St. George's School, Vancouver - Review #1

St. George's isn't just a school but it's also an identity. You're a Griffin from day one. What makes it unique is the expectation which is the expectation to push yourself, to contribute, to be part of a lineage. The traditions, like the house system and the emphasis on all-around development (mind, body, spirit)create a pressure that forges you. You either buy in or you struggle.

The best thing was earning my First XV jersey. It's not given; it's earned through years of early mornings, sweat and absolute commitment. It symbolized everything the school taught me. I grew from a nervous kid into someone who could lead a team and hold my own in an academic discussion. The St. George's confidence is real and it comes from being tested.

I would have gotten to know more of the teachers outside my main subjects earlier. Guys like Dr. MacLachlan, who runs the outdoor programs, have incredible perspectives. My advice for a new kid is be into the tradition. Join a team, get involved in your house. The more you put in, the more you get out. Don't be a spectator.

The brotherhood. It's a cliché until you experience it. It's the network of guys who have gone through the same grind, who share the same shorthand. It's knowing that the guy next to you in class is also the guy who had your back on the field.

For an incoming student, go find the bench behind the chapel, it's a quiet spot to think. The chicken burgers at the school cafeteria on Fridays are legendary. If you play rugby, introduce yourself to the Tait brothers early because they'll see your potential long before you do. And always respect the tie because it means something here.

Demanding. You learn to manage it because you have to. I liked the competitive environment because it made you sharp. My favourite teacher was Mr. Eppich in History. He didn't just teach dates and he staged debates where you had to defend a position and he'd play devil's advocate from any angle. He taught me how to think under pressure, which helped in rugby and business club. The workload is heavy, but the support is there if you seek it.

The rugby program is serious. The coaching, especially from both the Mr. Tait, is next-level. They don't just coach sport but they coach character, discipline, resilience, how to lead when you're tired. Facilities are incredible and the Boothe Family Field is where we battled. The best part was the sportsmanship. The feeling in the locker room after a hard-fought win against a rival school is something I'll never forget.

I took Drama in Grade 10 to step out of my comfort zone. Mr. Gray's class was surprisingly transformative. He created a space where being vulnerable was the strength. Performing a monologue was more terrifying than any rugby game but it made me a better communicator. The school's commitment is real and the theatre productions are professional.

The House competitions are the heart of the social fabric. Whether it's rugby, academic challenges or the arts festival, you're competing for your house. I also participated in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award program, which the school facilitates. The outdoor expeditions pushed me in a different, quieter way.

I was a day student, but many of my closest friends were boarders. The dorm life, from what I saw, created an even tighter bond. Hanging out in Riley House, you felt the history. The boarders had their own rhythm and their commitment to the school was total.

The dining hall is a great equalizer. Everyone eats together from day students to boarders and teachers. The food is good, but the conversations are better. You'd see some staff sitting with a group of Grade 9s. It breaks down barriers.

The school is in Vancouver, but it feels like its own world on the campus. We would go to Dunbar for coffee or pizza sometimes. Having the city and the Pacific Spirit Park nearby was a perk but most of our life was on the grounds.

Your social circle is defined by your teams, your house and your classes. It's intense and all encompassing. Formal events like the Snowball dance were fun but the best times were informal like hanging out in the Howard Family Science Centre after finishing a lab or just on the steps outside the Great Hall.