Meeray M. Valedectorian Speech
July 05, 2022
July 05, 2022
Meeray M. Valedectorian Speech
Sara Alsayyed, Community Member
Associate Faculty Registrar & Director, Student Recruitment and Admissions (University of Toronto, Faculty of Arts and Science)
Board member since 2023, Ad hoc Admissions Committee member
Education: Master of Public Administration (MPA), 2013, York University
Bachelor of Arts, Political Science and International Relations, 2006, York University
Industry Experience: Higher education professional with over 15 years of progressive leadership experience in strategic enrolment, recruitment, admissions, stakeholder engagement, event execution, public speaking, team development, networking, and customer service.
Outside of Trafalgar: I have a strong passion for education, where I have volunteered as a Development Director and Field Support Officer with the Nepali Children’s Education Project (NCEP). I have two young daughters who will hopefully become Trafalgar students in the future. We enjoy cooking together and going for walks in our neighborhood.
One thing that you want people to know about Trafalgar: I admire the strong sense of community and the welcoming nature of staff, faculty and students at Trafalgar Castle School. Everyone is deeply committed to academic excellence and fostering a nurturing environment for growing young women.
Connect with Sara on LinkedIn.
Joanne Burghardt, Secretary
Lifelong, award-winning journalist and inaugural member of the Ontario Community Newspaper Hall of Fame
Board member since 2020, Governance Committee Chair
Education: Journalism Degree from Durham College
Industry Experience: Joanne spent 40 years working for TorStar Corp., including 25 years as Editor-in-Chief of Metroland’s community newspapers in Durham Region, retiring as Director of Content for Torstar’s 72 community newspapers.
Outside of Trafalgar: Long record of service to non-profit Boards including UOIT (Ontario Tech), Durham College, Durham YWCA, Whitby Station Gallery, Ontario Press Council, and the Heritage Community Housing Corporation.
One thing that you want people to know about Trafalgar: Trafalgar creates leaders.
Connect with Joanne on LinkedIn.
Grade 9 & 10 Mandarin and Grade 12 Business, Leadership and Economics
Time at Traf: Since 2015
Education: Master of Education from Brock University
Professional Passions: Enabling growing young minds to achieve their goals.
Doug Wilkinson, Current Parent
Owner – Sir Sam’s Ski and Ride
Board member since 2022, Vice Chair and Head’s Evaluation Committee member
Education: FCPA, FCA, ICD.D
Industry Experience: Recently retired Vice Chairman at Deloitte Canada, worked across various industries including telecom, consumer business, and education.
Outside of Trafalgar: Skiing, travel, wine collector, Brock University Dean of Business Advisory Board, Toronto Alzheimer Society Board Member
One thing that you want people to know about Trafalgar: Best small private all-girls school in Canada….the place to send your daughters!
Connect with Doug on LinkedIn.
Simonetta Lanzi, Current and Past Parent
Partner Certified Specialist (Family Law) and Accredited Collaborative Practitioner (Family Lawyer)
Board member since 2020, Governance Committee member
Education: Bachelor of Arts (Honours) from the University of Toronto; Masters in English from Dalhousie University; and Law Degree from Western University.
Industry Experience: Simonetta has been a family law lawyer for 30 years. She practices primarily in the Superior Court of Justice, but has appeared at the Court of Appeal. Her focus is on settlement, ideally through the collaborative forum, on the well-being of children, and on the ongoing relationships within the family. Simonetta enjoys resolving complex financial situations and working through all issues productively, realistically and strategically.
Outside of Trafalgar: Managing and organizing her busy household, cooking and reading. Her volunteer time is primarily at Trafalgar, on the Board and as VP of the Parents’ Guild, but she also chairs the Collaborative Durham Practice Group, participates in a book club, golfs and spends time with family and friends.
One thing that you want people to know about Trafalgar: Trafalgar is steeped in history and yet modern and inclusive – walking through the Castle is unique, just as each student’s’ academic and co-curricular experience.
Connect with Simonetta on LinkedIn.
Dr. Hamilton Jeyaraj, Current Parent
Physician
Board member since 2022, Finance & Property Committee member
Education: Medical Doctor, MD
Industry Experience: Healthcare
Outside of Trafalgar: Golf, photography
One thing that you want people to know about Trafalgar: The empowerment of young girls to be strong women in the future.
Ewan Dunderdale, Current Parent
Founder – Kesatii
Board member since 2021, Ad hoc Admissions and Risk Committee member
Education: Bachelor of Arts, Environmental Studies from Carleton University, MBA from Queen’s University
Industry Experience: Over 25 years experience, primarily in consulting with a focus on data, analytics and AI. Recently started four successful start-ups.
Outside of Trafalgar: Cycling, skiing, running, Liverpool Football Club
One thing that you want people to know about Trafalgar: As my daughter always tells me, it’s a sisterhood. She feels loved at Trafalgar.
Connect with Ewan on LinkedIn.
Sean Cable, Current and Past Parent
Chief Accountant: Corporate Reporting Services – PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Board member since 2019, Ad hoc Admissions Committee Chair, Head’s Evaluation Committee member
Education: Bachelor of Commerce from Queen’s University and CPA
Industry Experience: Financial reporting, controls and governance
Outside of Trafalgar: Staying active, time at the cottage
One thing that you want people to know about Trafalgar: The individual support that is given to every student at Trafalgar.
Connect with Sean on LinkedIn.
Karen Pluthero, Alumna
Senior Director, Brand Marketing at Rexall
Board member since 2023, Ad hoc Admissions Committee member
Education: University of Western Ontario
Industry Experience: Advertising and Marketing; International Experience having worked in Canada, Dubai, and Barbados.
Outside of Trafalgar: Karen enjoys traveling and hiking.
One thing that you want people to know about Trafalgar: My favourite memory about Trafalgar is the friendships I made as a boarder. I made lifelong friends and had great experiences I still cherish today. It molded me to the person I am today.
Connect with Karen on LinkedIn.
Sojin Kim, Alumna
Finance Business Partner at Deloitte Canada
Board member since 2023, Finance & Property Committee member
Education: MBA / CMA
Industry Experience: Finance Professional in IT/Consulting Industry
Outside of Trafalgar: Sojin enjoys travelling with family, yoga and trying new things.
One thing that you want people to know about Trafalgar: Trafalgar is a place where young girls are always supported and empowered to reach full potential.
Connect with Sojin on LinkedIn.
Krista Hester, Community Member
Chief of Staff, Office of the President at Ontario Tech University
Board member since 2023, Governance Committee member
Education: Durham College, University of Manitoba
Industry Experience: Krista has spent 16 years working for Ontario Tech University in various capacities of administration. Prior to working at the university, Krista worked for a number of years at Sick Kids Hospital in the Haematology, Oncology and Bone Marrow Transplant division supporting families and the medical teams.
Outside of Trafalgar: Krista enjoys being active and outdoors and spending time with her husband and two young boys. She spends a good deal of time volunteering in multiple capacities for her church, Kingsview United, in Oshawa.
One thing that you want people to know about Trafalgar: Trafalgar is empowering young women to be change makers and creating leaders for future generations.
Connect with Krista on LinkedIn.
Sid Attapattu, Current Parent
Principal – Product Development at AMAZON (previously Director of Technology Strategy at TELUS Communications)
Board member since 2021, Risk Committee member
Education: BSc. – Software Engineering (University of Toronto); Master Of Science – Technology Management (Wilfrid Laurier University); Diploma – Business Administration (McMaster University); PMP PMI
Industry Experience: Over 18 years of experience building and leading high performance technology teams, strategies and products for tier 1 corporations.
Outside of Trafalgar: Sid can be found kayaking or canoeing in the summer and skiing in the winter.
One thing that you want people to know about Trafalgar: Trafalgar Castle School provides an environment focused on academic achievement both in class and outside of it. For nearly 150 years, Trafalgar has guided countless young women to see and live their potential and find a true sense of purpose.
Connect with Sid on LinkedIn.
Upper School & AP Studio Art, Photography & Design Thinking (Grade 11 &12), Advisor Program Coordinator
Time at Traf: 19 years
Education: Studio Art and Bachelor of Education from the University of Guelph, Visual Arts Specialist from Western Ontario, Guidance Specialist from Queen’s University and Design Thinking Educator Certification from Future Design School.
Professional Passions: Visual Arts, photography, design, creative thinking, arts & wellness and outdoor education
Something You’ve Crossed off your Bucket List: Travelling through Asia and living in South Korea
Outside of Trafalgar: Spending time with family and friends, cottage time, live music and concerts, and photography
Head of School, ext. 225
Time at Traf: Since 2007
Education: Bachelor of Science (Honours) Kinesiology, Bachelor of Education, Intermediate/Senior Physical Education and Master of Education in Educational Leadership.
Professional Passions: Helping students to become the best versions of themselves and find the things that they are truly passionate about both inside and outside of the classroom.
Something You’ve Crossed off your Bucket List: Lots of my travel objectives – Scotland, Ireland, Bali, Greece, Australia, New Zealand and a number of other places.
Outside of Trafalgar: Spend time with my boys (2 little and one grown up), visit my sister and her family in the Bahamas, play sports (hockey and soccer primarily) and be active.
Grade 6
Time at Traf: Since September 2023
Professional Passions: Student success and physical literacy
Something You’ve Crossed off your Bucket List: Surfing in Australia
Outside of Trafalgar: Reading, biking, swimming, skiing, family time
French (Upper School)
Time at Traf: Since September 2023
Education: Bachelor of Science (Honours) from the University of Toronto, Bachelor of Education (OISE) and Master of Education in Developmental Psychology (OISE)
Professional Passions: Witnessing a student’s growth in communicative confidence both in and outside of the classroom.
Something You’ve Crossed off your Bucket List: Running an ultramarathon in the desert!
Outside of Trafalgar: Run, swim, read, and soak up time with loved ones.
School Chef, ext. 357
Time at Traf: Since 2021
Favourite part about Trafalgar: Friendly staff
Outside of Trafalgar: Carpentry
Dean of Students, ext. 229
Education: Bachelor of Education, Honours Biology and Masters of Education, Curriculum Studies
Professional Passions: Mental health and wellness for all learners
Something You’ve Crossed off your Bucket List: Studying in Ireland
Outside of Trafalgar: Reading, baking, family time at the lake
Deputy Head, ext. 228
Time at Traf: First year!
Education: Masters of Education in Educational Leadership from Memorial University; Bachelor of Education from Queen’s University; Bachelor of Environmental Studies (Honours Geography Co-op) from the University of Waterloo
Professional Passions: Social-Emotional Learning and Differentiation to support a strong sense of belonging in our whole community; Uplifting Leadership
Favourite part about Trafalgar: Warm and welcoming with so much heart
Something You’ve Crossed off your Bucket List: Getting her Masters!
Outside of Trafalgar: Canoeing, photography, painting, cooking & baking, design
Maggie Carmichael, Alumna
Associate Lawyer, Pensions, Benefits & Executive Compensation – Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP
Board member since 2022, Risk Committee Chair
Education: Bachelor of Arts (Major in Kinesiology & Physical Education, Minor in Psychology) from Wilfrid Laurier University, Juris Doctor from Queen’s University
Industry Experience: Lawyer practising in the area of pensions, benefits and executive compensation
Outside of Trafalgar: Walking her dog, Mollie, with her wife Katie, passion for EDI, and in particular, LGBTQ+ activism, mentorship
One thing that you want people to know about Trafalgar: Trafalgar empowers girls to become their best.
Connect with Maggie on LinkedIn.
Brian Lee, Current Parent
CFO CIBC Mellon
Board member since 2022, Finance & Property Committee Chair
Education: Master of Accounting/CPA
Industry Experience: SVP Finance Operations – CIBC; Global Chief Audit Executive – CIBC; CFO – CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank
Outside of Trafalgar: Cycling, skiing and anything else outdoors
One thing that you want people to know about Trafalgar: The strength and passion of the entire Trafalgar Castle Team.
Connect with Brian on LinkedIn.
Lesley Campbell, Alumna
Labour and Employment Lawyer
Board member since 2019, Head’s Evaluation Committee Chair
Education: Undergrad in Political Science and Master’s Political Science from Western University; Windsor Law 2016
Industry Experience: Lesley provides practical advice and representation to employers and management in both the private and public sectors on a wide range of labour, employment and human rights issues such as grievances, wrongful dismissals and claims of discrimination and harassment. Her practice includes appellate and other employment litigation, arbitration advocacy and human rights proceedings.
Outside of Trafalgar: Caring for her young son, listening to all the podcasts, watching sports (Toronto Maple Leafs, Blue Jays, Raptors, Formula 1), following Canadian and American politics
One thing that you want people to know about Trafalgar: Trafalgar is where I found my voice and learned never to doubt that what I have to say has value.
Connect with Lesley on LinkedIn.
Tyler Hewlett, Current Parent
Vice President and Portfolio Manager, Bluewater Team – Mackenzie Investments
Foundation Board Member since 2021
Education: Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) from Queen’s University, CFA Charterholder
Industry Experience: Multi award winning portfolio manager, over 20 years’ experience in the investment industry, managing multi-billion dollar portfolios in Global, US and Canadian equities
Outside of Trafalgar: Live music, both watching and playing sports of all kinds, fitness and health, travel, culinary experiences
One thing that you want people to know about Trafalgar: Trafalgar is the best of both worlds: a small school environment with the pedigree, academics and extracurriculars of a much larger school. The focus on a growth mindset, resiliency, confidence and continuous, lifelong learning is a great fit for girls in today’s world.
Connect with Tyler on LinkedIn.
Karen Gordon, Past Parent
Principal – Gordon Strategy / President – Ken Gordon Holdings
Board member since 2019, Board Chair
Education: Bachelor of Arts from Wilfrid Laurier University
Industry Experience: Strategy and communications, real estate
Outside of Trafalgar: Board member OLG, volunteer at The Ottawa Hospital, news, sports and pop culture junkie
One thing that you want people to know about Trafalgar: The magic of Trafalgar Castle is our community’s commitment to the empowerment, learning and growth of our students. In my daughter’s time at the school, she learned to love learning and debating, and how to be the best version of herself.
Connect with Karen on LinkedIn.
David Hogg, Past Parent
Board member since 2018, Finance & Property Committee member, Foundation Board member
Education: Bachelor of Science, Biochemistry and Economics from the University of Toronto and Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)
Industry Experience: David designed investment solutions for individuals and plan sponsors of a variety of group retirement plans. His team has guided families through their financial advice requirements for over two decades.
Outside of Trafalgar: Long distance trail running
One thing that you want people to know about Trafalgar: Trafalgar has a wonderful faculty who go above and beyond all expectations and made a vital contribution to our daughter’s education.
School Store (The Boutique) Coordinator, ext. 246
Time at Traf: Since November 2019
Education: Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Memorial University of Newfoundland.
Favourite part about Trafalgar: I love being part of a caring community which fosters growth and support amongst their students and peers.
Something You’ve Crossed off your Bucket List: I love to travel and the wonders of the world are on my bucket list. At the top of my list was the Pyramids in Egypt, which I was fortunate to see in 2007. Such a fantastic experience!
Outside of Trafalgar: My favourite things to do are read and watch movies. For outdoor fun during the summer I enjoy sailing on Lake Ontario, swimming and scuba diving.
Advancement Officer, ext. 270
Time at Traf: Since May 2023
Education: Business Administration-Marketing (Honours) from Durham College
Favourite part about Trafalgar: The historic building and fabulous colleagues
Something You’ve Crossed off your Bucket List: Seeing the Northern Lights
Outside of Trafalgar: Gardening
Dean of Academics, ext. 359
Time at Traf: Since September 2017
Education: Bachelor of Science (Honours) from McGill University, Bachelor of Education, Alternate III Program: School, Community, and Global Connections, Geography, Environmental Science, OISE from the University of Toronto
Professional Passions: Environmental Education and Competency-based Education
Favourite part about Trafalgar: The community. Teachers, administrators and staff work collaboratively and respectfully to ensure the success of our students, in regards to both their wellbeing and their academic development.
Something You’ve Crossed off your Bucket List: Sky diving, visiting Kenya, getting my blackbelt in karate
Outside of Trafalgar: Running, reading, yoga, hiking, canoeing, camping, listening to Podcasts, spending time with my family
Director of Boarding Life, ext. 282
Time at Traf: Since November 2004
Education: Business Administration
Professional Passions: I am passionate about supporting and advocating for the needs and interests of our boarding students, as well as making sure they all have a wonderful experience.
Favourite part about Trafalgar: What I like the most is our community. Knowing that our students and especially our boarders feel at home, feel accepted and valued and they have the freedom to express themselves, it is very rewarding.
Something You’ve Crossed off your Bucket List: Seeing Billy Joel in concert at Madison Square Garden in NYC.
Outside of Trafalgar: Spending time with family and friends, cooking (trying something new), gardening, going for walks with my dog, reading, seeing a good movie and traveling.
IT Help Desk Analyst, ext. 249
Time at Traf: Since 2016
Education: Economics/Computer Science
Favourite part about Trafalgar: The community
Athletic Director, Upper School Geography, Leadership and Philosophy
Time at Traf: Since September 2018
Education: Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Geography from the University of Ottawa, Bachelor of Education from Queen’s University and Master of Environmental Studies at York University.
Professional Passions: Coaching! She loves coaching field hockey, volleyball and the new Softball Team.
Something You’ve Crossed off your Bucket List: Sailing around the world.
Outside of Trafalgar: Sailing, skiing, swimming, travelling and spending time with family.
Admissions Officer, ext. 247
Time at Traf: Since March 2022
Education: Bachelor of Arts (Honours) from York University.
Professional Passions: It’s an absolute pleasure to guide families through the admission process, and be a part of their journey of choosing a dream school for their daughter. It is a true joy to welcome newly accepted students to Trafalgar Castle.
Favourite part about Trafalgar: Extraordinary students and their families, talented staff/faculty and the warmth of the Trafalgar Community. Trafalgar truly is a very special place.
Something You’ve Crossed off your Bucket List: Visited Sicily, Italy
Outside of Trafalgar: Traveling with my family, exploring different places and baking with my daughter.
Front Desk Administrator, ext. 221
Time at Traf: Since 2013
Favourite part about Trafalgar: The wonderful people I work with, and I get to work in a Castle!
Something You’ve Crossed off your Bucket List:
Outside of Trafalgar: Travel, family and enjoying the cottage life.
Admissions, Advancement & Alumnae Coordinator, ext. 355
Time at Traf: Since 2007
Education: Business Administration – Human Resources from Durham College
Outside of Trafalgar: Spending time with family and friends
Math (Upper School) and STEM (Middle School)
Time at Traf: Since August 2019
Education: Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Math from Queen’s University, Master of Science in Actuarial Science from Western University and Bachelor of Education from Queen’s University.
Professional Passions: Mathematical problem solving and fostering relevance and resilience in math classes.
Something You’ve Crossed off your Bucket List: Visited 30 countries in 30 years (with the hopes of reaching 40 by end of 2023!)
Outside of Trafalgar: Reading and travel
Middle School, Grade 9 English and Grade 9/10 Drama
Time at Traf: Since January 2023
Education: Professional Graduate Diploma in Education from the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow and Specialist in English from the University of Toronto.
Professional Passions: All-school House events
Something You’ve Crossed off your Bucket List: Attending Carnival in Trinidad & Tobago
Outside of Trafalgar: Reading, dancing, vintage shopping/all shopping
AP Language, Grade 12 English and Writer’s Craft
Time at Traf: 18 years
Education: Bachelor of Arts from Laurentian University, Bachelor of Education from Queen’s University and Master of Education from Penn State University.
Professional Passions: Seeing the lightbulb of understanding in a student’s eyes.
Something You’ve Crossed off your Bucket List: Exploring Petra, Jordan
Outside of Trafalgar: Travel, Reading, Needlework, Lego
Executive Assistant to the Head of School, ext. 227
Time at Traf: Since October 2015
Education: Bachelor of Arts (Honours) from Western University
Professional Passions: Organization of people and events. Having something go as planned is very satisfying!
Favourite part about Trafalgar: The small community and warm family feel
Something You’ve Crossed off your Bucket List: Skydiving, visiting Hawaii
Outside of Trafalgar: Spending time outside, watching my kids play the sports they love
School Nurse (RN), ext. 248
Time at Traf: Since May 2017
Education: Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Professional Passions: I love teaching others to help empower them to make positive choices about their health and well-being.
Favourite part about Trafalgar: The community
Something You’ve Crossed off your Bucket List: Seeing the Grand Canyon
Outside of Trafalgar: Running, camping, being outdoors
Food Services and Housekeeping Director, ext. 223
Time at Traf: Since 2006
Education: Hotel and Restaurant Management
Professional Passions: Providing amazing food 🙂
Favourite part about Trafalgar: Love the history/architecture of the Castle
Something You’ve Crossed off your Bucket List: Visiting 27 waterfalls in the Dominican with my children
Outside of Trafalgar: Visiting with my precious grandchildren, golfing, travelling
CFO, ext. 233
Time at Traf: 23 years
Education: Honours Bachelor of Business Administration, CPA, CA
Professional Passions: Operational efficiencies and improvements
Favourite part about Trafalgar: Friendship
Something You’ve Crossed off your Bucket List: Travelling to Australia
Outside of Trafalgar: Watching sports
Human Resources Manager, ext. 254
Time at Traf: Since September 2022
Education: CHRL, Office Systems Administration Diploma from Humber College
Professional Passions: Providing value to an organization
Favourite part about Trafalgar: The people I work with, the teachers are all fantastic!
Something You’ve Crossed off your Bucket List: Went to Rome, Italy
Grade 9 Science, Grade 11 Physics and Grade 11 & 12 Chemistry
Time at Traf: 16 years
Education: Bachelor of Science and Master of Science from McMaster University and Bachelor of Education from the University of Toronto.
Professional Passions: MATE robotics and mentoring engineering and design skills.
Something You’ve Crossed off your Bucket List: Living in Italy
Outside of Trafalgar: Photography, wine tasting and oenology
Grade 8 to 12 Instrumental Music, ESL and GLS
Time at Traf: Since September 2011
Education: Bachelor of Music from Mount Allison University, Master of Music in Clarinet Performance from Indiana University and Bachelor of Education from York University.
Professional Passions: Teaching music and playing clarinet
Outside of Trafalgar: All things camping! Canoeing, kayaking, fishing, hiking and sitting by a camp fire.
Grade 8 STEM and Grade 9 & 10 Technology
Time at Traf: Since September 2017
Education: Bachelor of Arts (Honours) from Trent University and Masters of Teaching from Griffith University, Australia.
Professional Passions: Experiential learning
Something You’ve Crossed off your Bucket List: Owning her own boat
Outside of Trafalgar: Boating, baking, reading
Health and Physical Education (Lower School) and Grade 8
Time at Traf: 22 years
Education: Bachelor of Science in Natural Science and Bachelor of Education from Lakehead University.
Professional Passions: Helping students to find activities that they love so that they will be active throughout their lives. Inspiring Lower School students to be curious, and develop a passion for science and the environment.
Something You’ve Crossed off your Bucket List: Skydiving and visiting Greece and Italy.
Outside of Trafalgar: Camping, hiking, spending time with family
Health, Physical Education and Fitness (Upper School)
Education: Bachelor of Kinesiology (Honours) from Western University and Bachelor of Education from Deakin University.
Professional Passions: Serving as a role model, motivating others to embrace a lifestyle of health and activity.
Something You’ve Crossed off your Bucket List: Achieving her personal best while running the Boston Marathon.
Outside of Trafalgar: Golden doodle Peyty, travelling, exercising, gardening, decorating, games nights with family, sunset watching, anything chocolate!
English and Law
Time at Traf: 12 years
Education: Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in History and English (minor in Classics) from Acadia University, Master of Arts English Language and Literature from Queen’s University and Bachelor of Education from Ontario Tech University.
Professional Passions: Helping students develop or increase a love for literature.
Something You’ve Crossed off your Bucket List: Bungee jumping over the Zambezi River.
Outside of Trafalgar: Sports and live music
Physics, AP Computer Science, AP Calculus
Time at Traf: 3 years
Education: Electrical Engineering, University of Toronto
Professional Passions: MATE Robotics
Something You’ve Crossed off your Bucket List: Getting a haircut in Greece.
Outside of Trafalgar: Traveling to random places, trying new food and playing video games.
Grade 10 Science, Grade 11 & 12 Biology
Time at Traf: 17 years
Education: Bachelor of Science (Honours) from the University of Toronto and Bachelor of Education at Deakin University (Australia)
Professional Passions: Beyond imparting education in the sciences, I aim to empower students to become critical thinkers and strive to be the best version of themselves.
Something You’ve Crossed off your Bucket List: My personal best in deadlifting 235lbs.
Outside of Trafalgar: Eating and weightlifting
Lower and Middle School Music and Integrated Arts
Time at Traf: Since September 2022
Education: Bachelor of Music from Western University, Bachelor of Education from Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, University of Toronto and Honours Music Specialist from Queen’s University.
Professional Passions: Making music with children
Something You’ve Crossed off your Bucket List: Singing at The Royal Albert Hall in London, England
Outside of Trafalgar: I love to bake! I enjoy travelling, having visited over 30 countries in Europe!
Grade 5
Time at Traf: Since September 2022
Education: Bachelor of Arts in Humanities from Brock University and Bachelor of Education from Trent University.
Professional Passions: Critical Thinking, Reading, Math and Social Emotional Wellbeing
Something You’ve Crossed off your Bucket List: In 2014, I went trekking in Nepal and completed the same trail as my grandmother, who was there over 25 years prior.
Outside of Trafalgar: Golfing, skiing, camping, swimming, gardening, reading and listening to music.
History and Social Sciences (Upper School)
Time at Traf: 7 years
Education: Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in English and Classical Studies from Western University, Masters of Studies in Classical History from Oxford University and Bachelor of Education from Western University
Professional Passions: Hands-on history and archaeology. Latin and ancient texts.
Something You’ve Crossed off your Bucket List: Part of an archaeological dig in Spain. Visiting amazing sites like Machu Picchu, Stonehenge and Knossos – with more to come!
Outside of Trafalgar: Sings in two choirs. Favourite things are cooking, crocheting and sushi!
English and Social Science (Upper & Middle School)
Time at Traf: Since September 2022
Education: Bachelor of Arts (Honours) from Queen’s University, Bachelor of Education from Ontario Tech University
Professional Passions: Helping to develop students’ love for literature and exposing them to various genres, time periods and authors to foster a love of reading.
Something You’ve Crossed off your Bucket List: Getting to go to Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre in London.
Outside of Trafalgar: Cooking, hiking and reading.
A parent of a former Trafalgar student and Trafalgar alum from the Class of 2019, Stephen is Managing Director, Equity Research at Raymond James. He has been a member of the Trafalgar Foundation Board of Directors since 2021 and is keen on protecting the financial legacy of the School.
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A parent of two current Trafalgar students, Tyler has over 20 years of experience in the investment management industry, is a CFA Charterholder and is Vice President and Portfolio Manager at Mackenzie Investments. Tyler has been a member of the Trafalgar Foundation Board of Directors since 2021. “Seeing Trafalgar’s positive impact on my girls and its importance to the community that I grew up in, I wanted to help ensure that the School could continue to be a positive influence for young women for many years to come.”
A parent of a current Trafalgar student, David was a former Associate Portfolio Manager with a large Canadian financial services firm. A member of the Foundation Board of Directors since 2021, David is also a member of the Trafalgar Castle School Board of Directors since 2018 and sits on its Finance & Property Committee.
A Trafalgar alumna from the class of 2004, Kait is Executive Director, Mid-Market Solutions at CIBC Capital Markets, and has been a member of the Trafalgar Foundation Board of Directors since 2021. “Trafalgar Castle School was instrumental in my upbringing, and I am very honoured to be able to give back to the school in this capacity!”
A Trafalgar alumna from the class of 1988, Eva is a Founding and General Partner of Two Small Fish Ventures and has been a member of the Trafalgar Foundation Board of Directors since 2021. “I am honoured to join the Trafalgar Castle School Foundation Board. My upbringing in an all-girls school empowered my journey as a woman entrepreneur and venture capitalist. I believe the Foundation Board will further the great traditions in the school while enabling innovations.”
A parent of a Trafalgar alum from the Class of 2022, Michael is Director, Wealth Management & Portfolio Manager, Investment Advisor at Richardson Wealth. He has been a member of the Trafalgar Foundation Board of Directors since 2021.
A parent of a former Trafalgar student and Trafalgar alum from the Class of 2019, Stephen is Managing Director, Equity Research at Raymond James. He has been a member of the Trafalgar Foundation Board of Directors since 2021 and is keen on protecting the financial legacy of the School.
A Trafalgar alumna from the Class of 1987 and a parent of a Trafalgar alum from the Class of 2021, Seema is an Associate Partner at Ernst & Young LLP. Seema has been a member of the Board of Directors since 2019 and is Chair of the Risk Management Committee.
A parent of two Trafalgar alum from the Class of 2020 and 2022, Dave is the Director of Operations at the Town of Ajax. As a member of the Board of Directors since 2017, Dave currently sits on the Finance and Property Committee.
A parent of a current Trafalgar student, Shahid has also been a guardian for several former Trafalgar students. He is an Immigration Consultant at CD Alliance Inc. As a member of the Board of Directors since 2017, Shahid currently sits on the Risk Management Committee.