The beginning of a new school year at SMUS isn’t just marked by classes, schedules, and extracurricular activities—one of its hallmarks is the annual New Boarder Orientation. This day is a pivotal time when boarding Senior School students and their families navigate the complex emotions of separation but also excitement and anticipation.
This week, on September 3, parents from around the world gathered to say goodbye to their children as they dropped them off at boarding school, sharing a mix of sentiments, stories, and experiences. For many, this moment was not just about academics; it was a universal experience of hope, worry, and the ties that connect people everywhere.
Markus and Ulrike Wittmann, parents of Lukas ’26, a Grade 11 student from Munich, Germany, shared that Lukas is their youngest of three children and the first to express a desire to study abroad.
“He wanted to go to Canada,” Markus said, still surprised by his son’s enthusiasm. Despite both his elder siblings choosing to attend schools back in Munich, Lukas was swayed by the outdoor lifestyle provided on Vancouver Island and the wide range of programs offered by SMUS, both inside and outside the classroom.
“It’s a good place here,” Ulrike said with a smile, her tone a mixture of confidence and wistfulness. “The last month (of anticipation) was a little bit difficult, but now, as I’m here, it’s good.”
Around them, parents nodded, sharing the same blend of apprehension and relief at watching their children take on new opportunities.
Tina Chang, originally from Taiwan and now living in Shanghai, was also navigating the complexities of sending her daughter, Grace Liao ’27, to boarding school. Grace, entering Grade 10, had to say emotional goodbyes to Tintin, her beloved sphynx cat, still in Shanghai.
“She misses him,” Chang said, her voice tinged with sadness. “We have a little camera at home so she can go online and actually see him.”
As Chang spoke, parents shared stories of their own pets and their children’s attachments, revealing a universal truth: while video calls keep us connected, nothing quite replaces the warmth of loved ones—or a furry friend.
The Wittmann's nodded in understanding when asked if Lukas would miss their cats.
“It’s not hard with us because he can talk to us, he can make a video call, but the cats are another story,” they said with a laugh.
From Munich to Shanghai, the parents found common ground in the shared experience of separation, the softening of distance through technology, and the little comforts that make it bearable. Despite their diverse backgrounds, there was a collective acknowledgment of the sacrifices they made to give their children a brighter future.
In between worries, there were glimpses of excitement about the multicultural community their children were joining. As Markus and Ulrike helped Lukas move his luggage into Bolton House earlier in the day, they had the opportunity to meet three fellow new boarders from Mexico, Russia, and Korea, respectfully. These four boys are now neighbours on the same floor. These parents are not just sending their kids to school; they are sending them into a global microcosm that will shape their views and friendships.
Amid the farewells and reassurances, there was an underlying current of optimism. Adventures awaited on Vancouver Island, academic challenges that would push their children to new heights, and friendships that would span continents. These parents, while letting go of the familiar comforts of home, knew that they were giving their children something far greater: the world.
