Elmwood School

💚💛 House pride was on full display at Elmwood’s annual House and Spirit Days! 🎉☀️

From exciting games to friendly competitions, students brought incredible energy, teamwork, and enthusiasm despite the summer heat. A huge shoutout to our amazing Grade 5 student leaders who led Junior School House Day, as well as Ms. Mac and Ms. Alvarez for their guidance and support. 👏

We also extend our thanks to Senior School Prefect Kacey Fraser-Robinson and her council for organizing an unforgettable Spirit Afternoon filled with community, connection, and Elmwood spirit. 🦉✨

What a wonderful celebration of House pride and the strength of our Elmwood community! 💚💛

💚✨ A full-circle Elmwood moment. ✨💚

At last week’s final assembly, alumna Avery Parkinson ’22 returned to campus with a surprise that left the entire community inspired. Avery presented Mr. Ryan Hodgins with the 2026 Loran Teachers Building Leaders Award, recognizing the extraordinary impact he has had on her life and leadership journey. 🏆🍎

Avery, a Loran scholar herself, reflected on how Mr. Hodgins’ encouragement, trust, and unwavering belief in her helped her discover her passions, build confidence, and see her own potential. More than a decade after meeting in Grade 4, their connection remains a powerful example of how meaningful relationships can shape lives far beyond the classroom. 💚💛

For Mr. Hodgins, the recognition was especially meaningful, coming from a student who played such an important role in his early years as an educator. Together, their story reminds us that the greatest lessons are often found in the relationships we build, the support we offer, and the impact we have on one another. 💫🎓

Congratulations, Mr. Hodgins, and thank you, Avery, for reminding us what makes the Elmwood community so special. 🌟🦉

We’re looking for two exceptional people to join the Elmwood community. ✨

🎨 Middle & Senior School Visual Arts Teacher
Help girls discover the power of creativity, confidence, and self-expression through visual arts. Inspire the next generation of artists, thinkers, and leaders in our IB learning environment.

💚 Receptionist
Be the heart of Elmwood. As the first friendly face and welcoming voice of our school, you’ll help create meaningful connections and keep our vibrant community running smoothly.

Whether you’re passionate about nurturing artistic talent or creating a warm, joyful experience for every student, family, and visitor, there’s a place for you at Elmwood.

If you believe in the power of girls’ education and want to help build a community where every student is lifted and unstoppable, we’d love to hear from you.

📧 Apply by sending your résumé and cover letter to [email protected]. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the positions are filled.

Learn more at www.elmwood.ca/careers

The elementary years shape far more than academic skills. They shape how girls see themselves as learners. 📝📚

In our new Insights on Girls’ Education resource, Raising Curious, Capable Girls: How Elementary Education Shapes Lifelong Learners, we explore why the Grades 1–5 years are such a critical foundation for confidence, curiosity, and long-term success.

The piece explores:

• Why strong literacy and numeracy build confidence, not just competence
• How girls begin forming beliefs about their abilities earlier than many parents realize
• The impact of environments where every voice is encouraged and valued
• Why girls’ schools help students participate more freely, take risks, and persist through challenge
• How the IB Primary Years Programme nurtures inquiry, reflection, communication, and independence
• The importance of belonging, agency, and academic identity in the elementary years

At Elmwood, we believe elementary education should do more than prepare girls for the next grade. It should help them develop the confidence, curiosity, and resilience to thrive in life. 💚💛

Read the full piece through our Insights on Girls’ Education resource library at www.elmwood.ca/girlseducation

A must-listen for anyone excited about Far From Home! 🎭 ✨

Tune in to the latest episode of CBC’s This Is Ottawa for a powerful snapshot of Elmwood’s history and the deeply moving true story behind our upcoming original production, Far From Home.

Set during the Second World War, the play tells the remarkable story of children evacuated from London during the Blitz who found refuge — and a sense of belonging — at Elmwood. ❤️

🎟️ Limited tickets are still available: www.elmwood.ca/tickets

🎧 Listen to the podcast episode here http://bit.ly/4wTy7xm

Confidence in STEM doesn’t begin with ability. It begins with belief. 🔬👩‍🔬

In our latest Insights on Girls’ Education piece, Why Girls’ Education is a Catalyst for STEM Confidence, we explore why so many girls begin to question their abilities in math and science during the Middle and Senior School years — and how the right learning environment can change that narrative entirely.

The article highlights:
• Why girls’ confidence in STEM often declines despite strong aptitude
• How all-girls environments encourage risk-taking, leadership, and intellectual confidence
• The lifelong skills STEM develops, including resilience, analytical thinking, creativity, and confidence with complexity
• Why the Middle and Senior School years are such a critical window for shaping academic identity
• How exceptional educators and visible role models help girls see themselves differently

At Elmwood, approximately 50% of graduates pursue STEM pathways in post-secondary education — a reflection of what becomes possible when girls are encouraged to explore broadly and pursue their interests without limitation.

Read the full piece through our Insights on Girls’ Education resource library at www.elmwood.ca/girlseducation

A story of courage. A legacy of community. A moment in history brought to life.

Elmwood School proudly presents Far From Home, an original theatrical production created in honour of our 110th anniversary. Set during the Second World War, this moving play tells the story of 23 children evacuated from London in 1940 who found refuge, and an unexpected sense of belonging, at Elmwood.

At the heart of the story is Polly Carton, whose journey from displacement to connection reflects the compassion, resilience, and leadership that define the Elmwood community. Written by Old Girl Janet Uren ’67 and brought to life by a remarkable cast of alumnae, students, and local actors, Far From Home is a powerful tribute to the enduring spirit of our school.

Join us as we celebrate 110 years of history, heart, and home.

Limited tickets remain — reserve yours today.

📍 Academic Hall, uOttawa
🗓 May 29–31
🎟 More details at www.elmwood.ca/tickets

We were honoured to welcome Elizabeth May, leader of the Green Party of Canada and Member of Parliament, to Elmwood this morning.

She discussed issues of environmental policy and leadership with Grade 8 students, addressed our Middle and Senior School at our Wednesday assembly, and sat down for a wide-ranging Q&A with Grade 3. We are so grateful for how generous she was with her time, offering thoughtful and honest answers to students’ questions about her journey into politics, her work in environmental advocacy, and how we can begin to tackle the most pressing environmental issues of our time.

Most powerful was her message to our students: that they are already leaders. She encouraged them to use their voices with confidence and purpose—and shared practical ways they can turn their ideas into meaningful action.

A truly inspiring visit that ended with a big group hug. Thank you 🌿

Each spring, our community comes together to celebrate student voice, courage, and leadership—and this year was no exception. We are so proud of every student who stepped forward, sharing their ideas and passion for making a difference at Elmwood.

Congratulations to our 2025–26 Prefect Team, who will lead with purpose, integrity, and heart in the year ahead. Your commitment to serving the school community inspires us all.
We also recognize every student who ran—your bravery, resilience, and support for one another are what true leadership looks like. 💚💛

Join us in celebrating our incoming Prefects and thanking our graduating team for their incredible impact on Elmwood. The future is bright!

On Saturday night, The Gilded Stage truly came to life — and it was all because of you. The energy in the room, the generosity, the laughter, the performances… There was something undeniably special in the air.

Together, we raised an incredible $275,000 in support of Elmwood’s future and creating a Space to Lead. 
But beyond the numbers, what stood out most was the feeling. A room full of people who care deeply about this school, showing up, leaning in, and making something magical happen together.

To our guests, sponsors, donors, volunteers, and everyone who helped bring the evening to life — THANK YOU. Your support, in every form, is what makes evenings like this possible and what moves Elmwood forward.
We are so grateful to be part of this community with you. ✨💚💛