a Supportive Community

Jim has a lifetime of memories from his time at NJC. Most of which centre around the friends he made – some of whom he remains close to this day – his travel adventures, and the exuberant founder of our School, Mr. Leonard Wilde himself.

Jim recalls his travels throughout his time at NJC with fondness. World-class skiing in the Swiss Alps is undoubtedly at the top of his list. He enjoyed car trips to France, and spent a portion of the summer travelling through Africa with Mr. Wilde. On this trip, Jim saw many beautiful vistas and had an opportunity to learn more about NJC’s founder.

The experience has stayed with him and remains one of the best years of his life. In honour of his time at NJC and to preserve the memory of our founder, Jim created the Leonard Wilde Bursary. “It is the least I can do for a school and a man that gave so much to me.” Jim chose to have his funds endowed, allowing the school to hold and invest in perpetuity. In the 2024/2025 academic year, this prestigious bursary will be available to a deserving student for the first time.

“Neuchâtel is a series of experiences over a year. The travel, culture, and freedom provide an opportunity to blossom and grow. I remember it as one of the best years of my life.” Sarah sees her year at NJC as a gift from her mother who wanted her to see more of the world beyond the province of Alberta. “Living and learning in a different culture at that age broadens one’s horizons. NJC gave me the freedom to discover and explore that I didn’t have before going. I saw the world differently after my year at Neuchâtel. I had more confidence to try new things.” Sarah then gave that same gift to her three children.

Over four decades later, Sarah remains connected to NJC. Her experience lives on through her annual contributions; she ensures no student is left behind. Travel has given so much to her and her family, and supporting the NJC travel bursary fund means more students can enjoy travel and grow from the experience.

“Through living in a different country and travelling, I hope my support empowers students to engage with others and see themselves as citizens of the world.”

Amy gives back for a very simple reason: “NJC was a life-changing year that informed so many of my decisions and led me to where I am today. If I can be a part of that for any other student, then I feel I’ve made a difference.”

As she sets to celebrate her 25th anniversary, she fondly looks back at her year. She can still describe the journey up the hill to her pension family’s home, walking past the vineyards and arriving home to the view of Lac Neuchâtel. Or her first independent trip to Venice “the images of the canals, the freedom, and the warm yellows of Venice will always be one of my most vivid memories.”

Amy and her family foundation give back to honour her NJC experience and to ensure future students can have it too. “My year at NJC was the best year of my life, and it was something I didn’t want to let go of. To me, giving back seemed to be the best way to stay connected, and help other students have a similar experience.”

NJC is more than just a school to Dan, Shanti and their three children. It has provided each of their children with incredible opportunities, newfound independence, and skills that will carry them through life. Dan and Shanti see how fortunate they are to have sent their three children to NJC—a truly transformational experience.

The family of five has become a staple at NJC. Both Dan and Shanti have taken every opportunity possible to visit with their children. Being able to live the experience with them has been the most rewarding: visiting at parents’ weekend and getting to know their pension families, meeting teachers, spending time together in Zermatt (they have all gone three times!), all culminating in graduation.

They give because they want to provide this opportunity to others who might not have the ability to do so.

Dan, Shanti, Leo ’19, Sachin ’22, and Collette ’23 are proud to be part of the NJC family, and even more proud that they can help others have a transformational year with memories to last a lifetime.

John is a proud parent to two alumni, Jaime ‘12 and Jennifer ‘16, and a three-time staff member. John believes that NJC is an investment in education that pays off in lifelong dividends. He has witnessed the tremendous impact NJC had had on both his daughters and firsthand on the students he worked with as a member of staff.

As a teacher and former school principal, John has always believed in the power of education. He also understands the shortcomings of set budgets. “By supporting the Future Fund, I can provide flexibility to the Head of School for things that are needed but might not fit into the budget. Knowing that I can give, and it allows the school to respond quickly to needs and opportunities, is key to ensuring NJC can meet the unique needs of each class.”

Both of his daughters were fortunate enough to attend NJC with financial assistance. “I feel compelled to give back to the school that gave so much to both my daughters.”