Our BoardOf Governors.
Our Board of Governors works closely with School Administration to develop strategic direction and establish policies and plans to ensure the School’s future well-being.
The current Board consists of 12 elected Governors and three Governors with observer status. Governors are elected at the Annual General Meeting in October, usually for a three-year term. The Board operates through several standing committees including Advancement, Governance and Nominating, Finance and Property, and additional ad hoc committees as needed. The committees include both Board members and members of the St. Clement’s School community at large.
Dear Members of the SCS Community,
One of the key responsibilities of the Board of Governors’ Governance and Nominating Committee is to consider qualified individuals for appointment to the Board of Governors and to the standing committees of the Board, including the Finance, Advancement, Property, and Governance and Nominating Committees. The Board of Governors seeks a balanced membership of parents, alumnae, and independent members as well as a diversity of expertise and experience.
The Committee considers both current year and future year needs.
If you or anyone you know is interested in becoming involved, please contact Martha Perry, Principal at mperry@scs.on.ca, Karen McKay, Chair of the Board at mckay_karen@lilly.com, or me at lisa.porlier@russellreynolds.com.
Martha, Karen, and I would also be pleased to answer any questions that you may have regarding Board and committee membership.
Lisa Porlier
Chair, Governance and Nominating Committee
- Martha Perry '85Martha Perry '85
Principal
- Karen McKayKaren McKay
Chair
- David BaconDavid Bacon
Treasurer
- Jeff AllsopJeff Allsop
- Julia Foster '65Julia Foster '65
- Hilary McLean '99Hilary McLean '99
- Ripal PatelRipal Patel
- Alice PittAlice Pitt
- Lisa PorlierLisa Porlier
- Poonam PuriPoonam Puri
- Pamela RaymentPamela Rayment
- Kennis TongKennis Tong
- Charles Whitburn Charles Whitburn
- Brian DenegaBrian Denega
Past Chair
- Ali Azzopardi '07Ali Azzopardi '07
President of the Alumnae Association
- Nancy Hotson '96Nancy Hotson '96
President of the Parents' Association
-
Martha Perry '85
Principal
Martha joined St. Clement’s School as Principal in August 2010. Martha has a wealth of experience in the independent school system, working with staff and with students at all levels. Prior to her return to SCS, she was Assistant Head of Academics at Pickering College; she has also been Director of Admissions at St. Clement’s School, and Director of Academic Support and the Advisor program at Trinity College. Martha has worked with junior school students at Crestwood School and at Montcrest School, where she was Junior Division Representative. Martha’s background as a Special Education specialist, combined with her leadership training through the CAIS (Canadian Accredited Independent Schools) Independent School Leadership diploma program, has enabled her to help students and the staff who work with them to achieve their full potential. Martha is an instructor for the Accreditation and School Improvement Module at the annual CAIS Leadership Institute.
Martha holds a Masters’ of Education degree from Nipissing University, a Bachelor of Education degree from York University, and an undergraduate degree in Sociology from McMaster University. She has coordinated two CAIS (formerly CESI, Canadian Educational Standards Institute) Internal Evaluation processes, at Montcrest School and Pickering College, and has been a member of four CAIS accreditation visiting committees.
Karen McKayChair
Karen McKay is Sr. Vice President of Human Resources and Learning and Development at Eli Lilly Canada Inc. In this role, she oversees human resources and training including employee relations, talent management, learning and development, organizational development, compensation, and health and safety. She is a member of the Senior Management Team and the Board of Directors of Eli Lilly Canada.
Since joining Eli Lilly Canada in 1991, Karen has progressed through several roles in Customer Relations, Marketing (pricing), Human Resources, and Finance.
Karen is a member of The Conference Board of Canada and is an Executive Committee member on the Council of Human Resource Executives (East). She is also Chair of the Board of Governors at St. Clement’s School, located in Toronto.
Prior to joining Lilly, Karen worked at the New Brunswick Power Corporation in the Treasury and Debt Department.
Karen received a Masters of Business from the University of Western Ontario (now Ivey Business School) in 1991 and a Bachelor of Finance from the University of New Brunswick in 1984.
David BaconTreasurer
David is currently the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of TSX-listed Extendicare Inc. David started his career at PricewaterhouseCoopers and has held senior finance leadership roles in a variety of industries including environmental services, transportation and logistics, energy, and telecommunications.
David is a CPA, CA, and holds the ICD.D designation. David obtained his BA from the University of Western Ontario and MBA from the Schulich School of Business at York University.
David serves as the Chair of the Finance Committee of the Board of Governors.
David and his wife, Cindy Phillips, are proud parents of two Clementines.
Jeff AllsopJeff is the former Chairman and CEO of HSBC Securities (Canada) Inc. and Executive Vice President, Managing Director and Head of Global Banking at HSBC Bank Canada. He is also a former director of HSBC Global Asset Management (Canada) Ltd.
With over 24 years of investment banking experience, he has advised on mergers and acquisitions, corporate finance, capital markets and privatizations in Canada and internationally. Prior to becoming Head of Global Banking for HSBC in Canada, he was based in London, UK and was Global Head of Infrastructure Fund Coverage for HSBC with responsibility for coverage of infrastructure funds and other direct institutional infrastructure investors.
Before joining HSBC, Jeff worked in the Corporate Finance & Investment Banking group at PwC. Jeff is a Chartered Accountant and holds an HBA from the Ivey Business School at Western University and is a former member of the Board of Governors for Junior Achievement of Central Ontario.
Jeff and his wife, Lynn Allsop, are proud parents of two Clementines.
Julia Foster '65Julia Foster ’65 is a graduate of St. Clement’s School and comes to our Board of Governors with a wealth of experience. Julia is a graduate of McGill University; Member of the Order of Canada; named one of Canada’s 100 Most Powerful Women in 2014 ; former marketing executive and corporate board director. She has been Chair of major not-for profit boards including York University, National Arts Centre, Ontario Arts Council, and Stratford Festival. Julia has worked in the marketing field for McCann-Erickson Advertising of Canada Ltd, Environics and was the President and CEO of the Olympic Trust of Canada. In 2006, she was awarded the St. Clement’s School Gold Award, which is presented to an outstanding alumna once every five years. Julia is married with four adult children.
Hilary McLean '99Hilary McLean ’99 is a graduate of St. Clement’s School. She is currently a Director of Baby and Fem Care sales strategy at Procter and Gamble. Since joining P&G in 1999, Hilary has progressed through many roles in both Canada and the US. The main focus of her work has been partnering with North American retailers to build their business on some of the world’s best known consumer brands. She is an expert on strategic planning, leading teams, negotiating and developing and executing a vision. Hilary holds a BBA from Wilfrid Laurier University and an MSc from Suffolk University. She is also a member of the board at Runnymede United Church. She is married to Ian and is the proud mother of two boys.
Ripal PatelRipal is a Chartered Accountant and a Managing Director in the Capital Markets group at BMO. Prior to that, Ripal was at Morgan Stanley in New York as part of the Institutional Equity Division.
Ripal has spent 18 years in Global Equities within Equity Research and Global Equity Trading serving institutional and corporate clients.
He is a graduate of the University of Waterloo with a degree in Honours Chartered Accountancy Studies – Co-operative Program.
Ripal currently lives in Toronto with his wife and two children, one of whom is a Clementine.
Alice PittDr. Alice Pitt served as the Vice-Provost Academic at York University from December 2012 to June 2020. Prior to this appointment, she served as Dean of York’s Faculty of Education from 2008 to 2012. As the Faculty’s Associate Dean, Pre-Service from 2002 to 2007, she led curriculum renewal efforts that included the design of experiential components, with expanded partnerships with schools and community organizations. Dr. Pitt received her PhD in education from the University of Toronto specializing in curriculum theory, critical/feminist pedagogy, and cultural studies in education; and she has published widely in these fields, as well as teacher education. She has been a colleague at York since 1995, becoming a Full Professor in 2009.
As the Vice-Provost Academic, Alice played a lead role in planning, implementing and monitoring several key academic initiatives and priorities within the University. Working closely with colleagues in Senate and across Divisions/Faculties, she was responsible for a range of core activities including quality assurance (including program reviews and new program development) and faculty affairs. As the Senior Advisor, Markham Academic Strategic Planning, Alice plays a key role in the development of York’s new Markham Centre Campus which is scheduled to enrol its first students in 2023.
Lisa PorlierLisa is a Managing Director at Russell Reynolds Associates, a global executive search and assessment organization. She leads the Technology Practice and works actively in the Financial Services Sector in Canada. Lisa conducts leadership and succession assignments at the Board, CEO and senior executive level. As well, she serves as the Canadian Deputy Country Manager.
Lisa joined Russell Reynolds Associates in 2004 from the University of Toronto where she was the Executive Director of the Capital Markets Institute, a policy institute focused on providing rigorous research guidance to policy makers on the competitiveness of the Canadian Capital markets.
Previously, Lisa worked in investment banking with Scotia Capital Inc., for nine years where she led the firm’s technology practice, working in mergers and acquisitions, public and private financings and corporate finance advisory. Lisa is past President of Women in Capital Markets, and Chair of the Heather L. Main Memorial Scholarship, where she has played an instrumental role in developing and implementing internship programs for women graduates of business schools.
Lisa received her B.B.A. from Wilfrid Laurier University and M.B.A. from the Richard Ivey School of Business at the University of Western Ontario. She is a CFA® charterholder.
Poonam PuriPoonam is a Professor of Law and former Associate Dean at Osgoode Hall Law School, York University. She is an expert in corporate governance, corporate law and securities laws. Poonam is also Affiliated Scholar with the law firm Davies, Ward, Phillips & Vineberg LLP, and she serves on the board of directors of the Canada Infrastructure Bank and Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital. Poonam is a graduate of the University of Toronto Faculty of Law (LL.B.) and Harvard Law School (LL.M.). She and her husband, Elian Terner, are the proud parents of three Clementines.
Pamela RaymentPamela currently serves as Associate Priest for Parents and Families at St. Clement’s Church. She is passionate about fostering faith in families and is convinced that the inter-generational nature of the church is a gift beyond measure. She has served in both children’s and youth ministry and has fostered faith among parents in her previous role as rector of a growing church in Northern Ontario.
A skilled communicator, Pamela has a background in Journalism and Media Communications. She holds a Master of Divinity from Wycliffe College at the University of Toronto, where she was awarded The McElheran Memorial Prize for Homiletics.
Pamela leads the stellar Family Ministries Team at St. Clement’s, working together to establish practices for families learning to follow Jesus Christ.
Pamela loves a good cup of coffee, storytelling in all its forms, sketching, graphic design, photography, crochet, and embroidery. She is married to Jeremy Rayment, a skilled media arts college professor. They are grateful for their son Logan, who is attending Ryerson University.
Kennis TongKennis Tong is a professional accountant with 20 years of business finance, strategic planning and consulting experience in professional firms and financial institutions in Hong Kong and Shanghai, including GE Capital, PwC, HSBC and UBS. She was formerly the Head of Finance, Retail and Private Bank of ANZ Hong Kong. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from University of Hong Kong and obtained the FCCA designation from the U.K.
Kennis is actively involved in school volunteer activities and community services both in Hong Kong and Toronto. She joined the SCS Advancement Committee in 2017 and was a member of the Organizing Committee for the 2018 SCS House Party. She has been a member of the Board of Dreams Come True Foundation Hong Kong since 2016 and was a member of the Board and Treasurer for Rotary Club of Peninsula Hong Kong from 2014 to 2016.
Kennis is married to Samuel Yen and together they are proud parents of two lovely children. The family of four moved to Toronto from Hong Kong in July 2016 when their daughter entered Grade 5 at SCS. Their son is currently attending SAC.
Charles WhitburnCharles Whitburn is Chief Legal Officer at Zafin, a private Canadian based fintech company. Prior to joining Zafin, Charles held a number of progressively senior legal roles with other companies, including most recently as VP, General Counsel & Corporate Secretary of Points, a TSX and NASDAQ listed technology company.
Charles began his career practicing law with Stikeman Elliott in Toronto. Since moving in-house, Charles has been repeatedly recognized for his leadership in the profession and is frequently asked to speak about legal and governance matters at industry conferences.
Charles has a B.A. from St. Francis Xavier University and an LL. B. from Queen’s University. Charles is called to the bar in Ontario and Nova Scotia and is a Certified In-House Counsel in Canada. Charles and his wife Andrea Lee ’97 are the proud parents of two Clementines.
Brian DenegaPast Chair
Brian is a Chartered Accountant and a partner in the Strategy and Transactions practice at Ernst & Young LLP. For over 30 years, Brian has led Canadian and cross-border turnaround and restructuring engagements on behalf of companies and their stakeholders. In addition, Brian has acted as financial advisor to government agencies, boards of directors, management, and secured creditors, assisting them in developing and/or evaluating strategy and business plans for companies in transition. Brian has completed terms on Ernst & Young’s Global and Americas Advisory Councils.
Brian completed his term as Chair of the Board of Governors in 2020, having served on the Board since 2012. He is the father of one Clementine.
Ali Azzopardi '07President of the Alumnae Association
Ever since she was a little girl, Ali has been a voracious learner – wanting to read, watch, listen, and be involved in everything possible, to the point where she sometimes had 10 different extracurricular activities in a seven day week. Some may call it FOMO – Ali calls it curiosity. Her passion for being in-the-know ensures she’s always on the pulse of the latest headlines and top trends, unique insights she puts to work for her clients every day at Craft Public Relations, a Toronto-based public relations firm.
During the course of her career, she has held communications roles at both global agencies, where she serviced CPG clients like Procter & Gamble, and in-house at McDonald’s Canada.
Nancy Hotson '96President of the Parents' Association
Nancy Hotson ’96 is an alum of St. Clement’s School. While having worked in Fixed Income Research at Scotia Capital and Commercial Banking at CIBC, Nancy is now a full-time mom to her two children. She is an active volunteer at her son’s school, Crescent, while also serving on both the Brain Campaign and the UHN Impact Collective at the University Health Network.
Nancy holds a BAH in Economics from Queen’s University and an MBA from the University of Toronto. Nancy and her husband Brad are proud to be the parents of a Clementine and are thrilled that their two nieces are Clementines too.
Annual
General Meeting
The Annual General Meeting of the members of St. Clement’s School was held virtually on the evening of October 21, 2020.
We are pleased to make the following meeting agenda and reports available for review.
SCS Board Meeting Updates
Updates and Minutes from past Board meetings
St. Clement’s School
Board Meeting Highlights, February 17, 2021
Agenda – February 17, 2021
Highlights of the meeting include:
- Martha Perry introduced new members of staff.
- Martha displayed two postcards recently sent to current and prospective parents and the related link to the new microsite on the School’s website that launches our Strategic Plan 2025. This dynamic link will be used to provide updates and information as the School pilots and implements programs that contribute to the four areas of focus for the 2020-2025 Strategic Plan Framework.
- The Chairs of the Board Standing Committees highlighted information set out in the reports that had been circulated in advance of the meeting.
- Hilary McLean, Chair of the Advancement Committee, reported that Annual Giving donations, including gifts to the Annual Fund, Major Gifs, Endowment, and Capital Campaign, are progressing well. The Board approved the Donor Recognition Policy and Procedures and the Trailblazer Campaign Naming Protocols and Opportunities documents developed by the Advancement Committee as a part of our campus master plan,
- Jeff Allsop, Chair of the Property Committee, reported that the School continues to work with City of Toronto representatives to obtain site plan approval for the campus master plan.
- Lisa Porlier, Chair of the Governance and Nominating Committee, reported that members of the SCS community have been asked to submit the names of individuals who would be interested in assuming positions on SCS Board Committees. The Committee is reviewing the skills and experience required to govern the School and, using information to be provided by individual Board members, will prepare a gaps analysis to determine future requirements. This Committee has reviewed the St. Clement’s School Risk Control Self-Assessment document prepared by the School Administration Team and discussed the following four identified risk areas of focus for the current school year:
- Compliance
- Privacy
- Pandemic
- Breach of security and loss of data
St. Clement’s School
Board Meeting Highlights, January 6, 2021
Highlights of the meeting include:
- Martha Perry introduced a new member of staff.
- Martha reviewed the Future of Education Report 2020 issued by The Future Design School that highlights the five key trends reshaping education. Martha noted that these trends are consistent with the School’s 2020-2025 Strategic Framework.
- The Chairs of the Board Standing Committees highlighted information set out in the reports that had been circulated in advance of the meeting.
- David Bacon, Chair of the Finance Committee, reviewed the financial results for the three months ended October 31, 2020 and the forecast results for the 2020/2021fiscal year.
- David reported that the Committee reviewed draft budget information for 2021/2022 but given the ongoing uncertainties related to COVID-19 it was agreed that the final budget approval for 2021/2022 will be deferred until later in the year.
- The Board approved the 2021/2022 tuition fee and acceptance fee recommended by the Finance Committee
- Hilary McLean, Chair of the Advancement Committee, reported that the Annual Giving Campaign is progressing well, and the Committee is optimistic that the fundraising goal of $650,000 will be reached.
- Julia Foster, Chair of the Property Committee, provided an update on the ongoing Campus Master Plan work.
- Lisa Porlier, Chair of the Governance and Nominating Committee, reviewed the 2020-2021 Board Committee membership roster. Lisa reported that newly elected Board member Jeff Allsop is assuming the role of Chair of the Property Committee following Julia’s resignation from this position. The Board thanked Julia for her significant contributions during her tenure.
St. Clement’s School
Board Meeting Highlights, November 18, 2020
Highlights of the meeting include:
- Martha Perry introduced new members of staff.
- Karen McKay, Chair, welcomed new Board members Jeff Allsop, Ripal Patel, and Charles Whitburn, elected Board members, and Ali Azzopardi, President of the Alumnae Association.
- Martha introduced and welcomed Nadia Bello, who has been working with and advising the School on the equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) imperative since 2014. Martha highlighted the EDI work that took place during the period from 2010-2011, when she first assumed her position as Principal, through to the current year. Nadia facilitated a conversation with Board members regarding the School’s past EDI activities and the priorities going forward. Board members agreed that the actions to date are a testament to the School’s commitment to EDI and it is important that this commitment be ongoing.
- Karen reviewed effective governance practices for independent schools and highlighted the roles and duties of the Board.
- The Principal and the Chairs of the Board Standing Committees highlighted information set out in the reports that had been circulated in advance of the meeting:
a. Martha reported that applications for the new school year are up from prior years and the enrolment outlook in all grades is encouraging.
b. Hilary McLean, Chair of the Advancement Committee, reported that the 2020-2021 Annual Fund Campaign has been launched with a goal of $650,000.
c. David Bacon, Chair of the Finance Committee, reported that the Committee is meeting in November and again in December to review the operating budget and tuition fee for the 2021-2022 school year.
d. Julia Foster, Chair of the Property Committee, reported that the group is continuing to review matters relating to the campus master plan.
e. Lisa Porlier, Chair of the Governance Committee, reported that the Board Committee structure for the new year is being reviewed and the final listing of Board Committee members will be presented at the meeting in January. In addition, the Committee is reviewing a risk management policy that will be presented to the Board for approval. The Governance Committee will be responsible for the oversight of risk and each Board Committee will include risk management and mitigation as part of its mandate.
St. Clement’s School
Board Meeting Highlights, September 30, 2020
Highlights of the meeting include:
- Brian Denega, Board Chair, welcomed Nancy Hotson, who replaces Zeinab Layton as President of the Parents’ Association.
- Martha Perry introduced new members of staff.
- David Bacon, Chair of the Finance Committee, welcomed Alex Briganti, Sam Marinucci and Alexandra ten Kortenaar from the audit firm Hogg Shain and Scheck. David and the auditors reviewed the financial results of the School for the 2020 fiscal year.
The audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2020 were approved and Hogg Shain and Scheck were appointed auditors for the fiscal year ending July 31, 2021.
David reviewed a preliminary revised forecast for the 2020/2021 year.
Martha Perry, Principal, reported on the following significant matters:
Strategic Plan, 2020-2025
The School is developing the new 2020-2025 Strategic Plan framework and tactics that will focus on learning as a process, not a product.
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
This area will be a major focus for the School going forward. The School is planning to host a second Race, Privilege and Community Conference during the 2020/2021 school year.
Ongoing COVID-19 response
The School’s response includes continuous monitoring, adherence to Toronto Public Health directives, and coordinated information reporting and communication.
- The Chairs of the Board Standing Committees highlighted information set out in the reports that had been circulated in advance of the meeting.
- Karen McKay, Chair of the Advancement Committee, reported that the new annual giving campaign will be launched at the end of October.
- Julia Foster, Chair of the Property Committee, reviewed the current status of the Campus Master Plan.
- Poonam Puri, Chair of the Governance and Nominating Committee, reported that Jeff Allsop and Charles Whitburn are being nominated for election as Governors at the Annual General Meeting scheduled on October 21.
Poonam reported broadly on the results of the Board of Governor’s Self-Assessment Questionnaire completed during the summer.
- Brian Denega reported that this meeting is his last as Chair of the Board of Governors; he will continue to serve in the ex-officio position of Past Chair. Brian indicated that he has every confidence in the School and in Karen McKay, incoming Chair. Karen thanked Brian for his many contributions during his tenure.
St. Clement’s School
Board Meeting Highlights, June 24, 2020
Highlights of the meeting include:
- Elena Holeton, Director of Admissions, answered questions regarding the 2020 Admissions Report to the Board that had been circulated prior to the meeting. Elena commented that the School had strong applications and event attendance for the 2019-2020 Admissions Season.
- Martha Perry, Principal, presented a detailed report on the following significant matters:
STRATEGIC PLAN
Martha highlighted the progress that has been made in preparing the School’s next strategic plan.
ACCREDITATION
Martha reported that following the normal scheduled review by the Visiting Committee that took place in January, the School’s accreditation from Canadian Accredited Independent Schools has been renewed.Â
2020/2021 SCHOOL YEAR
Martha reviewed the preparations that are underway for the return to School for the 2020/2021 school year. These preparations are founded on the following:
– The well-being and learning of the students and staff will be at the heart of every decision
– Proactive communication and open dialogue
-The School’s sustainability while also being flexible as we navigate the COVID-19 crisis.
- David Bacon, Chair of the Finance Committee, reviewed the financial results for the nine months ended April 30, 2020 and the forecast results for the 2019/2020 fiscal year.Â
- Karen McKay, Chair of the Advancement Committee, provided an update on the Annual Giving Campaign, which is now expected to exceed the revised campaign goal of $600,000.
- Julia Foster, Chair of the Property Committee, provided an update on Campus Master Plan work and the ongoing review of traffic and transportation matters.
- Poonam Puri, Chair of the Nominating and Governance Committee, asked Board members to complete and return the Board Self-Assessment Questionnaire and the Board Principal Assessment Questionnaire that had been circulated recently.
- Brian Denega, Chair, commented on the success of the 2019/2020 school year under very trying conditions, and commended the school staff for the wonderful job they had done.
St. Clement’s School
Board Meeting Highlights, May 13, 2020
The Principal and the Chairs of the Board Standing Committees highlighted information set out in the reports that had been circulated in advance of the meeting:
Highlights of the meeting include:
Martha noted that three groups have been formed (Program, Health and Safety and Communications) to plan and prepare for the return in September. All of the School’s return decisions will be informed by directives from the Chief Medical Officer of Heath and Workplace Health and Safety Guidelines. The School will use all resources made available by government and regulatory authorities.
St. Clement’s School
Board Meeting Highlights, April 15, 2020
Highlights of the meeting include:
Martha Perry provided Board members with the following information:
- Since the closure of the School building, the School has had regular communications with parents, staff and students, and in turn the School has received wonderful positive feedback from parents regarding the remote programming in place.
- The current enrolment for new and returning students is strong. Admissions activities are continuing remotely and staff are maintaining connections with both incoming and current families.
- Billings and collections for the 2020/2021 school year are in order at this time and will proceed as planned. The School is not billing monthly finance charges until further notice.
David Bacon, Chair of the Finance Committee, reviewed a revised forecast for the current year given revenue and expenditure changes arising from the closure of the School building and the cancellation of various planned events. David reported that while there have been unrealized losses on the School’s investments, the financial position remains stable.
Karen McKay, Chair of the Advancement Committee, reported that Annual Giving results through to March 31, 2020 were strong and the School continues to receive generous financial support.Â
Julia Foster, Chair of the Property Committee, reported that City of Toronto operations have been impacted by the COVID-19 situation, and as a result it is not known when the School will receive a construction permit for the Roof Terrace project. Furthermore, even with a permit the project could not proceed during the current construction shut down. Alternate timing for the project is being considered.
Poonam Puri, Chair of the Governance and Nominating Committee, reported that the Committee continues to work on succession planning and the recruitment of individuals to join the Board.Â
Lisa Porlier, Chair of the Strategic Planning Committee, reviewed strategic planning activities to date. Following discussion, it was agreed that the Committee should pause to reflect on opportunities arising from the School’s current experiences to identify and address possible matters that have not been reflected in the plan.
St. Clement’s School
Board Meeting Highlights, Wednesday, February 5, 2020
Highlights of the meeting include:
- Martha Perry reviewed the following information set out in the Principal’s Report that had been circulated in advance of the meeting:
- Approximately one-third of the staff members have volunteered to work with facilitator Tyrenny Anderson on the strategy design quest phase of the strategic planning process. The staff engagement sessions are now underway.
- The Canadian Accredited Independent Schools (CAIS) Accreditation Review ended as planned on Wednesday, January 29 with an exit interview at which the Chair of the Visiting Committee and the On-site CAIS Coordinator presented their summary observations. Once the final CAIS Report is received this spring, the School will share the findings with the School community.
- Martha reviewed the various communications that the School has issued in connection with the Coronavirus. The communications are based on the information updates that the School receives from Toronto Public Health and the Ontario Ministry of Health. The key messages in these communications are the importance of exercising proper hygiene and staying at home if unwell.
- Karen McKay, Chair of the Advancement Committee, reported that the Annual Giving campaign is progressing well and the Committee is optimistic that the fundraising goal of $650,000 will be reached. Karen also discussed plans for a future capital campaign.
- Julia Foster, Chair of the Property Committee, reported that planning is underway for the Roof Terrace project scheduled to be completed this summer. Detailed information regarding this project will be presented to the Board in April.
- Poonam Puri, Chair of the Governance and Nominating Committee, reported that the Committee continues to work on succession planning and the recruitment of individuals to join the Board.
- Lisa Porlier, Chair of the Strategic Planning Committee, discussed the draft Strategic Plan Framework and Board members provided feedback and thoughts regarding the wording of the document.
St. Clement’s School
Board Meeting Highlights, Wednesday, January 8, 2020
Highlights of the meeting include:
- Martha Perry introduced a new member of staff.
- The Principal and the Chairs of the Board Standing Committees highlighted information set out in the reports that had been circulated in advance of the meeting.
- Martha Perry summarized the progress to-date in developing the new strategic plan for the period 2020-2025. She reported that the School launched the design thinking and strategy development phase of the process on January 6 with a half-day facilitated session for the full SCS Staff.
The School’s internal evaluation documentation prepared for review by the Visiting Team from Canadian Accredited Independent Schools was submitted at the end of December. The Visiting Team will arrive for their review midday on January 26 and will leave on January 29. - David Bacon, Chair of the Finance Committee, reviewed the financial results for the three months ended October 31, 2019 and the forecast results for the 2019/20 fiscal year.
David reviewed the information in the budget documents circulated in advance of the meeting, including the commentary describing the major budget assumptions and the statement of operating results comparing the 2020/2021 and 2019/2020 budgets. Following David’s review, the Board approved the 2020/2021 tuition fee, acceptance fee and operating budget recommended by the Finance Committee. - Karen McKay, Chair of the Advancement Committee, reported that the Annual Giving Campaign is progressing well and the Committee is optimistic that the fundraising goal of $650,000 will be reached.
- Julia Foster, Chair of the Property Committee, provided an update on the ongoing Campus Master Plan work.
- In the absence of Poonam Puri, Chair of the Governance and Nominating Committee, Brian Denega, Board Chair, reported that the Committee continues to work on succession planning and the recruitment of individuals to assume vacant Board positions.
- Martha Perry summarized the progress to-date in developing the new strategic plan for the period 2020-2025. She reported that the School launched the design thinking and strategy development phase of the process on January 6 with a half-day facilitated session for the full SCS Staff.
St. Clement’s School
Board Meeting Highlights, Monday, November 20, 2019
Highlights of the meeting include:
- Martha Perry introduced new members of staff.
- Brian Denega, Chair, welcomed new Board members Zeinab Layton, President of the Parents’ Association, and Pamela Rayment, Associate Priest of St. Clement’s Church. Brian reviewed effective governance practices for independent schools and highlighted roles and duties of the Board.
- David Bacon, Chair of the Finance Committee, made a presentation on financial considerations in connection with developing a campus master plan.
- The Principal and the Chairs of the Board Standing Committees highlighted information set out in the reports that had been circulated in advance of the meeting:
- Martha Perry discussed the success of the Race, Privilege and Community Building conference hosted by St. Clement’s School on November 2. She also highlighted recent activities directed to the two major objectives for the current year, being completing outstanding elements of the current strategic plan and developing the new strategic plan for the period 2020 to 2025.
- Karen McKay, Chair of the Advancement Committee, reported that the 2019-2020 Annual Fund Campaign has been launched with a goal of $650,000.
- David Bacon, Chair of the Finance Committee, reported that the Committee is meeting in November and again in December to review and approve the 2020/2021 operating budget and tuition fee.
- Julia Foster, Chair of the Property Committee, reported that the Committee has welcomed three new members with great expertise in the area of property development, and the group is continuing to review matters relating to the campus master plan.
- Poonam Puri, Chair of the Governance and Nominating Committee, reported that the Committee is presently working to identify candidates to fill the two existing Board vacancies.
St. Clement’s School
Board Meeting Highlights, Monday, September 30, 2019
Highlights of the meeting include:
- Brian Denega, Board Chair, welcomed Zeinab Layton, who replaces John Sayers as President of the Parents’ Association.
- David Bacon, Chair of the Finance Committee, welcomed Alex Briganti and Sam Marinucci, partners with the audit firm Hogg Shain and Scheck. David and the auditors reviewed the financial results of the School for the 2019 fiscal year.
The audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2019 were approved and Hogg Shain and Scheck were appointed auditors for the fiscal year ending July 31, 2020. - Brian reported that the School is now in the final year of the current strategic plan and has engaged Susan Wright of Wright Management Consulting to assist the School in developing the new five year strategic plan covering the period 2020 to 2025. Board member Lisa Porlier will chair the School’s ad hoc Strategic Planning Committee.
Susan reviewed the proposed phases for the School’s strategy development process, which will include a survey of all constituents to gain their perspectives on the current state of the School and its future direction. - Martha Perry, Principal, reported that she has set the following objectives for the 2019-2020 school year.
- Complete all major elements of the current strategic plan.
- Prepare the new strategic plan.
- Finalize the report for the upcoming evaluation by Canadian Accredited Independent Schools taking place in January 2020.
- Complete the space and financial planning elements of the Campus Master Plan.
- Finalize the School’s Transportation Demand Management Plan.
- The Chairs of the Board Standing Committees highlighted information set out in the reports that had been circulated in advance of the meeting.
- Karen McKay, Chair of the Advancement Committee, reported that Catherine Rice, Annual Fund Chair, and her committee will be launching the new campaign at the end of October.
- In the absence of Rob Chadwick, Chair of the Property Committee, Martha reviewed the current status of the Campus Master Plan.
- In the absence of Poonam Puri, Chair of the Governance and Nominating Committee, Brian reported that the Committee is nominating Pamela Rayment for election as Governor at the Annual General Meeting scheduled on October 16. Pamela is Associate Priest for Families and Parents at St. Clement’s Church.
The Board is seeking members with knowledge and experience in the areas of property, legal and fundraising to fill the remaining two Board vacancies.
Brian reported broadly on the results of the Board of Governor’s Self-Assessment Questionnaire completed during the summer.
St. Clement’s School
Board Meeting Highlights, June 19, 2019
Highlights of the meeting include:
- Elena Holeton, Director of Admissions, answered questions regarding the 2019 Admissions Report to the Board and the St. Clement’s School 2019 Strategic Enrolment Plan documents that had been circulated prior to the meeting. Elena commented that the School had strong applications and event attendance for the 2018-2019 Admissions Season.
- David Bacon, Chair of the Finance Committee, and Lisa Watson, Executive Director of Advancement, reviewed work being done in connection with the School’s campus master plan.
- Martha Perry, Principal, highlighted the strong progress that has been made on the three main pillars of the current strategic plan, which extends to December 2020. Martha noted that plans are underway to begin work this fall on developing the School’s next strategic plan.
- Karen McKay, Chair of the Advancement Committee, provided an update on the Annual Giving Campaign, which is tracking well and should exceed the campaign goal of $600,000.
- David Bacon, Chair of the Finance Committee, reviewed the financial results for the nine months ended April 30, 2019 and the forecast results for the 2018/2019 fiscal year.
- In the absence of Poonam Puri, Chair of the Nominating and Governance Committee, Karen McKay asked Board members to complete and return the Board Self-Assessment Questionnaire and the Board Principal Assessment Questionnaire that had been circulated recently.
St. Clement’s School
Board Meeting Highlights, May 15, 2019
Highlights of the meeting include:
- Martha Perry, Principal, introduced new Business and Operations Staff members Meredith Henry and Michelle Kim.
- Lisa Watson, Executive Director of Advancement, provided a presentation highlighting the results of the online philanthropy survey that was sent to 3,500 constituents in February. Lisa noted that there were survey responses from 1,059 constituents; this response rate of 30% is well beyond the norm of 15%.
- The Principal and the Chairs of the Board Standing Committees highlighted information set out in the reports that had been circulated in advance of the meeting:
- Martha reviewed enrolment for the 2019/2020 school year. In addition, she provided highlights of the recent meeting of the President’s Council, a consulting group comprising past members of the Board of Governors.
- Karen McKay, Chair of the Advancement Committee, provided an update on the Annual Giving Campaign, which is tracking well and should reach the campaign goal of $600,000.
- In the absence of Poonam Puri, Brian Denega, Board Chair, asked members to review and provide comments regarding the draft response to the CAIS Accreditation Guidelines for Standard 8 – Governance that had been circulated in advance of the meeting. In addition, Board members were asked to complete and return the on-line SCS Board Self-assessment and the Principal Assessment Questionnaires that Poonam will circulate.
About SCS
Our mission is to develop outstanding women who are intellectually curious, courageous, and compassionate.
Meet the SCS Team
St. Clement’s School is a special place, and our faculty and staff play a key part in making it that way.
Board of Governors
Our Board of Governors works closely with School Administration to develop strategic direction and establish policies and plans to ensure the School’s future well-being.