Welcome / Bienvenue

Since 1891, Ashbury has been fostering the academic, artistic and athletic development of our students while nurturing their spiritual growth. Ashbury welcomes day students from Grades 4 to 8 and day and boarding students from Grades 9 to 12. Ashbury currently has 109 students boarding on campus. Twenty percent of Ashbury’s student population is international and represents 66 countries.



A Message from the Head of School
From our home in the nation’s capital, Ashbury College is a centre for excellence in international teaching and learning, where enthusiasm permeates life both in and out of the classroom. Our goal is not just to get students to new destinations, but also to give them the skills and knowledge to succeed and adapt to the challenges they will face.
This is a close and diverse school community that integrates young children with pre-university students. In a supportive environment, we challenge students to step out of their comfort zones, and to think critically and globally—all while ensuring the simple yet important formalities of manners and respect are not overlooked.
Ashbury’s co-curricular programs, high academic standards and expectations are rooted in a context of making the world bigger for our students. As we look forward from over a century of teaching bright young minds in the National Capital Region, being innovative, while not abandoning the tried and tested, will inspire our teaching and learning pedagogy and prepare students for the world ahead.
Ashbury College is an exciting place to be, with students from over 65 countries around the globe learning, creating and advancing together. I invite you to discover the advantages and experiences we have to offer.
Honesty, Courage, Kindness—Probitas, Virtus, Comitas.
A bientôt!
Norman Southward
Head of School – Directeur
Leadership Team
Norman became Ashbury’s tenth Head of School at the beginning of January, 2014. He brings with him 20 years of education experience, including seven as Principal of Neuchâtel Junior College in Switzerland and 11 at Stanstead College in Québec, where he served five years as Assistant Headmaster. Most recently, he was Headmaster at St. John’s-Kilmarnock School, an IB World School of 400 students (JK-12) serving the Waterloo and Guelph regions of Ontario.
Norman’s career in social studies, second language and international education includes the completion of the CAIS Diploma in Independent School Leadership and his participation in visiting committees with the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) and the Canadian Accredited Independent Schools (CAIS). He has served as vice-chair of the Swiss Group of International Schools (SGIS) for five years including organizer of the SGIS annual educator’s conference for over 40 international schools. He currently sits on the board of the Conference of Independent Schools (CIS) in Ontario, and chairs the CIS Governance Committee. He has presented at the International Baccalaureate Annual Conferences, international schools in China and is enthusiastic in developing a range of experiential and learning opportunities for students.
Norman holds a BA in history and French from the University of Western Ontario, a B.Ed from Mount Allison, and an M.Ed (Curriculum and Instruction) from McGill University.
Amy Foley is a compassionate, innovative educational leader with over 20 years’ experience as a teacher, instructional coach and administrator in Canada, Kuwait, and China. In her role as Deputy Head, Teaching and Learning at Ashbury College, Amy’s focus is on academic and program leadership. She oversees faculty professional development and growth, as well as faculty evaluation. Amy also leads the development of best practices and innovation in teaching and learning.
Amy has a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from the University of Waterloo, a Bachelor of Education from York University, and a Master’s in Education from the University of Toronto. She has Ontario Principal’s Qualifications, a Certificate in School Management & Leadership through the Harvard Graduate School of Education (HGSE) and is certified through the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE).
Amy’s teaching experience has primarily been in math and science from grades 6 to 12. She is passionate about learning that inspires and supports ALL students to be prepared for an increasingly changing world. Amy is also passionate about both personalised learning and interdisciplinary, project-based learning. She is always looking for opportunities to encourage effective collaboration among learners of all ages.
Gary Godkin is Ashbury’s Head of Senior School. Gary is the former Director of Senior School at St. Andrew’s College, a 112 year old day and boarding school in Aurora, Ontario.
Gary grew up in southwestern Ontario and started his career teaching mathematics and computer science and became a Department Head in two public schools. He then moved to ING Canada as a Senior Consultant in Information Technology and returned to teaching at St. Andrew’s College. He became Director of Administration and then Director of Senior School at SAC.
Passionate about teaching, learning and educational leadership, Gary has his Principal’s Qualifications and the CAIS Diploma in Independent School Leadership. He has been a presenter at conferences in North America and Europe and completed his M.Ed., specializing in school-parent communication. Gary is also a superb athlete and coach, having taken teams in hockey, baseball and badminton to the OFSAA Provincial Championships.
As Director of Student Services, Anjelien oversees programming and services as they pertain to student academic success and personal health and wellness. Services through the department range from guidance intervention programming in the Junior School to career counselling, university applications, and learning support in the Senior School. Anjelien is a passionate educator and strong believer in developing the whole child; focusing on academic achievement in addition to social and emotional growth.
Prior to starting her career in education, Anjelien worked in the software industry as an analyst teaching educators across Canada how to introduce Geographic Information Systems into their classrooms. This sparked an interest in teaching and she promptly landed a teaching job at Appleby College. She then moved to Crescent School where she continued as an educator for 15 years and became Head of Student Services for the Upper School.
Anjelien has a degree in Geography and Environmental Studies from the University of Guelph. She further completed graduate work at Guelph in the Land Resource Science Department. She completed her teacher’s degree at OISE, University of Toronto and holds both her Special Education and Guidance Specialist to support her work with student success. She is currently pursuing her Principal’s Qualifications. Anjelien is an avid runner, and naturalist; spending as much time outdoors with her family as possible.
As Head of the Junior School, Andrew Young oversees curriculum design, teacher evaluation, professional development and faculty leadership. Andrew is a member of the school leadership team and has taught English and Physical Education within the Junior school, and has worked extensively on character education in the Junior School as well as on many other school initiatives.
Before working at Ashbury College, Andrew was the Director of Athletics at Queen Margaret’s School on Vancouver Island and also taught in Toronto at Crescent School as well as with the Toronto District School Board. Andrew holds a Master’s Degree in Education Leadership from Charles Sturt University, a Bachelor of Education from Nipissing University, a Bachelor of Arts from Queen’s University and a Bachelor of Physical and Health Education from Queen’s University. Andrew has also worked on the committee level with the Ontario Principal’s Council, completed the Principal’s Qualification Program (parts I and II) and holds specialists in Physical and Health Education and Guidance and Career Education. He also completed additional qualifications in teaching French, Special Education, and History at the Senior level.
Over the next few years, Andrew, along with the Junior School team, will help to further the academic program through interdisciplinary studies and further build the critical thinking and creative skills of our students.
Alex Milroy joined Ashbury College in 2011. As Chief Financial Officer, Alex has overall responsibility for the school’s financial affairs, information technology, procurement, transportation services, food services, and campus maintenance and development. She is also the school’s Privacy Officer, and member of the Senior Leadership Team.
Alex is a seasoned executive with demonstrated leadership skills. Prior to joining Ashbury College she worked in the private sector, holding positions as Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operations Officer in the consulting sector, helping businesses meet their financial and operational goals. A respected community builder, Alex has served on a number of not-for-profit boards and has chaired Finance and Fundraising Committees. Alex graduated from the University of Ottawa, with an Honours Commerce degree. In her free time she pursues her passion for horseback riding.
Bruce Mutch joined Ashbury College as Director of Admissions in 2012 and moved into his current role as Director of Enrollment and Advancement in 2017. Originally from Summerside, Prince Edward Island, Bruce has spent much of his career in the independent school industry, working for some of North America’s most recognized day and boarding institutions. Prior to joining the Ashbury College family, Bruce worked as the Director of Enrollment at Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School in Calgary, AB. Previously, Bruce spent 6 years at Ridley College as Assistant Director of Admissions and Assistant Housemaster, and 2 years at Hillside School in Marlborough, Massachusetts as French Teacher and Assistant Head of House.
Bruce is an independent school graduate of Wilbraham and Monson Academy in Wilbraham, Massachusetts. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Lake Forest College in Lake Forest, Illinois, where he balanced academics with a love for hockey, captaining the Varsity team his Junior and Senior years. He later moved on to coaching roles in hockey, lacrosse, rugby and volleyball at Hillside School, Ridley College and Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School.
Bruce enjoys having the opportunity to explain the value of an Ashbury College experience to prospective, current and past students and alumni, along with their families. Bruce is an active member of various organizations including the Ashbury College Foundation, CAIS (Canadian Accredited Independent Schools) and EMA (Enrollment Management Association).
Outside of school, Bruce enjoys golf, running, reading and spending time with friends and family.
Bill Palamar, MSW, CHRP, is Ashbury’s Director of Human Resources. Bill brings a wealth of experience and knowledge in the human resources field to his position, which he is the first to hold at the school. Previous to arriving at Ashbury, Bill worked for many years with Scouts Canada as their National Director of Human Resources, and most recently as the Executive Director of the Canadian Council of HR Associations. He is very active in his professional associations, and is passionate about ongoing professional development.
Padme Raina is responsible for creating meaningful connections within the Ottawa community and beyond in support of the school’s strategic plan. She was formerly Ashbury’s international recruiter and continues to be passionate about engaging families. Her next goals involve connecting an Ashbury education to real-life experience through summer, March Break and global programming. Prior to working at Ashbury, Padme worked as an ESL and English literature teacher in New Zealand. She also worked as an avalanche forecaster in the mountains of Canada, South America and New Zealand and travelled the world developing trips for an active travel company. Padme holds a B.A. Honours in International Relations from UBC, a teaching degree from the University of Canterbury in Christchurch, and an MBA from Royal Roads University. She has trained in Educational Fundraising obtaining the SIEFER certification from CASE (Council for Advancement and Support of Education).
Andrea Kelly is an educational leader with almost 20 years of experience in the Canadian independent school community. In her role as the Assistant Head of Senior School at Ashbury College, she provides oversight to the co-curricular program, boarding program, teacher advisor program and house system which includes student accountability. Andrea previously served as the Director, Student Leadership, House Director and faculty member at Appleby College. Before that she was the Dean of Senior School and teacher at Elmwood School and, at Trinity College School, a teacher and assistant housemaster. She has a Master of Education from the University of Ottawa, Bachelor of Education from Queen’s University, and Bachelor of Environmental Studies from University of Waterloo. Andrea and her husband spend part of the summer at their cottage in Quebec where they enjoy hiking, canoeing, and swimming with their two dogs, Abby and Ruby!

Our Mission
Ashbury College inspires students in a dynamic learning environment as intellectually curious, compassionate and responsible global citizens.
Pluralism
Ashbury’s commitment to fostering inclusivity, embracing pluralism and condemning all forms of racism and discrimination continues. In the summer of 2020, Ashbury’s pluralism project began to ensure the inclusive, safe and respectful environment that we seek for all in our community. This has been a collective effort involving over 80 students, staff, alumni, parents and board members working on five design teams focused on various aspects of school life. This work is part of a continuum of dialogue and improvement that will support Ashbury’s strategic goal of fostering an inclusive school community that builds on the strength of its diversity and school motto Probitas, Virtus, Comitas – Honesty, Courage and Kindness.
School History

Ashbury College was founded in 1891 by George Penrose Woollcombe, an ambitious Oxford University graduate and a new Canadian, who served as Ashbury’s Headmaster for 42 years. The three-room school for boys was originally located on Wellington Street in downtown Ottawa, moving to larger quarters also on Wellington Street and then on to Argyle Street in 1890 near the present Museum of Nature. In 1910, the school — called Ashbury College after Woollcombe’s English home — moved to its current 13-acre location in the heart of Rockcliffe Park.
More additions to the school in 1972 accommodated a student population of more than 300. In 1982, girls were enrolled for the first time in the senior school. With the financial support of Ashbury families and friends, a new gymnasium was added in 1985. This was followed by the completion of the new Napier wing in 1994 to house the Junior School. Later that year the Ashbury theatre, computer labs, several special purpose classrooms and the Teron Foyer were completed. The Heather Gillin Residence for girls opened in 1999 to enhance Ashbury’s boarding program. In fall 2004, a new dining room (named Maclaren Hall), a double gymnasium and four new classrooms were opened. The main floor science lab and front offices were also renovated. Expansion of the Heather Gillin residence for girls began in June 2006 and the new boys residence was completed in September 2009. A new Creative Learning Centre opened in 2014, providing bright art and music rooms, and a boutique residence, called Maple, welcomed boarders in 2016.
Boards & Committees
Ashbury’s strategic direction is decided, in large part, by its executive boards and committees. The college is grateful to all of the dedicated volunteers who support the school. Read our strategic plan: Together Towards 2025/Ensemble vers 2025
Board of Governors 2022-2023
The Board of Governors is the guardian of the school’s mission and core values and it sets the strategic policies for the future well-being of the school. New governors are nominated by the nominating committee and people interested should notify a current Governor or the Headmaster. View board bios
Contact the board at board@ashbury.ca
Board of Governors
Dr. Melissa Forgie Chair of the Board
Mr. Stefano Taucer Vice Chair of the Board
Mr. Kevin Pidgeon Past Chair of the Board
Term Governors
Mr. Terry Blake
Ms Suzanne Blanchard
Mr. Richard Emmerson
Mrs. Zahra Jadavji
Mr. Bobby Kelly ‘09
Mr. Charles Kennedy
Mr. Olugbolahan Mark-George
Mr. Tovan McDaniel
Dr. Nicholas Ng-A-Fook
Mr. Andrew Nichols ‘91
Mr. Jeremy Ouseley ‘09
Mr. Marc Seaman
Ms Victoria Shore ’07
Ms Kathryn Tremblay
Mr. Harry Walia
Mrs. Sarah Waters
Governors Emeriti
*Mr. Martin Parizeau
*Mr. Chris Teron ’76
Mrs. Cynthia Baxter
Dr. Christopher Carruthers
Mr. Richard Dixon
Mr. Timothy Murray
Ms Lori O’Neill
Mr. Robert Paterson
*Mrs. Jean Teron
*Mr. Stephen Woollcombe ’57
Mr. David Pigott ’79
Mr. Gordon Pimm
Mrs. Meena Roberts
Mr. James Smellie ’67
Mr. Anthony Tattersfield
Mrs. Debbie Weinstein
Dr. David Zussman
*Voting
Ex-Officio (voting) Members
Mrs. Tina Fallis, Chair, Parents’ Committee
Mrs. Genevieve Chanteloup, President, Ashbury Guild
Mr. James Kenny ’02, President, Alumni Executive
Mr. Hugh Scott ’88, Chairman, Ashbury Foundation
Mr. Norman Southward, Head of School
Foundation Board
The Ashbury College Foundation Board, incorporated on June 22, 1987, became the custodian of the trust funds that had been previously established for the benefit of Ashbury on January 1, 1988. The Foundation was established as an Ontario not-for-profit corporation without share capital, classified as a registered charity and public foundation under the Income Tax Act, Canada. The Foundation was created to raise funds by way of charitable donations, to hold endowment funds to contribute funds to financially support deserving Ashbury College students.
Mission
The Ashbury College Foundation is committed to enhancing the reputation and sustainability of the College by raising funds and building meaningful relationships while being accountable to our stakeholders with clarity, transparency with the utmost professional and ethical practices.
The Foundation supports the Ashbury College mission of engaging students in a dynamic learning environment and inspiring them to become intellectually vibrant, compassionate and responsible citizens.
Mandate
The Ashbury College Foundation Board oversees the strategic planning and implementation of non-event based philanthropic fundraising and stewardship programs in support of Ashbury College. The Foundation is responsible for the management of the charitable contributions committed to the College, the Foundations’ charitable tax status and is custodian of the endowment funds.
Members
- Hugh Scott ’88 (Chair)
- James Baxter ’83 (Past Chair)
- Aik Aliferis ’79
- Patrick Bartlett ’91
- Kevin Bon ’92
- Lisanne Brousseau ’90
- Julie Coulson-Fine ’90
- Shannon Deegan
- Pawan Dilawri ’87
- Graham Fallis
- Sahir Khan ’88
- John Lindgren
- Charlie Maclaren ’71
- Miskokijig McGregor ’17
- Alexander Patrick ’03
- Raju Ruparelia ’95
- Randy Stringer ’88
Ashbury Parents’ Guild
The mandate of the Ashbury Parents’ Guild is to promote connections among members of the Ashbury community by organizing events and initiatives that build community and/or raise multifaceted support for the school. In exercising its mandate, the Ashbury Parents’ Guild will be guided by Ashbury’s Mission statement and strategic plan. The vision of the Ashbury Parents’ Guild is to create active and sustained parent and community involvement with Ashbury College through Ashbury Parents’ Guild activities.
The Ashbury Parents’ Guild Executive
- Chair: Charlie Mee
- Vice-Chair: Lyne Robinson
- Past Chairs: Gen Chanteloup and Tina Fallis
- Secretary: Scott Procter
- Treasurer: Jen Boyce
- Communications: Jessica Montanaro
Ashbury Parents’ Guild Members
- Leila Ages
- Jennifer Boyce
- Jennifer Brancato
- Lisa Cameron
- Gen Chanteloup
- Amina Cherif
- Tina Fallis
- Howard Kim
- Magda Hovjacky Kit
- Sandra Klousseh
- Pragash Krishnamoorthy
- Shannon Lafrance
- Karr-Ming Lee
- Mei Liu (Zhaomei Liu)
- Martin Zhi (Zhi Ma)
- Melinda Marchlewicz
- Charlotte Mee
- Jessica Montanaro
- Justine Eyre-Nelson
- Jane Njihia
- Valerie Patrick
- Irene Pijuan Aragon
- Scott Procter
- Lyne Robinson
- Denise Schwarz
- Debra Sequeira
- Sonya Thissen
- Naina Thoppil
- Kacper Wozniak
- Yanna (Yan) Zhao
Accreditations & Associations
- Canadian Accredited Independent Schools (CAIS) – Founding Member
- International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) – IB World School since January 1975.
- Ministry of Education (MOE) – Accredited in the province of Ontario.
- Association of Boarding Schools (TABS)
- Conference of Independent Schools of Ontario (CIS)
- Enrollment Management Association
- National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC)
- National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS)
- New England Association for College Counseling (NEACAC)
- Ontario School Counsellor’s Association (OSCA)
- Round Square