Middle School Character Education
Our leadership and service opportunities, bolstered by a Chapel program that highlights our school Values, helps Middle School-aged students develop a strong sense of character and self.
Middle School is when adolescents develop a sense of who they are and their place in the world. Alongside this, it's an important time to foster empathy and learn where they can make things better and help people who are less fortunate than themselves.
Leadership
Being a leader and taking responsibility are vital life skills that are actively taught from Kindergarten through to Grade 12. We give students challenging opportunities to hone their leadership skills, such as teamwork, communication, encouragement and decision-making. At the Middle School, students get lots of chances to practice being a leader, including organizing the annual Grade 8 Leadership Conference and volunteering to help welcome new SMUS students and families.
Service
Service is one of the Values of SMUS and a desire to help others is an important part of being a SMUS student. Students work to make a difference in our community to benefit local, national and international charities, and gain an understanding that giving back is an important part of life. There are service opportunities throughout the school year, including food drives, invasive species removals and volunteering at local seniors' homes.
Chapel
SMUS is a non-denominational school that welcomes all faiths and beliefs. The school has a Chapel where students come together in a weekly gathering to reflect, listen and learn from other cultures, and build community. Themes and messages in Middle School chapel reinforce the school Values and other character education initiatives within the school.
Learn more about SMUS Chapel in this story from our school chaplain.