A New Beginning, A New Journey! 2025–2026 SuOn Academy Opening Ceremony Recap

On September 2, 2025, SuOn Academy held its opening ceremony for the 2025–2026 academic year. Principal Ian Botnick warmly welcomed all returning students who are about to embark on a challenging new school year after a fulfilling summer break, and extended a heartfelt welcome to the new students joining the SuOn family.

 

Principal’s Address: Safety, Support, and Academic Commitment

At the opening ceremony, Principal Botnick began by reminding students to express gratitude to their parents for sending them to study in Canada, a country known for offering some of the best high school education in the world. He emphasized SuOn Academy’s commitment to creating a “home away from home” for its students in Canada, rooted in the philosophy of Total Care.

Principal Botnick encouraged students to seek support from the principal, vice principal, or bilingual homeroom teachers whenever needed. “The principal’s office is always open to you,” he said. He also stressed the importance of safety. As a recipient of the “Safe Study Abroad Award” from the Chinese Consulate-General in Toronto, SuOn Academy takes safety seriously. Principal Botnick shared examples of various emergency drills that Canadian high schools should conduct, and SuOn Academy plans to implement each of these over the next 10 months to ensure students are well-prepared for any emergency.

Strict dress code requirements were also emphasized—students must wear the school uniform in all classes. Finally, Principal Botnick encouraged all students to work hard: “Only through dedicated effort can academic success be achieved.” He concluded by officially welcoming every student to SuOn Academy.

 

Vice Principal’s Address: Discipline, Integrity, and Independence

Vice Principal Tracy reinforced the importance of discipline in academic activities. The first focus was class attendance. Every student must attend classes on time and complete assignments with quality both in and outside the classroom. SuOn Academy has a strict attendance policy: any course with over 13 hours of absences will result in a loss of credit.

Next, she addressed the use of phones and electronic devices. Vice Principal Tracy made it clear that mobile phones and other devices are strictly prohibited during class time unless explicitly permitted by the teacher for instructional purposes, as they disrupt learning and teaching order.

Academic integrity was another important topic. In Canada, students are expected to approach their studies with honesty and integrity. Tracy also reminded students of the supplies needed for class and emphasized boarding student rules, including strict red lines that must not be crossed. Any violations will result in disciplinary actions, and following school rules and self-discipline are prerequisites for successfully living and studying at SuOn.

Vice Principal Tracy also shared many real-life examples from international student life, explaining how to be independent in Canada, how to respect oneself and others, and how adhering to Canadian rules is essential for long-term success and integration in the country.

 

Three Professional Teams Practicing “Total Care”

SuOn’s teaching, academic advising, and residential life teams will closely collaborate in the new academic year to fully implement the Total Care approach.

The teaching team will have more PA (Professional Activity) Days for internal training and to exchange teaching practices and incorporate the latest pedagogical ideas.

The academic advising team has summarized university application experiences from the Class of 2025 to offer improved guidance to the new cohort.

The residential life team has upgraded dormitory services during the summer to better support student life in the coming year.

 

SuOn Academy School Uniform Guidelines

SuOn Academy requires all students to wear uniforms during school hours. The uniforms are custom-designed by Dgn Kilters, the UK’s top school uniform brand and a recipient of the Princess Diana Award. The design features a distinct British style:

Burgundy blazer

Casual burgundy cardigan

Charcoal V-neck knit vest

Tailored iron-grey dress pants

Classic white dress shirt

Candy-white polo T-shirt

Burgundy striped logo-embroidered tie

British-style grey plaid skirt paired with high-quality knee-length socks

The SuOn logo is embroidered on the blazers, ties, and polo shirts to distinguish the uniforms as uniquely SuOn.

To the New Students of SuOn Academy: It’s Time to Begin Your Journey!