Our Foundations

In 2020, Southridge celebrated a 25-year-long tradition of developing students with strong minds and good hearts who make a difference in the world.

From the original group of 181 students, we now have more than 1,000 alumni: compassionate leaders, dedicated volunteers, and caring individuals who make a difference in their families, workplaces, communities, and on the world stage.

From the original group of committed parents, we now have a legacy of strong community support, as Southridge families continue to come together to forge friendships, support the school, and accomplish great things as a community.

From the original dream of Alan Brown and the founding families – which had no buildings, no teachers, no students or staff – we now have 17 acres of land, thriving Junior and Senior Schools, 680 students, 114 faculty and staff, and a school with a solid foundation of academic excellence, fiscal stability, strong governance, and committed community. Today, we continue to follow closely the foundations that our school were built on.

Southridge Foundations

Our Guiding Principles

In 2003, as part of a strategic planning exercise, more than 150 faculty, staff, students, parents, and alumni were interviewed about their experiences at Southridge. At the heart of the interviews was the question, “What makes Southridge, uniquely Southridge?” The defining elements that emerged were used to create the three Guiding Principles that would help to shape the school’s future success.

The School Crest

Southridge’s crest was designed in 1994 during the school’s early planning stages. It features a traditional shield shape and ribbon displaying the school motto “Omnis Anima Volet” or, “Let Every Spirit Soar”, with modern, West Coast imagery.

Local artist Don Li-Leger designed the crest, using the negative space of a leaping whale to create a bird, and to express the idea of “soaring”. The bird’s identity was deliberately left open to interpretation – it can be seen as an eagle, a symbol of power and strength, or as a dove, a symbol of tolerance, care and service.

The School Tartan

We Are All One

Service and community lie at the heart of Southridge, and the school tagline “We Are All One” was developed in 2011 to express this. It’s a phrase that speaks to the power of a committed community, and the individuals within it, to change the world.

It recognizes that we are one community with shared goals, and we live the values of truth, tolerance, compassion, and respect. Together, we can accomplish extraordinary things.

It also recognizes that we are individuals with unique skills and passions who bring our own solutions to the world. One idea, one voice, and one spirit can also change the world.

Sal, the School Mascot

Sal is the half orca, half eagle mascot of Southridge School who can often be seen leading the cheering at school and athletic events. When Sal was introduced to the school in October 2016, it was the culmination of a two-year, student-led effort with voting by the student body at every stage. The mascot’s design was imagined by a group of creative Grade 5 students, and its name was a combination of “Southridge” and “Alan Brown”, our founding headmaster.

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