Explore the history of SJS, from 1986 to present day, as we celebrate the major milestones and influential people who made our school what it is today.
1980s: Where it All Began
Our story begins in a church basement at the corner of West 16th Avenue and Burrard Street. Driven by parents, it was clear that community was at the heart of SJS right from the start. Enrolment started with a modest 70 students and a small group of passionate teachers. Throughout those early years, it was clear that community was at the heart of SJS right from the start.
1990s: A New Home
After a decade of operation, SJS was looking for a new home. Raising funds among families and community members, the school purchased an office building at the corner of Yew Street and West 10th Avenue in the Kitsilano neighbourhood, with the move stewarded by Head of School Chris McGill. This small building, what we know today as the Junior School, was renovated and welcomed students through its doors in 1996.
Enrolment grew to just under 200 students before the turn of the millennium. The families’ praise of the academic program and the teachers’ enthusiasm were strong. As today, parents were attracted by the small class sizes and the interconnectedness of the school community.
2000s: The Turn of the Century
Under the leadership of Stephen Hutchison, appointed Head of School in 2001, SJS found the long-sought stability for parents, staff and students. Mr. Hutchison deepened the community of SJS in a variety of ways, including introducing weekly assemblies and starting the tradition of Senior Leadership regularly greeting students in the morning. To strengthen the academic program and make SJS competitive amongst the growing Independent School scene, SJS began the process of becoming certified for the IB programme. This period of time paved the foundation (literally) for SJS and its community to become the leading IB World School it is today.
2010s: A New Chapter Begins
The new decade marks the start of SJS’s reputation as a leading IB World School in Vancouver, becoming certified for the Diploma Programme in 2010, followed by the Middle Years Programme in 2012 and Primary Years Programme in 2015. This was also a period of significant growth for the school. In 2010 the school purchased an automotive shop next door, and the community rallied again to fund the creation of the Senior School that we know today.
After 15 years of leadership, Mr. Hutchison retired in 2016, welcoming Mr. Blayne Addley as our Head of School to lead us into the new decade. In 2019, thanks to the incredible ongoing support of our community, we finished the final upgrades to the building and the Arts and Science centre was created to join the Junior and Senior School buildings. The SJS community that remained close throughout our history was now connected under one roof.
2020s: To the Future with Hope
Following the Strategic Plan of 2021, SJS continues to be a leader in IB education—celebrating in 2026, 40 years going from strength to strength. Recognized as one of the best schools in Vancouver, the sense of identity and community that has been so important to our growth as a school remains strong.
We’ve celebrated together, grown together and continue to look to the future with hope.
The SJS Houses
Every student and staff member at SJS is part of one of four Houses, named after influential members of our community. Throughout our history, these individuals have demonstrated our school values: Courage, Curiosity, Integrity, Respect and Wellness.
