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 Governorsâ 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 karenmckay105@gmail.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
- Karen McKay
Karen McKay Chair
- Tim Deacon
Tim Deacon Treasurer
- David Bacon
David Bacon - Frank DeLuca
Frank DeLuca - Hilary McLean '95
Hilary McLean '95 - Ripal Patel
Ripal Patel - Alice Pitt
Alice Pitt - Lisa Porlier
Lisa Porlier - Pamela Rayment
Pamela Rayment - Regan Smith
Regan Smith - Charles Whitburn
Charles Whitburn - Ali Azzopardi '07
Ali Azzopardi '07 Alumnae Association, President, Ex Officio
- Kurt MacWilliam
Kurt MacWilliam Parentsâ Association, President, Ex Officio
- Martha Perry '85
Martha Perry '85 Principal, Ex Officio
-
Karen McKay Chair
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.
Tim Deacon Treasurer
Tim Deacon is the Chief Financial Officer at Ontario Teachersâ Pension Plan, responsible for financial and management reporting; taxation; asset valuation, risk analytics, financial operations; investor relations and strategic initiatives.
Tim has more than 20 years of senior leadership experience in financial management and investments through his career to date at a large global financial institution and a global professional services firm in Toronto and London U.K.
Tim is a Fellow of the Chartered Professional Accountants of Ontario, a U.S. Certified Public Accountant and holds a Bachelor of Commerce from Queenâs University. He is currently a board member and treasurer of Business / Arts and Co-chair of the Canadian Chapter of the CFO Network for Accounting for Sustainability (A4S). Tim and his wife Carol are the proud parents of two Clementineâs.
David Bacon 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.
Frank DeLuca Frank DeLuca is a partner in the Business Law group at Minden Gross LLP. Prior to joining Minden Gross, Frank was a partner at another leading Canadian law firm. Frank has been regularly recognized as a leading lawyer in Canada in a number of business law related areas and is frequently sought out for his knowledge on corporate law and corporate governance.
Frank has a B.A. from Western University (formerly The University of Western Ontario) and a J.D. from the University of Toronto. Frank is called to the bar in Ontario. Frank and his wife Lisa Damiani are the proud parents of two Clementines.
Hilary McLean '95 Hilary McLean ’95 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 Patel Ripal is a Chartered Accountant and a Managing Director at Bank of America Merrill Lynch Canada. Prior to that, Ripal was at a Canadian Bank in Toronto and Morgan Stanley in New York.
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 â Co-operative Program.
Ripal currently lives in Toronto with his wife and two children, one of whom is a Clementine.
Alice Pitt Dr. 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 Yorkâs Faculty of Education from 2008 to 2012. As the Facultyâs 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 Yorkâs new Markham Centre Campus which is scheduled to enrol its first students in 2023.
Lisa Porlier Lisa 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 CFAÂŽ charterholder.
Pamela Rayment Pamela currently serves as Associate Priest for Parents and Families at St. Clementâs 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 childrenâs 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. Clementâs, 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.
Regan Smith Regan is a Managing Director Sustainable Investing, within Manulife Investment Managementâs private markets. She has overall accountability for implementing and managing the sustainability strategy and works alongside global investment management teams and asset managers to assess the environmental and social impact of investments. Regan is a member of Manulifeâs Climate Change Taskforce and works collaboratively to advance Manulifeâs Climate Action Plan and support achievement of GHG reduction targets throughout the enterprise.
Prior to joining Manulife, Regan held a leadership role at the engineering consulting firm WSP. In this role, she led the Toronto officeâs sustainability advisory services providing consulting for green building certification, energy and carbon management, and greenhouse gas accounting.
Regan is a member of the Principle for Responsible Investment (PRI) Real Estate Advisory Committee. Regan was recognized as a 2022 Clean50 recipient and completed the Competent Boards Climate certificate program in 2021. Regan is proud SCS alumni and a graduate of Queenâs University with degrees in Applied Science and Geography. She lives in Toronto with her husband and two children, one of whom is a Clementine.
Charles Whitburn Charles 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 Queenâs 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.
Ali Azzopardi '07 Alumnae Association, President, Ex Officio
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 sheâs 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 McDonaldâs Canada.
Kurt MacWilliam Parentsâ Association, President, Ex Officio
Kurt and his wife, Dana Dramnitzke, are the proud parents of Clementine Ruby MacWilliam, who is forging her path with the Class of 2025.
Kurt had a successful career in execuive leadership with Fortune 500 and other companies including Procter and Gamble and Loyalty One. Now retired, he dedicated his professional life to guiding organizations through periods of significant change. Kurt has always been drawn to the interplay between people and process, maximizing business results by thoughtfully optimizing these things.
Since Ruby started at St. Clementâs five years ago, Kurt has been been a frequent presence at the school, contributing as a volunteer. His ongoing commitment to St. Clementâs is driven by a genuine desire to give back to the community that is shaping his daughter’s education and future.
When Kurt isnât working on his volunteer roles or consulting, he can probably be found out running, biking or at home baking bread.
Martha Perry '85 Principal, Ex Officio
Martha joined St. Clementâs 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. Clementâs 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. Marthaâs 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 Mastersâ 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.
Annual
General Meeting
The Annual General Meeting of the members of St. Clementâs School was held on the evening of Wednesday, October 25, 2023.
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. Clementâs School
Board Meeting Highlights, May 29, 2024
Highlights of the meeting include:
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 Perry, Principal, confirmed that the results of the parent, student and employee surveys conducted by Lookout Management in February 2024 have been shared with members of the School community in separate sessions held in April and May.
Martha reviewed the Schoolâs draft revised cell phone policy that will be communicated to parents and students during the week of June 7. She also reviewed past and current work done by the School in connection with Artificial Intelligence.
Martha reported that the Administration Team will be presenting a full strategic plan update to the Board of Governors in September.
b) Tim Deacon, Chair of the Finance Committee, reviewed the Quarterly Financial Report for the nine months ended April 30, 2024. Tim also reviewed the information in the budget documents circulated in advance of the meeting. Following Timâs review, the Board approved the final 2024/2025 budget.
c) Hilary McLean, Chair of the Advancement Committee, reviewed year-to-date Annual Fund, endowment fund and Trailblazer Campaign donations. In addition, she reviewed recent school events, including the âUnder the Big Topâ gala held on April 20 and the alum reunion weekend activities, including the cocktail reception, luncheon and church service.
d) Karen McKay, Chair of the Property Committee, reported that the Committee is continuity to consider its future now that the construction project is complete. The Committee is proposing that it continue in place but with a renewed focus on sustainability.
e) Lisa Porlier, Chair of the Nominating and Governance Committee, confirmed that revisions to the Schoolâs by-laws and Articles of Amendment required under the Ontario Not-for-Profit Corporations Act were approved by the members at the Special Meeting of Members held earlier in the day.
Lisa presented highlights from the review and analysis of the self-assessment survey completed by Board members. The results of the Principalâs Assessment will be reviewed by Karen McKay, Chair, and Sarah McEvoy, Vice Chair.
The Committee is working to identify candidates to fill expected Board and committee vacancies in the new year.
St. Clementâs School
Board Meeting Highlights, April 17, 2024
Highlights of the meeting include:
- Martha Perry introduced new members of staff.
- Kevin Graham of Lookout Management Inc. presented the results of the parent, student and employee surveys conducted by his firm in February 2024.
- Martha Perry presented the Principalâs Report. She noted that the above survey results had been presented to members of the Administration Team and dates are being determined for presentation of the individual survey results to parents, staff, and students. Martha highlighted the 2024/2025 admissions season, and she reviewed recent updates to the Schoolâs internal guidelines for supporting and accommodating transgender and non-binary students
- The Chairs of the following Board Standing Committees highlighted information set out in the reports that had been circulated in advance of the meeting
a) Tim Deacon, Chair of the Finance Committee, reviewed the Quarterly Financial Report for the six months ended January 31, 2024.
b) Hilary McLean, Chair of the Advancement Committee, reported that the Annual Giving campaign is progressing well and the School expects to reach the campaign goal of $650,000. Hilary reviewed events planned for the alum reunion weekend scheduled May 3 to May 5 and she reminded Board members of the upcoming gala event âUnder the Big Topâ on Saturday, April 20.
c) Karen McKay, Chair of the Property Committee, noted that the Committee is reviewing its future mandate. Items being considered include the overall campus plan including all capital assets, emerging needs to support learning, opportunities to address and incorporate sustainability, and community opportunities and expectations.
d) 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 the SCS Board or Board Committees. The Board Skills Matrix has been updated and will be used when considering future Board appointments.
Lisa reviewed the work being done by the School, in consultation with its advisors, to comply with the Ontario Not-for-Profit Corporations Act. This work includes planning for a special membersâ meeting before the end of the school year.
St. Clementâs School
Board Meeting Highlights, February 21, 2024
Highlights of the meeting include:
- Karen McKay introduced Tyrenny Anderson and Dayna Griffiths from the organization TACT who will be co-facilitators at the Board/Administration Team Strategic Retreat scheduled on Saturday, March 2.
- Martha Perry presented the Principalâs Report, which highlighted the strategic plan, EDI Advisory Council work and Sustainability work as the key priorities for the 2023-2024 school year. Martha reported that the registration of returning students for the 2024-2025 school year has progressed well; offers to new students are being issued on Friday, February 24 and the related response date is Wednesday, February 28.
- The Chairs of the following 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 the Annual Giving campaign is progressing well and the School expects to reach the campaign goal of $650,000. Hilary also reviewed the most current results of the Trailblazer Campaign. Hilary reminded Board members of the upcoming gala event âUnder the Big Topâ on Saturday, April 20.
- Karen McKay, Chair of the Property Committee, reviewed the status of the construction project, noting that the architects have now issued the Certificate of Substantial Performance and the construction firm has posted the related Certificate of Publication. Karen noted that the mandate for the Property Committee is now under review.
- 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 the SCS Board or Board Committees. The Board Skills Matrix has been updated and will be used when considering future Board appointments.
Lisa reviewed the work being done by the School, in consultation with its advisors, to comply with the Ontario Not-for-Profit Corporations Act by the deadline date of October 19.
- Tim Deacon, Chair of the Finance Committee, reported that members of the Finance Committee met with the Investment Committee and representatives from the investment management firms Fiera Capital and Beutel Goodman for the annual fund performance review on February 6.
St. Clementâs School
Board Meeting Highlights, January 2024
Highlights of the meeting include:
- Martha reported that the Schoolâs occupancy of the new facilities has been approved. Staff members toured the building when they returned from the winter holiday break on January 8 and there was a reception and tour for major donors and guests from the project teams on January 9.
- The Chairs of the Board Standing Committees highlighted information set out in the reports that had been circulated in advance of the meeting.
a) Tim Deacon, Chair of the Finance Committee, reviewed the financial results for the three months ended October 31, 2023 and the forecast results for the 2023/2024 fiscal year.
Tim reported that the Committee reviewed draft budget information for 2024/2025; the final budget will be approved later in the year. The Board approved the 2024/2025 tuition fee and acceptance fee recommended by the Finance Committee for inclusion in the re-registration package that is being sent out before the end of January.
b) In the absence of Hilary McLean, Chair of the Advancement Committee, Lisa Watson, Executive Director of Advancement, reviewed the current results of the Annual Fund and Trailblazer fundraising campaigns. Lisa also reported that the School has hired a new Senior Development Officer, Stewardship and Funding.
c) Karen McKay, Chair of the Property Committee, provided an update on the ongoing Campus Master Plan work. Karen noted that the final project landscaping will be done in the spring.
d) In the absence of Lisa Porlier, Chair of the Governance and Nominating Committee, Karen McKay reviewed work being done by the School, in consultation with its advisors, to comply with the Ontario-Not-For-Profit Corporations Act by the deadline date of October 19, 2024.
The Board approved the appointment of Board member Regan Smith to the Property Committee.
St. Clementâs School
Board Meeting Highlights, November 2023
Highlights of the meeting include:
- Karen McKay, Chair, introduced Timothy Deacon and Regan Smith, who were elected to the Board of Governors at the Annual General Meeting in October.
Martha Perry, Principal, introduced a new member of staff.
- Karen McKay reviewed effective governance practices for independent schools and highlighted 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:
- Martha Perry reported that the key priorities for the 2023-2024 school year include the Trailblazer Campaign, the strategic plan, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Council work, and Sustainability work.
- Hilary McLean, Chair of the Advancement Committee, reported that the 2023-2024 Annual Fund Campaign has been launched with a goal of $650,000. Hilary also reported that the School recently received a Trailblazer Campaign donation of $1.0 million, and total campaign pledges are now just short of the campaign goal of $18.0 million. Lisa Watson, Executive Director of Advancement, discussed planned activities for ârevealingâ the new facilities to the members of the SCS community.
- Tim Deacon, 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 2024-2025 school year.
- Karen McKay reviewed the construction progress as the project gets closer to completion. Building inspections are scheduled at the end of November and early December.
Karen reported that the Eglinton Orange Hall property will be leased to Madison Homes for use as a construction site office during the period from February 2024 to August 2025.
- Lisa Porlier, Chair of the Governance Committee, presented for Board approval the final listing of Board Committee members for the 2023-2024 year.
Lisa reported that the Committee is planning compliance with the Ontario Not-for-Profit Corporations Act by the deadline date of October 19, 2024.
The School has identified the following risk priorities for the 2023-2024 school year:
- Data security
- IT security
- Reputational
- Safety and security
- Power outages
- Privacy
St. Clementâs School
Board Meeting Highlights, September 27, 2023
Highlights of the meeting include:
- Martha Perry, Principal, introduced new members of staff for the 2023-2024 school year.
- Karen McKay, Chair, introduced Kurt MacWilliam, new Ex Officio Board Member in his position of President of the Parentsâ Association
- In the absence of David Bacon, Chair of the Finance Committee, Carol Ann Millington, Director of Finance, and Alex Briganti from the audit firm Hogg Shain and Scheck, reviewed the financial results of the School for the 2023 fiscal year. The audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2023 were approved.
- Martha Perry reviewed the vision of the 2020-2025 strategic plan, being âdeveloping and equipping courageous and adaptable learners and empowering them to make impactful contributions in local, national, and global communitiesâ. Members of the Schoolâs Administration Team and faculty joined the meeting to present detailed information on the work being done by their departments to further the plan.
- Alice Pitt, head of the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI)Advisory Council, reported that the School is hosting its third EDI Conference, Making Space, Having Grade, on Saturday, November 4.
- The Chairs of the following Board Standing Committees highlighted information set out in the reports that had been circulated in advance of the meeting.
a) Hilary McLean, Chair of the Advancement Committee, reviewed the 2022-2023 fundraising results of the various donation campaigns. Hilary noted that the 2023-2024 annual fund campaign will be launched soon. Hilary reviewed the calendar of the Parentsâ Association and School events scheduled for the balance of the year and encouraged Board members to attend as many of these events as possible.
B) Jeff Allsop, Chair of the Property Committee, reviewed the status of the construction project.
C) Lisa Porlier, Chair of the Governance and Nominating Committee, reported that the Committee is working with advisors to ensure that the Schoolâs by-laws and other corporate documents comply with changes to the Ontario Not-for-Profit Corporations Act that become effective October 19, 2024.
St. Clementâs School
Board Meeting Highlights, June 19, 2023
Agenda – June 19, 2023
Highlights of the meeting include:
⢠Representing the members of the Boardâs Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Advisory Council, Mahlon Evans-Sinclair, Director of EDI, led a generative discussion of the Schoolâs work in this area. It was confirmed that the School will host next yearâs EDI conference, Making Space and Having Grace, on November 4, 2023.
⢠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 Perry, Principal, reviewed the current confirmed enrolment numbers for the 2023/2024 school year. Martha reported that year-end staff meetings and professional development sessions have been scheduled on June 22 and June 23.
b) David Bacon, Chair of the Finance Committee, reviewed the Quarterly Financial Report for the nine months ended April 30, 2023. David also reviewed the information in the budget documents circulated in advance of the meeting. Following Davidâs review, the Board approved the final 2023/2024 budget.
c) In the absence of Hilary McLean, Chair of the Advancement Committee, Karen McKay and Martha Perry reviewed year-to-date Annual Fund and Trailblazer Campaign donations. In addition, they reviewed the list of prospective donor-named spaces in the new school building.
d) Jeff Allsop, Chair of the Property Committee, reviewed the status of the west end expansion and the second and third floor interior renovations. Jeff noted that the construction project is proceeding as expected and the construction company has confirmed a handover date of December 8.
e) Lisa Porlier, Chair of the Nominating and Governance Committee, presented highlights from the review and analysis of the self-assessment survey completed by Board members. The results of the Principalâs Assessment will be reviewed by Brian Denega, Past Chair, and Karen McKay, Chair.
The Committee is working to identify candidates to fill expected Board and committee vacancies in the new year. In addition, the Committee is reviewing the mandates of the various Board Standing Committees.
St. Clementâs School
Board Meeting Highlights, May 10, 2023
Highlights of the meeting include:
⢠David Beatty, Academic Director of the David and Sharon Johnson Centre for Corporate Governance and Innovation at the Rotman School of Business, made a special presentation on good governance.
⢠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 Perry, Principal, noted that the School has established a Sustainability Working Group to identify and review key areas of consideration, including community culture shifts on waste reduction, transportation, and purchasing approaches.
The strategic planning task forces are defining specific steps and timelines for implementing various actions identified in the Strategic Plan; a related interim report will be presented to the Board in September.
b) Hilary McLean, Chair of the Advancement Committee, reviewed year-to-date donation results. The School has reached 91% of the Trailblazer Campaign goal of $18.0 million and this progress has been registered on the campaign âthermometerâ sign at the front of the school building.
c) Jeff Allsop, Chair of the Property Committee, reported that the construction project is progressing well, and the scheduled second floor concrete pour was completed as planned.
The School has learned that Dalton School has rented the Casa Life property at the corner of Yonge Street and St. Clements Avenue and expect to operate a junior school at this site effective September 2023.
Turner & Townsend, the Schoolâs project management firm, will be offering a summer internship to an SCS student.
d) Lisa Porlier, Chair of the Nominating and Governance Committee, reported that the candidates are being identified to fill expected Board and committee vacancies in the new year.
The Board Self-Assessment Survey and the Principal Assessment have both been circulated for Board members to complete and return.
Various corporate documents are being reviewed and updated to comply with the requirements of the new Ontario Not-for-Profit Corporations Act.
St. Clementâs School
Board Meeting Highlights, April 12, 2023
Highlights of the meeting include:
⢠Martha Perry introduced two new members of staff.
⢠Martha presented the Principalâs Report, which highlighted the work being done regarding succession planning and the strategic plan. Martha noted that the registration of returning students for the 2024-2025 school year has progressed well.
⢠The Chairs of the Board Standing Committees highlighted information set out in the reports that had been circulated in advance of the meeting.
a) David Bacon, acting Chair of the Finance Committee, reviewed the Quarterly Financial Report for the six months ended January 31, 2023. David also reviewed the details of the Schoolâs revised credit facility available for the Trailblazer construction project, if required
b) Lisa Watson, on behalf of Hilary McLean, Chair of the Advancement Committee, reported that the Annual Giving campaign is progressing well and the School expects to reach the campaign goal of $650,000. Lisa noted that a new Trailblazer campaign thermometer-like sign is being installed in front of the School building to mark the progress of the campaign in reaching the donation goal of $18 million.
c) Jeff Allsop, Chair of the Property Committee, provided an update on the west-end expansion and current spaces renovation projects. Jeff noted that communications are being prepared to inform members of the SCS community regarding the status of the projects.
d) Lisa Porlier, Chair of the Governance and Nominating Committee, asked Board members to respond to the on-line SCS Board Self-assessment and the Principal Assessment Questionnaires that will be circulated in the near future. Lisa reported that the Committee is working to identify prospective Board and Committee candidates.
St. Clementâs School
Board Meeting Highlights, February 15, 2023
Highlights of the meeting include:
- Martha Perry introduced a new member of staff.
- Martha Perry presented the Principalâs Report, which highlighted the work being done regarding succession planning and the strategic plan. Martha commented on the success of the Feminism and its Intersections 2023 Conference hosted by St. Clementâs School in February. She also noted that the registration of returning students for the 2024-2025 school year has progressed well; offers to new students are being issued on Friday, February 24 and the related response date is Tuesday, February 28.
- The Chairs of the Board Standing Committees highlighted information set out in the reports that had been circulated in advance of the meeting.
- Paula Smith, Chair of the Finance Committee, presented an update on the Campus Master Plan financial modelling and reviewed the various financing options available to the School.
- Hilary McLean, Chair of the Advancement Committee, reported that the Annual Giving campaign is progressing well and the School expects to reach the campaign goal of $650,000. Hilary also reviewed the most current results of the Trailblazer Campaign.
- Jeff Allsop, Chair of the Property Committee, provided an update on the west-end expansion and current spaces renovation projects. Jeff reported that the Madison condominium project lane restriction on Yonge Street has been removed and it is expected that an accessible sidewalk on the west side of Yonge Street will be opened soon.
- Lisa Porlier, Chair of the Governance and Nominating Committee, reported that members of the SCS community will be asked to submit the names of individuals who would be interested in assuming positions on SCS Board Committees. The Board Skills Matrix is being updated and will be used when considering future Board appointments.
- Martha Perry reviewed with the Committee the status of the following identified risk priorities for the current school year:
- Data security
- Privacy legislation
- Succession planning
- Trailblazer Project
- Inflationary pressures
- Traffic safety
St. Clementâs School
Board Meeting Highlights, January 11, 2023
Highlights of the meeting include:
⢠Martha reviewed key areas of focus for the year, including the Trailblazer Campaign, implementation of key elements of the Schoolâs 2020-2025 strategic plan, succession planning, and Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Council work.
⢠The Chairs of the Board Standing Committees highlighted information set out in the reports that had been circulated in advance of the meeting.
a) Paula Smith, Chair of the Finance Committee, reviewed the financial results for the three months ended October 31, 2022 and the forecast results for the 2022/2023 fiscal year.
Paula reported that the Committee reviewed draft budget information for 2023/2024; the final budget will be approved later in the year.
The Board approved the 2023/2024 tuition fee and acceptance fee recommended by the Finance Committee for inclusion in the re-registration package that is being sent out before the end of January.
b) 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.
Hilary also reviewed the most current results of the Trailblazer Campaign for the west-end expansion project.
c) Jeff Allsop, Chair of the Property Committee, provided an update on the ongoing Campus Master Plan work.
Jeff noted that a live-stream camera has been activated for the project and it can be accessed through the campaign website.
d) In the absence of Lisa Porlier, Chair of the Governance and Nominating Committee, Karen McKay reported that a call for nominations for Board Committee members will be circulated to the SCS community in February.
St. Clementâs School
Board Meeting Highlights, November 16, 2022
Highlights of the meeting include:
- Karen McKay, Chair, introduced Sarah McEvoy, who was elected to the Board of Governors at the Annual General Meeting in October.
- Martha Perry, Principal, introduced new members of staff.
- Karen McKay reviewed effective governance practices for independent schools and highlighted 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 Perry reported that the key priorities for the 2022-2023 school year include the Trailblazer Campaign, the strategic plan, succession planning, and Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Council work.
b) Hilary McLean, Chair of the Advancement Committee, reported that the 2022-2023 Annual Fund Campaign, under the leadership of parent Rose Cross, has been launched with a goal of $650,000. Lisa Watson, Executive Director of Advancement, reviewed results of the Trailblazer campaign and highlighted ongoing campaign fundraising activities.
c) Paula Smith, 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 2023-2024 school year.
d) Jeff Allsop, Chair of the Property Committee, reported that the Property Committee, together with the Project Overview Committee, is continuing to review matters relating to the Trailblazer construction project. A live stream camera for the project has been activated and can be accessed through the campaign website www.scstrailblazercampaign.com.
e) Lisa Porlier, Chair of the Governance Committee, presented for Board approval the final listing of Board Committee members for the 2022-2023 year. The Committee has identified expected Board vacancies for 2023-2024 and is considering potential candidates to fill these vacancies. In addition, the Committee is reviewing the mandates for all Board Committees.
St. Clementâs School
Board Meeting Highlights, September 28, 2022
Highlights of the meeting include:
⢠Martha Perry, Principal, introduced new members of staff for the 2022-2023 school year.
⢠Karen McKay, Chair, introduced Betty Kneis, new Ex Officio Board Member in her position of President of the Parentsâ Association
⢠Paula Smith, Chair of the Finance Committee, and Alex Briganti and Alexandra ten Kortenaar from the audit firm Hogg Shain and Scheck, reviewed the financial results of the School for the 2022 fiscal year. The audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2022 were approved.
⢠Martha Perry reported that the School has received its notice of accreditation from Canadian Accredited Independent Schools. In addition, Martha reviewed the Schoolâs new addition to our website, An Inclusive Community, that includes a detailed timeline of the Schoolâs many equity, diversity and inclusion initiatives undertaken during the years 2010-2011 to 2021-2022.
⢠Martha Perry and Lisa Watson, Executive Director of Advancement, presented information on the plan and timeline for the community phase of the Trailblazer Campaign. Martha noted that with the building underway and September 2023 fast approaching, it is important for the community to recognize and respond to the need for financial support in order for the School to realize the many benefits that will result from the campus master plan expansion.
⢠The Chairs of the Board Standing Committees highlighted information set out in the reports that had been circulated in advance of the meeting.
a) In the absence of Hilary McLean, Chair of the Advancement Committee, Lisa Watson reported that the 2022 annual fund campaign will be launched in the near future under the leadership of Rose Cross.
b) Jeff Allsop, Chair of the Property Committee, reviewed the current status of the construction project. He noted that the Roof Terrace was completed on time and this space is now in use. The School Administration is meeting with the Madison Group, developer of the Capitol condominium project, on a regular basis to keep the community informed of planned upcoming construction activity.
c) Lisa Porlier, Chair of the Governance and Nominating Committee, reported that the Committee has reviewed the St. Clementâs School Risk Control Self Assessment document prepared by the School Administration Team and discussed the five identified risk areas of focus for the coming year.
St. Clementâs School
Board Meeting Highlights, June 22, 2022
Highlights of the meeting include:
⢠Under the direction of Alice Pitt, the members of the Boardâs Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Advisory Group led a generative discussion of EDI related matters.
⢠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 Perry, Principal, reported that the Schoolâs Year 2 Response to Recommendations for Canadian Accredited Independent Schools accreditation was submitted on June 17.
The Schoolâs vaccination policy is remaining in effect for the 2022/2023 school year and the School believes that safeguards such as vaccinations, masks, and air filters will provide students and staff with adequate protection should we see a new COVID wave in the fall.
b) David Bacon, Chair of the Finance Committee, reviewed the Quarterly Financial Report for the nine months ended April 30, 2022. David also reviewed the information in the budget documents circulated in advance of the meeting. Following Davidâs review, the Board approved the final 2022/2023 budget.
Bill MacKenzie, Chair of the Investment Sub-Committee, reviewed alternate investment options and strategies. Based on this review, the Board approved amendments to the Schoolâs Statement of Investment Policies and Objectives to govern alternate investments.
c) Hilary McLean, Chair of the Advancement Committee, reviewed year-to-date donation results, noting that gifts to the Trailblazer Campaign have now reached $15.0 million with continued work to be done to reach our Campaign goal of $18.0 million.
Hilary reviewed recent in-person events at the School, including the Alumnae Reunion Weekend activities, the Trailblazer ground-breaking ceremonies, and the Closing ceremonies at Massey Hall.
d) In the absence of Jeff Allsop, Chair of the Property Committee, Martha reviewed the status of the west end expansion project and the roof-top renovation project that were started at the beginning of June. Martha indicated that Board members will receive updated status reports throughout the summer.
e) Lisa Porlier, Chair of the Nominating and Governance Committee, presented highlights from the review and analysis of the self-assessment survey completed by Board members. The results of the Principalâs Assessment will be reviewed by Brian Denega, Past Chair, and Karen McKay, Chair.
The Committee is working to identify candidates to fill expected Board and committee vacancies in the new year.
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