The following text may have been generated by Optical Character Recognition, with varying degrees of accuracy. Reader beware!

www.insideHALTON.com | OAKVILLE BEAVER | Thursday, September 17, 2015 | 14 St. Mildred's-Lightbourn prepares to mark 125th by Julia Le Oakville Beaver Staff A timeline re ecting St. Mildred's-Lightbourn School's (SMLS) past, present and future was unveiled last week at the independent school's welcome-back breakfast. "This is a visual representation of our journey together with all the girls who have gone before you," SMLS head Dorothy Byers shared with students, parents and teachers who gathered in the school gymnasium last Thursday (Sept. 10) to see the artistic tribute commemorating the school's 125th anniversary. The timeline makes note of important dates in the school's history, including 1964 when it was proposed that St. Mildred's College in Toronto and Miss Lightbourn's School would amalgamate to create SMLS in the place it stands today on Linbrook Road. Reading a speech delivered during that time by Sister Mary Adela, Byers said, "St. Mildred's, in Toronto, gives girls, among other things, a truer sense of values, while developing initiative and resourcefulness. "When a girl enters an established school such as Miss Lightbourn's, she becomes a part of something lasting and indestructible," Byers read. "Each school has its own spirit, which is intangible and inde nable, but which leaves its impression upon all who become part of it for even a time." The school community also heard from head girl Mai-Lan Johnston as SMLS of cially kicked off the school year and its 125th anniversary celebrations. Johnston, a Grade 12 student, gave some encouraging advice to her peers based on the lessons and experiences she's learned during her time at the all-girls school. "Everything is either an opportunity to grow or an obstacle to keep you from growing and the wonderful thing is, you get to choose," she said. "Make goals for yourself this year, whether it be academic, artistic, athletic or some other personal goal. There's an absolute certainty you'll be able to accomplish your dreams and have opportunities here at SMLS." She continued, "Let your dreams be bigger St. Mildred's-Lightbourn School held a welcome-back assembly and breakfast to celebrate the rst day back to school as this year marks the Oakville independent girls' school's 125th anniversary. Grade 12 student prefects were on hand to welcome back students and direct them to their classrooms, Pictured, from left, are Mai-Lan Johnston, Aseera Jivraj, Emily Ambrosie, Alex Szybbo and Samantha McGill. | photo by Graham Paine ­ Oakville Beaver (Follow on Twitter @halton_photog or facebook.com/HaltonPhotog) Join us for our Wild Game Festival September 9th thru 30th 1715 Lakeshore Road West 905 822 5751 www.michaelsbackdoor.com Leaky Basement? Call Us! · Crack Injection Repair Specialist · Wise Dry Interior Drain Systems · Lifetime Fully Transferrable Warranty · Sump Pump Renewal Installations than your fears and your actions be larger than your words. Aim to accomplish what you knew you never really could imagine and think to yourself, what could you accomplish if you knew you couldn't fail. What limits would you push to?" Following the event, Byers told the Oakville Beaver it is a truly special time in SMLS's history as the school celebrates the milestone anniversary. "This year is a real recognition of all who have come before us and where we are today and celebrating the path we have gone on together," she said. "Our tagline is, `Inspired girls, empowered women' and that speaks to exactly what it is we work to do everyday: giving the girls opportunities to be courageous," she continued. Noting the programming focuses on the needs of the girls and their growth and development, Byers added not much has really changed over the years in terms of the school values that centre on integrity and innovation. "For me, it's such a special place because I see the growth in the girls. I have seen over the years, watching them grow from wee ones into incredible, intelligent, compassionate, empathetic, humble, wise and con dent young women." Three rooms in the Oakville Museum at Erchless Estate on Navy Street have been dedicated to SMLS memorabilia as part of their anniversary celebrations. Opening night is Thursday, Sept. 24 from 6:30-8 p.m. The exhibit runs until the end of the school year in June. Other anniversary celebration events include Founders' Day on Oct. 15; Homecoming Week, May 2-7, 2016; and Time Capsule Chapel on May 2, 2016. For more events and information, visit www.smls.on.ca. Convert you wood burning fireplace with a beautiful gas insert by TRAVIS When purchasing a Travis fireplace you will experience EFFICIENCY, DESIGN and TECHNOLOGY UNMATCHED in fireplaces! Visit us your Masonry and fireplace specialists today! Call Us... 905-510-9739 Professional, Cost Effective Solutions for Wet wayne@wisecracks.com Basements w w w. H a l t o n Wi s e C ra c k s. co m 406 Speers Rd., Oakville | 905-337-2066 | www.cobblestonembers.ca