Our BoardOf Governors.

St. Clement’s School
Board Meeting Highlights, June 18, 2025

Agenda – June 18, 2025

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.

1. Martha Perry, Principal, made a special presentation reviewing the main elements of the School’s strategic plan and reviewing next steps, which include identifying key objectives for 2025-2026, preparing for the 2027 accreditation review by the evaluation team from Canadian Accredited Independent Schools, identifying specific department goals, and planning staff professional development. Martha noted that the Administration Team will be presenting a detailed report of accomplishments for the 2024-2025 school year at the Board meeting in October.
2. Tim Deacon, Chair of the Finance Committee, reviewed the Quarterly Financial Report for the nine months ended April 30, 2025.  Tim also reviewed the information in the budget documents circulated in advance of the meeting.  Following Tim’s review, the Board approved the final 2025-2026 budget.
3. In the absence of Hilary McLean, Chair of the Advancement Committee, Lisa Watson, Executive Director of Advancement, reviewed year-to-date Annual Fund donations and recent school events, including the annual closing ceremonies held at Massey Hall on June 17.
4. Regan Smith, Chair of the Sustainable Campus Committee, reported that the Committee has identified some potential new members and will make plans to connect with them before the next Board meeting in October.
5. Frank DeLuca, 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 Principal’s Assessment will be reviewed by Frank and by Karen McKay, Chair.

The Committee is working to identify candidates to fill expected Board and committee vacancies in the new year.

St. Clement’s School
Board Meeting Highlights, May 28, 2025

Agenda – May 28, 2025

• Highlights of the meeting include:
  Elena Holeton, Director of Admissions, presented and then answered questions regarding the 2025 Admissions Report that had been circulated prior to the meeting.
• 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 Administration Team is developing short-term, medium-term, and long-term plans for three areas of focus, being enrolment, financial sustainability, and pace of change and its impact on human capital. Martha reviewed the related activities to-date.
Marci Morgan, Director of Human Resources, joined the meeting to comment on
the staff turnover report covering the years 2018-2019 to 2024-2025. Marcinoted that a comparison of this information with published Canadian Accredited Independent Schools benchmark information indicates that the experience of SCS is consistent with industry trends.
b) Tim Deacon, Chair of the Finance Committee, advised the Board that the final budget for the 2025-2026 school year will be reviewed by the committee at its meeting on June 6 and presented to the Board for approval at its meeting in June.
c) In the absence of Hilary McLean, Chair of the Advancement Committee, Lisa Watson, Executive Director of Advancement, reviewed year-to-date Annual Fund donations and related Advancement activities.
d) Regan Smith, Chair of the Sustainable Campus Committee, invited Board members to comment on the draft Property Visioning Statement, comprised of the School’s Sustainability Statement, its Property Visioning Principles, and its Guiding Principles regarding future land acquisition, mortgage debt, and landlord responsibilities.
e) Frank DeLuca, Chair of the Governance and Nominating Committee, reported that the Board of Governors Self-evaluation and the Principal’s Assessment are underway and the Board of Governors skills set matrix has been updated and

St. Clement’s School
Board Meeting Highlights, April 16, 2025

Agenda – April 16, 2025

Highlights of the meeting include:

• Martha Perry, Principal, introduced a new member of staff.
• Karen McKay, Chair, thanked Board members for attending the Board/Administration Team Retreat held at the School on March 29. Martha reviewed the strategies and opportunities highlighted in the report issued by the facilitator, Tim Fish of two chairs studio, following the Retreat. The School will now prioritize related short-term, medium-term and long-terms objectives and prepare a detailed action program.
• Martha Perry presented the Principal’s Report. She reported that she and the directors of Finance, Admissions, Advancement, Information Technology and Human Resources attended the Canadian Accredited Independent Schools Leaders’ Conference held in Toronto at the beginning of April. Martha highlighted the 2025/2026 admissions season. In addition, she remarked that given the current geopolitical situation, the School is evaluating the merits and risks associated with each U.S. travel opportunity to make informed decisions.
• 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, 2025.
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 also highlighted recent areas of focus for the Advancement Department, including the direct mail campaign, ongoing alum engagement, Grandpals’ Day on April 11, Red Blazer mailing on May 19, and the Closing on June 17.
c) Regan Smith, Chair of the Sustainable Campus Committee, noted that increasing the Committee membership is an ongoing focus and invitations to interested parties have been included in recent issues of enews.
d) Frank DeLuca, Chair of the Governance and Nominating Committee, recommended to the Board that Caitlin MacNamara be appointed Vice Chair of the Board effective immediately following the meeting. The Board passed a resolution to approve this appointment.

St. Clement’s School
Board Meeting Highlights, December, 2024

Agenda – December 11, 2024

Highlights of the meeting include:
• Martha Perry introduced two new members of staff.
• Karen McKay, Chair of the Board, welcomed new Board members Michael Botha, Dan Ma, and Caitlin MacNamara.
• Elena Holeton, Director of Admissions, provided an update on the admissions cycle.
• 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 commented on work that is currently being done regarding the School’s vision for the future. She invited Vice Principal Heather Henricks to comment on ideas that have evolved to be an important part of the School’s unique value proposition.
Martha also invited Alice Pitt, Chair of the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Council, to comment on the success of the fifth EDI conference that was hosted by the School in November.
b) Tim Deacon, Chair of the Finance Committee, reviewed the financial results for the three months ended October 31, 2024 and the forecast results for the 2024/2025 fiscal year.
Tim reported that the Committee reviewed draft budget information for 2025/2026; the final budget will be approved later in the year.
The Board approved the 2025/2026 tuition fee and acceptance fee recommended by the Finance Committee for inclusion in the re-registration package that is being sent out early in the new year.
c) Hilary McLean, Chair of the Advancement Committee, reviewed the results of the School’s ongoing fundraising campaigns and highlighted recent events, including the new parent dinner, the dinner for leadership donors, the advertising campaign at Billy Bishop Airport, and the Parents’ Association members’ meeting and Jingle Mingle.
d) Regan Smith, Chair of the Sustainable Campus Committee, reported that to further its development, members of the Committee have met with external contacts to gain insights on sustainability-related best practices for schools. The Committee is also reviewing the School’s Guiding Principles Informing Long-range Decisions Regarding SCS Facilities and Property.
e) In the absence of Frank DeLuca, Chair of the Governance and Nominating Committee, Karen McKay referred to the Committee’s workplan and next steps towards nominations and recruitment.

St. Clement’s School
Board Meeting Highlights, October 2024

Agenda – October 1, 2024

Highlights of the meeting include:

• Martha Perry, Principal, introduced new staff members for the 2024-2025 school year.

• Karen McKay, Chair, introduced Julietta Lynch, new President of the Parents’ Association and an Individual with Observer Status at Board meetings.

• Tim Deacon, Chair of the Finance Committee, and representatives from the audit firm Hogg Shain and Scheck reviewed the School’s 2023-2024 financial results, and the audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2024 were approved.

• Martha Perry reviewed the vision of the 2020-2025 strategic plan, being “to develop and equip courageous and adaptable learners and empower them to make impactful contributions in local, national, and global communities”. Members of the School’s Administration Team joined the meeting to present detailed information on the work being done to further the plan. Martha noted that the main focus continues to be ongoing work on the four necessary capabilities (operational effectiveness, elevated engagement practices, innovative and exemplary teaching and programming, and robust staff development), the development of a unique value proposition, and an overall analysis and assessment of the School’s enrolment.

• 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 2024-2025 Advancement Plan. This plan includes information from reference sources regarding philanthropic trends and it details the 2024-2025 goals and funding priorities for all the School’s fundraising campaigns, including Annual Fund, major gifts, planned/legacy giving, birthday books and grade class gift.

b) Karen McKay, Chair of the Property Committee, noted that with the construction project complete, the work of the Property Committee will now shift to monitoring, advising, and making recommendations to the Board with respect to the School’s Property Visioning Principles and any future sustainability guidelines.

c) Lisa Porlier, Chair of the Governance and Nominating Committee, presented a draft mandate for the new Sustainable Campus Committee (previously the Property Committee); this mandate was approved by the Board.
Martha Perry presented to the Committee the following risk priorities identified for the 2024-2025 school year:
Data security, confidential information
Privacy/privacy violations
Minimized flexibility with bank covenants
Breech of IT security/loss of data
Power outages
Social media use

St. Clement’s School
Board Meeting Highlights, June 2024

Agenda – June 19, 2024

Highlights of the meeting include:

• Elena Holeton, Director of Admissions, presented and then answered questions regarding the 2024 Admissions Report that had been circulated prior to the meeting.

• Kelsey Edmunds, Director of Information Technology, provided an update on Artificial Intelligence initiatives at the School.

• 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 School’s revised cell phone policy, which goes into effect in September 2024, was circulated to parents and reviewed with students in June.

Martha reported that the Ontario Board of Appeal chaired by William Kaplan has awarded annual salary increases to teachers in the public school system.  She reviewed the impact of these increases on the public-school salary grid.

Martha noted that she will be working with the members of the Administration Team this summer to further define the SCS unique value proposition; an update on this work will be presented to the Board at the first fall meeting.

b) In the absence of Hilary McLean, Chair of the Advancement Committee, Lisa Watson, Executive Director of Advancement, reviewed year-to-date Annual Fund and Trailblazer Campaign donations.

c) Karen McKay, Chair of the Property Committee, reported that following the completion of the renovation project, the Committee has been focusing on its future mandate, title and work; its recommendations will be presented to the Governance and Nominating Committee this fall.

d) Lisa Porlier, Chair of the Governance and Nominating Committee, reported that following the special meeting of members in May, the School is filing the approved Articles of Amendment and revised By-law 1 with the government authorities.

The Committee is identifying candidates to fill the expected Board and committee vacancies in the new year.

Lisa noted that this meeting is the last for Board members Ripal Patel and Kurt MacWilliam.  On behalf of the Board, Chair Karen McKay thanked them for their contributions during their terms as Governors.

St. Clement’s School

Board Meeting Highlights, May 29, 2024

Agenda – 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 School’s 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 Tim’s 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 ‘Under the Big Top” 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 School’s 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 Principal’s 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. Clement’s School

Board Meeting Highlights, April 17, 2024

Agenda – 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 Principal’s 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 School’s 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 meetinga) 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 “Under the Big Top” 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 members’ meeting before the end of the school year.

St. Clement’s School

Board Meeting Highlights, February 21, 2024

Agenda – 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 Principal’s 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.

1. 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 “Under the Big Top” on Saturday, April 20.
2. 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.
3. 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. Clement’s School
Board Meeting Highlights, January 2024

Agenda – January 10, 2024

Highlights of the meeting include:

• Martha reported that the School’s 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. Clement’s School
Board Meeting Highlights, November 2023

Agenda – November 15, 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:

1. 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.
2. 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 ‘revealing’ the new facilities to the members of the SCS community.
3. 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.
4. 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.

1. 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. Clement’s School
Board Meeting Highlights, September 27, 2023

Agenda – 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 Parents’ 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 “developing and equipping courageous and adaptable learners and empowering them to make impactful contributions in local, national, and global communities”. Members of the School’s 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 Parents’ 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 School’s by-laws and other corporate documents comply with changes to the Ontario Not-for-Profit Corporations Act that become effective October 19, 2024.