Southpointe Academy Alumni

For this month’s Alumni Spotlight, we’re featuring Kaylie Borntraeger, whose curiosity has taken her from Southpointe’s biology classroom to environmental research.

What began as a fascination with evolution and adaptation in Grade 11 Biology grew into a passion for understanding biodiversity, sustainability, and the relationship between people and the natural world. Through research internships, fieldwork tracking biodiversity in Delta farmlands, and conversations with mentors, Kaylie discovered that some of the most meaningful learning happens beyond the classroom.

Along the way, she also learned that asking questions isn’t a sign that you don’t know enough—it’s a sign that you’re invested in learning. That mindset continues to shape her studies and career, reminding her that curiosity opens doors to new ideas, experiences, and opportunities.

“Being an inquirer has helped me make new connections and be more involved in my learning and career.”

Kaylie’s story reminds us that lifelong learning begins with a willingness to ask questions, embrace new perspectives, and follow your curiosity wherever it leads.

💬 What question has led you to an unexpected opportunity?

📖 Every Southpointe graduate carries memories of the places where their story began.

This week, our alumni, current students and families had the opportunity to take one final hard hat tour before our new Main Campus opens this fall. Walking through the building was a reminder that while our campus is growing, the heart of Southpointe remains the same: a place where students are inspired to learn, build lasting friendships, and discover their potential.

The next generation will soon create memories of their own within these walls, adding new chapters to a story that began long before this building existed.

Thank you for continuing to be part of Southpointe’s journey. We can’t wait to welcome you back to experience what’s next. 💙

What a night. ✨

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our Back to Southpointe Alumni Reunion & Celebration. It was wonderful to reconnect with alumni across generations, share stories and memories, and celebrate the community that continues to make Southpointe so special.

From catching up with classmates to exploring our campus expansion through exclusive hard hat tours, the evening was a reminder of how far we’ve come—and the exciting future ahead.

A special congratulations to our milestone classes and Alumni Award recipients. We are grateful to have you as part of the Southpointe story.

Until next time, thank you for coming back to Southpointe.

For May’s Alumni Spotlight, we’re featuring Cole Borntraeger, a Materials Engineer in Training at Apave Canada, whose curiosity and passion for problem-solving continue to shape his work in STEM and engineering. This month, we’re highlighting the IB Learner Profile attribute Inquirers and how a mindset of curiosity, exploration, and lifelong learning continues to influence Cole’s career and approach to his work.

From analyzing material failures to understanding how corrosion forms, Cole’s work relies on the same chemistry, physics, and critical thinking skills he first explored at Southpointe. Looking back, many concepts that once felt abstract in the classroom only began to fully make sense through real-world experience. Learning how electrochemistry drives corrosion completely changed how he understood engineering, design, and the science behind everyday materials.

Over time, Cole has also come to appreciate math in a new way; not just as formulas, but as a language that explains how the world works without bias or assumption. Today, he continues learning from experienced engineers, technical resources, and by staying curious in every environment he enters.

“Don’t ever stop wondering how things work, and don’t ever be afraid to ask questions. That’s how we learn.”

Cole’s journey is a reminder that being an inquirer doesn’t stop after graduation. Curiosity, persistence, and a willingness to keep learning can open doors to unexpected paths and deeper understanding.

💬 What’s something you learned in school that made more sense later in life?

Our Kindergarten and Grade 12 students wrapped up their monthly buddy visits last month 💙

A longstanding Southpointe tradition (and one of our favourites!), K–12 Buddy Visits bring together our youngest and oldest students to read stories, make crafts, play games, and spend time together throughout the year.

For our Kindergarten students, it’s a chance to learn from role models they look up to. For our Grade 12s, it’s an opportunity to slow down and reconnect with the joy of being a kid again during a busy season of life.

Do you remember your buddy visits?

For Julia Farkasch, now a second-year law student at the University of Victoria, it means slowing down, questioning assumptions, and grounding ideas in evidence and perspective.

At Southpointe, experiences like her AP Capstone research and courses in Law and English pushed Julia to engage with complexity—learning that strong arguments aren’t just built on evidence, but on understanding competing viewpoints and the limits of objectivity.

That mindset extended beyond the classroom. Whether balancing elite hockey with academics or navigating a significant health challenge in university, Julia learned to approach uncertainty with discipline, reflection, and purpose.

“Being a thinker has helped me approach challenges with discipline and a willingness to listen to different perspectives, so I can better align my actions with my values.”

Today, that thoughtful approach continues to shape how she studies law, contributes to her community, and moves forward with intention.

💬 Where has thoughtful decision-making made a difference in your journey?

Throwback to unforgettable moments from past Southpointe Alumni Reunions, an evening where friendships were rekindled, stories were shared, and memories came full circle. ✨

On June 11, 2026, we’re coming Back to Southpointe for another evening of connection, celebration, and community at our Alumni Reunion & Celebration. 🥂

Whether you graduated last year or years ago, this is your invitation to return, reconnect, and celebrate how far you’ve come, and where you’re headed next.

We can’t wait to welcome you back.

The 3rd Annual Southpointe Golf Classic & Garden Party returns—tickets are officially on sale now! ⛳️⁠
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Join us Sunday, May 31 at Tsawwassen Springs for a day that brings our community together in style. From a lively shotgun-start tournament with on-course games and contests, to an elegant Garden Party featuring drinks, canapés, and standout style moments—there’s something for everyone.⁠
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Southpointe alumni are eligible for 50% off their ticket. Secure yours today at the link in our bio.

Growth doesn’t always come from having the right answers—it comes from taking the time to reflect.

For Natalie Burt-Carrol, now an Administrative Assistant at Southpointe Academy, reflection is at the heart of how she works and grows each day. Supporting teams across Finance, Admissions, Transportation, and the Front Desk, she brings a thoughtful and intentional approach to everything she does.

As a student, Natalie often felt the pressure to be perfect and to solve challenges independently. Through experience, she’s learned that growth comes from asking for help, embracing uncertainty, and reflecting on both successes and setbacks.

Today, reflection guides how she learns, communicates, and continues to grow—both professionally and personally.

“Reflection helps me stay grounded, learn continuously, and stay aligned with my values.”

Her journey is a reminder that progress isn’t about perfection—it’s about pausing, learning, and moving forward with clarity.