You did it, graduates! Through perseverance, hard work, and dedication, you have achieved this incredible milestone as graduates of Bishop Hamilton Montessori School. We are so proud of each of you and all that you have accomplished. As you take your next steps and embark on exciting new adventures, remember that your BHMS family is cheering you on every step of the way. The future is bright—go shine!
Meet the Bishop Hamilton Graduates
Ketsia Tape, Bishop Hamilton Graduate (2025)
If someone had told me four years ago that I’d be graduating from Bishop Hamilton Montessori School, I probably would’ve looked at them funny and said, “I live in Bermuda—why would I graduate in Canada?” These past three years could be called a rollercoaster, but it honestly felt like a shaky elevator. Sometimes it stopped, sometimes it shook because of mistakes or mishaps, but it always kept going up, never looking back down. It all started in the summer of 2023. I came to Canada expecting to visit family. I thought I’d be here for a few weeks. Then my mom told me we were staying for good. At first, I couldn’t believe it. I didn’t want to leave my life in Bermuda behind. I didn’t want to start over. I didn’t want to go to a new school, in a new country, with people I didn’t know.
The classroom’s warmth, the way the sunlight came through the windows, the smiles from teachers and students... it gave me something to hold onto. The kindness of the people around me helped me take those first small steps toward feeling okay. Now, three years later, I’m not just surviving middle school—I’m graduating from it. I’ve grown into someone who’s stronger, more confident, and so much more ready for what’s next. The third-year trip was a turning point. I remember hiking, doing an escape room, and watching movies late into the night with classmates who made me feel safe, seen, and included. We laughed so much and bonded in ways that are hard to describe. Then came the canoe trip, it gave me the chance to really connect with people. I learned how to paddle, how to keep a canoe upright (most of the time), and how important it is to rely on others—and be reliable in return. The French trip was another highlight. Not only did I become more confident speaking French, but I also discovered a very strong love for baguettes. That trip showed me that I could adapt, communicate, and be proud of how far my French had come. Each trip, each challenge, each laugh helped shape who I am today.
I want to say a special thank-you to the teachers who’ve helped me grow along the way. Red Oak & Junior High Directors thank you for welcoming me into the community with so much patience and kindness. You made such a big transition feel possible, and I’ll never forget how safe and supported you made me feel. You taught me how to manage my time, how to speak confidently in front of others, and how to put real effort and creativity into what I do. You challenged me in the best way, and I always knew that even when things were tough, you believed in me. And to the whole BHMS community—thank you for welcoming me when I felt lost, and for giving me a place where I could feel safe, challenged, and truly myself. I’m sad to say goodbye, but I know that everything I’ve learned here will stay with me. I’ll take the friendships, the lessons, the growth—and carry it with me into high school and beyond. This elevator ride might’ve been shaky at times, but it brought me somewhere amazing. And now, it’s time for the next floor.
Andrew Kennedy, Bishop Hamilton Graduate (2025)
Hey! I'll try to make this quick. I’ve been at this school for a measly 2 years. However, within this 1/7th of my life is some of the best memories. These include “NO NOT THE CHOCOLATE SIDE UP!!!!!!!!!!!!!” from last years canoe trip, MMMM&M, my John Von Neuman presentation, being lead in the Christmas play, Magically Miscellaneous Horror and more, The WCF, Gimme Chocolate, my world music presentation, the many worships, watching Conan O'Brien Must Go with Jacob on the French trip and many, many more. I’ve learnt many things here such as exponents, squaring a number, how great composer Kevin MacLeod is, and much more.
The trips were fantastic. I mean the canoe trip was fine and all but man, the French and bike trips were something else. The French trip was cool because you got to spend hour upon hour chilling with friends while pretending to speak French. The bike trip was fire too. I mean this one-time last year; Zac and I were told to cut watermelon. I don’t know who thought that was a good idea because, oof, it did not turn out well. I mean it turned out well for us but not everybody else. To explain what I mean quickly, it was like abstract art, but watermelon. There was also the time on the bike trip this year when Mr. MacKay let us watch the Lego movie on Netflix. If you ever heard the expression, give us an inch and we’ll take a mile, it was like that but metric. I believe with all my heart (which apparently goes Lub-Dub) that this school has helped me develop in every way (pause for collective chanting of “FOUR MORE YEARS! FOUR MORE YEARS!”) I’m Andrew and I’m graduating. Therefore, Andrew is graduating and there's nothing you can do to stop it.
Emma Keith, Bishop Hamilton Graduate (2025)
Hello families, friends, teachers, and most importantly the 2025 Junior High grads! I’m in such shock that the day has come where we move on from our home at BHMS and enter a new chapter in our lives. It feels almost like crossing a finish line which felt like it was miles away. We’ve learned so much more than what’s in the textbooks, we’ve all developed skills like supporting and respecting each other, being good examples to the younger children, and being well rounded humans. When I first was welcomed into the BHMS community, I had no clue I would make connections that would last a lifetime. As a tiny child, I admired the older kids and how mature they seemed, even though looking back they were still people who made mistakes and weren’t perfect. I feel like I’ve grown so much since my Willow days, I’m definitely less shy and am not afraid to stand up for myself.
In the middle of my time here, we were faced with a challenge no one ever imagined or was prepared for, Covid 19. I don’t think I fully comprehended how serious the situation was. Leaving school was hard for me but my parents tried their best to make sure I was still up to speed with the other kids and I’m so grateful for that. My return to BHMS was so exciting, I remember barely being able to sleep the night before and getting up super early just so I was ready. It felt as if I never left.
In the years that followed in Red Oak I learned how to start managing my time and assignments. I did some of my first power point presentations, worked on a computer, and learned to use more advanced Montessori materials. I feel like my time in Red Oak was crucial in my character development. I think I learned not to change myself just to have more friends or do things that would get me in trouble just because people thought it would be cool. My personal favourite part of this school was when I went to Junior High. My first impressions were that it was a lot of work and stress. I remember the first time I cried over schoolwork and how stuck I felt in the cycle of turning in work just to get 2x as much. I eventually figured out ways to get more organized and ask for help when I needed it.
The trips were definitely a highlight for me. The canoe trip, French trip, and the infamous bike trip shaped me into a stronger and more independent person. The weeks of training before the bike trip were not for the faint of heart. The actual trip itself made me feel a whirlwind of emotions. One second, I felt like I ruled the world, and then we turned a corner to an uphill. Making it up Westport hill both times is definitely an accomplishment of mine, actually making it through the whole trip is. It taught me to focus on the moment and enjoy that without stressing over the future and looking back on the past. As I move into high school, I look back on all of the fond memories and how bittersweet it will be to leave here. I want to give a huge thank you to my loving family who have always been there and encouraged me to push myself and give 100% of my effort, even when that felt hard. My biggest thank you goes to my amazing teachers who without you I wouldn't be giving this speech right now. You have given me everything I know, and it is such a blessing to have been your student. Thank you, have a good night everyone!