Last week, Elmwood hosted an official ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the opening of our Learning Commons, an inspiring space at the heart of the school, made possible through the generosity of more than 100 donors. While the doors opened more than a year ago, this event offered a meaningful opportunity to express our gratitude and to reflect on the community spirit that brought the Learning Commons to life.
In his opening remarks, Head of School Mr. James Whitehouse welcomed those gathered and extended sincere thanks to the many individuals and families who supported this initiative. He spoke of the transformative power of the Learning Commons, how it has quickly become one of the most beloved spaces on campus. It is a place where students gather for focused academic support, individual and collaborative learning, and quiet moments of recharging. By uniting our Academic and University Counselling team and Student Success services in one central location, the Learning Commons serves as a place of both guidance and growth.
A highlight of the ceremony was a heartfelt address by alumna Elizabeth Heatherington ’63, who spoke on behalf of her family in honour of a meaningful gift made in memory of her mother. Mrs. Heatherington shared that her mother had hoped her daughter would have an opportunity to attend Elmwood, an aspiration fulfilled when the family arrived in Ottawa from London, England in 1949, and she joined the kindergarten class. She remained at Elmwood through graduation in 1963.
Reflecting on her own memories of the Elmwood library, Mrs. Heatherington noted how the role of the library has evolved across generations, yet its heart remains unchanged: always a warm, welcoming, and inspiring place for students to discover, explore, and imagine. She concluded her remarks with a favourite poem by Edgar Guest that beautifully captures the enduring value of books, and the quiet companionship they offer:
Good Books
Good books are friendly things to own
If you are busy they will wait
They will not call you on the phone
Or wake you if the hour is late
They stand together row by row
Upon the low shelf or the high
But if you're lonesome, this you know
You have a friend or two nearby
As we celebrate this chapter in Elmwood’s story, we are incredibly thankful to the donors, alumni, families, and friends who helped create a space that so clearly reflects our mission and our values. The Learning Commons is more than a beautiful addition to our school, it is a daily reminder of what is possible when community, care, and purpose come together.