Ms. Stephanie Chan, the new Head of English, is a welcome addition to the St. George’s community. Having taught at Notre Dame Regional Secondary for 17 years, Ms. Chan is excited to experience a brand new work environment. Since the start of the school year, Ms. Chan has brought an organic atmosphere to the English department. Without implementing huge changes, she hopes to make her mark known.

Ms. Chan is a seasoned educator with a passion for literature. Going from Head of English at Notre Dame to St. George’s was no easy task, but the sense of community at Saints—which Ms. Chan has praised—is making that transition easier. 

Last June, Chan was given a warm welcome by the rest of the English department. Now, being only one month into the school year, Chan has found her place. She said that “everyone has been very welcoming and supportive over the first couple weeks.” 

This year, Ms. Chan is spearheading the new English First Peoples 12 (EFP) course. With contagious enthusiasm, she has already made a profound impact on her students. Jaghr Dhiman, a Grade 12 student in her EFP class, believes Ms. Chan is an “inspiring teacher who puts her students first.”

Taking on the role of a department head may suggest considerable changes, but Ms. Chan understands the importance of convention. When asked about her aspirations for the department, she emphasized her desire to observe the pre-existing environment of English at St. George’s before suggesting her own ideas: “I don’t want to come in and just create big changes. I prefer to observe first and respect what has already been built.”

As the school year goes on, it is certain that everyone around the school will know of Ms. Chan’s passion for teaching and her love for literature. Excited for the year ahead, she told us that she is “most looking forward to getting to know the students and the school.”

If you pass by Ms. Chan in the hallway, make sure to say hello and give her a warm welcome to St. George’s!