Signature Experiences

Designed to build character, confidence, and a sense of community, Elmwood’s signature experiences are special events and activities that our students will remember for years to come.

Early Years Spring Tea

Every year we invite our Early Years parents to a special tea in their honour. The students present their parents with a gift, sing some songs for them, and then spend some time having tea and treats.

Winterim

Each January, students in Grades 3 – 12 participate in intensive, enriching, small-group activities that take learning beyond the regular curriculum. Based on the passions, interests and expertise of the faculty, these programs involve students in learning through direct experience.

Grandparents' Day

Each fall we welcome grandparents to campus to spend a special day with their granddaughters. Grandparents enjoy afternoon tea, have their portraits taken with their granddaughters, and meet fellow members of the Elmwood community.

Graduating Year

The final year at Elmwood is full of special activities. At the 100 Nights Dinner, 100 nights before graduation, girls share a meal with their teachers. On Graduate Appreciation Day, the girls are presented with rings and are toasted by younger students at the Rose Ceremony. 

PYP Exhibition

In the final year of the IB Primary Years Programme, Grade 5 students conduct an extended, in-depth inquiry into real life issues or problems. This culminates in an exhibition of their findings, where they present their research to the entire Elmwood community.

Butterfly Release

As part of the Creepy, Crawly Critters unit of inquiry, Grade 2 students look at the growth and development of butterflies. At the end of the unit, the whole Junior School comes together to see the butterflies released.

Holiday Concerts

Every December, students take the stage and perform in our Junior and Middles School Holiday Concerts. It is an opportunity for our girls to showcase their talents and build confidence and resilience.

Camp Elmwood

Every September all of our Middle and Senior School students and faculty travel to Camp Wanakita in the Haliburton Area for a three-day retreat. It is an opportunity to develop leadership and mentoring skills, build friendships and welcome new students into the school.

Duke of Edinburgh Silver Trip

This three-night, four-day dog trip in Algonquin Park is both a physical and mental challenge that leaves our girls with an incredible sense of accomplishment upon completion.

Trail Blazer Projects

As part of their first unit of inquiry, Elmwood Grade 3 students choose an individual they want to research and defend their choice using selection criteria. They present their research to their parents and the rest of the Junior School.

Graduation

Instead of a cap and gown for graduation, our Grade 12 students wear a white dress to the graduation ceremony and the entire class poses for a photograph on the main hall staircase. Graduates and their families are also invited to a Graduation Dinner and Garden Party.

Junior School Musicals

Our SK and Grade 1, Grade 2 and 3, and Grade 4 and 5 girls stage musicals each year. Students learn their lines, songs and dances, and develop the confidence to perform for a full house.

VIP and Me Ball

This formal event takes place in February and gives Elmwood parents and their children in Grades 6 – 12 an opportunity to socialize with each other and celebrate these special bonds.

MYP Personal Project

The MYP Personal Project is a significant piece of work that is the product of the student’s own initiative and creativity. Students choose their project and take the process through to completion under the supervision of a member of faculty.