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On Tuesday, December 3, the Grade 12 iRAP Photography students from Sacred Heart Catholic High School in Newmarket brought their artistic expertise to the Southlake Health Centre for a special community project. This unique collaboration combined the students’ growing skills in portrait photography with their school program’s emphasis on community engagement through the arts.
The event was a portrait photography session for Southlake’s Family Health Team (FHT), an affiliate of Southlake Hospital and part of the University of Toronto’s residency program. The Southlake FHT is a vital organization that includes 21 physicians across multiple sites (Newmarket, Aurora, Mount Albert, and Bradford), 20 Interprofessional Healthcare Providers (IHPs) such as nurse practitioners, social workers, and dietitians, and about 25 administrative staff members. The team plays a critical role in primary care for the community, and this project aimed to create professional headshots for its members.
Strengthening Community Through Art
The collaboration was more than a simple photography session—it was an opportunity to foster connection within the health team and improve the organization’s professional representation. Many staff members previously had no profile photos in the internal email system, leaving colleagues to rely solely on names. Updated headshots will help staff put faces to names, strengthen relationships in a hybrid work environment, and add a polished, personal touch to email communications.
The new portraits will also enhance Southlake FHT’s internal staff directory and provide professional visuals for award submissions, newsletters, and potential website updates.
Photography in Action
Guided by their teacher, Mr. Galang, the students applied lessons from their classroom to a real-world setting. Over recent months, they have honed their understanding of studio lighting, DSLR manual controls, and portrait composition. This event provided an ideal platform for students to put those skills to use. Working in a professional environment, they set up lighting equipment, adjusted camera settings for optimal exposure, and collaborated directly with their subjects to capture flattering, professional headshots.
One student remarked, “It was a great experience to apply what we’ve learned in a way that supports such an important organization. It’s inspiring to see how our photography can make a difference.”
A Mutually Enriching Experience
For Southlake FHT, the collaboration underscored the power of community partnerships. “We’re thrilled to have worked with Sacred Heart’s iRAP students,” said Mary Nguyen, Executive Director. “The headshots not only help us with practical needs but also remind us how art and healthcare can intersect in meaningful ways.”
This project was more than an exercise in technical skills for the students. It was a chance to witness the impact of their craft in a professional setting, build confidence, and contribute to a cause larger than themselves.
About the Southlake Family Health Team
The Southlake FHT offers comprehensive primary care services through a multidisciplinary approach. With teams that include physicians, nurses, psychotherapists, and more, they are committed to improving patient outcomes and fostering wellness across their communities. For more information, visit their website at www.southlakefht.ca.
The Bigger Picture
This collaboration is part of the iRAP program’s broader goal of integrating the arts into community service. The Grade 12 Photography students demonstrated the power of creativity and connection, showing that art can be a vehicle for building stronger communities.
Sacred Heart Catholic High School and Southlake Health Centre have proven that partnerships like this can leave lasting impressions on the people and students who serve them. Thanks again to our student photographers, Alia C., Andrea M., Donata S., Elisha M., Allison & Amelia VDV.
