At St. Stephen’s, that partnership begins from the moment students enter Grade 9. The first two years of high school are an important period of growth, as students strengthen their academic foundations, develop greater independence, learn to manage increasing expectations, and begin to discover the subjects and interests they may wish to pursue more deeply in the years ahead.
The Grade 9 & 10 Parent Evening was designed to help families understand that journey and the network of people supporting their children along the way.
The evening began with small-group meetings with student advisors, giving parents the opportunity to connect directly with one of the adults who knows their child well and plays an important role in supporting both academic progress and overall school life.
Families then gathered in the Auditorium for an overview of the Grade 9 and 10 programs, expectations, and the academic pathway ahead. The presentation also introduced key administrators and helped parents better understand how the different parts of a St. Stephen’s education work together—from classroom learning and advising to student support and preparation for the choices students will make as they move toward Grades 11 and 12.
Later in the evening, teachers and Department Chairs were available to meet families, share information about their courses, and answer questions. An informal aperitivo offered another opportunity for parents, faculty, and members of the School community to continue conversations and get to know one another.
These opportunities for connection are particularly important in Grades 9 and 10. While students are encouraged to become increasingly independent, that independence develops most successfully when students, families, advisors, and teachers are working in partnership.
For St. Stephen’s, educating a student therefore means more than what happens in the classroom. It also means helping families understand the academic program, creating clear lines of communication, and ensuring that parents know the people and resources available to support their child.
The Grade 9 & 10 Parent Evening is one of several opportunities throughout the year designed to strengthen those relationships and keep families connected to their child’s experience at St. Stephen’s.
As students begin to find their footing, test their independence, and shape their own paths through high school, that partnership provides an important foundation for the years ahead.
