Friday 7 November 2014

"A very impressive school" & "Rundle students are exceptional."
Dr. Kent MacDonald
President, St. FX University

November 7, 2014

Just over a week ago I joined all the other Headmasters from across the country at a conference in Ontario.  At this conference we discussed trends in education, strategic planning and the importance of mental health education in our schools.  Beyond these set topics of discussion, another subtopic and focus could be summed up by the question:


"What do we want for our students 20 years from now?"    

Taking the conversation beyond "Let's get our kids into the best universities," really allowed us to think big.  As a group of Canadian school leaders we came back to the fact that we want to graduate great citizens of moral character.  The conversations were affirming as they aligned closely with our school's focus of 'kindness,' 'trust' and 'connection.'  

Generally, when walking down the hallways of Rundle College Society schools we are faced with burgeoning young men and women who are developing the highest levels of respect and overall character.  It is our hope that what they learn in our hallways today, they will take with them and it will influence and help them develop into successful men and women who will ultimately change our world for the better.

I witnessed specific evidence of these renaissance learners twice today:

Remembrance Day

Today, I took in two separate Remembrance Day Ceremonies, one at the Academy and the other at the Jr. Sr. High.   Both ceremonies were heartfelt and touching.  What struck me most was our students' respect.  There were many moments of remembrance, sorrow and thanks shared by every person in the room.  

Upon the completion of the Jr. Sr. High ceremony,  one staff member circulated the following e-mail.


"I am so happy and lucky to be a part of a school and culture like Rundle College, I get to work with some of the most amazing students and teachers in this wonderful world. Thanks you from the bottom of my heart."

That about sums up how the ceremonies left us all feeling.

StFX President, Dr. Kent MacDonald's Visit




Only 30 minutes after the conclusion of the Remembrance Day Ceremonies, I was fortunate to be able to welcome Dr. Kent MacDonald to Rundle College.  He had come to speak to our Grade 11 and 12 students about what is so special about his program!  There is certainly a lot to celebrate at StFX, namely:

- Small Class Sizes
- Great Teaching Faculty
- Meaningful Connections
- Endless Opportunities to Get Involved
- A Focus on the Development of Student Leadership and Character

Remind you of anywhere else?

After his brilliant presentation, I had the opportunity to speak with him personally for a few moments.  As I always do with all guests, I asked him what his initial impression of our school were.  He simply said:


"Rundle is a very impressive school."
"Rundle's students are clearly exceptional."

I couldn't agree more.

With that, I wish everybody in our community a wonderful long weekend.

All the best,


Jason B. Rogers

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