SMLS Welcomes Catherine Hant as Next Head of School

It is with great excitement that St. Mildred's-Lightbourn School announces the appointment of Catherine Hant as the next Head of School. After exhaustive community consultation and an extensive search process, Catherine emerged as the ideal candidate to lead the school boldly into the future, and they are thrilled to welcome her to the SMLS community. Catherine is taking over from the current Head of School, Nancy Richards, who, as previously announced, has decided to retire at the end of the school year.

Catherine brings a wealth of experience in education and leadership to her new role. With 29 years of experience at The Bishop Strachan School, she has a deep understanding of the unique needs and aspirations of girls' education. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Education from York University, a Bachelor of Physical Education from Brock University and a Masters of Education degree from York University. Catherine has also earned the Independent School Leadership diploma from the Canadian Accredited Independent Schools and holds a Guidance Specialist certificate from the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education at the University of Toronto.

Catherine has a proven track record of fostering academic excellence, promoting inclusive and equitable practices, and building strong and collaborative relationships within school communities. She currently serves as the Principal, Junior School, and has previously held the positions of Vice Principal, Junior School, and Director of Admissions and Enrolment management, all while at The Bishop Strachan School. Catherine was a committee member for BSS’s Campus Renewal Initiative, Co-Chair of BSS’s CAIS Accreditation and a past Board Member of the Ontario Reggio Association.

As the new Head of School, Catherine will provide visionary leadership, promote educational excellence, and cultivate a student-centered approach that nurtures the growth and development of St. Mildred's-Lightbourn School students. She is committed to upholding SMLS mission and values, executing the Aspire 2029 strategic plan, and to fostering a positive and inclusive school culture that celebrates diversity and empowering students to challenge and transform the world.

Catherine is thrilled to join the St. Mildred's-Lightbourn School community, and she is eagerly looking forward to getting to know the students, faculty, staff, parents, alumni, and wider community. She will be relocating with her family to Oakville and will be actively engaged in all facets of school life. She is excited to work collaboratively with the senior leadership team, faculty, staff and all stakeholders to achieve the shared vision for the future of the school.

Catherine holds a strong personal connection to SMLS, having attended the school from grades 4 to 6 while her father served as the School’s Chaplain. Her attendance at SMLS was transformative, and ultimately led her to a career focused on girls’ education and leadership.

St. Mildred’s-Lightbourn School community warmly welcomes Catherine as the new Head of School. Her leadership will bring exciting fresh perspectives, innovative ideas and positive growth to the school community. SMLS eagerly anticipates the bright future ahead under her leadership.

Catherine officially begins her new role on July 4, 2023. Please join the St. Mildred's-Lightbourn School community in congratulating Catherine on her new role and welcoming her back home!