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
- Paula Smith
Paula Smith Treasurer
- Jeff Allsop
Jeff Allsop - David Bacon
David Bacon - Frank DeLuca
Frank DeLuca - Sarah McEvoy
Sarah McEvoy - Hilary McLean '95
Hilary McLean '95 - Ripal Patel
Ripal Patel - Alice Pitt
Alice Pitt - Lisa Porlier
Lisa Porlier - Pamela Rayment
Pamela Rayment - Charles Whitburn
Charles Whitburn - Brian Denega
Brian Denega Past Chair, Ex Officio
- Ali Azzopardi '07
Ali Azzopardi '07 Alumnae Association, President, Ex Officio
- Betty Kneis
Betty Kneis Parents' 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.
Paula Smith Treasurer
Paula is a Chartered Professional Accountant and a partner in the Assurance practice at Ernst & Young LLP. Â Â Paula is a partner in EYâs Central region Assurance practice, based in Toronto. She has over 25 years experience at EY working with high-growth, public and private companies. Paula has advised clients from start-up through their various stages of growth, including Canadian and US IPOs and strategic transactions, specifically in the Life Sciences sector. Her go-to-market focus on sector includes her relentless dedication to growing EY’s Life Sciences practice and driving that same sector relevance to her retail & consumer products clients.
Paula is also the National Director for the EY Entrepreneur Of The YearÂŽ program. EY Entrepreneur Of The Year is the worldâs most prestigious business award for entrepreneurs. In the community, Paula served as a board member for the Canadian Womenâs Foundation for a six year term. She also has extensive experience in the boardroom through her public company portfolio, advising clients around governance and financial/business risks. She is a proud graduate from Wilfrid Laurier University with a Bachelor of Business Administration with Distinction and is a Chartered Professional Accountant and U.S. CPA.  Paula and her husband Mark are the proud parents of one Clementine.
Jeff Allsop Jeff 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.
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.
Sarah McEvoy Sarah McEvoy is a seasoned communications executive. For more than 20 years, Sarah has worked across the public, private and not-for-profit sectors providing strategic counsel to senior leaders, C-suite executives and government ministers.
Most recently Sarah led the federal governmentâs Ministersâ Regional Offices for Ontario, based in Toronto. She and her team advised federal Cabinet Ministers and the Prime Minister when they were in the region, serving as an important channel for stakeholder engagement and communications with Ottawa.
Prior to taking on this role, Sarah spent 11 years at Edelman Canada where she led the Corporate Communications group in Toronto, working with large, multi-level, interdisciplinary teams to advance clientsâ businesses and brands. Before that she was a consultant with Enterprise Canada.
Sarah serves on the Board of Governors of The Sterling Hall School, where she Chairs the Governance & Nominating Committee. She is a supporter of the National Ballet of Canada and has been a volunteer for a number of not-for-profit organizations.
Sarah holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Economics from McGill University and is fluent in French. She and her husband, Cornell Wright, have three children, two of whom are proud 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.
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.
Brian Denega Past Chair, Ex Officio
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 & Youngâs 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 '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.
Betty Kneis Parents' Association, President, Ex Officio
Betty has spent the last 22 years raising her three daughters, Julia ’18, Katie ’22 and Lexi ’27. All three girls started St. Clement’s School in Grade 1. She has had the pleasure of being a current SCS mom for 16 years and has volunteered at the school in numerous capacities. Prior to becoming an at-home parent, she enjoyed a career in Finance.
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 virtually on the evening of October 26, 2022.
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, 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.
St. Clementâs School
Board Meeting Highlights, May 11, 2022
Highlights of the meeting include:
⢠Elena Holeton, Director of Admissions, answered questions regarding the 2022 Admissions Report to the Board 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, noted that the west end expansion has been the focus of attention and there have been numerous meetings of the Logistics, Project Overview and Property Committees. The School has also been involved in development matters relating to the Madison condominium project.
With the upcoming closure of the west drive, transportation matters will be a focus of attention and related community communications are being prepared.
b) Hilary McLean, Chair of the Advancement Committee, reviewed year-to-date donation results. The School has received donations made in tribute to Sarah Gleeson following her recent death.
Gifts to the Trailblazer Campaign are at $14.5 million. The Advancement Team is taking a number of steps to build campaign momentum, including scheduling events for alumnae and past parents, conducting individual meetings with current and new parents, and implementing a strong communications plan which will include social media content, website updates, and ongoing content in Enews, SCS Connect, Community Enews and Red Blazer. Board members were asked to assist the Advancement Group wherever possible.
c) Jeff Allsop, Chair of the Property Committee, provided an update on Campus Master Plan work.
Jeff reported that the School has received recent estimates that show that construction costs will exceed the original approved budget. The increase in costs reflects some scope changes and the current environment of inflation, labour disruptions, material shortages and other supply issues, war in Ukraine, and COVID. Jeff reported that the revised cost projections will be discussed further at a special Board meeting scheduled on May 25.
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.
St. Clementâs School
Board Meeting Highlights, April 6, 2022
Highlights of the meeting include:
Martha Perry reported on the key areas of focus of the Schoolâs Administration Team, including enrolment, 2022-2023 calendar planning, community relations, the west end expansion, and strategic plan objectives. Martha noted that in response to recent developments, the School has changed various COVID-related protocols and has expanded the range of permitted activities. Mask mandates remain in place and will be reviewed later in the month.
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 Quarterly Financial Report for the six months ended January 31, 2022. David reported that the Investment Committee and designated members of the Finance Committee met with the Schoolâs investment management firms in February to review the year-to-date performance of their respective portfolios.
- 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. Hilary reviewed the ongoing activities of the Advancement Team and highlighted plans for the special Trailblazer ground-breaking event on Monday, May 30.
- Jeff Allsop, Chair of the Property Committee, reported on the status of the various permits and approvals required for the Trailblazer construction project. Jeff noted that tender packages are being prepared and released to the trades; the responses will be used to update the construction budget. The Schoolâs Project Management firm, Turner & Townsend, has developed a project risk log that the Project Overview Committee is reviewing on a regular basis. Jeff reported that current indications are that the Madison condominium project to the south of the School will begin in May.
- 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, with particular emphasis on candidates for the Finance and Investment Committees.
St. Clementâs School
Board Meeting Highlights, February 16, 2022
Highlights of the meeting include:
- Martha Perry introduced new members of staff.
- There was a special Campus Master Plan presentation that highlighted the current status of the planned west end expansion to the School. Following the presentation, the Board approved resolutions supporting the construction project and the public launch of the related Trailblazer fundraising campaign.
- Martha Perry presented the Principalâs Report, which highlighted that the registration of returning students for the 2022-2023 school year has progressed well. Offers to new students are being issued on Friday, February 25 and the related response date is Wednesday, March 2.
- 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 the Annual Giving campaign is progressing well and the School expects to reach the campaign goal of $650,000.,
- Jeff Allsop, Chair of the Property Committee, reported that final formal approval of the Schoolâs Committee of Adjustments application was received on February 10. A Tieback, Crane Swing and Construction agreement is being finalized with the developers for the condo construction project at 2500 Yonge Street.
- 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 Board Skills Matrix has ben updated and will be used when considering future Board appointments.
Lisa confirmed that an Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Committee has been created under the leadership of Board member Alice Pitt.
At its last meeting, 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
- Staff well-being
- Pandemic response
St. Clementâs School
Board Meeting Highlights, January 5, 2022
Highlights of the meeting include:
⢠Martha Perry introduced new member of staff and Assistant to the Principal An Nguyen
⢠Martha reviewed key areas of focus for the Administration Team, including management of the ongoing COVID âcrisisâ, the advancement of the Campus Master Plan, the implementation of key elements of the Schoolâs 2020-2025 strategic plan, and equity, diversity and inclusion considerations.
⢠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, Chair of the Finance Committee, reviewed the financial results for the three months ended October 31, 2021 and the forecast results for the 2021/2022 fiscal year.
David reported that the Committee reviewed draft budget information for 2022/2023; the final budget will be approved later in the year.
The Board approved the 2022/2023 tuition fee and acceptance fee recommended by the Finance Committee to inform the upcoming enrolment process.
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 highlighted recent activities of the Parentsâ Association, including the outdoor Jingle Mingle that took place just before the holidays.
c) Jeff Allsop, Chair of the Property Committee, provided an update on the ongoing Campus Master Plan work. Jeff reported that plans are being made for the Committee of Adjustments hearing scheduled on January 20, 2022. The related signs will be posted on the School property on January 7, 2022
d) Lisa Porlier, Chair of the Governance and Nominating Committee, reported that she will be circulating a Board skills matrix for each Board member to complete and return. A call for nominations for Board Committee members will be circulated to the SCS community in February.
St. Clementâs School
Board Meeting Highlights, November 17, 2021
Highlights of the meeting include:
⢠Karen McKay, Chair, 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 highlighted the Principalâs objectives for the 2021-2022 school year and tied these objectives into key elements of the Strategic Plan 2025. Objectives include completion of the short-term and long-term Administration Team succession planning, management of the St. Clementâs School Campus Master Plan and the related fundraising efforts, and advancing the Schoolâs equity, diversity and inclusion work.
b) Hilary McLean, Chair of the Advancement Committee, reported that the 2021-2022 Annual Fund Campaign has been launched with a goal of $650,000. The marketing department has produced two videos: the âSpacesâ videoâ highlights the interior of the School and the âBrandingâ video highlights the students. Both of these videos are being circulated to current and prospective parents and to other community members. Lisa Watson, Executive Director of Advancement, reviewed year-to-date results of the Trailblazer campaign.
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 2022-2023 school year.
d) Jeff Allsop, Chair of the Property Committee, reported that the group is continuing to review matters relating to the Campus Master Plan. Jeff reviewed an organization structure document showing planned roles for the Trailblazer construction project.
e) Lisa Porlier, Chair of the Governance Committee, reviewed the final listing of Board Committee members for the 2021-2022 year; new Governor Paula Smith is a member of the Finance Committee and new Governor Frank DeLuca is a member of the Governance and Nominating Committee. Lisa reported that a Board Equity, Diversity and Inclusion committee will be formed under the leadership of Board member Alice Pitt; the terms of reference for this committee will be developed and submitted to the Board for review before the end of the school year.
St. Clementâs School
Board Meeting Highlights, September 28, 2021
Highlights of the meeting include:
⢠Martha Perry, Principal, introduced new members of staff.
⢠David Bacon, 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 2021 fiscal year. The audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2021 were approved.
David reviewed a preliminary revised forecast for the 2021/2022 year.
⢠Martha Perry reported on the following matters:
Strategic Plan, 2020-2025
The School is developing specific actions for each of the key plan objectives.
Ongoing COVID-19 response
All eligible students and staff have complied with the provisions of the Schoolâs mandatory vaccination policy. The application of the policy for students under the age of 12 will be further reviewed once vaccines for this age group have been approved.
The rapid antigen screening is on pause pending further government direction and internal review.
⢠The Chairs of the 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, reported that the 2021 annual fund campaign was highly successful; the new annual fund campaign will be launched in the near future.
b) Jeff Allsop, Chair of the Property Committee, reported that the School continues the negotiations for the purchase of the land and building at 2512R Yonge Street. Jeff noted that the campus master plan is now the Committeeâs primary focus; the School is waiting for the City of Toronto to approve the plans that have been submitted.
c) Lisa Porlier, Chair of the Governance and Nominating Committee, reported that Frank de Luca and Paula Smith are being nominated for election as Governors at the Annual General Meeting scheduled on October 20.
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.
⢠Karen McKay congratulated Board member Poonam Puri on being recognized by the Royal Society of Canada with the Yvan Allaire Medal for outstanding contributions in governance of public and private organizations.
About SCS
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