Entries by Steve Vogel

Do Your September Self a Favour

We’re getting closer to the middle of August, which means September is starting to appear on the horizon. That doesn’t mean summer is over. But this is a good time to spend 15–20 minutes doing something that can save you a surprising amount of stress later: create a September package for yourself. This can be […]

August Has Arrived — But Don’t Rush Summer

With the calendar turning to August, it’s easy to start thinking about what’s coming next. For many students and families, that means the upcoming school year. New classes, new routines, and new opportunities are only a few weeks away. But not quite yet. If you’re enjoying the long weekend or making the most of summer, […]

Summer Isn’t Wasted Time

July is often the month when school feels furthest away. For many students, that’s exactly how it should be. After a year of deadlines, exams, projects, and busy schedules, it’s important to give yourself permission to simply enjoy summer. Whether you’re travelling, working, spending time with family, or just slowing down for a while, don’t […]

It’s Okay Not to Think About School Right Now

This is a message I think many students (and parents) need to hear. Throughout the year, the focus is on planning, deadlines, exams, and staying organized. Summer serves a different purpose. Many students feel guilty if they aren’t doing something “productive” every day. They wonder if they should be reading ahead, taking extra courses, or […]

Looking Back Before Looking Ahead

As another school year comes to a close, it’s worth taking a moment to acknowledge making it to summer. Whether this year felt successful, challenging, or somewhere in between, you’ve made it through another academic season. Before completely shifting gears into summer mode, consider one simple question: What actually helped you succeed this year? Students […]

Learning Strategies: The Academic Short Game

I’ll admit it — I’m not much of a golfer! But one thing I’ve learned from golfers over the years is that the “short game” can make or break a round. You can hit a great drive off the tee, but if your putting and chipping struggle, your score will suffer. In many ways, academics […]

How full is the gas tank right now?

By early June, fatigue is real for many students. Even highly capable students can start operating on lower energy after months of deadlines, studying, and constant mental output. That doesn’t mean students are lazy or unmotivated — it means they’ve been carrying a long academic load. The key during this stretch is honesty. If your […]

Welcome to the High School Windstorm Month

Late May is often when the high school year starts to feel the heaviest. At the beginning of the semester, June can seem far away. But by May 22, the reality starts to settle in: final assignments are due, projects are wrapping up, tests are increasing, and teachers are trying to complete coursework before final […]

A Difficult Semester Does Not Have to Define the Next One

For many students, May feels like a reset. A new semester begins, routines shift, and there is a chance to move forward. But for some students, it can also feel heavy. Maybe the winter term did not go as planned. A failed course, disappointing grades, missed assignments, burnout, or simply the feeling of falling behind […]