Events

Once pandemic restrictions were lifted, a casual reunion was quickly organized, as we eagerly worked to bring our SJK Class Reps back to campus. After more than two years of restricted access to students only, we were thrilled with the idea of a reunion.

Those in attendance represented many of the 50 years of SJK’s existence. Arriving at Newton House, a group gathered on the second floor, in the Learning Commons, for visits with faculty members, along with stories, wine and charcuterie.

With the 50th Anniversary Weekend just weeks away, it was fantastic to gather in-person, and share the plans for the Weekend.

We are so grateful to our Class Reps for all that they do, to keep up with their classmates and bring them together. Although the gatherings had to be virtual for so long, they have contributed to maintaining a sense of community—something SJK is well-loved for.

On Saturday, October 22, we were treated to an amazing evening of glitz and glamour. At the stunning Tapestry Hall, the SJK community gathered to celebrate our School’s 50th anniversary and to raise funds for our new Art, Design and Media Centre.

The evening was a huge success—after being apart for so long, everyone appreciated coming together to connect, celebrate, and support our School. We had highest ever attendance levels, the highest sponsorship levels to date, and the highest table sales which resulted in raising the highest sum a Gala Committee has ever achieved in a Gala. Congratulations to everyone involved!

As we celebrate SJK’s 50th anniversary year, as the current SJK community, we have the opportunity to create our legacy. Years from now, future community members will see what we have accomplished and will be inspired by our vision. The new Art, Design and Media Centre will be one of those projects that will impact students today and tomorrow. 

SJK’s Celebration Weekend started in the evening of Friday, September 30 in the village of Elora. Former faculty and staff, alumni, and current SJK community members gathered for a walking tour past former school sites, playgrounds, and St. John the Evangelist Anglican Church, where it all began. Following the tour, guests enjoyed drinks, snacks, and caught up with old friends at Elora Brewing Company.

On Saturday, October 1, the festivities began with an enchanting Choral Evensong performance at 11:00 a.m. in the Chapel of St. Margaret and St. John featuring members of both the Parish Choir of St. John the Evangelist Anglican Church and SJK School Choirs. At 11:45 a.m., guests enjoyed a delicious brunch in Founders’ Hall in the company of other current and former SJK families. From 12:30 to 4:00 p.m., there were a variety of outdoor activities for all ages, including face painting, rock climbing, canoeing, and lawn games, across SJK’s beautiful 36-acre campus. The afternoon also included, thanks to generous donors, the grand opening of two new sites on campus—a Celebration Garden and SJK’s first Outdoor Classroom. The weekend ended with a Big Birthday Bash where community members enjoyed cocktails, listened to live music, ate BBQ, watched fireworks, reconnected with former classmates and teachers, and made new connections among the growing SJK community.