Students are exposed to a range of global issues through curriculum, guest speakers, international travel and service projects. All students are required to study a second language as part of their graduation requirements. Upper School students participate in Model UN, Shad Valley, Math and Technology Fairs with work site visits in Canada's technology triangle. A range of international students attend the school each year. SJK's Five Worlds programme provides young people with transformational experiences exporting them to new worlds to explore, serve and learn with a range of experiential travel destinations offered each year.

Community Service

Students at St. John's-Kilmarnock actively participate in and contribute to life in the communities that surround the School and in countries around the world. Students of all ages participate in a variety of community service projects each year raising thousands of dollars and volunteering their time in support of community projects and programs including seasonal clothing and food drives, international relief, cancer research, hospice and shelter support and much more.

Community service is a requirement of the Ontario Secondary School Diploma and all Upper School students must complete 40 hours of community service by the end of their last year of high school. Community Service involvement provides students with the opportunity to learn new skills, meet new people in their communities, give to others and to make a difference.

The School also extends its community service work beyond Canadian borders. Teachers and students at SJK travelled to Nepal in 1999, 2001 and 2007 to help build village schools. In addition our students went to Cuba in 2003 and to Ecuador in 2005 to perform various services for the local people.

Volunteerism, teamwork and philanthropy are important elements of vibrant and healthy communities.

Student Exchanges & Trips

SJK offers the exciting opportunity for students to get involved in student exchanges to reach beyond their Canadian classrooms and experience life in another country.

Opportunity to travel is offered every year and promotes international friendships, fosters personal growth, and global and cultural awareness.

Past SJK trips have included many provinces in Canada as well as several U.S. States and many other countries including:

• Cuba
• Ecuador
• England
• France
• Galapagos Islands
• Germany
• Greece
• Hong Kong
• Italy
• Namibia
• Nepal
• Poland
• Scotland
• Spain and more

SJK offers students various leadership opportunities as part of the Student Representative Council, House System and three core committees:  Service and Action, Student Activities and Media & IT.  Students also have opportunities to exhibit leadership through clubs and leadership conferences for students through organizations like the Junior Round Square Conference and Canadian Accredited Independent Schools (CA+IS).  The Dean of Student Life coordinates student leadership activities at the School.