Rita Gravina & Sapphire Giberson

Together, the dedicated humanities and social sciences teachers have shaped the Global Learning and Outdoor Education programs respectively, creating powerful opportunities for students to grow into conscious leaders. From the classroom to the wilderness and across the world, they work closely to integrate theoretical concepts into transformational experiences. We sat down with them to learn how they prepare BSS students to lead inside and outside the classroom. 

When Rita arrived at BSS in 1996, she was struck by one thing: the level of curiosity and risk-taking students engaged in to deepen their learning. “The opportunities to do things unlike at any other school was something that I wanted to be a part of,” she says. Through teaching a breadth of subjects in social sciences, it wasn’t long before she became fully immersed in the world of global development, underscoring the importance of access to food and clean water, education, gender equality, healthcare, climate change and more. 

“It all started when I saw the spark in my students’ eyes when learning about global issues,” Rita recalls. Witnessing her students’ growing desire to engage more deeply with classroom content and to launch social action projects, Rita was inspired to rethink traditional learning models by integrating her social sciences expertise into global education. This shift allowed her to cultivate a hands-on, impactful approach that empowered students to connect classroom learning with real-world change. 

Today, the Global Learning program at BSS takes an integrated approach to education. As program director, Rita oversees activities, councils, guest speakers and trips, working closely with her team to manage the associated risks. Her work ensures students gain the skills, insights and motivation needed to engage thoughtfully with their communities and the world. “One year, we organized a trip to Belize where students worked with healthcare providers in rural communities,” Rita shares. “Some of those students are now in medical school because of the impact that experience had on them.” Whether advising the Global Awareness Council to help students organize events like International Human Rights Day and International Women’s Day or mentoring students in co-curricular leadership initiatives such as Voices of Olympia, Rita’s days at school are never dull. 

After nearly three decades at BSS, what continues to drive Rita’s passion for teaching and leading the Global Learning program? “When I hear that my former students have founded NGOs, entered the legal field or worked for the UN, it reminds me why I do this work,” she shares. “My goal has always been to help students see themselves as changemakers. Whether they create an impact within our school or on a global scale, I want them to know that meaningful change can always start somewhere.” 

Throughout her time at BSS, Rita has maintained connections with former students like Deborah McCRACKEN-Nangereke ’99, many of whom return as guest speakers or panellists for initiatives such as the bespoke Voices of Leadership program. By sharing their experiences, they offer practical insights to current students. This ongoing exchange of learning not only reflects Rita’s dedication and philosophy of teaching, but also highlights the transformative impact of curricular and co-curricular education, empowering students to develop global competencies in their education. 

Partnering with educators like Sapphire has been another meaningful way Rita has carried her leadership forward. Sapphire was drawn to the school’s strong values and emphasis on impactful learning experiences that extend beyond our classrooms. “I believe learning happens in so many different ways,” she shares. “I’m grateful to have found a school that’s deeply rooted in its mission.” 

Since joining BSS in 2020, Sapphire has brought a dynamic approach to teaching humanities subjects such as geography, civics and Gender Studies, while serving as the Director of Outdoor Education. Through immersive experiences ranging from fire building and shelter making to rock climbing and snowshoeing, she encourages students to engage with their surroundings in meaningful ways. For Sapphire, hands-on learning promotes curiosity, encouraging students to ask questions and widen their perspectives through investigation and exploration. She also facilitates engagement with Indigenous leaders for students to gain a deeper understanding of the land around them, fostering environmental responsibility and stewardship. 

The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award challenges students to build skills, stay active and give back through progressively demanding levels. It was through this program that Sapphire first discovered her passion for outdoor education as a participant herself. Now, she facilitates the program at BSS, guiding students on experiences like the Grade 9 trip to Point Pelee National Park. “Students develop a real sense of independence and connection to the attributes in the Signature of a BSS Girl,” Sapphire adds. “They collaborate with one another, carry their own canoes, cook their own meals and learn to emotionally regulate themselves during situational challenges.” Sapphire emphasizes the lasting value of the Duke of Ed award, noting its strong connections to international development and leadership. The program encourages students to ask critical questions, communicate effectively and reflect on their personal impact in their communities – skills that are essential for academic success and beyond. 

At the heart of their work, Sapphire and Rita enrich theoretical classroom content through transformative learning experiences, including global expeditions. This year’s trip to Fiji focused on marine conservation and cultural exchange, with students participating in beach clean-ups, tree planting and marine protection efforts. 

Sapphire’s outdoor expeditions bring learning to life, immersing students in ecosystems, natural phenomena and Indigenous knowledge. Meanwhile, Rita’s leadership initiatives empower students to analyze global issues, develop their voice and consider their contributions to their communities. For educators like Rita and Sapphire, there’s nothing more rewarding than witnessing student growth and their inspiration to make a difference in the world.