Meet the Teachers
Our experienced faculty have the subject-specialist knowledge needed to guide our students on their educational journey. Elmwood’s faculty draws on best practices unique to all girls’ education as they encourage students to be open-minded and reflective life-long learners.
Ms. Kate Meadowcroft
Play is Good
“I love teaching this age group—they’re so naturally curious about everything and get so excited when they learn something new.”
Walk into Kate Meadowcroft’s Junior Kindergarten classroom at Elmwood School first thing in the morning, and you're not only guaranteed a musical experience, but an international one too.
A lively group of 4 year-old girls greets you with the familiar kids’ song, Hello, how are you?—in six different languages.
“Hallo, wie geht es dir? Hola cómo estás? Bonjour, comment ça va? Nǐ hǎo, Salam, chetoree? Salve.” Playful song fills the room—and even the most hardened soul can’t help but smile.
As an undergrad studying music at Montreal’s McGill and Concordia universities, Meadowcroft once pictured herself playing in an orchestra, trumpeting in concert with other musicians and immersing audiences in the sounds of Berlioz, Beethoven and Brahms.
A self-professed people-person, Meadowcroft made the decision to forgo her professional orchestral dream because she just couldn't see herself locked away in a room practising every day for eight hours.
Instead, she finds herself helping energetic, curious and inspiring young girls feel successful and confident as readers, artists, athletes and yes—musicians. And she hasn't looked back since.
“I love teaching this age group—they’re so naturally curious about everything and get so excited when they learn something new,” Meadowcroft beams.
Junior Kindergarten is a child’s first foray into the world of formal education. Meadowcroft’s number one priority is making sure it’s a positive experience for her students. Balancing her programme with a careful blend of academic inquiry and a nurturing environment, Meadowcroft describes her classroom regimen:
“On the academic side, you have to harness their innate curiosity, that’s why our Primary Years Programme is so fantastic—it really taps into that with the Units of Inquiry. We use a lot of song- and game-based activities for emergent literacy.”
“On the social side, this needs to feel like an extension of home,” Meadowcroft explains. “The classroom can’t be completely divided from their world at home with their parents or their world out in the community. Parents are always welcome here. If someone’s sad, they get a little cuddle.”
Parents Shalin and Jacqueline Sugunasiri certainly appreciate Meadowcroft's efforts:
“We were quite moved when, at the end of the first week of school, Ms. Meadowcroft thoughtfully conveyed her thanks to all new parents for entrusting her with our little ones. This sense of warmth and family is reassuring and uplifting.”
Meadowcroft is not afraid to try some more unconventional approaches in her classroom as well.
“I’m really into yoga and meditation. That’s how I keep myself balanced and inspired. We actually do yoga with the girls in Phys Ed—some fairly simple meditation, deep breathing and things that are kid-appropriate like stretching like a cat. You wouldn't think kids this age would be into yoga, but they love it.”
On top of her teaching duties, Meadowcroft keeps herself busy with co-curricular activities such as helping with Elmwood's Junior School choir and the annual Middle School musical production. As for her orchestral aspirations, Meadowcroft hasn't completely given up on them—she's even found the time to play with the Ottawa Chamber Orchestra from time to time.
“Play is good—it's important—it’s central. That’s how kids learn. It’s how they figure out things, how they make friends. It’s how they figure out how to deal with all the social issues that arise,” Meadowcroft says with a smile. "It’s invigorating, even for adults to play."
Watching Meadowcroft's students relate to each other, how they get along—the tasks and projects they complete—you have to remind yourself they're only four or five years old. In a recent Unit of Inquiry, “Play Time,” students expressed themselves through digital photography—learning about perspective, lighting and thinking about what they're trying to capture.
“It’s amazing when you pass a camera to a small child what they can capture, some of their photos—they blow me away, they’re so artistic," Meadowcroft exclaims. “I really find my students inspiring because their enthusiasm for learning helps me remember how important it is to keep that throughout your entire life.”
Who would of thought one could learn so much—out of the mouths of babes.
Elmwood Teacher Profiles
Learn more about Elmwood's faculty members.
