As we prepare to kick off another school year, I find myself feeling nostalgic, reflecting on my own journey at Southridge - first as a teacher, then as an administrator, as well as thinking about the history of the school.
Since its opening in 1995, Southridge has remained true to the founding vision: to create a school community that would nurture people committed to making the world a better place. It was a simple idea, rooted in strong values and a clear sense of purpose, but turning that idea into reality required extraordinary determination, perseverance, and hard work. Without the dedication of those early founders, Southridge simply would not exist today.
Back in 1993, during a public school teachers’ strike, a group of parents in South Surrey began exploring new educational options for their children. They invited Alan Brown, then a long-serving Head of School at St. George’s School in Vancouver, to speak to them. In his talk, Mr. Brown shared a vision for an independent school that would not only prioritize academic excellence but also focus on developing character in students. His message struck a chord, and the parents began organizing.
They chose the name Southridge and set out to find a location. In the spring of 1994, they discovered a beautiful piece of land and invited Mr. Brown to tour it. Although the City of Surrey initially denied the re-zoning request, Mr. Brown was so inspired by the potential of the site, and by the vision for the school, that he agreed to become Southridge’s founding Head of School.
Over the next 18 months, Mr. Brown worked closely with the parent group to bring the school to life. They recruited more families, secured funding, and searched relentlessly for land that could be re-zoned. He also proposed our school motto, Omnis Anima Volet (Let Every Spirit Soar), a guiding principle that captured the heart of what they were trying to build.
Throughout 1994, nearly two dozen potential sites were rejected by Surrey’s Planning Department. Then, in November, the group discovered the site where Southridge stands today, on 160th Street. What followed was one of the most politically charged rezoning battles in years. Parents rallied the community, hosted public meetings, and gathered more than 10,000 petition signatures in support of the school.
As Mr. Brown later said, “The amazing thing is what happened when all our parents got together. In 25 years of dealing with independent schools, I have never seen anything like the level of parent and community support for a school like Southridge.”
Mr. Brown envisioned Southridge as “a light-hearted place of serious purpose” - a place where academic challenges were balanced with fun, spirit, and lasting memories. He wanted students to discover and express their passions, and to support others in doing the same. He expected every member of the school, including students, staff, and faculty, to create a safe and caring environment by modeling the values of truth, tolerance, compassion, and respect; and to leave the school a little better each day than they found it.
One of the clearest symbols of Mr. Brown’s legacy is our unlocked lockers. From the very first day, Southridge students have not needed locks - an enduring sign of the trust and respect that defines our community.
For the past thirty years, Southridge has been shaped by a bold yet simple idea, grounded in shared values and a deep desire to make a difference. While the path hasn’t always been easy, the perseverance of our founders and early families built the strong foundation we stand on today.
As we begin this new school year, may we honour their legacy by continuing to lead with character, lift one another up, and let every spirit soar.
Contributed by Drew Stephens, Head of School