From Teaching to Learning...

Transformation HSC is an exciting $41 million project which will see a reinvestment in our current facilities on a scale not previously seen in our 108-year history. Adding approximately 134,000 sq.ft. of space in a new Senior School and College-wide Athletic Complex, the new buildings will transform not only our campus, but the way in which we are able to deliver the quality education that Hillfield Strathallan College prides itself on.

What is the vision behind Transformation HSC?

Schools of the past were highly biased toward students who learned best by book and lecture method, and achieved high scores in reading and math. But thanks to researchers such as Dr. Howard Gardner and the Project Zero research group at Harvard University, we now know that literacy and numeracy are just two forms of intelligence.  We also know that everyone learns differently and that we all have different kinds of minds. Only 14 percent of the general population learns best by book and lecture method. 

Schools that embrace “whole brain” and “experiential” learning level the playing field for more students, and bring engagement and much more powerful learning to the school experience. In these future environments students will come to see learning as a joyful experience at the heart of all aspects of life.

“Every student has a learning approach that is unique to them. Learning spaces should reflect this diversity and allow teachers and students to work together in a manner that best supports student growth. Students need the resources to explore their ideas and the tools and skills to refine them into a product that they are proud of and accountable for. The Michael G. DeGroote Senior School will provide them with this opportunity.” Head of College, Marc Ayotte

“In 1962 we raised money for the historic merger of Hillfield and Strathallan because we held a strong belief in the importance of the Schools; not just to their students, but to the entire community. As we see the progress of HSC today, we are convinced that the huge ambition expressed in 1962 has been more than realized.  It is time now to pursue a new and compelling ambition for our College. We continue to believe that HSC is a critical institution in this community, and with your help we can again transform HSC for the benefit of future generations of students and citizens.” Joyce Young ’43 & Bill Young ’35 Builders of HSC, Former Parents, Honourary Co-Chairs, Transformation HSC Campaign

“The current buildings are not just inadequate: they are actually becoming a barrier to creating the learning environment that we want and need. This is simply not acceptable for any school that intends to be at the forefront of educational innovation in the coming decades.” Mr. Rob Reiner, Deputy Head of College and Principal of the Middle School

“What a privilege it is to support HSC for the incredible contribution it makes to our children, our city and our nation. I applaud them for the boldness and passion of their vision for 21st century learning. My entire family joins me in saying that we feel it is also a privilege to support HSC for the very positive impact it has had on my children and my grandchildren over more than four decades.” Michael G. DeGroote (Hon ’09)