Student Life at SJSH
Student life at SJSH extends well beyond the classroom, offering opportunities for every learner to grow, connect, and explore new interests. From academic and recreational clubs to holiday celebrations, dramatic performances, conferences, and field trips, our students enjoy a vibrant and engaging school experience. At the middle school and high school level, athletic teams proudly represent SJSH in competition with other schools, fostering teamwork, school spirit, and healthy competition. Together, these experiences help our students build lasting friendships, discover passions, and create memories that complement their academic journey.
A Traditional School Day
Built on Proven Methods
At SJSH, we believe in the value of a traditional school day—one that parents will recognize from their own school experience. Our students have textbooks for every class, use pen and paper for most tasks, and follow a structured routine with two recess breaks and a full hour for lunch. Homework is assigned and checked daily, elementary students complete weekly spelling tests, and formal tests and exams are an important part of our program. While technology is integrated where appropriate, our focus remains on proven methods that build strong skills, discipline, and lasting academic habits.
Our Leadership Program
Junior and Senior Building Skills for School, Career, and Life.
Employers today want students with a balance of hard skills and soft skills. Hard skills are job-specific abilities such as mathematics, reading comprehension, and computer keyboarding. Soft skills, also called employment skills, include communication, problem-solving, positive attitudes and behaviours, adaptability, and teamwork. Increasingly, employers place greater value on soft skills than on hard skills.
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At SJSH, leadership development begins in the elementary grades. Through structured lessons and age-appropriate activities based on The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. Students learn foundational leadership skills such as responsibility, teamwork, communication, and goal-setting. These early experiences prepare them for the more advanced high school Leadership Program, ensuring that every child grows in confidence and capability as they progress through the school.
In many high schools, only a select few students gain the opportunity to develop these skills. At St. Jude’s Scholars’ Hall, all students are taught soft skills. Every high school student belongs to a committee where they learn event planning, communication, teamwork, positive behaviours, and adaptability.
All committees are student-run and student-organized, with a staff advisor present for guidance. Students plan school-wide events, prioritize and delegate responsibilities, set goals, evaluate outcomes, and learn to anticipate challenges.
The Leadership Program ensures 100% participation and eliminates student apathy.