Recap of Middle School in 2022-23 School Year

Ms. Pat Long,
Head of Middle School

 

This year has been packed with activity and high-quality learning opportunities in the Middle School, thanks to the efforts and creativity of our exceptional faculty, and the growing independence and agency of our students. We have focused throughout the year on improving communication, developing community, and expanding programming and have found our efforts paying huge rewards. We are delighted by the highly successful return to the Branksome Exchange in Canada and in Jeju with the Grade 9 and acknowledge the incredible work and dedication of the teachers who led both elements of the program, particularly Ms. Murphy and Mr. Palmasano. Looking ahead at the expanded Week Without Walls excursions next October, we are excited by the opportunities created for our students to become bolder, braver, and more open to new adventures. 

We are pleased with our Parent Education Programming over the year and are confident that our Middle School can brag about our well-trained MYP parents. Understanding how the curriculum framework works can only prove beneficial to our student outcomes, and we will continue to grow in this area. 

While we are sorry to say farewell to some cherished teachers who are moving on in their careers to new experiences, we are delighted by the quality and caliber of the new hires we will be welcoming in August, particularly those hired to support the growth in the Division and the inauguration of the new Middle School for Boys. Many hours were dedicated to seeking out the best professionals in the world to support our students. Our new teachers will provide new energy, insights, and expertise in developing creative and robust learning opportunities for our students, and enhancing our already excellent provision.

With the growth and change in the Middle School this year, we have endeavored both to honor the tremendous work that has already been done and to keep our mission- to challenge and inspire students to love learning and to shape a better world- at the heart of all our planning. Our goals are simple: that all students are safe, happy, and making excellent progress. Our aspirations are ambitious: we want to be the best Middle School in the world. Thank you for a successful first year and for your energetic support for all we do.