Letting Sustainability Guide our Every Move
Sincerely, Sharon Klein Head of School
With preparations underway for another fast-approaching Homecoming Weekend, it is hard not to notice a hum of excitement not just in our hallways but throughout our entire community. This tradition of gathering in celebration is a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the most precious resources we have at St. George’s – our remarkable people, our unique culture, and our storied history. In the last edition of Dragonlink, I shared with you our vision for sustaining these immaterial assets through the careful consideration of our people, planet, and prosperity. It has been inspiring to witness the ways in which our community of students, educators, staff, alumni, volunteers, and supporters have risen to the challenge, demonstrating what can be achieved when you commit to letting sustainability guide your every move. Over the last few months we have effected many thoughtful, forward-thinking changes to our environment at both campuses. The parents of our 2017 Grade 6 graduates have outfitted the Elementary School with a new water fountain and refillable water bottle station, reinforcing our ban on disposable plastic bottles. Meanwhile at the High School campus, another classroom has been equipped with flexible and dynamic furniture - I invite you to read about the uniquely collaborative and contemplative process of revamping this classroom on p. 6. Our High School student entrance is now flanked by a beautifully designed Zen Garden, a generous gift from the Class of 2017 and their parents. The Zen Garden adds another tranquil area for calm and quiet, and builds upon the popularity of the Zen Space in the Learning Commons. Our students are our wealth, and we are so fortunate to be able to sustain their overall wellness and prosperity through the engagement and generosity of our community. On that note, I am pleased to report that we are also winding up to host our Second Annual Tribute Dinner. We will once again celebrate exceptional individuals who embody the characteristics and qualities inherent in the founding principles of our school through their strong leadership and dedication to service. In this edition of Dragonlink, you will read about the recipient of this year’s Outstanding Student award, whose commitment to the sustainability of our planet has taken him to the High Arctic and beyond. We are eager to celebrate the contributions of all seven deserving honourees, and in recognizing them we reaffirm our gratitude for every single one of the engaged and engaging individuals we are lucky to have in our extended network. As a member of this wonderful community, I thank you for making an ambitious, multifaceted objective like sustainability not just attainable, but a joy to work towards. I hope to connect and reconnect with many of you throughout the upcoming Homecoming Weekend festivities, where we will continue to strengthen our community by celebrating all that we have accomplished together.
2 | Letter from the Head of School 4 | World Scholar's Cup in Athens 6 | Classroom Configuration is a Collaborative Affair 7 | Meet the Newest St. G's Staff and Faculty 9 | Legacy 21 Campaign 12 | Second Annual Tribute Dinner Honourees 20 | Inspired to Action in the High Arctic 25 | Destination Reunions 27 | Milestone Reunions 28 | Alumni Mentorship Meet-Ups 29 | Class of 1967 Reunion 31 | Alumni Reunions 33 | Alumni Today 38 | Alumni Executive Committee 39 | Planned Giving: A Lasting Legacy
Our cover photo features Grade 7 art students enjoying our new Zen Garden, which opened in August, 2017. The gardens attracted many pollinators.
Dragonlink Fall 2017
Junior Team Right: Varvara Malyguine, Shirley Barnea, Claire-Emmanuelle Boucher
Junior Team Left: Alexa Adourian, Amélie-Catherine Boucher, Zoey Adourian
Senior Team: Emily MacDonald, Lillian Simons, Jessica Marshall
In July we were proud to send three teams to the World Scholar’s Cup (WSC) Global Round in Athens, Greece, to compete against other students from across the globe. St. George’s became the first Canadian school to host a regional round of the competition in January 2016, and we are thrilled to have students qualify for the final event, the Tournament of Champions, for the second year running. The competition cycle follows the calendar year, with this year’s curriculum theme being “An Unlikely World”. In Greece, our competitors were challenged in the four WSC events: Team Debate, Scholar’s Bowl, Collaborative Writing, and Scholar’s Challenge. While the tournament is academically rigorous, it is not cutthroat – its founder describes the World Scholar’s Cup as a “celebration of learning”, and participants are given the opportunity to celebrate with learners from all over.
Students Advance to Tournament of Champions after Success in Athens
“Everybody thinks that it’s all about the academics, but as soon as you step in the theatre and see Dan and Burch in alpaca suits, you just crack up, and everybody gets less tense,” Grade 7 student Emma Boucher said, referencing the event’s organizers and the official competition mascot. Although she and her team were nervous going into the tournament, by the time it was over they were disappointed to leave. The Athens event included a handful of social activities designed to form bonds between delegates of diverse cultures and nationalities. Our students attended the Scholar’s Ball and participated in a scavenger hunt, sorted into fifteen-person teams each representing fifteen different countries. The highlight was the Scholar’s Fair, an expo-style event that allowed each participating nation to showcase their country and its culture at their own booth. The Canadian booth was a hit, attracting visitors with the promise of maple delicacies. Not only did our students enjoy connecting with their international counterparts, but they also performed well in the competition. Of the three teams that competed in Greece, two will advance to represent St. George’s and Canada in the final tournament, to be held at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut this November.
Classroom Configuration is a Collaborative Affair
This September saw another high school classroom outfitted with new dynamic and flexible furniture designed to facilitate collaborative learning. Fittingly, collaboration was key in the process of selecting the furniture for Room 413 – students came together to determine the ideal classroom set-up, ultimately honing in on movement and choice as essential components of their preferred learning environment. Through collaborative sketching exercises, students were able to identify themselves and their learning needs by creating graphic representations of hypothetical room designs together. The pieces that were eventually chosen to turn their vision into a reality were sourced from German “intelligent furniture” supplier VS. The next phase of the project is to get art on the walls, which will be dedicated to showcasing students’ own photography – another element that is meant to cultivate a sense of ownership in the classroom.
Meet the newest St. George’s staff and faculty members:
Angie Continisio is the new Administrative Assistant at the Elementary School campus. Prior to joining us at St. George’s, she was an early childhood educator at Orchard House preschool in Notre-Dame-de-Grâce. Angie is a certified yoga instructor, specializing in teaching yoga to children through her own “mobile studio”, Kids Butterfly Yoga, since 2009. Although new to the St. George’s community herself, she comes to us with a personal connection through her sister-in-law, longtime St. George’s staff member Patricia Lavoie.
Fabio Cinquemani is one of the latest additions to our high school Science Department as a Lab Technician. Fabio’s background is in biology and ecology, and he has previously taught at North Star Academy in Laval as well as at a summer school program in Hong Kong. An avid traveller, he has visited over 30 countries, and cites Vietnam and South America as favourite destinations. Fabio is also an experienced soccer referee, and hopes to get involved in the athletics program here at St. George’s.
Jillian DeJean recently found her way back to her hometown of Montreal after many years spent living and working in the Toronto area. Jillian is excited to be teaching Grade 6 English and math at the Elementary School this year, bringing with her over a decade of teaching experience, and even more as a tutor. She has also published research articles encompassing topics such as the use of technology in the classroom and how girls learn math. Outside of the classroom, Jillian writes poetry and likes to stay active by playing tennis and running.
Bryden Streeter has joined the St. George’s faculty fresh off a year of teaching aboard the world’s oldest fully rigged tall ship. Bryden taught AP social sciences curriculum as one of 20 faculty and 50 students travelling 24,000 nautical miles around the world from Hong Kong to Norway. While the entire trip was a uniquely memorable experience, he notes that the island of St. Helena, where Napoléon Bonaparte’s grave is found, was a major highlight. Bryden will be teaching high school social studies and English at St. George’s.
Samantha Frosst is teaching high school science and math at St. George’s after having spent the last couple of years just down the hill at Selwyn House. In her free time she enjoys sewing much of her own clothing, and she is over a third of the way to achieving her goal of climbing all 45 peaks in the Adirondacks. Samantha is also working on an autobiographical book which will chronicle her experience navigating through school with dyslexia, which she hopes will be a useful resource for students and educators alike.
Rebecca Riordon has worked in schools both locally and abroad in a variety of roles. She joins the St. George’s staff as Communications Coordinator, and is eager to channel creativity into new projects. Rebecca’s background and education is in publishing; she has been involved in the marketing of educational materials and been self-employed as a freelance editor. In the last five years Rebecca has lived in Nice, France, Edinburgh, Scotland, and Oxford, England, before ultimately choosing to make Montreal a more long-term homebase.
Classrooms Upgrade
Focus on natural lighting and communion with the elements for study and relaxation Provides opportunities to create a multi-purpose wellness and meeting area, establish new art studios and centralize mathematics classrooms Movable walls seamlessly integrate indoor and outdoor spaces
Fitness Centre
Restore green space for student use by converting the parking lot into a natural learning, recreation and rest area featuring the original vegetation of the mountain Outdoor classroom with seating areas Trekfit course Bike racks and multi-use sports court
Inviting, modern entry features natural materials and bright, open spaces consistent with the look and feel of the future expansion Gallery corridor showcases student artwork and annual alumni collages Makes a dynamic impression on our St. George’s community and visitors
Refurbishment/expansion of the classrooms Double the current space for the music program complete with recording studio Additional science lab New flexible furniture to promote collaborative learning
Student Lounge & Central Core
Flexible space to promote new activities: yoga, Pilates, dance, martial arts, wrestling, mindfulness Training area with treadmills, elliptical machines and spin bikes Functional and sport-specific resistance equipment, TRX and free weights Locker area including washrooms, change rooms and private showers
Biophilic Expansion & Wellness Centre
Creates a fluid, collective space for socializing and learning Feature wall with award and recognition area Locker areas and gathering spaces located in new central core All areas feature natural elements and integrated seating
Courtyard
Main Entrance & Hallway
Wellness Centre $1,000,000 Fitness Centre $ 500,000 Courtyard Learning & Recreational Area $ 350,000 Student Lounge $ 300,000 New Science Lab (1) $ 250,000 Renovated Music Classroom $ 250,000 Renovated Science Labs (3) $ 200,000 New Locker and Social Areas (3) $ 200,000 Recording Studio $ 150,000 New Art Studios (2) $ 150,000 New Math Classrooms (4) $ 150,000 Refurbished Corridors (2) $ 100,000 Outdoor Sports Opportunities (3) $ 50,000 Outdoor Social and Rest Settings (6) $ 25,000 Classroom Furnishings (10) $ 20,000
St. George’s School of Montreal is a remarkable environment where students learn to think critically, collaborate, speak in their own voice and create things of beauty. They assume responsibilities that enhance the St. George’s community and the global community, taking on leadership roles and building connections within the classroom walls and beyond. Our students set goals, measure progress, and reflect on their learning. Everything, every day at St. George’s is about learning, growing and evolving. If we are to continue to thrive as the leader in progressive education in Montreal, it is imperative that we focus our efforts on the future – and the needs of our students and the planet for generations to come. This is the essence of the sustainability vision guiding all decision-making in our school. From operations to finance and from teaching to learning, the notion of social, economic health and balance is at the core of all of our choices. To this end, the Legacy 21 Campaign has been launched to build our capacity for sustainability. When we build capacity, we build abilities, relationships and values that enable our entire community to flourish. The new biophilic design for the high school campus is a deliberate attempt to translate the benefits of connecting with nature to promote learning and well-being. Together, we will create the unique environment that will shape our graduates as engaged, compassionate, healthy world citizens and serve as a living model of a sustainable environment. Join us as we embark on this transformative journey – securing the legacy of St. George’s through inspired and innovative spaces. Our school is a microcosm of the possible – sustainable by nature. To learn more about our future plans and how you can get involved, please contact Donna Boyd, Director of Advancement & Alumni Relations at
donna.boyd@stgeorges.qc.ca
Naming Opportunities
Learning. Growing. Evolving.
An homage to some very deserving members of the St. George’s School of Montreal community Awards preview
Join us at our Second Annual Homecoming Weekend!
Tribute Dinner Saturday, November 4, 2017 Gilbert Plaw Memorial Basketball Tournament Sunday, November 5, 2017
Tom Daly (’77) Award of Distinction
Tom Daly has been a fixture at St. George’s since the 1960s—first as a student, and then as a teacher. Now in his 30th year of teaching, Tom says he could not have envisioned that he would stick around for so long, yet at the same time he can’t imagine it any differently. Tom remembers being inspired by the freedom and ability to adapt and discover that his St. George’s education afforded him. As a student he was privileged to experiment with sophisticated science technology, and was even among the first to work on the school’s earliest computer. He credits the St. George’s with nurturing his inclination for math and science, for which he was eventually awarded the prestigious Rensellaer Award in his graduating year. Above all, Tom considers himself a good explainer. After finishing a Bachelor’s degree in Astrophysics at the University of Toronto, he took a step back to reflect on what it was he liked to do, ultimately realizing that explaining was at the heart of what would become his chosen profession: teaching. He obtained a teaching certificate at McGill and returned to St. George’s in 1987, where, initially, it was intimidating to work alongside teachers whose classes he had sat in just years before. Tom’s favourite thing about what he does is still explaining—he loves the challenge of finding exactly the right way to present an idea or concept to someone who isn’t getting it, leading them to “aha!” moments. His colleagues speak at length of his readiness to ensure that his students have every advantage in their learning. Tom cites his St. George’s chemistry teacher and eventual boss, Mr. Bhatla, as an influential figure to him as both a learner and a teacher. Outside of the classroom, Tom’s hobbies include genealogical and other research and music. He has been an enthusiastic member of Glee since its inception in 2009.
The Award of Distinction, bestowed on an alumna or alumnus who has made a lifetime contribution of exceptional leadership and service to St. George’s and the community, will be presented to Tom Daly, Class of '77.
Eighteen years ago Laurie Shapiro’s St. George’s journey began when she visited the Elementary School with her mother. They both fell in love with the school and so Laurie returned with her husband, George, to take a closer look. The promise of a warm, creative, multicultural environment and a strong, progressive education, underpinned by a conversation with Beatrice Lewis, clinched the deal for them both. Today, their two sons are both “Lifers”, both at St. George’s since Pre-Kindergarten. Mathew graduated from the High School in 2015 and Jaime is currently in grade 9. From the outset it was important for Laurie to support and sustain the wonderful learning environment created by St. George’s faculty and staff. Beginning in 2002 she volunteered for a multitude of PAC (Parent Activity Committee) events in and out of the classroom, became the returning “Director of Mulch” on Earth Day and helped in the Library on a weekly basis. By being actively involved in school life Laurie appreciated more and more the details, and especially the nuances, of the academic and social experience that her children were enjoying at St. George’s. This made her feel compelled to share the magic that was happening inside the school with the outside community, wherever the opportunity arose. Laurie has been the coordinator of Jaime’s grade from Pre-K in 2007 until today, as well as in Mathew’s grade from 2009-2015. She has served on the Board of Directors and on many committees including Governance, she has been both a member and the Chair of the Nominating committee, and for the last seven years Laurie has co-Chaired the Parent Activity Committee (PAC). It has become clear to her that connecting parents to each other and to the school is inextricably tied to a deeper understanding and appreciation of what happens inside St. George’s. Laurie believes that welcoming families and communicating with them effectively creates a committed community that serves as a solid foundation for an environment, where all of our children can flourish. To this end, Laurie has always encouraged parents to step up and get involved in some way in the Elementary School or the High School or both, to take advantage of connecting with fellow parents at the Welcome Cocktail Parties that take place in every grade from Kindergarten to Grade 11, and to be an active member of our St. George’s Community.
The Community Champion Award, conferred on a non-graduate of St. George’s who has demonstrated an outstanding, long-term commitment of support and service to the school, will be presented to Laurie Shapiro.
Laurie Shapiro Community Champion
Lee Haberkorn (’02) Alumnus of the Year
The Alumnus/Alumna of the Year Award, presented to a graduate who has demonstrated a strong, on-going commitment to St. George’s goes to Lee Haberkorn, Class of ’02.
Lee is still a kid at heart. Maybe that’s why he’s been continuously involved at St. George’s since his graduation in 2002. After discovering his love for performing in high school, Lee went on to study acting at the New York Film Academy before finally landing his dream job as a local radio personality at Virgin Radio Montreal. As a fixture of the St. George’s and Montreal communities, Lee’s drive to use his platform to spread positivity is evident through his dedication to several charities. A past board member for St. George’s, Lee currently sits on the Board of Directors of Andy’s House Rehabilitation Centre.
Beatrice Lewis grew up in Montreal and is a graduate of McGill University with a degree in psychology and education. Early in her career, she taught for the Protestant School Board of Greater Montreal both at the elementary school and adult education levels. In 1979, after several years of enjoying time with Shawn and Lianne as a stay-at-home, Beatrice returned to teaching. She retired in 2007 after 28 wonderful years at St. George’s – 10 as a teacher and 18 as Director of the Elementary School. Life in retirement has been very busy and fulfilling. Beatrice is very involved with the Auxiliary of the Jewish General Hospital, where she has been the editor of their bulletin, co-chaired the educational Menus for the Mind Program and just completed a two-year term as Co-President of the Auxiliary. She enjoys reading, exercise and travelling with her wonderful husband Lew. Beatrice loves to devote her time and energy to her six grandchildren, three of whom live in Montreal and three in Vancouver. Presently she is the proud grandmother of a Secondary 3 St. George’s High School student.
Beatrice Lewis Outstanding Contribution to Teaching and Learning Award
The Outstanding Contribution to Teaching and Learning Award, which honours a current or former teacher who has demonstrated a positive and lasting impact on St. George’s students, will be conferred to Beatrice Lewis.
Aaron Stamboulieh has been part of the St. George's community since 1993 when he was fortunate enough to be accepted to Grade 7. Following graduation in 1998, he was hired part-time as Media Technician to help production of the annual Film Festival. He joined the "Tech Team" in 2000, where he took on the roles of Computer Technician, Systems Administrator and finally Information Technology Coordinator, a role he has held since 2008. Some notable accomplishments include installing the first Windows and Mac servers at St. George's, designing and installing the Wi-Fi infrastructure, implementing the successful laptop program and transitioning to the current G Suite communication platform. While IT is his job, working with kids is his passion, and he has been involved in activities ranging from Glee, World Scholar's Cup, and YouTube Reporters to even sports scorekeeping. Over the years, he has accompanied students on trips to New York City, Stratford, Toronto Glee Championships and most recently Athens and Yale University. In Aaron’s experience, St. George's School is a very special place that must be lived to be truly understood. He thanks every St. George’s teacher (past and present), for helping to ensure that future generations will be able to unlock their true potential through the St. George's experience.
The Outstanding Staff Member Award, given to a current or past staffer whose outstanding dedication and conscientious performance has had a significant impact on St. George’s, will be presented to Aaron Stamboulieh, Class of '98.
Aaron Stamboulieh (’98) Outstanding Staff Member
Max Shein (’13) Young Alumnus of the Year
The Young Alumnus/Alumna of the Year Award, which honours a graduate from the past 10 years who has demonstrated professional excellence and community leadership, goes to Max Shein, Class of '13.
Max's connection to St. George's began in August 2000 as a Pre-K student. At that time, he refused to eat the school lunch and always looked forward to recess. He remembers being taught to value empathy and the importance of respect as he progressed through elementary school, lessons he took with him to high school and beyond. Max credits St. George's culture and its impression on his formative years with opening his mind to all of the possibilities in the world and giving him the confidence to go out and accomplish his goals. After graduating from St. George's in 2013, Max studied at Dawson College. He currently splits his time between working in sports data and attending Concordia University, where he studies psychology. Some of his favourite memories from his time with the school include playing on the basketball teams, coaching, being challenged in math class, writing creatively in English class and socializing with his friends. Reflecting on his schooling, Max says, "St. George's brought a strong sense of belonging to my high school years. The lasting friendships that I established with my classmates and teachers allowed me to be myself." He believes that what makes St. George’s so special is the students’ enthusiasm and the caring faculty and staff. Max is an active member of the alumni community and considers himself a St. George's enthusiast.
John Nathaniel Gertler joined the St. George’s Class of 2018 in Kindergarten, and has always welcomed newcomers to our unique community. He has since grown into a multifaceted student with a passion for the outdoors and the environment. In elementary school, John lobbied for water fountains and eliminating disposable cups as a member of the Green Team. More recently, he led the high school campaign to increase composting. In 2016, his active participation in La Maison D’Aurore’s collective garden in the Plateau neighbourhood and at a subsequent community food store pop-up earned him a YMCA Community Service Award. This summer John was one of 110 students chosen from Canada and abroad to participate in a 15-day environmental and cultural leadership program in the High Arctic and Greenland. John Nathaniel plays competitive AAA basketball for an intercity team; he has also played for St. George’s since Grade 3. He is Co-chair of this year’s Student Leadership Team, plays sax in the Senior Jazz Band and reads in Book Lovers Anonymous. He likes to practice his French while seeking out the best thrift stores, basketball courts and ice cream destinations in Montreal. John Nathaniel recognizes and is thankful for the role that St. George’s School, his friends and especially teachers and staff have played in allowing him to grow and pursue his many interests and successes.
John Nathaniel Gertler (’18) Outstanding Student
The Outstanding Student Award, given to a current St. George’s student or a member of the most recent graduating class who has demonstrated outstanding qualities as a campus leader and contributor to student life, will be presented to John Nathaniel Gertler, Class of ‘18.
Photos provided by John Nathaniel Gertler
Inspired to Action in the High Arctic
Graphic by Rebecca Riordon
When Grade 11 student John Gertler touched down in the High Arctic on August 10th of this year, he was awestruck. At 74.69° N, Resolute Bay was the northernmost destination on a two-week-long expedition that took him through Nunavut’s Qikiqtaaluk region and across the Davis Strait to Greenland’s western coast. He has said he could not have prepared for the experience of arriving there, and that what astounded him at that moment was the sheer vastness of the bare landscape: “It’s such a large part of our country that the average person knows almost nothing about.” Most high school students would typically prioritize sun, sand, and maybe sleepaway camp when planning their summer vacations. Boarding an ice-class expedition vessel with 110 other students and 90 scientists, dignitaries, activists, and polar experts is not usually on the itinerary. But when his father (Franklin Gertler, Class of ‘74) told him about the Students on Ice program after hearing about it from a colleague, John knew he had to find out more. Established in 2000, the Students on Ice Foundation runs annual expeditions to the Polar Regions, with a mandate to inspire initiatives that contribute to global sustainability by educating the world’s youth. John is one of over 2500 students and facilitators to have thus far joined Students on Ice on one of these transformative journeys. Already passionate about environmental sustainability, he was eager to take part in such an immersive and intensive program. John says that his biggest takeaway was the urgency of the climate change crisis. “People always say that this is something we’ll be leaving for our children or our grandchildren to deal with, but it’s a lot more urgent than most think,” he explained. “Climate change is a problem now.” He saw unremitting evidence of this throughout the duration of his expedition. Scenes like massive chunks of glacier breaking off into the ocean, receding at a speed of 40 metres per day were particularly alarming and unexpected. However, as illustrative as fast-melting ice floes may be of the quickly deteriorating state of our Polar Regions, what John found most affecting was far more personal in nature. The highlights of his time in the Arctic ultimately revolved around forging connections with people whose lives have been touched by the consequences of global warming. John felt that through these experiences he was able to “put a human face to [the effects of] climate change.”
On each day of the expedition, the group would disembark the ship to visit and learn from Inuit communities and participate in workshops. At one port of call, they were invited to join in a traditional talking circle. A local Elder shared the tragic story of his son’s death; for years the son had hunted in the same established area at the same time of year, until one day the ice had grown too thin and he fell through, drowning. “The people who are being impacted...it’s not them who are causing this,” John said, reflecting on the story. Nevertheless, he observed a profound resiliency and openness from communities who have every reason to be despondent and embittered.
Onboard the ship, John could not help but be inspired by his company. “There was someone you could ask about anything,” he said, “and everyone had a reason for being there.” He was privileged to have access to some of the world’s leading authorities on and advocates for climate change action, and spoke enthusiastically of their passion and expertise. The breadth of knowledge was conveyed through panels, seminars and workshops covering topics like the effects of climate change in northern regions versus its correspondingly devastating impact on island nations in the tropics like the Federated States of Micronesia. While these presentations were central elements of the Students on Ice educational piece, John found the potential for meaningful and illuminating conversation during downtime on the ship equally powerful. And he would ultimately learn that conversation is our strongest asset as individuals when it comes to effecting positive change on our environment: “The most important thing we can do is keep climate change in our daily conversations,” he said, echoing the words of a favourite activist whom he had the opportunity to learn from on the expedition. With his expedition behind him, he is eager to continue the conversation in the St. George’s community and beyond.
Read an excerpt from John’s expedition journal:
Day 10 August 17, 2017 - day at sea
My favourite trip on land happened yesterday when we explored the North Arm of the Quvvik Fjord and landed on a site SOI had never been to before. We couldn’t have been any luckier, it was a beautiful day and the site was absolutely stunning. We went on long hike surrounded by colourful and textured tundra, including wild blueberries. We got to see well-preserved sod houses, probably inhabited thousands of years ago. I also took part in a talking circle led by Moosa and Pitsiulaaq (two of the Inuit Elders on the expedition), where we sat on the soft ground and shared our thoughts and feelings. The experience was truly memorable. We set sail for Greenland yesterday afternoon, beginning to cross the Davis Strait. Unfortunately, as we got into more open waters, many of us, including myself, began to get sea sick. I can hardly wait for tomorrow when we can get off the boat!
Destination Reunions
On the Road Again
St. George’s is heading to New York in 2018!
We have many alums living in and around New York City and we can’t wait to join you in the Big Apple. Stay tuned for more details and follow us on our Alumni Facebook page for the latest alumni news!
“Start Spreading the News”
Destination Rome
Our Second Annual European Reunion will take place in Rome on Saturday, April 28, 2018 at 6:00 p.m. Alumna Annette Hurum (’73), has generously offered the use of her lovely home for the location. Weather permitting, the reunion will be on her beautiful terrace overlooking parts of Rome (photo above). This event is open to all St. Georgians. Whether you are in Europe, can travel for the weekend, or are in town on holiday, we hope you can join us for a most memorable evening in Roma!
1998
patricia.lavoie@stgeorges.qc.ca
Milestone Reunions
1978
www.stgeorges.qc.ca/reunions.
For more information on organizing a reunion, please contact Patricia Lavoie, Alumni Relations Coordinator at or 514-937-9289 x206 or visit our website at We look forward to celebrating with you!
1993
1968
2008
2003
2013
1958
1988
The Alumni Office takes great pride in organizing alumni reunions. Let us help you plan your milestone reunion. They are a great opportunity to reconnect with your classmates and former teachers and rediscover St. George’s School. Here is a list of milestone years we hope to celebrate in 2018:
We have excitedly begun preparations for our Alumni Mentorship Meet-Ups to be held on Wednesday, January 17th. This is an opportunity for our students to meet with professionals like you in order to gain insight into various fields and careers. You would be meeting with our Grades 10 and 11 students. How inspiring for them to hear first-hand the wonderful and varied careers of our alumni! We are inviting all interested graduates to join us on this day as representatives from your given fields. This is a daytime activity that will take place at the High School starting with a lunch at 11:30 a.m. and the actual event from 12:40 to 2:00 p.m. If you are interested in joining us on January 17th please contact Patricia Lavoie, Alumni Relations Coordinator at or 514-937-9289 x 206.
Alumni Mentorship
Meet-Ups
Written by Sharon Pines ('67)
As the glitterati jetted to Toronto to attend the annual Toronto International Film Festival, a glamorous and exciting assemblage of quite another variety headed to Toronto the weekend of September 15-17th to attend the 50th Reunion of St. George's Class of 1967. Alumni came from Montreal, Toronto, points south and north in Ontario, Alberta, Vancouver, Nova Scotia, Los Angeles, Texas, New York City, and Chicago. We survivors of the Summer of Love testified to our enduring fondness for our time at St.G's, our affection for one another, and our delight upon being able to get together and reminisce. The weekend festivities were a blast and provided ample opportunity for conversations, laughter and reminders for those of us (mostly all) who had forgotten some salient, long-ago events. Harriet Sachs (Madam Justice), opened her lovely home to us for a party Friday night; Barbie's brother, David, generously gave his home over to us Saturday evening, and James Shavick (ne Jimmy) treated us all, bless his heart, to a delicious lunch in Kensington Market Saturday afternoon. A few hardy souls stayed on for a luncheon with Angela Hould (nee Spiliotopoulos) at her yacht club on Sunday. And the fun never ceased. Hilarity ensued as Barbie Goldbloom Hughes remembered sex ed class in the fourth grade and attempted to assure her husband, Tony, that her high school crush, Nigel Lester, meant nothing to her anymore. Tony, by the way, was officially acclaimed to be an Honorary Member of the Class of 1967 as he valiantly offered his services as photographer and documentarian of the event. Jane Reldan and Carol Bieler Brettell reminded us of their dual broken leg episode. Vaughan Dowie and James Shavick had fond memories of their "bad boy" status. Many of us shared our memories of those oxymoronic lunches, i.e. "British cuisine", that thereafter never returned to haunt the digestive systems of ensuing generations of students. It's a testimony to the true horror of that food that finnan haddie, Toad in the Hole, beef and kidney pie and grey Mystery Meat still populate my nightmares. We were joined on Saturday evening by Sharon Klein, Head of School, and Donna Boyd, St. G's Director of Advancement and Alumni Relations, who brought us lovely gifts in honour of our reunion (and possibly our longevity) and gave us a wide-ranging presentation on St. George's in the Modern Era, i.e. almost immediately after we graduated. For those of us who were lifers (began attending when three years of age) or came to St. George's in elementary school, the changes seemed miraculous. Gone is the old building, a Dickensian home, which once housed the school. No more do the pet poodles of the head-mistress and assistant head roam the halls. No more blazers with convenient pockets that could be used to hide the aforementioned luncheon treats to be subsequently flushed down the toilet. No more walls that don't go all the way up, dividing the boys' and girls' locker rooms. No more blue monkey-suits to be worn to gym. What marvels hath the passage of time wrought. After a full weekend of fun events, we hugged one and all and left, vowing to do this yet again, gods willing and the creek don't rise. Knee replacements and cataract surgery notwithstanding, the fabled Class of 1967, now the elder statespeople of St. George's, will definitely come together for another go at reminiscing and meditating upon how St. G's helped make us the people we are today.
The Glitterati Gather in Toronto
Class of 1967
Class of 1967 Reunion
It was a fun-filled weekend of lunches and dinners for the Class of 1967 who came from near and far to gather in Toronto for their 50th Anniversary Reunion. Congratulations to the Class of 1967!
Is your class having a reunion this year? Check the Alumni Reunions page on our website. Join us at one of our upcoming Alumni Events.
Class of 1997
Class of 1977
On Saturday, June 3rd, members from the Class of 1977 attended their 40th Anniversary Reunion. Richard Diamond and his wife Rhonda generously hosted this event at their home in Toronto. What a lovely evening!
On Saturday, September 23rd, members from the Class of 1997 reunited at the High School Campus for their 20th Anniversary Reunion. Everyone had a great time and smiles and hugs were everywhere!
Getting Back Together
Photo on the beach with sunset: Back row from left to right: Michel Tellier, Max McConnell, Michael Sanders Front row from left to right: Dawn Rosenberg, Angela Perzow, Nancy Faraj
On Saturday, June 17th, the Class of 2007 assembled at the High School for their 10th Anniversary Reunion. It was as if they never left and was 2007 already over again!
Several members of the Class of 1984 got together for a mini reunion in Cuba! Looks like they had a great time!
How to Organize a St. George's Reunion
The Class of 2012 celebrated their 5th Anniversary Reunion at the High School Campus on Saturday, May 13th. Laughter filled the school halls as this group reunited!
Class of 1984
Class of 2012
Interested in getting together with your classmates? Curious as to what St. George’s High School or Elementary School looks like now? The Alumni Office can help coordinate a wine and cheese reception or a weekend brunch at the school for you and your fellow classmates. For more information, contact Patricia Lavoie at alumni@stgeorges.qc.ca.
Class of 2007
Today
Jane Reldan ('67) I am a family practice physician practicing part time in La Jolla, California, in my own solo practice. I graduated from the 7 year combined BSc-MDCM program at McGill University in 1974 and interned at St. Paul’s Hospital in Vancouver, BC 1974-75. I have very much enjoyed and continue to enjoy my career in medicine, and am so glad that I decided to become a doctor, when I was 3 years old, thanks to the example of my female pediatrician. I credit St. George’s School with a great early education. I am an assistant clinical professor in the Department of Family and Preventive Medicine at UCSD and teach UCSD medical students about the importance of preventive medical care and continuity of care. I also attend in Tijuana at a UCSD pre-med student run free clinic on the first Saturday of every month, which is very rewarding. I had my own large family practice in San Diego from 1978-1995, and served on the Executive Medical Board for 3 years at Sharp Memorial Hospital, as well as being Chief of Family practice in 1992. I became the Medical Director at the Telluride Medical Center from 1995-2002, in Telluride, Colorado, but left when my beloved husband, John McCarron, Ph.D. psychologist, developed a brain tumor. After he passed away 8/9/2003, I returned to San Diego, where I live on the coast with my 2 kitties, enjoying nightly ocean sunsets. My passion is heli-skiing, and I received my 3,000,000’ award from Canadian Mountain Holidays 12/2016. I am planning to ski there again in December 2017. I thoroughly enjoyed my 50th reunion with my classmates in Toronto this past September. If there are other St. George’s graduates living close by to La Jolla, I would enjoy meeting them.
St. George's Alumni
Susan Glickman ('70) Susan has two more books coming out next year – a YA novel, The Discovery of Flight, and collection of poetry, What We Carry – which will bring the number of her publications to fifteen. Probably a good place to stop. She's still working as a freelance editor but this will be her last year teaching creative writing, as she wants to spend more time making visual art. Her daughter, Rachel, will be doing a Master's in Art History at McGill starting in September and her son, Jesse, just graduated from the Harris Institute with a degree in music production. Greg Adelstein ('87) My wife Sarrah and I finally visited Israel for the first time on the CJA Mega Mission.
Rosalind S.Labow (Fisher) ('58) I no longer have a research lab at the Ottawa Heart Institute but I am still a professor at the University of Ottawa in the department of biochemistry, microbiology and immunology. My research consisted of understanding the interaction of the body's immune system with implanted medical devices. I still collaborate with my colleague, a polymer chemist, who has designed a synthetic vascular graft. Currently, I volunteer as Treasurer of the Canadian Biomaterials Society and the Ottawa Peace Foundation. I live with my husband, a practicing plastic surgeon, in Ottawa. For a number of years we volunteered in Nicaragua where my husband operated. For that reason I studied Spanish and continue to study. We love to travel and have been to more than 130 countries. Caroline Bieler-Brettell ('67) I have been elected to the American Academy of Arts of Sciences. It is a great honor! In my class are Carol Burnet, John Legend, and Andre Watts and then a list of other scholars in the natural and social sciences and the arts.
Ewan Affleck ('80) I am a physician and have lived and worked in Northern Canada for my entire medical career. I currently live in Yellowknife and am the Chief Medical Information Officer of the Northwest Territories. I design and deploy information systems to help improve the quality of care to people across the Northwest Territories. My passion is providing better care - using information systems – to people in remote locations. I lecture regularly across Canada on eHealth and health information systems design and deployment. In 2013 I was awarded the Order of Canada for my efforts to improve care to people in northern Canada. I continue to work on the front lines as well – and have a busy clinical practice.
(see: https://canadac3.ca/en/homepage/).
I am very active in sports and adventuring. I have participated in about 10 human powered expeditions around the world (running, cycling, hiking) to places as far flung as the Thar Desert, the Amazon, The Sahara desert, the Andes, and the Canadian Arctic. My most recent trip was this past February when I cycled from Wrigley to Fort Good Hope up the Mackenzie Valley Winter Road (see photos.) The picture of the two fellows standing - is my son and I on the banks of the Mackenzie River upon completion of the trip). In a few weeks I head to Iqaluit to join the Canada C3 expedition to commemorate Canada's 150th anniversary I have organized the medical services for the expedition, and have volunteered as the physician on board as the boat travels from Iqaluit to Pond Inlet. I am married with two children - now in university. My wife has a PhD in international health a runs the Institute for Circumpolar Health Research.
(http://labyrinthstageproductions.ca/).
www.facebook.com/bluemonkeyproject
David A. Gold, Phd ('89) I am married to Anh Duong, Phd. We have 2 kids: Julian and Leah Gold. I work as a medical advisor at Pfizer Canada Inc. I also play in the Blue Monkey Project In honour of my father, Jack Gold, I am a founding partner in Night To Remember in support of the Montreal Alzheimer Society Claudia Litvak ('83) Just celebrated 27 years of marriage (to Gary Polachek) and has 3 grown children (Jake, 23, Nathaniel, 21 and Hannah 18). She has been working in the Theatre industry for the past two decades. This past year was the birth of her own theatre company Labyrinth Stage Productions The first production, “Queen of Chesed” (an original play written by Claudia and Pearl Rothenberg) will be premiering on November 15, 2017 at the Outremont Theatre.
www.nighttoremember.ca
Claire Desjardins (’79) and David Glickman (’82) David Glickman and I are about to celebrate our first wedding anniversary on August 13 (lucky 13!). David is CEO at Presagia Corp, a company that he started with Peter Rohrlick (also ’79). The two have remained the best of friends, since they met when they were both 3 years old, at St. George’s (both were St. G’s “lifers”!). As for myself… Oh my God, so much going on with my art, all the time! I’m not even sure where to start! I guess the highlights of this year are that I was selected by Microsoft Canada to be one of six Canadian artists that they are collaborating with on their brand. I’ve been designing skins for their Microsoft Surface devices. I’ve also been working with GelaSkins on other projects, "protecting tech devices with art", and I collaborate with Nuvango, a young and vibrant fashion house out of Toronto: they print my artwork onto apparel. It’s great fun working with all these guys, and a nice twist for my career as an artist. Next month, I’ll be painting on stage at charity gourmet gala event, Strangers in the Night raising money for 3 named charities. I worked on a large painting on stage in front of an audience, while 80s super group Styx rocked on live! At the end of the concert, the band signed the back of the painting and the piece was auctioned off to the highest bidder! It was a super fun event! Last year, the music was by Randy Bachman, and before that, it was Blue Rodeo. I feel very privileged to be able to work with these people. I had an exhibition in Ottawa this past July and August 16 at Wall Space Gallery (358 Richmond Rd, in Westboro). In December 2017, I will be showing my artwork at Spectrum Miami… Fingers crossed that all goes well – it will be my first time at this show! Last February, I was at The Artist Project in Toronto, and ArtExpo New York in April, where I sold a number of paintings and was picked up by various galleries. 2017 sees me teaching 8 abstract painting workshops, in both Canada and the US. I’ve started booking for 2018.
Here is a photo of our wedding: David’s brother, Laurence Glickman (’73) officiated – August 13, 2016, in Lachute, QC.
https://about.me/greg.santos
Jay Sala ('97) Gigi ('97) and I are living in Montreal and just celebrated our twelfth wedding anniversary this July. Our fourth son, Walter, turned one in April and is well loved by his older brothers Yuri, Arthur, and Lincoln. I run Imajery ( ), a boutique digital marketing agency. As a Google partner, we focus on sales and lead generation programs for our clients across multiple industries. It is very exciting to help our clients grow, and as an added benefit, I get to work with other St. George's alumni. James Galaty ('97) is one of our senior developers, and our St. George's clients include my brother Tait Sala's ('95) Toronto-based arborist company, Cohen and Master I am grateful for the impact St. George's has had on my personal and professional life.
(cmtrees.com).
Daniel Notkin ('91) For the last 13 years or so I’ve been working in the restaurant industry. I started as general manger of Kaizen/Treehouse, then several others, and then 10 years ago began opening oysters at my friend’s restaurant. Since then, I have gone on to compete competitively in a number of oyster shucking competitions around the world and have 18 first place finishes as well as a Guinness World Record for most oysters opened by a 10 person team in one hour, which was 8800 (my personal number was 896). I am, as well, the current Canadian Oyster Shucking champion and I travel around occasionally hosting oyster festivals. Lots of fun nerdy facts... I began the Montreal Oysterfest in 2009 and we are on our 9th event and have, over the course of the years, hosted about 15-20,000 people as well as the city’s best restaurants and even many oyster shucking champions from around the world. In that period of time as well, we completed a feature documentary on oysters, oyster shuckers, and oyster festivals entitled “Shuckers” which was bought by the Documentary Channel as well as run on Air Canada. Additionally, I opened an eponymously named seafood restaurant ( ) near downtown Montreal. Whew! Well, I think that’s it - though I’m sure there was more.
goo.gl/wM5yZv
(https://store.eyewearpublishing.com/)
Greg Santos ('98) I have a new collection of poetry titled Blackbirds scheduled to be published in October 2017 by Eyewear Publishing based out of London, England. This fall I will begin teaching a new writing and literature workshop titled "Imaginative Poetry Writing" at the Thomas More Institute inspired by my time as a graduate student in New York. Here is a link to the course: If anyone is interested in learning more about me and my career, they can visit the following website:
Notkins
Dario Pietrantonio ('86) I have been married for 15 years to Antonella Argento and we have two wonderful boys: Stefano, 10 and Gianluca, 11. I spend most weekends in local, and sometimes not so local, arenas watching or coaching my two future NHLers ;-). I have been practicing business and intellectual property law for 23 years with the Montreal office of ROBIC, LLP, one of Canada's leading IP firms. I am one of its managing partners and I also co-head our trademark practice group. I still keep in touch with several classmates who are still today amongst my closest friends.
http://www.imajery.com
http://mattsmiley.com/
Alex Gatti ('02) I'm currently living in Harbin, China, working as a high school teacher - specifically in an international education program affiliated with the Upper Canada District School Board in Ontario. The goal of this program is to educate and prepare the students as fully as possible for a continued academic career and life in Canada. As I write this, our graduation ceremony is tomorrow afternoon and we are proudly sending 43 students off to continue their high school education in Ontario. However, that of which I am especially proud is the fact that one of my students will not be studying in Ontario - instead he will actually be attending St. George's in the upcoming school year! I was overjoyed to hear of the news that he had been accepted and officially enrolled at my very own alma mater. I am fully confident that there, he shall receive a fantastic education and gain invaluable life experience (as I once did) throughout his studies at St. G's. I hope that all is well in the St. George's community.
Caroline Hoppenheim ('07) Currently I’m working part-time at the Montreal Children’s Hospital as a therapist in outpatient Child Psychiatry. At the Children’s I specialize in working with children and their families who are struggling with mental health issues. When I’m not working at the Children’s, I’m seeing patients privately. I’ve recently opened up a private practice in Westmount where I see individuals, couples and families for therapy. James Thorpe ('12) I finished my B.Sc. in honours bio-organic chemistry and have started my PhD in chemistry at McGill this September under the supervision of Dr. Masad Damha. Noah Eisenberg ('15) I LOVE soccer! I’m playing D1 in Alabama. I’m pretty decent as they say in the South. I owe it all to Cam Folkerson. He’s the best teacher ever. I can’t wait for another fishing trip.
For information on classmates, alumni reunions, school events and great photos, like our Alumni Facebook Page and join our LinkedIn Group.
Matt Smiley ('99) My first solo art exhibition "Dreams Fizzle into Space" ended this summer. For those of you that didn't get a chance to make it, I thought I would send you a link to see some of the pieces online. Enjoy!
In addition to alumni-related activities and initiatives, we are also busy at work on this year’s Tribute Dinner and are already planning for the School’s 90th Anniversary in 2020! Can you believe it? We formed the Alumni Executive Committee last year, and we are looking to all alums to help us identify people to complete the committee. The list of open positions and their descriptions are outlined below. The Committee meets monthly at the school. Please reach out to me directly at if you are interested in joining us, or if you know of classmates who you feel would want to be involved.
Greetings,
The current committee is composed of the following individuals: Adam Greenberg ('04) Chairperson Samantha Welscheid ('99) Vice Chair Leah Benabou ('17) Co-Chair of the Student Leadership Team Cassie Forzani ('17) Co-Chair of the Student Leadership Team Risa Lukofsky ('82) Tribute Dinner Kenneth Salomon ('64) Member at large Patricia Klein ('88) Member at large
Thank you for taking the time to consider this request, we look forward to hearing from you! Samantha Welscheid (’99) Vice Chair, Alumni Executive Committee
swelscheid@deloitte.ca
from Your Alumni Executive Committee!
The Alumni Executive Committee has the following vacant positions: Young Alumni Representative Ensures the participation and the roles of Alumni Class Coordinators and that active modes of communication are in place Brings perspective of someone who has recently graduated from the school Brings forward new innovations that they may have participated in at their post-secondary education Attends school events, reunions and meetings Strategic Initiatives Position Background in marketing, communications, business management and social media Research and champions new innovations in alumni engagement and outreach Attends school events, reunions and meetings Community Representative (Past or Current Faculty Member) Participates in the organization and recruitment of milestone reunions and out-of-town reunions Key contact for alumni faculty and staff engaging them in school events/activities Dragonlink Content Attends school events, reunions and meetings Mentorship (Professional) Assist in the recruitment of possible mentors to create and develop a mentor/mentee programme Assists with the engagement of Alumni Guest Speakers and recruitment of Alumni in Career Fairs Big Brother/Big Sister - matching alumni with current students and matching alumni faculty/staff with new faculty/staff Attends school events, reunions and meetings
Planned Giving
For many people, charitable giving is an integral aspect of their life. The act of planned giving can help take philanthropy to the next level, but this requires careful planning, negotiation and counsel. Donors who want to see maximum value in a long-term gifting relationship with their favourite charitable organization should consider planned giving. With proper planned giving, money, investment capital, and other assets that donors give to their preferred organizations can provide them with a great sense of satisfaction, happiness and purpose. Planned giving is a method that enables philanthropic individuals to consider larger gifts than otherwise possible from just their income alone. It utilizes estate and tax planning techniques in order to maximize gifts to St. George’s School of Montreal and/or minimize its impact on the donor’s estate. The planned gift is made in someone’s lifetime or at death as part of a donor’s overall financial and/or estate plan, and helps individuals achieve their philanthropic, tax and financial goals all at once. With a little planning, the donor can create a lifetime of honour in memory of a special person in their life which will establish a truly lasting legacy for generations to come. An increasing number of families are reaching a point in their lives in which the questions of transition, wealth transfer, and philanthropic planning need to be addressed. Families with a long-term vision strive to ensure future generations will benefit from successful enterprise. This vision is not always complete without engagement in philanthropy. If you are interested in learning more about planning a legacy gift, please contact Donna Boyd, Director of Advancement and Alumni Relations, at (514) 937-9289 (ext 275) or donna.boyd@stgeorges.qc.ca.
A Lasting Legacy
Dragonlink is a publication of the Advancement and Alumni Relations Department of St. George’s School of Montreal
Stay Connected
Writers (in addition to those identified): Donna Boyd, Patricia Lavoie, Jonathan Goldman, Rebecca Riordon Editors: Donna Boyd, Rebecca Riordon, Aaron Stamboulieh Design: Victoria Dobbin Cover Image: Christina Phelps Back Cover Image: Victoria Dobbin Photos: Donna Boyd, Luisa De Armas, Victoria Dobbin, Patricia Lavoie, Rebecca Riordon, St. George’s School of Montreal, plus those submitted by our community!