A Day for the History Books  

St. Andrew’s proudly marked a monumental moment – 125 years of shaping the minds, hearts, and futures of young men. On September 10, 2024, the celebrations kicked off in full swing, with the school commemorating its incredible journey from humble beginnings in Toronto to its sprawling 126-acre campus in Aurora. The day, filled with excitement and reflection, reminded everyone of the rich history and values that continue to define SAC.

 

What began in 1899 as a small schoolhouse in Chestnut Park with just 50 boys has blossomed into a vibrant international community. Today, 668 students from over 25 countries call St. Andrew’s home, engaging in academics, athletics, and the arts, all while upholding the values of brotherhood and tradition that have remained at the core of the school’s identity.

 

The 125th birthday festivities were meticulously planned for over a year, and the excitement was palpable as the school community came together to mark the occasion. Students and staff proudly donned their specially designed 125 spirit wear, creating a sea of red, white, and black across the campus. The Parents Guild contributed commemorative 125 cookies, which were joyfully distributed to families during morning drop-off, setting the tone for a morning filled with school spirit and community.

 

In Cole Hall, the students gathered for a special breakfast, followed by an inspiring assembly that took everyone on a journey through the school’s rich history. The assembly delved into SAC’s story – how it grew from modest beginnings to become a renowned, continuously evolving institution while staying true to its core mission of “developing the complete man, the well-rounded citizen.”

 

The festivities really began when students and staff lined the iconic Quadrangle for a spirited, throwback-themed obstacle course. Hosted by the Prefects, the competition offered a nostalgic glimpse into our past, with challenges like kilting up teammates, hurdling, egg tossing, bobbing for apples, and a hilarious beanbag toss. The final challenge – spinning in circles before capturing Braveheart’s head – capped off the fun, with the victorious team earning the honour of wearing the coveted Braveheart mascot head and collecting valuable Clan points.

 

No birthday would be complete without a party, and SAC certainly didn’t disappoint. A massive cake and balloons made the day even sweeter, while the Welcome Back to School Parent Reception featured a joyful sing-along of Happy Birthday that filled the Head of School’s house with camaraderie.

 

The celebrations didn’t stop there. On September 19, following the annual motionball day in support of the Special Olympics, students and staff gathered on Yuill Family Field for a symbolic formation. Standing proudly in the shape of “125!” with Upper School students from St. Anne’s School joining as the exclamation mark, this moment reflected both the energy of the moment and the strength of the unique partnership between the two schools. It was a day of unity, as everyone sported their red and white in a powerful display of school spirit.

 

Homecoming brought even more excitement. Special “125” cheer towels and tattoos, generously provided by the Parents Guild, were handed out to rally the crowd. But it wasn’t just about the celebrations; SAC’s commitment to environmental leadership also took centre stage. The Outdoor Education and Environmental teams embraced the 125 theme with a challenge to plant 1,250 trees this school year. Thanks to their hard work and the collective efforts of the Andrean community, this ambitious goal surpassed 1,000 trees planted at Willow Farm trail and near the turf field scoreboard at the close of Homecoming weekend, a lasting tribute to the school’s dedication to sustainability and future generations.

 

As the year continues, the 125 celebrations will leave a memorable legacy. The Advancement Team’s commemorative paver stones campaign invites Andreans to leave their mark on the Quadrangle, with each engraved stone serving as a tribute to the school’s rich past and a step toward its bright future.

 

In 125 years, St. Andrew’s College has nurtured thousands of boys into complete men, instilling values of tradition, brotherhood, and leadership. As we mark this exceptional milestone, the future shines brighter than ever, with eyes set on the next chapter in our school’s history – a history filled with tradition, progress, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.