White Ribbon Week: Standing Together Against Gender-Based Violence

12/1/2025

St. Andrew’s College reaffirmed its commitment to creating a society free from gender-based violence during this year’s White Ribbon Week. Students and staff pledged to “never commit, condone, or remain silent about violence against women,” joining a global movement dedicated to ending gender-based discrimination.

The White Ribbon Campaign began in response to the tragic events of Dec. 6, 1989, when 14 women were murdered at École Polytechnique in Montreal. Since then, the campaign has grown into an international initiative that challenges men and boys to lead by example by rejecting sexism, racism, homophobia, and transphobia, and promoting equality and respect.

Since 2002, SAC has participated in this important cause. This year’s observance began on Dec. 1 with a White Ribbon Service in Ketchum Auditorium, launching a week of reflection and action. Upper School students from St. Andrew’s College were joined by the Upper School from St. Anne’s School and Prefects from St. Mildred’s-Lightbourn School, united in their shared commitment to change.

The three Heads of School – Kevin McHenry from SAC, Sabrina D’Angelo from SAS, and Catherine Hant from St. Mildred’s – delivered a shared message: there’s no place in our society for gender-based discrimination in our schools or in society.

Staff voices added depth and personal perspective:

Randi Berman, Head of Art at SAC, spoke about how ceremonies like this are deeply personal. She grew up in Montreal and said the massacre hit close to home for her family.
Jeff LaForge, Head of Social Studies and Humanities at SAC, encouraged the students, especially the boys, to make a consistent effort to initiate change.
Brianna Nguyen, SAS science teacher, is deeply immersed in STEM and excited to share this passion with her students. She aims to inspire younger generations and is proud that many SAS students are embracing STEM classes, with plans to continue studies in science and technology in their post-secondary years.
Tanya McCormick, Associate Head, University Counselling at SAC, shared why White Ribbon Week is important to her. “For me, the reason is simple: it matters because you matter. Every one of you,” Tanya said. “I’m with you. I’m here to support you as you work to end violence against women, because your generation has the power to do better, to expect better, and to shape a safer future for everyone.”

Prefects from the three schools lit 14 white candles in memory of the women who lost their lives in Montreal. Head Prefects also shared personal pledges to end gender-based violence. Later this week, SAC Prefects will attend the White Ribbon Service hosted by St. Mildred’s-Lightbourn.

Dave Stewart, SAC’s Associate Director, Student Development, Citizenship and Well-Being, led the assembly and left the gathered students and staff with this thought: “It may be somewhat difficult to fathom the severity of an incident 36 years ago. But we must never forget that the women who were targeted and murdered on that day had no interest in becoming martyrs; they simply wanted to live their lives as engineers, a field that they loved,” he said. “Today’s service is a moment to reflect on the massacre of Dec. 6, 1989, knowing that targeted violence and discrimination continue to exist. But it is also our time to pledge to actively participate in doing something about it.”

The message also extended to younger students. On Nov. 27, Middle School boys gathered in Memorial Chapel for an abridged version of the assembly. Emma Porter, Assistant Director of Middle School, read the names of the 14 victims, followed by a candle-lighting ceremony led by students.

Throughout White Ribbon Week, a pledge book and white ribbons will be available in the Staunton Gallery. Students and staff are encouraged to sign the book and wear a ribbon over their hearts as a visible commitment to never being complicit in any form of gender-based violence.

View the full photo gallery here.

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