Individuality: the value that drives the IB Learner

Whether you’re stepping onto the GNS campus for the very first time, or you’re returning to the familiar hallways of Pemberton Woods, or the Beach, it’s a joy to have you here. We have missed the energy our students bring, and we are thrilled to crack open the calendar on a new school year with you.

Every year at this time I talk about our school’s five core values: truth, courage, caring, individuality and community. I do this because I believe in them; they’re my values too. Every year I ask our community to pay special attention to one, and this year, it’s individuality.

Individuality means different things to different people. At GNS, it’s about having the freedom to create your own journey within a supportive community. It means there’s no mould, and no predetermined formula for you to follow. It’s about inquiry at the heart of the International Baccalaureate Programme. It’s about curiosity and a commitment to trying new things. When you challenge your own assumptions, you can surprise yourself. For me as an educator, one of the most rewarding things is the long list of unexpected passions our students discover along the way.  

The GNS grads of 2026 received more than 400 offers of admission to post-secondary schools, in nearly 70 different programs: from aerospace engineering to global business and digital arts, from medicine to computer science, from philosophy to aviation. At GNS, the product is the path you set for yourself. And the diversity of programs our graduates pursue reflects a commitment to individuality.

I love stories like this one. In 2020, GNS Deputy Head of School Cole Carlson moved his family from Calgary to Victoria to join our team. At the same time, his three sons became our students. They never thought about rowing before GNS. Two of them tried it, they loved it, and it turns out they were great at it. Twins Jaxon and Kaden graduated GNS in 2025. They’re now starting their second year as varsity athletes rowing for Western.

Years ago, a GNS alum returned to speak with our Senior School students. I’ve never forgotten what he said. One of the things he loved most about our school was the absence of a template. Here he learned to try new things and to follow his own path, something that has stayed with him and served him well throughout his life. He told the story about being so certain of his trajectory upon entering university, and then changing his career plan three times before getting his degree. His story emphasizes that there’s no straight line to graduation at GNS. There’s no straight line in life either. 

Our students develop a unique ability to adapt, and in a world where change is the only constant, being nimble is very practical.

At GNS, success isn’t measured by cramming yourself into a pre-fab box, but by who you become through self-discovery, by claiming your individuality. Trying something new and discovering it’s not for you isn’t failure; it’s self-knowledge. If there’s anywhere to step out and push your personal boundaries, it’s right here where you are supported and encouraged.

Across academics, athletics, the arts and community service, our students are guided by the IB Learner Profile. Our goal is to raise good humans who are curious, ask thoughtful questions and consider how they show up in the world.

So as this new school year gets underway and we pay special attention to Individuality, I encourage every student to try something new this year. What hidden talents or unexpected passions will you discover? Maybe you’ll step up to the podium in debate, or make your case in Model UN. Maybe you’ll build a robot, create an animated film, or step onto the field hockey pitch for the first time. Maybe you’ll even row! I can’t wait to find out.