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<h1>Social Media Consumption and Digital Citizenship: ParenTalks</h1>
The fourth ParenTalks of the academic year examined a popular topic and common parent concern in this digital age: the impact of social media consumption and digital citizenship on adolescents.
For the first time in this series’ history, a St. Michael’s College School (SMCS) student joined the conversation to give parents real insights into today’s popular trends, what social networks students are on, how adolescents are staying safe while online, and much more.
In this session, Lisa Lipetz, teacher-librarian, and Luca Passero, Grade 12 student, joined regular ParenTalks expert, Dr. Mark Broussenko ’07, family physician and hospitalist, for the 60-minute event.
The conversation kicked off with a discussion about which social networks are popular among adolescents.
<img decoding="async" src="https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/smcs-parentalks-april2023.webp" alt="SMCS ParenTalks | Panellists talk about social media over a Zoom webcast" /> 
“The two most popular are Instagram and Snapchat, but also those two platforms offer a ton of things for the kids to do,” says Lipetz, based on what she sees and hears from students in the Odette Library Learning Commons daily, adding that the two platforms offer photo and video messaging, video feed, live feeds, reels, and more, all in one application.
Passero adds, “Everybody’s on TikTok, but I think the difference is that TikTok is used more for entertainment, but I think most people around my age do communicate through either Snapchat or Instagram.”
Problematic consumption and addiction issues were then brought up by panelists as a common concern.
“Any behaviour can create a negative pattern for its consumer – you can have biochemical addictions, you can have various forms of dependence on physical substances, but you can also have that on behaviours,” says Dr. Broussenko. “You can always stretch the line of are you addicted to sleep, are you addicted to shopping, are you addicted to online dating? You can expand that definition to be so encompassing that it loses any real clinical meaning.”
While these types of addictions do exist, in comparison to the vast population who use social media, according to Dr. Broussenko, it’s only going to pertain to a small number of people.
“What you want to be talking to is in which ways is this dysfunctional. In which ways does this social media use help my child and in which ways does it not help my child,” he adds.
Other topics discussed included: ‘real’ friends versus online friends, safety concerns and online predators, problematic influencers, digital footprints, and more.
Watch the full episode of ParenTalks: Supporting Your Son with Social Media and Digital Citizenship:
<iframe loading="lazy" width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HwduLu4fw8U" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
Related links:
More information on <a href="/news-events/special-events/parentalks" aria-label="ParenTalks">ParenTalks</a>
<a href="/student-life/wellness/" aria-label="Wellness at SMCS">Wellness at SMCS</a>

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SMCS ParenTalks panellists on April 27, 2023

Social Media Consumption and Digital Citizenship: ParenTalks

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<h1>CIS Black Student Conference to Debut at SMCS</h1>
The first CIS Black Student Conference will make its inaugural debut at St. Michael’s College School (SMCS) on April 28, 2023, promising a full day packed with keynote and guest speakers and a variety of mini-workshops to participate in.
<img decoding="async" src="https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/smcs-cis-black-student-conference-logo.webp" alt="SMCS CIS Black Student Conference logo" style="max-width:400px;" class="float-left" />
The brand-new conference is for students and teachers within the Conference of Independent Schools of Ontario (CIS Ontario) schools that identify as Black.
“We are excited to be celebrating Black excellence within the CIS,” says Dr. Daniel Lumsden ’96, Community Engagement and Learning Lead. “We look forward to hearing from all our presenters that will be in attendance. The theme around the conference this year is Brilliancy and Resiliency.”
Two keynote speakers will highlight the event, addressing attendees ahead of the morning and afternoon sessions.
Following the keynote speakers, students and staff attending the conference will have the opportunity to break into smaller groups to attend various workshops led by various professionals on the topics of Black mental health in students, the Black experience in insurance, acknowledging and addressing racism, workplace harassment, and much more.
Find out more about the first annual <a href="https://sites.google.com/view/cisblackstudentconference2023/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CIS Black Student Conference</a> online and see the full list of keynote and guest speakers.
Related links
<a href="/programmes/academics">Academics</a>
<a href="/why-smcs/leadership-development">Leadership Development</a>
</div>

CIS Black Student Conference to Debut at SMCS

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<h1>Five Fast Facts: A New Look For Career Day 2023</h1>
For the first time in three years, Grade 11 Career Day at St. Michael’s College School (SMCS) is back, in-person!
This year will mark the 19th edition of the event at SMCS, focused on offering Grade 11 students some food for thought on what the most sought-after jobs of the future could be and the potential experience of working in them.

“Our goal is to provide students with a look at different career paths and industries and how they connect with the world,” says Dr. Daniel Lumsden ’96, Community Engagement and Learning Lead. “It also provides an opportunity for members of the community to connect and engage with our students.”
<img decoding="async" src="https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/smcs-career-day-2023-1.webp" alt="SMCS Grade 11 Career Day | 2023 Keynote speaker Rob Nickerson" style="max-width:800px;" /> 
As with today’s workforce, Grade 11 Career Day at SMCS is also evolving to become a more collaborative and engaging experience for students. This year’s event will adopt a conference feel, featuring a keynote speaker in the morning followed by fireside chats and speed rounds with guests in the afternoon. The new format is focused on allowing students as much opportunity to meet as many of the guests as possible, with a variety of touchpoints to ask questions in a small and interactive setting.
“We want our students to be more engaged with the presenters and we feel this change in format will provide that to our students,” says Lumsden. “The move to a full-day format allows students to get the most out of the day in smaller settings where more fruitful conversations can occur.”

Headlining this year’s event is Rob Nickerson, an actor, writer, producer, and teacher, who is best known as a pioneer in using improvisation as a teaching tool in non-theatrical applications. For the past 25 years, Nickerson’s high-energy, experiential, improv-based lessons have taught thousands of accountants, marketers, engineers, bankers, IT technicians, doctors, lawyers, senior executives, and salespeople how learning skills and techniques from the art of improvisation can help individuals, teams, and whole organizations maximize creative and collaborative potential.
Joining the headliner will be a variety of other guests representing traditional as well as modern and innovative career paths including finance, international development and fundraising, law, architecture, retail, human resources, and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning.
“The day is a great opportunity for students to learn what it feels like to collaborate as a team and how critical and creative thinking plays a role in organizations,” adds Lumsden. “It is also a wonderful opportunity to network with our presenters.”
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/smcs-career-day-2023-3.webp" alt="SMCS Grade 11 Career Day - Students networking with professionals" width="1200" height="800" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-12479" srcset="https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/smcs-career-day-2023-3.webp 1200w, https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/smcs-career-day-2023-3-300x200.webp 300w, https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/smcs-career-day-2023-3-768x512.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /> 
Check out these fast facts about this year’s event:
<ol>
 <li>Badges will be handed out to students in their homerooms to provide more of a conference feel.</li>
<li>Afternoon fireside chats moderated by John Connelly, Director of Student Affairs, along with two guests. An informal setting for a Q &amp; A about their chosen field and career path. </li>
<li>Different, non-traditional careers are represented such as trades, international development, and a life image coach.</li>
<li> Speed Rounds, ten-minute sessions with each guest allowing students to ask questions before moving on to the next professional. </li>
<li> First-time in SMCS history that the keynote speaker will be an improv professional.</li>
</ol>
Related links:
<a href="/programmes/academics" aria-label="Academics">Academics</a>
<a href="/news-events/special-events" aria-label="Special Events">Special Events</a>
</div>

SMCS Grade 11 Career Day | 2023 Keynote speaker Rob Nickerson

Five Fast Facts: A New Look For Career Day 2023

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<h1>Parents’ Association Helps Enhance Student Experience</h1>
Every year at St. Michael’s College School (SMCS), the Parents’ Association (PA) outreaches to the school community of teachers and students to discover unique and tangible ways they can support the student and family experience.
“Our annual outreach is a structured budgetary process whereby requests are made by the teacher or the club/team coordinator,” says Nancy Nash, President of the PA. “The goal is clear; we find ways to best support school initiatives to ultimately enhance the school experience.”
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/smcs-parents-association-initiatives-3.webp" alt="SMCSPA | Parents attending curriculum night" width="1200" height="800" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-12465" srcset="https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/smcs-parents-association-initiatives-3.webp 1200w, https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/smcs-parents-association-initiatives-3-300x200.webp 300w, https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/smcs-parents-association-initiatives-3-768x512.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /> The PA’s call for funding requests aligns seamlessly with its mission to engage and strengthen the SMCS community for the benefit of all students and ultimately support SMCS in delivering excellence in Catholic education.
Funding requests are reviewed by the PA budget chair, treasurer, president, and the school principal. Once funding decisions have been made, the moderators are notified.
“We try to balance the budget between arts, clubs, and sports teams each year so that we can support as many boys as possible,” says Nash. “Some years may be a little heavy in one area, so we make sure we compensate for that the next year.”
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/smcs-parents-association-initiatives-4.webp" alt="SMCSPA President Nancy Nash" width="1200" height="800" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-12466" srcset="https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/smcs-parents-association-initiatives-4.webp 1200w, https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/smcs-parents-association-initiatives-4-300x200.webp 300w, https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/smcs-parents-association-initiatives-4-768x512.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /> 
In addition to finding special ways to help support current programming and initiatives, the PA also creates opportunities for any teacher or student to bring a new idea to the table provided there is enough student interest.
“For several years, we have gone the route of outreaching to staff and students who are in a perfect position to understand where help is most needed,” adds Nash. “If we can help in any small way to augment an already wonderful educational experience, we are happy to do so.”
The diversity of support speaks volumes with almost every club or team having benefitted from PA support. The PA also supports community-building activities and events. Some highlights of their impact include:
<ul>
 <li>Purchasing Bibles for Grade 9 students each year along with Host and Communion bowls</li>
<li>Snacks and hot chocolate at exam time</li>
<li>Supporting the creation of a Grade 12 lounge</li>
<li>Basketball shooting net, explosive training kits and balls for rugby, baseball team uniforms</li>
<li>Stereo equipment for the music department</li>
<li>Digital hotplate for chemistry department</li>
<li>Supporting school theatre productions</li>
<li>Digital cameras for the media arts department</li>
<li>Funded a student leadership retreat</li>
<li>Sponsoring the Grade 12- Mother and Son Mass &amp; Brunch</li>
</ul>
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/smcs-parents-association-initiatives-1.webp" alt="SMCSPA | The Mother &amp; Son Mass and Brunch" width="1200" height="800" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-12468" srcset="https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/smcs-parents-association-initiatives-1.webp 1200w, https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/smcs-parents-association-initiatives-1-300x200.webp 300w, https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/smcs-parents-association-initiatives-1-768x512.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /> 
Historically, the money raised to support the requests comes from various PA-supported fundraising efforts as well as an annual student incidental fees contribution of $50/student totalling approximately $45,000 in fixed expenses (re-occurring items) and approximately $70,000 in variable expenses.
Augmenting the student experience through unique financial support is but one way the PA supports the student experience. Their activities extend to volunteering, community building, parent communication and support, and friend-raising events.
“Participating in the PA is such a rewarding way to make a meaningful contribution to the school and our sons’ experience,” adds Nash. “I would encourage anyone who is interested to come out to a meeting and be part of our wonderful parent community.”
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/smcs-parents-association-initiatives-2.webp" alt="SMCSPA | Parents attending curriculum night" width="1200" height="800" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-12469" srcset="https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/smcs-parents-association-initiatives-2.webp 1200w, https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/smcs-parents-association-initiatives-2-300x200.webp 300w, https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/smcs-parents-association-initiatives-2-768x512.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /> 
Related links:
<a href="/parents" aria-label="Parents">Parents</a>
<a href="/news-events" aria-label="News and Events">News and Events</a>
</div>

SMCSPA | Parents attending curriculum night

Parents’ Association Helps Enhance Student Experience

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<h1>Original Production Marks Return of Spring Musical</h1>
A much-anticipated event on the St. Michael’s College School (SMCS) calendar is set to return to the Centre for the Arts stage, marking a first for the school’s drama department.
Love &amp; Revolution is an original show exclusively created for SMCS — a first in the school’s 71-year tradition of staging Broadway-style musicals.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/smcs-spring-broadway-musical-2.webp" alt="SMCS Spring Broadway Musical | Students performing on stage" width="1200" height="800" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-12450" srcset="https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/smcs-spring-broadway-musical-2.webp 1200w, https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/smcs-spring-broadway-musical-2-300x200.webp 300w, https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/smcs-spring-broadway-musical-2-768x512.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /> 
<h2>Exclusive Production in the Works</h2>
“Originally, we had selected the musical Shrek, but realized coming out of COVID and not having done a musical since 2019, it would be too challenging a show to produce as it is highly technical and the costume requirements were immense,” says Jamie Oatt, Music Department Head and assistant director of the Spring Musical. “We looked at the strengths of the students who auditioned and decided to build our own show around that instead.”
Anne Morrone, director of the Spring Musical, wrote the script for Love &amp; Revolution, which incorporates well-known numbers from 14 different musicals.
“I feel very privileged to have this opportunity to share it with our wonderful community,” says Morrone. This show will officially be Morrone’s directing debut, as Grease was never able to make it to the stage in 2020 and 2022 due to the pandemic.
“Love &amp; Revolution has a strong message of hope, inspiration, and love that will likely resonate with audiences and provide a memorable experience,” she adds. “What brings people together more than love and fighting for what we believe in? I hope we bring hope into people&#8217;s hearts and invigorate them to keep fighting for what they believe in.”
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/smcs-spring-broadway-musical-5.webp" alt="SMCS Spring Broadway Musical | Love &amp; Revolution" width="1200" height="800" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-12453" srcset="https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/smcs-spring-broadway-musical-5.webp 1200w, https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/smcs-spring-broadway-musical-5-300x200.webp 300w, https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/smcs-spring-broadway-musical-5-768x512.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /> 
In total, 31 male and female student-actors make up the cast of the Spring Musical, along with 12 stage crew members who control the technical aspects of the show, and two pit musicians who provide the music for the production.
“This year is the first that I&#8217;ve done any major production at St. Mike’s,” says Darcy Blaik, Grade 12 student and the show’s male lead. “I was also in Frankenstein: A Radio Play so the learning curve has been steep this year. The arts are such an important part of our school and my life so taking a role in the show was a total no-brainer.”
Eight staff members representing the music department, theatre, and business staff round out the team who play a leadership role in putting together this exceptional event.
“The most satisfying part of putting on a musical production is often seeing the hard work and dedication of the cast, crew, creative team, and parents of our students come together to create a memorable and inspiring experience for the audience,” says Morrone. “At SMCS, it is the sense of community and collaboration that comes from working on a production together. We recognize that it starts within the homes of these students, their parents’ and guardians’ support, bringing the students to and from rehearsals and all the emotional support they get at home. I am eternally grateful they have this encouragement within their homes, from their teachers, and community to bring the SMCS theatre back to life again.”
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/smcs-spring-broadway-musical-3.webp" alt="SMCS Spring Broadway Musical | Students singing on stage" width="1200" height="800" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-12451" srcset="https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/smcs-spring-broadway-musical-3.webp 1200w, https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/smcs-spring-broadway-musical-3-300x200.webp 300w, https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/smcs-spring-broadway-musical-3-768x512.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /> 
<h2>Setting the Stage for Success</h2>
Auditions for the Spring Musical were held at the start of the school year, with the search on to find talent at SMCS to fill the male roles and local elementary and high schools for the female roles.
“During the months of May and June, the creative team would meet to discuss possible choices and consider which students are returning and what shows seem to fit some of the known talent,” says Oatt. “We know there will be new students auditioning, but it is good to know we have students who would possess the voice, dancing, and acting skills to pull off a particular musical. Since we had not staged a musical here since 2019, we were basically building a cast from scratch this year.”
With Shrek having been cancelled just ahead of the Christmas break and Love &amp; Revolution only an idea at that point, time was running out to begin preparations for the elaborate annual production.
“By the time we returned from the Christmas break, the music had been selected and now I only had a few weeks to write the script,” says Morrone. “The challenge now was to write a script incorporating beloved songs from other musicals into the soundtrack in a way that enhances the storyline and engages the audience. Despite many sleepless nights and weekends spent writing, by the end of February we had a script and off we went.”
To prepare for the Spring Musical, the cast attends two three-hour evening rehearsals each week with several Sunday afternoon rehearsals between January and April to work on acting, singing, and dancing.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/smcs-spring-broadway-musical-1.webp" alt="SMCS Spring Musical | Students singing and dancing on stage" width="1200" height="801" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-12449" srcset="https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/smcs-spring-broadway-musical-1.webp 1200w, https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/smcs-spring-broadway-musical-1-300x200.webp 300w, https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/smcs-spring-broadway-musical-1-768x513.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /> 
“Currently, I am particularly focused on getting all my work done to the best of my ability,” says Blaik, who also notes that in the weeks leading up to showtime, rehearsals for him occurred almost every day. “Music from the show is always playing in my ears, and I&#8217;m going over the dances in my head while I do my math homework. The schedule is very busy, but it&#8217;s extremely gratifying to see the hard work pay off at rehearsals.”
For Philip Grochmal, one of the pit musicians who will be playing flute, clarinet, and saxophone for Love &amp; Revolution, a typical day for him involves not only practicing with his instruments, but also listening to recordings of the songs so he can better understand the role he plays in each number.
“The most exciting part for sure is the constant learning opportunities happening during the rehearsal process,” says Grochmal, who plans to pursue a bachelor of music production at university next year. “There are always things that are changing and to learn from which helps me grow as a musician.”
The curtain officially lifts on this year’s Spring Musical on Wednesday, April 19 with a preview performance beginning at 7:30 p.m. Subsequent showtimes include additional evening performances from April 20-22 along with a day-time matinee at 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 22.
“After a three-year hiatus, we’re finally bringing back live performances to our beautiful theatre with the help of our talented students and cast,” says Morrone. “I&#8217;m thrilled to see them showcase their abilities and bring my story to life through music and characters. Let&#8217;s reignite our love for live performances and enjoy the show!”
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/smcs-spring-broadway-musical-4.webp" alt="SMCS Spring Broadway Musical | Love &amp; Revolution" width="1200" height="800" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-12452" srcset="https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/smcs-spring-broadway-musical-4.webp 1200w, https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/smcs-spring-broadway-musical-4-300x200.webp 300w, https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/smcs-spring-broadway-musical-4-768x512.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /> 
<hr />
<h2>SMCS Spring Musical: Love &amp; Revolution</h2>
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<div class="col-2">
<h3>Performance Dates</h3>
Wednesday, April 19 at 7:30 p.m. (preview) 
 Thursday, April 20 at 7:30 p.m. (Opening Night) 
 Friday, April 21 at 7:30 p.m. 
 Saturday, April 22, at: 1 p.m. (Matinee) 
7:30 p.m. (Closing Night)
The Lobby &amp; Box Office open one hour before curtain. 
Doors open a half-hour before curtain.
<h3>Tickets</h3>
Preview and Matinee Performances
Adults: $15.00 HST Included Students/Seniors: $10.00 HST Included
All Other Performances
Adults: $20.00 HST Included Students/Seniors: $15.00 HST Included
<a class="button" href="https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?ticketing=smcs" aria-label="Purchase Tickets" target="_blank" rel="noopener">PURCHASE TICKETS</a>
</div>
<div class="col-2">
<a href="https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?ticketing=smcs"><img decoding="async" src="https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/LR-Show-ART-8.5x11-LARGERv3.png" alt="SMCS Spring Musical | Love &amp; Revolution poster" style="max-width:600px;" /></a>
</div>
</div>



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Original Production Marks Return of Spring Musical

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<h1>Youth Motivational Speaker Inspires Students</h1>
St. Michael’s College School (SMCS) staff and students recently welcomed Sam Demma, youth motivational speaker, author, and two-time TEDx speaker, for an engaging discussion as part of his ‘Empty Your Backpack’ tour.
“Sam Demma is a former high-level soccer athlete who suffered career-ending injuries before he was able to take the next step in his professional journey,” says Liat Benzacar, Student Wellness Officer at SMCS. “He brings his story to youth to share that it is the path to achieving set goals that allows us to nourish the grounds and prepare us for new and unexpected ones. Sam shares that he was inspired by a former teacher who explained that it is ‘small, consistent actions’ that make a big, long-lasting impact.”
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/smcs-sam-demma-presentation-3.webp" alt="Sam Demma speaking with SMCS students on Empty Your Backpack tour." width="1200" height="800" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-12441" srcset="https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/smcs-sam-demma-presentation-3.webp 1200w, https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/smcs-sam-demma-presentation-3-300x200.webp 300w, https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/smcs-sam-demma-presentation-3-768x512.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /> 
On March 29, Demma, along with his giant red backpack, hosted two engaging presentations in the Centre for the Arts theatre to accommodate students from across all grades.
“I think that ‘Empty Your Backpack’ can relate to anyone with a genuine goal in life,” says Taketoshi Miyamoto, Grade 9. “The quote ‘Impossible is the opinion of the incapable’ really opened my eyes to the endless possibilities that come by ‘emptying your backpack’ of thoughts. I also found that by taking small actions, you can create enormous rewards like how Sam himself was able to get a spot to do a TEDx talk.”
Demma’s tour centres around helping students and youth ‘unpack their beliefs, redefine their self-worth, and embrace their authentic selves.’
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/smcs-sam-demma-presentation-2.webp" alt="Sam Demma speaking with SMCS students on Empty Your Backpack tour." width="1200" height="800" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-12440" srcset="https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/smcs-sam-demma-presentation-2.webp 1200w, https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/smcs-sam-demma-presentation-2-300x200.webp 300w, https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/smcs-sam-demma-presentation-2-768x512.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /> 
“Each student can recognize an aspect of themselves in a presentation like Sam’s – they may not be an athlete, a dancer, or ready to ‘unload their backpacks’ but there is something for everyone in the anecdotes and experiences he shares,” says Benzacar. “Sam in many ways embodies our school’s vision of ‘graduat[ing] young men who will change the world through lives of faith, character, and service.’ He seeks to empower students to achieve their personal goals by ‘filling others’ backpacks’ through acts of kindness and service.”
Benzacar adds that the feedback she has received about Demma’s presentation has been overwhelmingly positive with some students sharing that he was among the best speakers to visit the school during their time.
“Something that seemed to resonate with many students was the concept that no journey to achieving a goal is wasted, even if the goal is not achieved,” she says. “There are lessons, gifts, and blessings that are collected along the way that can inspire new and unexpected adventures.”
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/smcs-sam-demma-presentation-1.webp" alt="Sam Demma speaking with SMCS students on Empty Your Backpack tour." width="1200" height="800" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-12439" srcset="https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/smcs-sam-demma-presentation-1.webp 1200w, https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/smcs-sam-demma-presentation-1-300x200.webp 300w, https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/smcs-sam-demma-presentation-1-768x512.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /> 
Related links:
<a href="/student-life/wellness/" aria-label="Wellness">Wellness</a>
<a href="/news-events/" aria-label="News and Events">News &amp; Events</a>

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Sam Demma speaking with SMCS students on Empty Your Backpack tour.

Youth Motivational Speaker Inspires Students

News And Events

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<h1>Media</h1>
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<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://d97pdw6wu0.wpdns.site/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/depellegrin-2022-150x150.webp" alt="SMCS Michael De Pellegrin &#039;94 -Director of Communications" width="150" height="150" class="float-left" />Michael De Pellegrin, Director of Communications 
Office: 416 653 3180 x292 | Cell: 647 242 2226 
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<h2>MEDIA COVERAGE</h2>
APRIL 24, 2023 
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<hr />
MARCH 26, 2023 
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MARCH 14, 2023 
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FEBRUARY 22, 2023 
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JANUARY 23, 2023 
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JANUARY 15, 2023 
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DECEMBER 5, 2022 
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SEPTEMBER 15, 2022 
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FALL 2022 
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SEPTEMBER 8, 2022 
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SEPTEMBER 1, 2022 
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<hr />
AUGUST 26, 2022 
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APRIL 28, 2022 
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<hr />APRIL 7, 2022 
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<hr />FEBRUARY 11, 2022 
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<hr />FEBRUARY 11, 2022 
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<hr />FEBRUARY 11, 2022 
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<hr />JANUARY 31, 2022 
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<hr />JANUARY 26, 2022 
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<hr />JANUARY 2022 
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<hr />SEPTEMBER 25, 2021 
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<hr />SEPTEMBER 8, 2021 
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<hr />AUGUST 26, 2021 
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<hr />AUGUST 17, 2021 
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<hr />JULY 29, 2021 
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<hr />JULY 28, 2021 
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<hr />JULY 27, 2021 
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<hr />JULY 19, 2021 
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<hr />JULY 5, 2021 
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<hr />JUNE 14, 2021 
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<hr />JUNE 3, 2021 
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<hr />MAY 25, 2021 
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<hr />MAY 9, 2021 
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<hr />APRIL 19, 2021 
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<hr />APRIL 2021 
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<hr />MARCH 24, 2021 
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<hr />MARCH 11, 2021 
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<hr />FEBRUARY 10, 2021 
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 Toronto Star 
<hr />JANUARY 27, 2021 
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 The National Post 
<hr />NOVEMBER 8/12, 2020 
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<hr />SEPTEMBER 29, 2020 
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<hr />SEPTEMBER 26, 2020 
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 Toronto Life 
<hr />SEPTEMBER 12, 2020 
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<hr />JUNE 24, 2020 
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<hr />JUNE 13, 2020 
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<hr />JUNE 11, 2020 
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<hr />APRIL 19, 2020 
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<hr />FEBRUARY 26, 2020 
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<hr />FEBRUARY 24, 2020 
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<hr />FEBRUARY 7, 2020 
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<hr />FEBRUARY 7, 2020 
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<hr />JANUARY 31, 2020 
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<hr />JANUARY 6, 2020 
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</section>
<section>
Related links:
<a href="https://st-michaels-college-school-one.vercel.app/news-events" aria-label="News And Events">News And Events</a>
</section>

Social Media Consumption and Digital Citizenship: ParenTalks

CIS Black Student Conference to Debut at SMCS

Five Fast Facts: A New Look For Career Day 2023

Parents’ Association Helps Enhance Student Experience

Original Production Marks Return of Spring Musical

Youth Motivational Speaker Inspires Students

Final Assessments

Final Assessments

Final Assessments

Final Assessments

Final Assessments

Final Assessments

Feast of the Sacred Heart

Exam Check Day

Graduation Formal (at the Liberty Grand)

Father's Day

Grade 7 and 8 Welcome Day

Grade 9 to 12 Welcome Day

St. Michael's College School Grade 8 Graduation

Summer School Upgrade Registration

Senior Jazz @ the Toronto Jazz Festival (Toronto Jazz Festival @ OLD STAGE - Big Band Slam)

Alumni Networking Event (Alumni Networking Event | TBD)

St. Michael's College School Grade 12 Graduation Mass & Ceremony