmwood School (Ottawa)
Encyclopedia
Elmwood School is an independent day school for girls located in Rockcliffe Park in the city of Ottawa
, Canada
. It was founded in 1915 and is an International Baccalaureate World School. Elmwood School was the first school in North America
to be accredited for all three levels of the IB Programme - the Diploma Programme for students in the final two years of secondary school, the Middle Years Programme (MYP) for students aged 11–16, and the Primary Years Programme (PYP) for students aged 3–12. The school is also a member of the National Coalition of Girls' Schools
and the Canadian Association of Independent Schools
.
The faculty provides education to 400 students, ages 4 to 18. Classes are small, with an average class size of 12 and a student to teacher ratio of 7:1. The current Headmistress is Cheryl Boughton who took over the leadership of the school in 2008. Prior to joining Elmwood, she served as Deputy Head at Bedford School
in Bedfordshire, United Kingdom
, an independent boarding and day school for 1,100 male students. A Canadian citizen, Cheryl Boughton spent a considerable part of her educational career at single gender independent schools in the UK.
Like many other private schools throughout the Commonwealth, Elmwood's traditions are based on similar schools in Britain. Senior formal leaders in their graduating year are called prefects, the students must wear uniforms, and each student is a member of a house.
100% of Elmwood students go on to university. In 2009, 95% students attended their university of choice and 88% were accepted into their program of choice. Recent graduates have matriculated to prestigious universities such as McGill University
, Queen's University
, University of Toronto
, University of Western Ontario
, Bishop's University
, Acadia University
, Mount Allison University
, University of Ottawa
, University of Waterloo
, St Francis Xavier University, University of Alberta
, University of Calgary
, University of British Columbia
among many others. Other graduates travel further afield to study at colleges in the US, the UK and across the globe including University of Oxford
, Imperial College London
, University of St Andrew's, Exeter University, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland
, Dartmouth College
, St Lawrence University and University of Rochester
.
Each year, over 80% of graduates have received highly valuable scholarships to post-secondary institutions such as the prestigious Greville Smith Scholarship from McGill University, the National Excellence Award from the Canada Millennium Scholarship Foundation
, the Sesquicentennial Scholarship from St. Lawrence University
in New York State, the Undergraduate Research Scholarship from the University of Ottawa Faculty of
Science, the Richard Lewer Scholarship from Carleton University and the President’s Entrance Scholarship from the University of Western Ontario to name but a few. In 2010, Elmwood's class of 43 graduates were offered over $1,000,000 in scholarship awards. The largest single scholarship awarded in 2009 was $125,000 US, an additional $25,000 was awarded because the student completed her IB diploma.
learning theory which argues that humans generate knowledge and meaning from their experiences.
In all three programmes, the education of the whole person is manifested through all domains of knowledge, involving the major traditions of learning in languages, humanities, sciences, mathematics and the arts.
and engineering
at university. This is significant considering that although women now account for a majority of undergraduate students at Canadian universities, female enrolment in engineering, math and science faculties has never exceeded 20%. Women who pursue non-traditional careers, earn 150% more over their lifetimes. Considering that in 2003, women earned 71% of what their male counterparts made, girls who pursue math, science and engineering are more likely to have careers paying higher wages and have more opportunities for advancement.
Elmwood has long been recognized as a globally diverse learning community. Elmwood's students represent more than 30 different nationalities and many say that one of Elmwood’s paramount strengths is its diversity and cultural inclusivity. Elmwood is known for educating children of important political and diplomatic figures. Many diplomatic families choose Elmwood for their daughters' education and there are many links with embassies and consulates located in and around Rockcliffe Park. Roughly 20% of the student population are members of the diplomatic community.
Elmwood regularly surpasses the Ontario Ministry of Education and International Baccalaureate curriculum guidelines and enhances students’ learning through field trips, guest speakers, co-curricular activities, and individual opportunities for leadership. Elmwood staff and parents connect the School with Ottawa’s educational, political, professional and artistic institutions. Students interact with influential and accomplished women from many walks of life. These inspiring role models reinforce Elmwood’s mission to equip girls and young women to generate positive change in the world.
Elmwood's IB Diploma pass rate is 100%. Students may choose the full Diploma Programme or may choose to complete IB Certificates in specific subjects. Elmwood's IB results are strong and Elmwood students consistently score above the Canadian, American and world averages.
which they use to enhance their learning. All but a few classrooms are equipped with a SMART Board and students are fully accustomed to technology. Students in the Junior and Middle Schools use computers in purpose built labs or utilize mobile laptop carts in the classroom.
. Alongside being twinned with a school in Africa, Elmwood has two sister schools. Calrossy Anglican School for Girls
in Australia and Otago Girls' High School
in New Zealand. It is not uncommon to have incoming and outgoing student exchanges.
The Junior School has its own Athletics program geared towards the age of its students. Girls compete against other schools in various competitions including swimming and soccer. There is also a gymnastics and ballet program offered as an co-curricular activity
Here are the sports offered at Elmwood's Middle and Senior School. The program varies slightly from year to year depending on the interests of staff and students. The core sports are always represented.
Elmwood School requires all grade 9 students to participate in the Bronze Award program. The vast majority of students go on to receive their Silver and Gold Awards. Elmwood School has the highest number of Gold Award recipients per capita in Ontario.
Elmwood—originally the Rockcliffe Preparatory School—opened for business in 1915 with only four students, aged four to seven. The educational ambitions of the first Headmistress were high. She wrote: “The discipline of the school and the instruction are in accordance with the best modern methods, and constant care is given to the proper development of each pupil and the fostering of good school spirit.”
Theodora Philpot’s vision rang true with many parents. Even in the first few years, there were exponential increases in enrolment. Within ten years, Elmwood School had a student population of eighty students, served by a faculty of twelve teachers.
After founding the school, Theodora Philpot retired to England leaving Elmwood in the capable hands of Edith Buck. She donated a Bible Box, inscribed with the words “Pactum Serva” meaning “Keep the Faith” to the school, and it came with a plea to carry on the work she had started.
And the work she had started did carry on to make Elmwood the school it is today. Modern methods, academic excellence, personal development and strong school spirit are still the cornerstones of the Elmwood experience.
, I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud
also known as Daffodils, our founding Headmistress, Theodora Philpot, adopted it for the Philpot Token Award. Each year, the student who embodies the spirit and ideals of service, fellowship, freedom and fair play is presented with this award.
, attended the school and was Head Girl in her final year. The school's Wilson House is named in her honour. Canadian television broadcaster Catherine Clark
, daughter of the Right Honourable Joe Clark
, also attended Elmwood. Poet Elizabeth Smart, author of the prose poem 'By Grand Central Station I Sat Down and Wept', attended Elmwood from 1922-1929. Children's television writer, Mary MacKay-Smith attended Elmwood in the mid-1960s and was Head of Nightingale House. MacKay-Smith has written for many children's television series including Caillou
and Polka Dot Door
. Gemini Award-winning Canadian screenwriter Tassie Cameron
spent her formative years at Elmwood. She is currently a writer and co-executive producer on the hit CBS/CTV television series Flashpoint
. Tassie and her sister Amy created the 2009 CBC television series Wild Roses
. Mimi Lee
, an American chemist, served as First Lady
of Maryland
from 1977 to 1979.
Over the years, Elmwood has admitted boys in its early years program. Actor Hume Cronyn
, Adrian Harewood, host of Ottawa's favourite afternoon program All In A Day, and entrepreneur Ben Barry
are all 'Old Boys' of Elmwood.
The Rose Ceremony is a more recent graduate tradition. Each year a girl in Grade 12 is given a rose by a student in Grade 11. At this time, the graduate's accomplishments and contributions to the school are celebrated through a short testimonial given by a Grade 11 student. If the graduate has a sister in a younger grade the sister is permitted to make the presentation.
Another tradition which has existed for over 20 years is the annual Father Daughter Dinner Dance. This formal event takes place in February and gives Elmwood fathers and their daughters in Grades 6-12 an opportunity to socialize with each other and celebrate the bond between father and daughter. More recently a Mother Daughter weekend has also been added to the social calendar as well as a Junior School Tea for Elmwood's youngest students.
, Helen Keller
, Florence Nightingale
and Cairine Wilson
.
(1740–1845) is remembered for her pioneering work in prison reform in Britain. She was chosen by the students in 1927 "because of the great work she did among the poor and unfortunate and in the prisons...In this house our aim is to follow her example of love to all humanity and to try to have some of her courage and determination to do the right thing."
Motto: Societas Huamana – Friendship for All
Pin: circle, with a red letter “F” on a white background
Colour: Red
Charity: Elizabeth Fry Society
(1880–1968) became both deaf and blind. Despite her handicap, she made phenomenal progress learning to communicate with the outside world. Her determination and success paved the way for other handicapped people to find hope and help in their struggle to achieve success as well.
Motto: Fair Play
Pin: Diamond, with a green letter “K” on a yellow background
Colour: light blue
Charity: Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind
(1820–1910) was well schooled having studied Greek, Latin, French, German, and Italian, history, philosophy and mathematics. In adulthood she became a nurse and is best known for her struggle to improve the quality of nursing care of the sick and wounded soldiers during the Crimean War.
Motto: Non Nobis Solum
– Not for Ourselves Alone
Pin: circle, with a navy blue letter “N” on a white background
Colour: Navy blue
Charity: Canadian Landmine Foundation
(1885–1962) was named Canada’s first woman senator on February 20, 1930. A leader in Women’s Liberal clubs and youth groups, President of the Canadian League of Nations Society, Chair of the Canadian National Committee on Refugees and a delegate to the United Nations. Cairine Wilson attended Elmwood School and was "head girl" in her graduating year.
Motto: To Give Ourselves and Never Count the Cost for Others’ Greater Need
Pin: “ W” shape, with a green letter on a yellow background
Colour: Yellow
Charity: Interval House
Each student is placed in a House upon entering the School and stays in that House until graduation.
House meetings are held regularly during assembly period. House games are held during the lunch hour. The Spirit Afternoon in the fall and Sports Day in the spring are structured around House teams. Attendance at all House activities is compulsory.
Houses also choose a program of social service each year and are responsible for designing and carrying out fund-raising activities.
Ottawa
Ottawa is the capital of Canada, the second largest city in the Province of Ontario, and the fourth largest city in the country. The city is located on the south bank of the Ottawa River in the eastern portion of Southern Ontario...
, Canada
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
. It was founded in 1915 and is an International Baccalaureate World School. Elmwood School was the first school in North America
North America
North America is a continent wholly within the Northern Hemisphere and almost wholly within the Western Hemisphere. It is also considered a northern subcontinent of the Americas...
to be accredited for all three levels of the IB Programme - the Diploma Programme for students in the final two years of secondary school, the Middle Years Programme (MYP) for students aged 11–16, and the Primary Years Programme (PYP) for students aged 3–12. The school is also a member of the National Coalition of Girls' Schools
National Coalition of Girls' Schools
National Coalition of Girls' Schools is an association of independent and public, day and boarding schools in U.S. which advocates for single-sex schools for girls....
and the Canadian Association of Independent Schools
Canadian Association of Independent Schools
Canadian Association of Independent Schools is an association for independent schools that operate within Canada or offer a curriculum leading to a Canadian diploma in a location outside of the country. Member schools are non-profit institutions with volunteer Boards of Governors who are...
.
The faculty provides education to 400 students, ages 4 to 18. Classes are small, with an average class size of 12 and a student to teacher ratio of 7:1. The current Headmistress is Cheryl Boughton who took over the leadership of the school in 2008. Prior to joining Elmwood, she served as Deputy Head at Bedford School
Bedford School
Bedford School is not to be confused with Bedford Modern School or Bedford High School or Old Bedford School in Bedford, TexasBedford School is an HMC independent school for boys located in the town of Bedford, England, United Kingdom...
in Bedfordshire, United Kingdom
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
, an independent boarding and day school for 1,100 male students. A Canadian citizen, Cheryl Boughton spent a considerable part of her educational career at single gender independent schools in the UK.
Like many other private schools throughout the Commonwealth, Elmwood's traditions are based on similar schools in Britain. Senior formal leaders in their graduating year are called prefects, the students must wear uniforms, and each student is a member of a house.
100% of Elmwood students go on to university. In 2009, 95% students attended their university of choice and 88% were accepted into their program of choice. Recent graduates have matriculated to prestigious universities such as McGill University
McGill University
Mohammed Fathy is a public research university located in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The university bears the name of James McGill, a prominent Montreal merchant from Glasgow, Scotland, whose bequest formed the beginning of the university...
, Queen's University
Queen's University
Queen's University, , is a public research university located in Kingston, Ontario, Canada. Founded on 16 October 1841, the university pre-dates the founding of Canada by 26 years. Queen's holds more more than of land throughout Ontario as well as Herstmonceux Castle in East Sussex, England...
, University of Toronto
University of Toronto
The University of Toronto is a public research university in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, situated on the grounds that surround Queen's Park. It was founded by royal charter in 1827 as King's College, the first institution of higher learning in Upper Canada...
, University of Western Ontario
University of Western Ontario
The University of Western Ontario is a public research university located in London, Ontario, Canada. The university's main campus covers of land, with the Thames River cutting through the eastern portion of the main campus. Western administers its programs through 12 different faculties and...
, Bishop's University
Bishop's University
Bishop's University is a predominantly undergraduate university in Lennoxville, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada. Bishop's is one of three universities in the province of Quebec that teach primarily in the English language...
, Acadia University
Acadia University
Acadia University is a predominantly undergraduate university located in Wolfville, Nova Scotia, Canada with some graduate programs at the master's level and one at the doctoral level...
, Mount Allison University
Mount Allison University
Mount Allison University is a primarily undergraduate Canadian liberal arts and science university situated in Sackville, New Brunswick. It is located about a half hour from the regional city of Moncton and 20 minutes from the Greater Moncton International Airport...
, University of Ottawa
University of Ottawa
The University of Ottawa is a bilingual, research-intensive, non-denominational, international university in Ottawa, Ontario. It is one of the oldest universities in Canada. It was originally established as the College of Bytown in 1848 by the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate...
, University of Waterloo
University of Waterloo
The University of Waterloo is a comprehensive public university in the city of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada. The school was founded in 1957 by Drs. Gerry Hagey and Ira G. Needles, and has since grown to an institution of more than 30,000 students, faculty, and staff...
, St Francis Xavier University, University of Alberta
University of Alberta
The University of Alberta is a public research university located in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Founded in 1908 by Alexander Cameron Rutherford, the first premier of Alberta and Henry Marshall Tory, its first president, it is widely recognized as one of the best universities in Canada...
, University of Calgary
University of Calgary
The University of Calgary is a public research university located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Founded in 1966 the U of C is composed of 14 faculties and more than 85 research institutes and centres.More than 25,000 undergraduate and 5,500 graduate students are currently...
, University of British Columbia
University of British Columbia
The University of British Columbia is a public research university. UBC’s two main campuses are situated in Vancouver and in Kelowna in the Okanagan Valley...
among many others. Other graduates travel further afield to study at colleges in the US, the UK and across the globe including University of Oxford
University of Oxford
The University of Oxford is a university located in Oxford, United Kingdom. It is the second-oldest surviving university in the world and the oldest in the English-speaking world. Although its exact date of foundation is unclear, there is evidence of teaching as far back as 1096...
, Imperial College London
Imperial College London
Imperial College London is a public research university located in London, United Kingdom, specialising in science, engineering, business and medicine...
, University of St Andrew's, Exeter University, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland
Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland
The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland , is a Dublin-based medical institution, situated on St. Stephen's Green. The college is one of the five Recognised Colleges of the National University of Ireland...
, Dartmouth College
Dartmouth College
Dartmouth College is a private, Ivy League university in Hanover, New Hampshire, United States. The institution comprises a liberal arts college, Dartmouth Medical School, Thayer School of Engineering, and the Tuck School of Business, as well as 19 graduate programs in the arts and sciences...
, St Lawrence University and University of Rochester
University of Rochester
The University of Rochester is a private, nonsectarian, research university in Rochester, New York, United States. The university grants undergraduate and graduate degrees, including doctoral and professional degrees. The university has six schools and various interdisciplinary programs.The...
.
Each year, over 80% of graduates have received highly valuable scholarships to post-secondary institutions such as the prestigious Greville Smith Scholarship from McGill University, the National Excellence Award from the Canada Millennium Scholarship Foundation
Canada Millennium Scholarship Foundation
The Canada Millennium Scholarship Foundation was a private, independent organization created by an act of the Parliament of Canada in 1998. It received an initial endowment of $2.5 billion from the federal government to provide awards annually for ten years...
, the Sesquicentennial Scholarship from St. Lawrence University
St. Lawrence University
St. Lawrence University is a four-year liberal arts college located in the village of Canton in Saint Lawrence County, New York, United States. It has roughly 2300 undergraduate and 100 graduate students, about equally split between male and female....
in New York State, the Undergraduate Research Scholarship from the University of Ottawa Faculty of
Science, the Richard Lewer Scholarship from Carleton University and the President’s Entrance Scholarship from the University of Western Ontario to name but a few. In 2010, Elmwood's class of 43 graduates were offered over $1,000,000 in scholarship awards. The largest single scholarship awarded in 2009 was $125,000 US, an additional $25,000 was awarded because the student completed her IB diploma.
Philosophy of Education
Elmwood is the only school in Ottawa to offer all three International Baccalaureate programmes. The PYP, MYP and DP offers a continuum of high quality education that encourages international-mindedness and a positive attitude to learning. The three programmes form a coherent sequence of education by promoting the education of the whole person through an emphasis on intellectual, personal, emotional and social growth. The programmes are inquiry based and concept driven rather than content driven and are examples of best practices in education. This approach is based on constructivismConstructivism (learning theory)
Constructivism is a theory of knowledge that argues that humans generate knowledge and meaning from an interaction between their experiences and their ideas. During infancy, it was an interaction between human experiences and their reflexes or behavior-patterns. Piaget called these systems of...
learning theory which argues that humans generate knowledge and meaning from their experiences.
In all three programmes, the education of the whole person is manifested through all domains of knowledge, involving the major traditions of learning in languages, humanities, sciences, mathematics and the arts.
Facts and Statistics
Over the past decade, Elmwood School has excelled in math and science. More than 50% of Elmwood's graduates go on to study math, scienceScience
Science is a systematic enterprise that builds and organizes knowledge in the form of testable explanations and predictions about the universe...
and engineering
Engineering
Engineering is the discipline, art, skill and profession of acquiring and applying scientific, mathematical, economic, social, and practical knowledge, in order to design and build structures, machines, devices, systems, materials and processes that safely realize improvements to the lives of...
at university. This is significant considering that although women now account for a majority of undergraduate students at Canadian universities, female enrolment in engineering, math and science faculties has never exceeded 20%. Women who pursue non-traditional careers, earn 150% more over their lifetimes. Considering that in 2003, women earned 71% of what their male counterparts made, girls who pursue math, science and engineering are more likely to have careers paying higher wages and have more opportunities for advancement.
Elmwood has long been recognized as a globally diverse learning community. Elmwood's students represent more than 30 different nationalities and many say that one of Elmwood’s paramount strengths is its diversity and cultural inclusivity. Elmwood is known for educating children of important political and diplomatic figures. Many diplomatic families choose Elmwood for their daughters' education and there are many links with embassies and consulates located in and around Rockcliffe Park. Roughly 20% of the student population are members of the diplomatic community.
Academic Program
Elmwood's high academic standards, small class sizes and multicultural student base combine to create a rich and unique learning environment. Elmwood’s faculty draws on best practices, specific to all girls’ education, as they challenge students to be principled, knowledgeable and reflective life-long learners.Elmwood regularly surpasses the Ontario Ministry of Education and International Baccalaureate curriculum guidelines and enhances students’ learning through field trips, guest speakers, co-curricular activities, and individual opportunities for leadership. Elmwood staff and parents connect the School with Ottawa’s educational, political, professional and artistic institutions. Students interact with influential and accomplished women from many walks of life. These inspiring role models reinforce Elmwood’s mission to equip girls and young women to generate positive change in the world.
Elmwood's IB Diploma pass rate is 100%. Students may choose the full Diploma Programme or may choose to complete IB Certificates in specific subjects. Elmwood's IB results are strong and Elmwood students consistently score above the Canadian, American and world averages.
Bilingual Certification
Students who follow a prescribed sequence of courses and achieve fluency in both English and French are awarded a Bilingual Certificate. Elmwood also offers opportunities to study Spanish, Latin and Mandarin.Technology
Elmwood School was one of the first schools in Canada to introduce a 1:1 laptop program in the Senior School. All students from Grades 9-12 and all faculty have their own personal MacBookMacBook
The MacBook was a brand of Macintosh notebook computers built by Apple Inc. First introduced in May 2006, it replaced the iBook and 12-inch PowerBook series of notebooks as a part of the Apple–Intel transition. Positioned as the low end of the MacBook family, the Apple MacBook was aimed at the...
which they use to enhance their learning. All but a few classrooms are equipped with a SMART Board and students are fully accustomed to technology. Students in the Junior and Middle Schools use computers in purpose built labs or utilize mobile laptop carts in the classroom.
Global Connections
Elmwood is twinned with St. Charles High School; Seboche, Lesotho. This twinning is helped by the organization Help LesothoHelp Lesotho
Help Lesotho is a non-governmental organization that was founded in 2004 by Dr. Peg Herbert. Based in Ottawa, Help Lesotho is made up primarily of Canadians, working to help prevent HIV/AIDS in the country of Lesotho, located in the southern region of Africa. Dr...
. Alongside being twinned with a school in Africa, Elmwood has two sister schools. Calrossy Anglican School for Girls
Calrossy Anglican School for Girls
The Calrossy Anglican School , is an independent, Anglican, day and boarding school for boys and girls and incorporates a primary and preschool...
in Australia and Otago Girls' High School
Otago Girls' High School
Otago Girls' High School is a secondary school in Dunedin, Otago, New Zealand. It was opened 6 February 1871, after a long campaign by educationalist Learmonth Whyte Dalrymple...
in New Zealand. It is not uncommon to have incoming and outgoing student exchanges.
Athletics
Although Elmwood School is relatively small in size, it has a comprehensive athletic program. Teams compete against other Ottawa area schools, both public and private and many teams perform at the highest level. In 2009 the Senior Girls Basketball team were the Ottawa Tier 1 ‘A’ Champions. The 7/8 volleyball squad took gold at the Ottawa Independent Schools Athletic Association (OISAA) tournament as did the Grade 7/8 soccer team. There is also a high participation rate in the Athletics program. For example, over 70% of girls in Middle School represented the school on a team last year.The Junior School has its own Athletics program geared towards the age of its students. Girls compete against other schools in various competitions including swimming and soccer. There is also a gymnastics and ballet program offered as an co-curricular activity
Here are the sports offered at Elmwood's Middle and Senior School. The program varies slightly from year to year depending on the interests of staff and students. The core sports are always represented.
- Alpine Ski
- Badminton
- Basketball
- Cross-country
- Field Hockey
- Golf
- Handball
- Rowing
- Rugby
- Soccer
- Snowboarding
- Tennis
- Touch football
- Track & Field
- Ultimate Frisbee
- Volleyball
Duke of Edinburgh Award
Elmwood School has one of the most successful Duke of Edinburgh award programs in Canada. The Duke of Edinburgh Award is a universally recognized award and the program is considered one of the best programs for the personal development of young people. It is non competitive, available to all and it offers a progression of growth and personal challenge through the categories of Bronze, Silver and Gold.Elmwood School requires all grade 9 students to participate in the Bronze Award program. The vast majority of students go on to receive their Silver and Gold Awards. Elmwood School has the highest number of Gold Award recipients per capita in Ontario.
The Elmwood Story
Theodora Philpot stood out from the crowd in her time. She had seen some of the far corners of the world. She was not afraid to defy convention. She was capable of hard work and, even as a respectable married woman with children, she had plans that went far beyond her own front door. She was an entrepreneur, and her dream was to create a great school.Elmwood—originally the Rockcliffe Preparatory School—opened for business in 1915 with only four students, aged four to seven. The educational ambitions of the first Headmistress were high. She wrote: “The discipline of the school and the instruction are in accordance with the best modern methods, and constant care is given to the proper development of each pupil and the fostering of good school spirit.”
Theodora Philpot’s vision rang true with many parents. Even in the first few years, there were exponential increases in enrolment. Within ten years, Elmwood School had a student population of eighty students, served by a faculty of twelve teachers.
After founding the school, Theodora Philpot retired to England leaving Elmwood in the capable hands of Edith Buck. She donated a Bible Box, inscribed with the words “Pactum Serva” meaning “Keep the Faith” to the school, and it came with a plea to carry on the work she had started.
And the work she had started did carry on to make Elmwood the school it is today. Modern methods, academic excellence, personal development and strong school spirit are still the cornerstones of the Elmwood experience.
School Symbol
The daffodil is the symbol of Elmwood School. Inspired by a poem by William WordsworthWilliam Wordsworth
William Wordsworth was a major English Romantic poet who, with Samuel Taylor Coleridge, helped to launch the Romantic Age in English literature with the 1798 joint publication Lyrical Ballads....
, I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud
I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud
"I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud" is a poem by William Wordsworth.It was inspired by an April 15, 1802 event in which Wordsworth and his sister, Dorothy, came across a "long belt" of daffodils...
also known as Daffodils, our founding Headmistress, Theodora Philpot, adopted it for the Philpot Token Award. Each year, the student who embodies the spirit and ideals of service, fellowship, freedom and fair play is presented with this award.
Famous Alumnae
Many Elmwood students have gone on to have remarkable careers and successful lives. Canada's first female Senator, Cairine WilsonCairine Wilson
Cairine Reay Mackay Wilson was Canada's first female senator.-Early life:Born Cairine Reay Mackay in Montreal, she was the daughter of Jane Mackay and Robert Mackay, a Liberal Senator and personal friend of Sir Wilfrid Laurier. She attended Elmwood School and was "head girl" in her graduating year...
, attended the school and was Head Girl in her final year. The school's Wilson House is named in her honour. Canadian television broadcaster Catherine Clark
Catherine Clark
Catherine Jane Clark is a Canadian television broadcaster, and the daughter of former Canadian Prime Minister Joe Clark and Maureen McTeer.-Life and career:Clark was born in Ottawa, Ontario...
, daughter of the Right Honourable Joe Clark
Joe Clark
Charles Joseph "Joe" Clark, is a Canadian statesman, businessman, and university professor, and former journalist and politician...
, also attended Elmwood. Poet Elizabeth Smart, author of the prose poem 'By Grand Central Station I Sat Down and Wept', attended Elmwood from 1922-1929. Children's television writer, Mary MacKay-Smith attended Elmwood in the mid-1960s and was Head of Nightingale House. MacKay-Smith has written for many children's television series including Caillou
Caillou
Caillou is a Canadian children's television show based on the books by author Christine L'Heureux and illustrator Hélène Desputeaux. Many of the stories in the animated version began with a grandmother introducing the story to her grandchildren, then reading the story about the book...
and Polka Dot Door
Polka Dot Door
Polka Dot Door was a long-running children's television series produced and broadcast by TVOntario from 1971 until 1993. The show, which aired Monday to Friday, was set in a large playhouse...
. Gemini Award-winning Canadian screenwriter Tassie Cameron
Tassie Cameron
Tassie Cameron is a Gemini Award-winning Canadian screenwriter who has contributed to numerous television shows and films. She is currently the head writer and executive producer on the ABC/Global Television Network series Rookie Blue...
spent her formative years at Elmwood. She is currently a writer and co-executive producer on the hit CBS/CTV television series Flashpoint
Flashpoint (TV series)
Flashpoint is a Canadian police drama television series that debuted on July 11, 2008, on CTV in Canada and ran on CBS in the United States for its first three and a half seasons. In 2011, Ion Television began airing new episodes of the series in the United States...
. Tassie and her sister Amy created the 2009 CBC television series Wild Roses
Wild Roses (TV series)
Wild Roses is a Canadian television drama series, which debuted January 6, 2009 on CBC Television. Originally titled Cowgirls, CBC requested the change to Wild Roses after testing the title. The show was officially cancelled by the CBC on April 22, 2009 after only one season...
. Mimi Lee
Mimi Lee
Mathilde B. "Mimi" Lee was an American chemist, athlete and philanthropist who served as the First Lady of Maryland from 1977 to 1979 when her husband, then Lt. Governor Blair Lee III, became acting Governor following the departure of Governor Marvin Mandel.-Early life:Lee was born Mathilde Boal...
, an American chemist, served as First Lady
First Lady
First Lady or First Gentlemanis the unofficial title used in some countries for the spouse of an elected head of state.It is not normally used to refer to the spouse or partner of a prime minister; the husband or wife of the British Prime Minister is usually informally referred to as prime...
of Maryland
Maryland
Maryland is a U.S. state located in the Mid Atlantic region of the United States, bordering Virginia, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia to its south and west; Pennsylvania to its north; and Delaware to its east...
from 1977 to 1979.
Over the years, Elmwood has admitted boys in its early years program. Actor Hume Cronyn
Hume Cronyn
Hume Blake Cronyn, OC was a Canadian actor of stage and screen, who enjoyed a long career, often appearing professionally alongside his second wife, Jessica Tandy.-Early life:...
, Adrian Harewood, host of Ottawa's favourite afternoon program All In A Day, and entrepreneur Ben Barry
Ben Barry
Ben Barry is a Canadian entrepreneur, author, and women's health advocate. He is the founder and CEO of the Ben Barry Agency, a modelling agency and consultancy known for its use of diverse models, and the author of the Canadian bestseller Fashioning Reality: A New Generation of Entrepreneurship...
are all 'Old Boys' of Elmwood.
Traditions
There are many strong traditions that have been upheld at Elmwood over the years. One of the most striking traditions is the practice of the Grade 12 graduates wearing white dresses to their Closing (Graduation) Ceremony rather than the black caps and gowns found at other schools. The graduates traditionally have their photograph taken on the staircase in the Front Hall, the oldest part of the school.The Rose Ceremony is a more recent graduate tradition. Each year a girl in Grade 12 is given a rose by a student in Grade 11. At this time, the graduate's accomplishments and contributions to the school are celebrated through a short testimonial given by a Grade 11 student. If the graduate has a sister in a younger grade the sister is permitted to make the presentation.
Another tradition which has existed for over 20 years is the annual Father Daughter Dinner Dance. This formal event takes place in February and gives Elmwood fathers and their daughters in Grades 6-12 an opportunity to socialize with each other and celebrate the bond between father and daughter. More recently a Mother Daughter weekend has also been added to the social calendar as well as a Junior School Tea for Elmwood's youngest students.
House system
Elmwood students are divided into four Houses, each named after a prominent and inspirational woman in history: Elizabeth FryElizabeth Fry
Elizabeth Fry , née Gurney, was an English prison reformer, social reformer and, as a Quaker, a Christian philanthropist...
, Helen Keller
Helen Keller
Helen Adams Keller was an American author, political activist, and lecturer. She was the first deafblind person to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree....
, Florence Nightingale
Florence Nightingale
Florence Nightingale OM, RRC was a celebrated English nurse, writer and statistician. She came to prominence for her pioneering work in nursing during the Crimean War, where she tended to wounded soldiers. She was dubbed "The Lady with the Lamp" after her habit of making rounds at night...
and Cairine Wilson
Cairine Wilson
Cairine Reay Mackay Wilson was Canada's first female senator.-Early life:Born Cairine Reay Mackay in Montreal, she was the daughter of Jane Mackay and Robert Mackay, a Liberal Senator and personal friend of Sir Wilfrid Laurier. She attended Elmwood School and was "head girl" in her graduating year...
.
Fry
Bio: Elizabeth FryElizabeth Fry
Elizabeth Fry , née Gurney, was an English prison reformer, social reformer and, as a Quaker, a Christian philanthropist...
(1740–1845) is remembered for her pioneering work in prison reform in Britain. She was chosen by the students in 1927 "because of the great work she did among the poor and unfortunate and in the prisons...In this house our aim is to follow her example of love to all humanity and to try to have some of her courage and determination to do the right thing."
Motto: Societas Huamana – Friendship for All
Pin: circle, with a red letter “F” on a white background
Colour: Red
Charity: Elizabeth Fry Society
Keller
Bio: After a childhood illness, Helen KellerHelen Keller
Helen Adams Keller was an American author, political activist, and lecturer. She was the first deafblind person to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree....
(1880–1968) became both deaf and blind. Despite her handicap, she made phenomenal progress learning to communicate with the outside world. Her determination and success paved the way for other handicapped people to find hope and help in their struggle to achieve success as well.
Motto: Fair Play
Pin: Diamond, with a green letter “K” on a yellow background
Colour: light blue
Charity: Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind
Nightingale
Bio: Florence NightingaleFlorence Nightingale
Florence Nightingale OM, RRC was a celebrated English nurse, writer and statistician. She came to prominence for her pioneering work in nursing during the Crimean War, where she tended to wounded soldiers. She was dubbed "The Lady with the Lamp" after her habit of making rounds at night...
(1820–1910) was well schooled having studied Greek, Latin, French, German, and Italian, history, philosophy and mathematics. In adulthood she became a nurse and is best known for her struggle to improve the quality of nursing care of the sick and wounded soldiers during the Crimean War.
Motto: Non Nobis Solum
Non nobis solum
Non nobis solum is a Latin motto. A common variation is non nobis, sed omnibus . It means that people should contribute to the general greater good of humanity, apart from their own interests....
– Not for Ourselves Alone
Pin: circle, with a navy blue letter “N” on a white background
Colour: Navy blue
Charity: Canadian Landmine Foundation
Canadian Landmine Foundation
The Canadian Landmine Foundation is a Canadian charity that seeks to "raise awareness and funds to end the human and economic suffering caused by anti-personnel landmines"....
Wilson
Bio: Cairine WilsonCairine Wilson
Cairine Reay Mackay Wilson was Canada's first female senator.-Early life:Born Cairine Reay Mackay in Montreal, she was the daughter of Jane Mackay and Robert Mackay, a Liberal Senator and personal friend of Sir Wilfrid Laurier. She attended Elmwood School and was "head girl" in her graduating year...
(1885–1962) was named Canada’s first woman senator on February 20, 1930. A leader in Women’s Liberal clubs and youth groups, President of the Canadian League of Nations Society, Chair of the Canadian National Committee on Refugees and a delegate to the United Nations. Cairine Wilson attended Elmwood School and was "head girl" in her graduating year.
Motto: To Give Ourselves and Never Count the Cost for Others’ Greater Need
Pin: “ W” shape, with a green letter on a yellow background
Colour: Yellow
Charity: Interval House
Each student is placed in a House upon entering the School and stays in that House until graduation.
House meetings are held regularly during assembly period. House games are held during the lunch hour. The Spirit Afternoon in the fall and Sports Day in the spring are structured around House teams. Attendance at all House activities is compulsory.
Houses also choose a program of social service each year and are responsible for designing and carrying out fund-raising activities.