Welcome to a new blog from the Leadership Team at HNMCS. Our aim is to showcase what we do at HNMCS and, more importantly, why we do it. It will cover topics like Experiential Learning, Project X - Generative A.I. and Values based Education to name a few. We hope you enjoy this inaugural post.

I wish they all could be California: Shifting the Learning Landscape

Experiential learning is a key learning priority at Holy Name of Mary College School. Finding meaningful ways for learners to be engaged in the world allows for authentic learning experiences to occur where students can take risks, explore their own interests and see first hand how informative the world around them can be. The shift in mindset to move the classroom outside of the four walls of school, can seem intimidating, but the positive gains both academically and socially cannot be replicated in a traditional classroom setting. At the end of these excursions, students feel a sense of independence in their ability to travel, manage their time and money and to navigate the world and appreciate opportunities that might not be on their own travel must-do list!

From top to bottom: 1. Marinella '24 created an interactive Google Maps experience for travellers based on the activities that she participated in and the creativity and art that related back to her Art History course. 2. Larysa '25 created an infographic about the CPUC. 3. Veronica '23 created an architectural drawing in the likeness of the homes that exist in the Haight Ashbury neighbourhood of San Francisco.

In September, Grade 11 and 12 students travelled to California for a once in a lifetime trip that included exploration of San Francisco and Los Angeles. The excursion, which runs every two years, is intentionally planned to start the year rooted in relationships and creating meaningful connections with staff and students. This positive framework allows the learning that takes place during the 10 day excursion to permeate through the social interactions and academic engagement throughout the remainder of the school year.

This particular enrichment opportunity allows students to take either a course in Art History or Architecture and, while they travel through an action packed itinerary, consider how the experience they are taking part in is connected to the course content that they are exploring.

In a classroom full of unique minds, differentiating learning experiences is best practice for any 21st century educator. Experiential learning allows students to see and experience the world in a way that best suits their needs and to create projects that compliment who they are as a learner and demonstrate their learning and rich connections to the world around them.

Within these courses of study, students are able to showcase their learning in a traditional way, like a formal essay using research and APA citation or they can “show what they know” through art projects, songs, website creation or any other medium that inspires them. Manuela ‘25 created a song to the tune of the “Full House" theme song that highlights the significance of the Victorian and Edwardian homes that are playfully called the “Pink Ladies”, while Larysa ‘25 created an infographic about California Public Utilities Commissions (CPUC) headquarters. The free choice in both topic and project style allow students to confidently showcase their knowledge and understanding, and larger connection to the world.

What is truly unique about setting up these learning experiences is the suggestions that students provide along the way and the research they complete to compliment an already packed itinerary. While away in Los Angeles, a room of students asked if we could stop at the “Pink Wall” as we passed by Melrose Avenue. The pink exterior of the Paul Smith store, for the teachers and bus driver seemed like a needless stop, but after researching the current cultural significance of the wall and the notability of this space; people travel from across the world to get a picture; demonstrated how engaged the students were in not just considering the architecture of historically iconic buildings and structures like the Getty or the Golden Gate Bridge, but modern spaces that have cultural significance and make the city engaging for a new generation of travellers.

When speaking with students, they shared that some of the most meaningful connections they made on this trip were learning more about the film industry. Reya ‘25 shared that her understanding of the intricacies of all of the behind the scenes work that goes into cinematic production was deepend, and she had a new appreciation for how much time goes into each scene of what we consume on television. Vanessa ‘26 thought that experiencing the life of an Alcatraz prisoner, and thinking critically about the social and emotional toll the isolation of an island and prison can take on a person, was fascinating.

One special memory for the entire group was when they were shown on the Jumbotron not once, but three times, for co-ordinating group dances and sharing their spirit with the other fans of the LA Dodgers.

- Ms. Kathryn Anderson, Interim School Leader & Director of Student Life