This year, we’re excited to welcome Kienan Burrage to Southridge as a Senior School Social Studies teacher. With a passion for history, literature, and meaningful conversation, Mr. Burrage brings a wealth of teaching experience.

Mr. Burrage is returning to the classroom after spending the past year in Scotland, where he fulfilled a long-held dream of completing his Master’s in Medieval English at the University of St. Andrews. Before heading overseas, he spent three years at Pacific Spirit School, where he helped launch the high school and taught a wide range of subjects, including English, PHE, and Contemporary Music. He later taught Social Studies and English at Bodwell, a university preparatory school in North Vancouver.

Mr. Burrage holds a Bachelor of English Language and Literature (Honours) and a Bachelor of Education from UBC.

Outside the classroom, Mr. Burrage enjoys reading long books, playing soccer, making music, and drinking perhaps more coffee than is necessary. He’s also a dedicated Liverpool supporter, which means weekends often begin early with a football match. At home, he lives with his wife, Bridget, and their puppy, Nosewise - a decidedly medieval name for a decidedly undignified dog.

A familiar connection to Southridge

For Mr. Burrage, joining Southridge feels a little like coming full circle. His dad, Mr. Stephen Burrage, began teaching at Southridge just before he was born, so he grew up hearing stories about the school and attending community traditions like Café Concertos and the Country Fair.

Now, he’s excited to experience that community from a different perspective. “Some of my most meaningful experiences as a student took place sitting around a table and talking through ideas with people.” That experience is one of the things that draws Mr. Burrage to the Harkness method and to Southridge. He’s looking forward to being part of a school where thoughtful discussion, curiosity, and collaboration are intentionally woven into the learning experience.

We’re delighted to welcome Mr. Burrage to Southridge and look forward to the ideas, energy, and perspective he’ll bring to our Senior School classrooms. And, of course, we’re happy to welcome another member of the Burrage family to campus!

Contributed by Parveen Loodu, Communications & Marketing