As my first year as Head of School comes to a close, I am reflecting on what makes Fraser Academy such a unique environment. It is true that this school is unlike any other. 

What makes all the difference is our students, and the way that they bring their whole selves to school.

All year long, I have enjoyed the energy of our learners: from Junior School all the way through to graduation, each student has shared their spark of brilliance in many different ways.

Recently, I sat down with Ella K. at the end of their first year as a Fraser student. Ella joined us in Grade 5, which for a lot of kids is a time of change and growth.

Ella exemplifies that special spark that all Fraser Academy students have, and a true joy of learning.

The core values of Fraser Academy are Resilience, Acceptance, Innovation, Self-Reliance, and Excellence (RAISE). These are lofty words, but they tell a story about who a Fraser Academy student is.

A Fraser Academy student is resilient because they build strength through perseverance. I have seen how hard our students work, and how our faculty work to ensure that each student understands in their own way.

A Fraser Academy student is accepting: they are respectful, empathetic, and open, and they meet the world with respect and curiosity. These attributes contribute to their development as leaders but also as the kind of inquisitive and creative individuals who are empowered to make the changes they want to see in the world.

A Fraser Academy student is innovative, and doesn’t simply do things because this is how they have always been done. They ask questions and turn a problem over in their hands until they understand its angles, then find a solution that fits.

A Fraser Academy student is self-reliant, because they are confident in their personal strengths and able to advocate for themselves when they are less certain. They take ownership of their learning and succeed because they are independent members of a community that cares for them.

A Fraser Academy student excels because we know that they can maintain a high standard of work and participation.

We recently celebrated Recognition Day and the graduation ceremony for the Class of 2026. Our Grade 12s have been offered admission to more than 135 postsecondary institutions and programs, with nearly $400,000 in scholarships and bursaries.

These are huge accomplishments, and we are proud of each and every grad: their excellence is evident as they embark on their next adventures.

Beyond academics, what stood out to me on Recognition Day was how excellence takes many forms. Fraser Academy students are excellent athletes, artists, and citizens, and each one adds something irreplaceable to our community as a whole.

Seeing everyone together, hearing the teachers describe their students and their successes, and listening to the students themselves speak was incredibly meaningful to me. Each and every one truly embodies our RAISE values.

As summer brings quiet and a time for rest, I look forward to reflecting on this past year. Thank you to everyone who has made my first year as Head of School so special: I look forward to bringing renewed energy to Fraser Academy in September.

In the meantime, I wish you a wonderful summer full of family, friends, and fun. I can’t wait to catch up with each of you in the fall!

Dennis Innes
Head of School