Summerland Schoolhouse
Educators
Founder
Lindsay Germain
Education, in some form or another, has always been part of my life. I hold a B.A in Political Science from McGill University and a B.Ed from Queen's University. My background encompasses everything from working as a swimming instructor and volunteer art educator, to working in private and public schools and, most recently, working as a language and communication coach for private companies. I am also an artist and, most importantly, a proud mama. Over the past decade I have had an intense desire to offer an alternative education path to parents; something that would ensure both parents and children were happy and engaged in the family's learning journey. Despite being extremely popular south of the border, hybrid in-person options for families are almost non-existent in Canada. More alternatives are necessary to ensure children are being given the best and happiest start in life, and I am extremely excited to be part of this change.
Educator
Miss Chantalle
I am thrilled to be on board as an educator at Summerland Schoolhouse, where children are recognized and encouraged to be the free thinkers that they are. My own schooling in Montreal — between Kindergarten and High School graduation — was based on the philosophy of England’s Summerhill School and its founder, Alexander Sutherland Neill, who stated that children learn best with freedom from coercion. Like Summerland Schoolhouse, Summerhill School reflects the belief that a school should be made to fit the child (rather than the other way around) and that children should progress at their own pace rather than meet a set standard by a certain age. Educational principles like “freedom not license,” democratic governance (for children and staff), and multi-age classrooms, are what I grew up with — and they have served me well. I hold a Bachelors of Honours in Film Studies from Queen’s University, a Masters in Communications from McGill University, and a Masters in Industrial Relations from Queen’s University. I am also the proud mother of two lively and intelligent critical thinkers who know how to listen, learn, lead, collaborate, and be kind; who are well on their way to becoming confident, self-directed adults.