Message from the Senior Vice President, Academic, Fay Lim-Lambie
Dear School Community,
As the end of our first academic year approaches, we commemorate the incredible accomplishments of our students, teachers and school with immense pride and excitement. What started as a bold vision built on a legacy of educating international English language learners, has rapidly transformed into a high school with a vibrant and thriving learning community.
Our first year was extraordinary and we have met many milestones, including enrolling over 50 students, recruiting qualified and enthusiastic teachers and meeting all provincial regulatory requirements.
Most importantly, we celebrate the extraordinary accomplishments of our students. Whether dedicating community service hours, participating in academic contests, experiencing Canadian cultural events, achieving high pass rates on provincial exams, and hosting our inaugural graduation and student award ceremony, our students have embraced learning in Canada with great passion and enthusiasm. We congratulate our first graduates, some of whom are heading into post-secondary education in Canada or in their home country. We’re proud of the success of ILAC International High School and excited for what lies ahead.
I want to thank the school leadership, teachers, staff, students and parents for an extraordinary first year and look forward to another successful and exciting year ahead.
Congratulations to all and have a safe and wonderful summer!
What’s new @ILAC International High School
Student success in the literacy test
We are proud to share the exciting news that our students have demonstrated outstanding success in this year’s Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT)! The OSSLT is a key academic milestone for Ontario high school students and a requirement for earning the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD). Our first-time eligible students wrote the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test in March and their score average was above the provincial average score for English language learners. This achievement reflects not only the hard work and dedication of our students, but also the commitment of our teachers and staff to providing targeted support programs to build strong foundations in reading, writing and communication skills.
New computer and science labs
We are proud to announce that ILAC International High School is now equipped with computer and science labs. These labs are designed to foster curiosity, critical thinking and a love for exploration. By providing students with access to fully equipped and modern labs, we aim to bridge the gap between theory and practice—transforming textbook knowledge into real-world discovery. Our science lab with state-of-the-art equipment for biology, chemistry and physics serves as a hub for interactive learning across grades 9 to 12. This will enhance their understanding of scientific concepts, boost engagement, and prepare them for future academic or career paths in STEM fields.
A historic milestone: our first graduating class
We are filled with pride and excitement as we celebrate a momentous occasion in the life of our school: the graduation of our very first class of high school students! This achievement marked not only the successful completion of their secondary education, but also a historic milestone for the ILAC community. As the first graduating class, these students helped shape school traditions, built our student culture and inspired the rest of our students in all grades. Their contributions have laid the foundation for future ILAC international high school students.
Meet our graduating class
Abel is heading to Florida International University to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management. Reflecting on his year at ILACIHS, he shares, “I have become more independent and self-disciplined.” His favorite class was Grade 12 English with Mr. Andrew, and he expresses his gratitude by saying, “Thank you for the support and for making things easier for me.”
His message to future students? “Take things easy.”
Chelsea will attend Wesleyan University Philippines to study Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She describes her journey as “an adventure,” and proudly notes, “I have improved my grades, learned stress management, problem-solving, and how to be independent.” She thanks Mr. Andrew, her Grade 12 English teacher, for his guidance: “I want to thank him for everything and hope more students can benefit from his teaching.”
Her advice to future students: “Create your own path and do not live for others—live for yourself!”
Sabaykham will join George Brown College to study Baking and Pastry Art Management. She says, “I have worked very hard this year and feel more confident.” She expresses deep appreciation for her teachers, “All teachers at ILACIHS are amazing—I love them all, they are very nice. Thank you for everything and helping me all the time.”
Her lighthearted advice to future students: “Life is short — smile while you still have teeth!”
Mariana is excited to pursue Design at Jorge Tadeo Lozano University in Colombia. Looking back, she shares, “My year at ILACIHS was full of experiences that helped me grow in confidence, independence, and self-discipline.” Her favorite subject was International Business with Ms. Asma, and she’s grateful for a teacher who “always cared about our mental health.”
Her advice? “Enjoy the new country!”
Dimas will be studying Law at CEU San Pablo University in Spain. Over the past year, he says, “I’ve improved my academic grades, confidence, independence, and self-discipline.” He especially enjoyed Economics with Ms. Asma, and leaves us with this reflection: “Thanks for everything—I will always keep learning.”
His advice to incoming students: “Enjoy your time and participate in class!”
Martin is preparing to study Aviation in Spain. He shares that high school has been “a pleasant experience” where he grew in many ways: “Academically, in confidence, leadership, stress management, problem-solving, independence, and self-discipline.” His favorite class was English with Mr. Andrew, noting that “he treats everyone equally and makes it interactive.”
To future students, he says: “Be patient.”
Daniel will attend the University of Los Andes in Colombia and is still considering his major. At ILACIHS, he found growth in “confidence, leadership, and independence.” His most memorable class was English with Mr. Andrew, which he describes as “an adventure—he taught me how to be different.”
His advice to those who come next: “Be strong.”
ILAC High School highlights
This past year, our students participated in many different activities, including learning how to snowboard and engaging in various community service events.
Snowboarding at Horshoe Valley Resort – not as easy as it looks! ILAC International High School students had the ultimate Canadian experience of spending the day in the snow and learning the proper techniques from an expert instructor.
The Annual Terry Fox Run is a fall tradition in Canada, with more than 650 communities joining to raise money and awareness for cancer research. Schools across Canada encourage students to sign up in teams to help develop teambuilding, leadership and communication skills.
The Salvation Army Food Drive brings hope to individuals and families and is a great way for students to have a meaningful impact in the community. ILAC International High School students came together to volunteer their time and strength sorting items, stocking shelves and packing food hampers.
ILAC High School students train like Raptors
On April 25, ILAC High School students had an incredible chance to step onto the IBM Court and train like real Raptors. With the help of official MLSE trainers, they learned new techniques, improved their basketball skills, and got a real feel for what it’s like to train with the pros.
It was a fun and active day filled with energy, teamwork, and school spirit. Another great example of the unique experiences our students get to enjoy beyond the classroom.
What's new @ILAC International High School
New ILAC International High School in Vancouver
We are excited to share some great news with you — this September, ILAC is opening a new international high school in beautiful Vancouver, British Columbia. The school will offer a pathway to graduation for both international and domestic students.
After a successful first year of our ILAC International High School in Toronto, we are excited to bring our unique high school model to Vancouver.
Our small class sizes, dedicated ESL support and diversity in the classroom are the secret sauce that enables our students to succeed.
Located in the scenic downtown neighbourhood of Coal Harbour, ILAC International High School in Vancouver will open doors to over 300 Canadian and American universities and colleges. Students will have the opportunity to obtain a B.C. Certification of Graduation (Dogwood Diploma) or simply enjoy an enriching Canadian high school experience.
Our fall intake will begin with Grades 10 and 11, offering specializations in engineering, humanities and STEM.
A big part of the ILAC experience is interaction with students from other programs, including ESL, pathways and college. Not only will students receive a high-level education with personal guidance and support in Vancouver, but they will also have access to additional social and academic opportunities.
For more information, visit ILAC International High School or contact us at info@ilacihs.com.
Introducing Paul Cohee, Vice Principal of ILAC International High School in Vancouver
We are pleased to welcome Paul Cohee as the Principal of our new ILAC International High School in Vancouver. Paul is a passionate educator with over three decades of experience in the education sector, including curriculum administration and educational programming.
Paul is a certified teacher and academic leader who has held senior roles at several high schools in British Columbia. He has also worked in higher education and served as the Director of Student Affairs and Services at Douglas College.
His leadership philosophy revolves around collaboration while championing initiatives that enhance student experiences and integrate academic activities into broader community contexts, all while fostering a culture of growth for faculty and educational teams.
Paul holds a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership & Administration from the San Diego University, a Bachelor of Physical Education from the University of British Columbia and advanced certificates in English learning and independent school leadership.
Please join us in extending a warm welcome to Paul Cohee as he begins his new role at ILAC this month!
