The SAC history was compiled in a book entitled Not An Ordinary Place, by faculty member Mr. William Scoular. Even the quickest look at this work clearly indicates the great history and tradition associated with St. Andrew’s College. More than a history lesson, the past 114 years has created many memories and traditions that guide the development of the present day Andrean.
While St. Andrew’s College has evolved over the years to address the realities of societal changes, it still upholds and practices many important school traditions. The most noticeable of these is our proud history of being an all-boys' boarding school. This has been a defining statement about SAC, and while we have many day students at the College, they quickly realize that they are day students who are attending a residential school. The ability of our day students to join their fellow boarders for breakfast and dinner, along with visiting them in their SAC residence, is a unique experience for St. Andrew’s students.
The College continues to carry on the tradition of having a vibrant after-school program involving athletics, arts and Cadets. One only has to walk down the second floor hallway of the Bedard Athletic Centre to see the team photos from the early 1900s and realize that those students with their young faces are but a memory now for their families. The Malone playing fields continue to be the site for annual Homecoming games which have taken place in this location since the College moved to Aurora.
The Memorial Chapel on the grounds of the campus is now over 75 years old and has continues to be an important gathering area for our Middle School community each Wednesday and Friday. Prominently displayed on the east walls of the chapel are the plaques that honour alumni who perished in the World Wars. This chapel was once the location of our annual Carol Service which is now held at Yorkminster Park Baptist Church in Toronto.
Our Cadet program recently celebrated its 107th anniversary and continues to be a highlight of our school year. Every Middle School boy spends part of the year being introduced to the Cadet program, so that by grade eight they can become full fledged members of the 48th Highlanders Corp. The quadrangle in front of our Upper School residences has hosted our annual Cadet Inspection for more than 80 years.
We feel very strongly that the Andreans of today feel an obligation to continue to support and strengthen these traditions, and as such, we expect that they will be available on all of these major school events listed below:
These annual events help to create memories our students take with them long after they leave.