Embarking on a New Journey with Dreams! Grand Opening of SuOn Academy’s 2024-2025 School Year!

The 2024-2025 school year at SuOn Academy has officially begun, and students have already started their classes!

Dressed smartly in their uniforms, students took their seats in the audience, full of energy and anticipation for the new school year. Their eyes reflected their eagerness and excitement.

Principal Mr. Botnick delivered a welcoming speech, warmly greeting the new students who have arrived in Canada and joined SuOn Academy, and also welcoming returning students back after a fulfilling summer break. Mr. Botnick was born and raised in Toronto. After earning an Honours Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and Physiology from the University of Toronto, he obtained a Bachelor of Education from the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education. With 35 years of experience in education, he has taught high school mathematics and science and served as an administrator and principal in the Toronto District School Board for 18 years. He has led numerous seminars on successful school management, educational assessment, classroom management, educational equity, and achieving academic excellence.

The Canadian teaching team, consisting of all English-speaking local teachers, introduced themselves to the students. All faculty members hold either a bachelor’s or master’s degree from Canadian universities, along with Ontario Certified Teacher (OCT) qualifications. Some teachers even possess doctoral degrees. Furthermore, for international students who come from non-English-speaking backgrounds, all teachers are certified to teach English as a Second Language (ESL), which will help students overcome language barriers in their academic studies more effectively.

The bilingual homeroom team also introduced themselves at the opening ceremony. SuOn Academy actively combines the strengths of both Chinese and Canadian education systems, creating a unique blend of East and West. In addition to Canadian teachers as the main instructors, the school implements a bilingual homeroom and mentorship system. The bilingual homeroom team consists of highly qualified professionals who graduated from top Chinese universities (985 or 211 institutions) and obtained master’s or doctoral degrees in North America. With years of experience in Canadian secondary education, they are well-versed in both Chinese and Canadian education systems and understand the unique needs of international students.

Afterward, Principal Botnick used a large screen to present and explain several key pieces of information to the students, including:

SuOn’s core values: Total Care, Academic Excellence, Independence, and Global Citizenship.

Mr. Botnick emphasized that in Ontario high schools, achieving academic excellence starts with punctual attendance. Students must attend all classes, avoid absences, and never be late. He also pointed out that as international students, attending classes on time is a requirement set by immigration authorities for study permit holders.

In North America, academic integrity is of utmost importance. Any form of cheating, plagiarism, or using others’ work or online resources without proper citation is strictly prohibited. The principal gave a detailed explanation of what constitutes academic dishonesty and reminded students to steer clear of such behavior.

He also encouraged students to actively participate in extracurricular clubs or even create their own. Students can submit a proposal for approval and start a new club. Lastly, Vice Principal Tracy outlined dormitory rules and expectations, hoping that the students have a happy and fulfilling year at SuOn Academy in Canada.