“There’s a guy who understands what it’s like to be a kid.” Those were the words from one grad after watching Southridge School’s new Head of Senior School, Brad Smith, dive face first into a sea of chocolate sauce, flour, mustard, and whipped cream at this year’s House Picnic. It was a dive that would have made Pete Rose proud and it solidified the authentic way in which he connected with the students this year. “He did an excellent Job,” one Grade 12 student says about Smith’s first year. “He connected well with students and was very down-to-earth; shaking hands every morning, and just being a friendly guy.”
The next major test was the Grad Retreat in October where he made an impression by trying NOT to make an impression. “I totally thought that our time was going to be overscheduled,” said another Grade 12, “Instead, he just let us come together on our own, mixing in some hilarious jokes along the way.” But perhaps the key moment in cementing his popularity was coming second to all-star Senior Girls’ Basketball player, Hannah Morrison, in a grade-wide game of bump. “I knew there was something different about this head of school when I looked to see who my final competitor was, he gave me a look of pure intensity.” Morrison shared, “I had no hesitation in giving it my all, since I could tell he would appreciate my competitive nature. There was no way he was going down without a fight.”
It wasn’t just the students that were able to establish a strong connection with Mr. Smith, but the faculty also appreciated his leadership style. “He was brave in his vulnerability,” said chemistry teacher, Mike Dipietro, about his stage presence during assemblies.
He was a standout in the crowd of sporting events all year, and his signature move of shaking everyone’s hand every morning helped establish him as a people’s champion. Another Grade 12 student noted that “he genuinely tries to connect with us.”
After a year at the helm, the consensus is clear that he is a leader that is both liked and respected. The only thing more endearing than his sense of humour and desire to connect with his students is his ability to advocate for those same students, should the need arise. The Senior School appears to be in great hands for years to come. Here are some favorite moments from his first year:
Favourite day of the year? Speech Day (second place: bring your dog to school day)
Favourite moment? Surprise 50th birthday celebration from spirit captains
Favourite night of the year? Christmas Feast
Dumbest thing I did all year? Diving on all 4 slip and slides and getting half a gallon of paint in my eyes at the House Picnic.
Biggest personal accomplishment of the year? Blocking Anna Shocohian’s spike in the staff-student volleyball game (my shoulder still hurts).
Almost greatest moment of my sports career? Nearly beating all the Grade 12’s in a game of bump (darn you, Hannah Morrison!)
Scariest moment of the year? Telling Tighe he couldn’t wear his hat for school photos.
Proudest moment of the year? Getting a shout-out in Tighe’s blog.
Paul Chiarenza
Senior School English Teacher