EXPERIENCE
Catholic Identity
INTEGRATED SPIRITUALITY
Catholic education empowers students’ faith. Our students learn how to be empathetic global citizens, who lead with integrity. Catholicism and the teachings of the Felician Sisters are interwoven in all aspects of the curriculum and school life.
GOSPEL VALUES ARE UNIVERSAL VALUES
Our Catholic identity is core to who we are as a school. We exhibit our core values every day: Respect for ourselves and for others; Compassion expressed through understanding and service; Justice through promoting good; and Transformation achieved by having open minds and hearts and improving every day.
Global Opportunities
Holy Name of Mary College School enhances cultural understanding by providing opportunities to visit international destinations on academic, cultural, and community service-oriented trips.
Students have travelled to the Galápagos Islands, the Amazon rainforest, India, and New York, all benefiting from incredible experiential learning. Our global programme is an extension of the classroom: developing the skills, attitudes, and behaviours to succeed in the 21st-century, globalized marketplace.
Holy Name of Mary College School
Croatia Scientific Research Expedition:
Monica Opoka ’18
“We were helping the scientists collect data through fish, herpetofauna, cave, bird, and mammal surveys. It was so exciting to be part of real life scientific research, that I would even sign up for extra activities, like a bird survey at night.”
Iluore Asekomhe ’18
“I would recommend this trip to anyone who is interested in expanding their worldview. To physically see, our own effects on the environment as a human species through analyzing the data of marine and terrestrial animals; me versus them, separation mentality was shattered. Even now, after the experience not only my excitement for this upcoming grade 12 biology year has increased but my eagerness to change my everyday actions to help conservation efforts.”
Journey To Kenya On A Mission To Change The World:
Christal Cheng ’18
“Travelling to the other side of the world definitely required a whole lot of courage. However, the trip was an eye-opening experience that expanded my horizons and outlook on life. It exposed me to a brand new perspective, in which I have learned to be appreciative for all the privileges that I have.”
Rebecca Gritti ’18
“Before the trip, I often saw kids living an African lifestyle on TV and in different media, but being able to get a firsthand experience of different communities and lifestyles in Kenya was unforgettable. This trip showed me not to take my privileges for granted, but to use them to help others who have fewer privileges than I do. We were born into the life we have and it is important to appreciate everything that we are blessed with.”
Emma Marques ’18
“We made new friends with the local children, mamas, Masai warriors, and made stronger friendships with each other. We were all able to see how differently others live so happily across the world, with less than we could ever imagine living with. We are all so thankful for the amazing trip that has forever changed our lives.”
Medical Mission In The Dominican Republic:
Marina Fonseca ’20
“When we work together to accomplish God’s work, the greatest transformations and impacts will be made. During the whole trip, I was so extremely empowered from helping others, and I believe that a mission trip is an experience like none other, which everyone should have the opportunity to attend. This experience will stay with me through my whole life.”
Student Life
CO-CURRICULAR PROGRAMME
The co-curricular programme is integrated in the school on a four-day rotation schedule. Middle School students participate in a compulsory programme, while Senior School students broaden their horizons through various clubs, arts, and athletics. The life skills developed in these activities promote relationship-building and teamwork, enhancing each student’s understanding of her abilities and responsibilities as part of the school community and the broader social community. Students may also choose an academic support option to receive help from a teacher or complete assignments.
TEACHER ADVISOR PROGRAMME
The Teacher Advisor Programme (TAP) is a key component of the HNMCS experience. Each student is a member of a TAP group that meets with a teacher mentor. The goal is to create positive relationships with peers and their TAP teacher. Sessions provide an opportunity to have a safe space to make friends, be heard and understood, ask questions, and engage in important discussions.
MOTION MONDAY PROGRAMME
Research shows that graduates from all-girls schools achieve greater academic success, possess more self-confidence, and develop strong leadership skills. The robust learning environment, ongoing support, and variety of opportunities enables our students to find and share their unique voice.
DUKE OF EDINBURGH AWARD PROGRAMME
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is an international programme of self-directed activities, which supports young people’s development and provides recognition for achievements. Individuals between 14 and 25 can participate. The three levels of the Award – Bronze, Silver and Gold – are achieved by participants reaching personal goals in Community Service, Skill Development, Physical Recreation, and Outdoor Adventure.
THE “M” AWARD
Holy Name of Mary College School fosters the development of strong Catholic females, who are guided by our core values to be active leaders in their community. The “M” Award celebrates academic achievement and the overall contribution of a Senior School student committed to bettering student life and the HNMCS community. Students must fulfill the required components in four categories to be eligible: service, academics, co-curricular involvement, and athletics.
Athletics
Team sports build pride in oneself and one’s school, integrity, teamwork, commitment, balance, and resilience – skills necessary for 21st-century success. We provide intramural and competitive athletics opportunities to pursue excellence in a variety of sports.
ELITE ATHLETES AND ARTISTS PROGRAMME
Excellence and Passion in Balance
Holy Name of Mary College School supports girls striving for excellence in athletic and artistic passions outside of school, while maintaining strong academic grades. We are proud of our girls, and we applaud them for balancing these important commitments.
OUTDOOR EDUCATION PROGRAMME
Leadership Growth
Experiencing the natural world helps students develop an appreciation for the environment, creativity, and their own physical abilities. It is a catalyst for personal, social, and spiritual growth. Various outdoor camps are held throughout the school year to encourage cooperation, teamwork, acceptance, and positive leadership.
The Arts
MUSIC, DRAMA, VISUAL ARTS
The Arts play a key role in the development of a well-rounded, inquisitive, and confident individual. They provide an opportunity for students to express their creativity, explore and interpret our diverse world, to collaborate, and to share and celebrate unique perspectives.
HNMCS celebrates the Arts in the Middle School through a robust programme including band, music, choir, drama, art, and design. Senior School students participate in art, music, and drama. They are invited to audition for the St. Michael’s College School spring musical, fall drama production, and year-end talent night. Our school’s own annual Christmas Concert includes entertaining musical and theatrical performances, while the annual Spring Café and a visit from our school robot are additional must-see events of the Arts programme.
