Sam Welbourn

My name is Sam Welbourn and I grew up in Orillia, ON. I attended the University of Guelph, Honours Studio Art, and then worked in the film industry for a few years in Toronto. I returned to the University of Western for my B.Ed. in JI Visual Arts. After graduation, I completed an IS Visual Arts AQ and later my Honours Specialist in Visual Arts. I spent a year teaching English in South Korea and traveling throughout South East Asia. Following that adventure, I returned to the DDSB for a Grade 7-8 Gifted Behavioural LTO position, before starting at Trafalgar Castle School. I have been at Trafalgar now for more than 15 years, and it is an Independent all-girls school in Whitby. I teach Visual Arts, Photography, and Design Thinking from grade 8-12 and an AP Studio course in Drawing & Painting and 2D Design. This year I took on the role of Advisor to our Senior Student Leadership Team (the Prefects) and am loving being part of the vision for leadership at the school. In addition, I lead clubs such as Art with Heart (our Senior Art Club), Virtual Photography Club, and a Festival of Banners Design Club. Currently, all of our classes are virtual and it’s been a juggling act as a working parent, with 3 kids (gr 8, 6, and 2) at home all on different schedules. We also have 2 dogs to add to the entertainment factor, an amazing 1-year-old golden doodle “Maggie”, and a 17-year-old Maltese “Fletcher”, who we bought while living in Korea. I love to run and downhill ski. I also have a small photography business, Sam Welbourn Photography, that is on hold while we all stay at home during this pandemic. I love art and photography and everything creative! The artistic process is such a brave and courageous act. Students process a lot in my courses and I thought a more formal awareness of guidance would be a benefit to my students and me. I took the AQ Part 1 this winter through Queens and really enjoyed it! I am excited to start Part II with all of you. This summer I plan to work towards coaching certification and hope to take courses in positive psychology in the fall. I am really looking forward to meeting everyone in this course and learning more about Guidance with all of you!