Our BoardOf Governors.

St. Clement’s School
Board Meeting Highlights, May 15, 2019

Agenda – May 15, 2019

Highlights of the meeting include:

• Martha Perry, Principal, introduced new Business and Operations Staff members Meredith Henry and Michelle Kim.
• Lisa Watson, Executive Director of Advancement, provided a presentation highlighting the results of the online philanthropy survey that was sent to 3,500 constituents in February. Lisa noted that there were survey responses from 1,059 constituents; this response rate of 30% is well beyond the norm of 15%.
• The Principal and the Chairs of the Board Standing Committees highlighted information set out in the reports that had been circulated in advance of the meeting:
  • Martha reviewed enrolment for the 2019/2020 school year. In addition, she provided highlights of the recent meeting of the President’s Council, a consulting group comprising past members of the Board of Governors.
  • Karen McKay, Chair of the Advancement Committee, provided an update on the Annual Giving Campaign, which is tracking well and should reach the campaign goal of $600,000.
  • In the absence of Poonam Puri, Brian Denega, Board Chair, asked members to review and provide comments regarding the draft response to the CAIS Accreditation Guidelines for Standard 8 – Governance that had been circulated in advance of the meeting.  In addition, Board members were asked to complete and return the on-line SCS Board Self-assessment and the Principal Assessment Questionnaires that Poonam will circulate.

St. Clement’s School
Board Meeting Highlights, February 6, 2019

Agenda – February 6, 2019

Highlights of the meeting include:

• Martha Perry gave a special slide presentation to highlight the work being done by the Property Committee to review and explore options pertaining to the School’s campus master plan.
• Martha Perry highlighted the information set out in the Principal’s Report that had been circulated in advance of the meeting.
• Karen McKay, Chair of the Advancement Committee, reported that the Annual Giving campaign is progressing well and the Committee is optimistic that the fundraising goal of $600,000 will be reached.
  Karen noted that plans for the Speakeasy Gala event scheduled on Saturday, April 6 at the Fermenting Cellar, Distillery District, are well underway. The net proceeds from the event will be used to retrofit the roof as a gathering and play space for students from all grades.
• Poonam Puri, Chair of the Governance and Nominating Committee, reported that the Committee continues to work on succession planning and the recruitment of individuals to assume vacant Board positions.

St. Clement’s School
Board Meeting Highlights, January 9, 2019

Agenda – January 9, 2019

Highlights of the meeting include:

• Patti MacDonald, Executive Director of Canadian Accredited Independent Schools (CAIS), provided information regarding the CAIS accreditation of the School that is scheduled to take place in January 2020.
• Lisa Watson, Executive Director of Advancement, and Alison Holt of The Offord Group reviewed the draft Donor Attitude Survey that is being sent by email in late January to approximately 3,500 constituents.
• Martha Perry reported that the School is continuing its work on the Emergency Management Plan.
• David Bacon, Chair of the Finance Committee, reviewed the financial results for the three months ended October 31, 2018 and the forecast results for the 2018/19 fiscal year. David reviewed the information in the budget documents circulated in advance of the meeting, including the commentary describing the major budget assumptions and the statement of operating results comparing the 2019/2020 and 2018/2019 budgets. Following David’s review, the Board approved the 2019/2020 tuition fee, acceptance fee and operating budget recommended by the Finance Committee.
• Karen McKay, Chair of the Advancement Committee, reported that the Annual Giving Campaign is progressing well and the Committee is optimistic that the fundraising goal of $600,000 will be reached. Karen reminded Board members of the upcoming SCS Speakeasy Gala event that will take place on April 6 at the Fermenting Cellar, Distillery District. The net proceeds from the event will be used to retrofit the roof as a study and play space.
• Rob Chadwick, Chair of the Property Committee, provided an update on the ongoing Campus Master Plan work.
• Poonam Puri, Chair of the Governance and Nominating Committee, asked the Board Committee Chairs to review and provide comments regarding the CAIS Standard Eight – Governance draft response prepared by the Committee.

St. Clement’s School
Board Meeting Highlights, November 21, 2018

Agenda – November 21, 2018

Highlights of the meeting include:

• Martha Perry introduced new members of staff.
• Lisa Watson, Executive Director of Advancement, and Alison Holt from The Offord Group, make a special presentation on campaign preparedness, highlighting the factors driving successful campaigns, understanding donors, and discussion around future plans.
• Brian Denega, Chair, introduced and welcomed new Board members Sarah Cambell, President of the Alumnae Association, Lisa Porlier, parent, John Sayers, President of the Parents’ Association, and Kennis Tong, parent. Brian also welcomed Karen McKay in her new position as Vice Chair of the Board.  Brian reviewed the primary focus of each of the Board standing committees for the year ahead.
• 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 reviewed the work done by the Administration Team to assess the School’s risk exposures and risk mitigation and management in all major areas. In light of the recent events at St. Michael’s College School, Martha reported on the School’s Emergency Management Plan with a particular focus on policies with respect to reporting of abuse and the School’s emergency communications plan.
  • Karen McKay, Chair of the Advancement Committee, reported that the 2018-2019 Annual Fund Campaign has been launched with a goal of $600,000. Karen reminded Board members of the Jingle Mingle cocktail party and holiday sale scheduled on December 3, 2018 and the gala event scheduled on April 6, 2019.
  • David Bacon, Chair of the Finance Committee, reported that Sarah Ahmed, parent, and Rasha El Sissi, alumna and past parent, have joined the Finance Committee. The Committee is meeting in November and again in December to review and approve the 2019/2020 operating budget and tuition fee.
  • Rob Chadwick, Chair of the Property Committee, reported that the School is continuing to consider options within the campus master plan.
  • Poonam Puri, Chair of the Governance and Nominating Committee, presented revised governance documents for review and approval by the Board.

St. Clement’s School
Board Meeting Highlights, September 26, 2018

Agenda – September 26, 2018

Highlights of the meeting include:

• Martha Perry introduced new members of staff.
• Brian Denega welcomed John Sayers, who replaces Meredith Roth as President of the Parents’ Association.
• David Bacon, Chair of the Finance Committee, welcomed Sam Marinucci, partner with the audit firm Hogg Shain and Scheck. David and Sam reviewed the financial results of the School for the 2018 fiscal year. The audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2018, were approved and Hogg Shain and Scheck were appointed auditors for the fiscal year ending July 31, 2019.
• Martha reported on the following matters:
  • The new timetable went into effect at the start of the new school year and has been well received by students and staff.
  • The School has adopted a new policy regarding cell phone usage by students during the school day.
  • The Administration Team has been involved in a risk management assessment project and Martha will present the related summary report to the Board at the meeting in November.
• The Chairs of the Board Standing Committees highlighted information set out in the reports that had been circulated in advance of the meeting:
  • Karen McKay, Chair of the Advancement Committee, reported that Carolyn Rice, Annual Fund Chair, and her committee will be launching the new campaign at the end of October.
    A fundraising gala will take place on April 5, 2019, in the Distillery District.
    Lisa Watson, Executive Director of Advancement, was present for a generative discussion on capital campaign fundraising, with a focus on donor naming opportunities.
  • Rob Chadwick, Chair of the Property Committee, reported that the School continues to meet with Craig Goodman, Principal with CS&P Architects, to discuss the campus master plan. In addition, the Committee reviewed information from City Council regarding the proposed parking lot development to the south of the School.
  • Poonam Puri, Chair of the Governance and Nominating Committee, reported that the Committee is nominating parents Kennis Tong and Lisa Porlier for election as Governors at the Annual General Meeting scheduled on October 24.
    Brian advised Board members that Karen will be put forward for election as Vice Chair at the Board meeting immediately following the Annual General Meeting.
    Poonam reported broadly on the results of the Board of Governor’s Self-Assessment Questionnaire completed during the summer.

St. Clement’s School
Board Meeting Highlights, Wednesday, June 27, 2018

Agenda – June 27, 2018

Highlights of the meeting include:

• Elena Holeton, Director of Admissions, answered questions regarding the 2018 Admissions Report to the Board and the St. Clement’s School 2018 Strategic Enrolment Plan documents that had been circulated prior to the meeting. Elena commented that the 2017-2018 Admissions Season was a strong one.
• A special slide presentation was given to highlight the work being done by the Property Committee to review and explore options pertaining to the School’s campus master plan.
• The Principal and the Chairs of the Board Standing Committees highlighted information set out in the reports that had been circulated in advance of the meeting:
  • Martha Perry, Principal, reviewed staffing changes for the 2018/2019 school year.
  •  Karen McKay, Chair of the Advancement Committee, provided an update on the Annual Giving Campaign, which is tracking well and should reach the campaign goal of $600,000. Karen also noted that the School will host a fundraising gala on April 6, 2019.
  • David Bacon, Chair of the Finance Committee, reviewed the financial results for the nine months ended April 30, 2018 and the forecast results for the 2017/2018 fiscal year. On behalf of James Black, Chair of the Investment Sub-Committee, David reported that the next step in the investment rebalancing will take place as planned on May 29.
  • Poonam Puri, Chair of the Nominating and Governance Committee, asked Board members to complete and return the Board Self-Assessment Questionnaire and the Board Principal Assessment Questionnaire that had been circulated recently. Poonam reported that the Committee is preparing a list of nominees to fill Board vacancies for the upcoming 2018-2019 year.

St. Clement’s School
Board Meeting Highlights, May 16, 2018

Agenda – May 16, 2018

Highlights of the meeting include:

• Martha Perry, Principal, introduced new staff members Lauren delRio and Janice Meighan.
• The Principal and the Chairs of the Board Standing Committees highlighted information set out in the reports that had been circulated in advance of the meeting:
  • Martha reviewed enrolment for the 2018/2019 school year.
    Martha commented on the special event on April 30 at which Kevin Graham of Lookout Management presented and discussed feedback from the constituent surveys conducted by his firm last year and Martha and Heather Henricks discussed how the survey results tie in with the strategic plan initiatives.
  • Karen McKay, Chair of the Advancement Committee, provided an update on the Annual Giving Campaign, which is tracking well and should reach the campaign goal of $600,000.
  • Karen also commented on the success of the special House Party event held on April 21. The goal of engaging the community was accomplished and the event generated a small profit.
  • In the absence of Poonam Puri, Brian Denega, Board Chair, reported that the Governance and Nominating Committee is considering nominations that it has received from members of the SCS community to fill Board vacancies for the upcoming 2018-2019 year.
• Martha gave a special slide presentation to review the property development work done over the last five years, initially by the Property Visioning Group and laterally by the Property Committee. Martha emphasized that this work has focused on specific needs identified through consultation with all members of the SCS community. The primary objective in filling these needs is to support the students’ learning environment in the best possible way and to enhance the work environment for employees of the school. The Property Committee is continuing its work with a focus on development options, timing and costing.

St. Clement’s School
Board Meeting Highlights, April 11, 2018

Agenda – April 11, 2018

Highlights of the meeting include:

• Martha Perry, Principal, introduced and welcomed new Board member Alice Pitt.
• The Principal and the Chairs of the Board Standing Committees highlighted information set out in the reports that had been circulated in advance of the meeting:
  • Martha reviewed the current status of admissions for the 2018/2019 school year. Martha also provided a status report on the implementation of the various initiatives detailed in the 2017-2020 Strategic Plan.
  • Karen McKay, Chair of the Advancement Committee, provided an update on the Annual Giving Campaign, which is tracking well and is expected to achieve the campaign goal of $600,000. Karen also reviewed plans for the special House Party event scheduled April 21, noting that the goal for this event is to build community relations.
  • David Bacon, Chair of the Finance Committee, reviewed the financial results for the six months ended January 31, 2018 and the forecast results for the 2017/2018 fiscal year.
  • James Black, Chair of the Investment Sub-Committee, reported that the investment rebalancing is proceeding as planned.
  • Rob Chadwick, Chair of the Property Committee, reported on the ongoing work being done to develop a campus master plan. Upcoming meetings at both the Committee and Board levels will focus on priorities, costing and timing. Poonam Puri, Chair of the Governance and Nominating Committee, reported that the Committee has prepared a first draft response to the questions detailed in the Standard Eight: Governance section of the Canadian Accredited Independent Schools Internal Evaluation Report; in September, this draft report will be presented to the Board members for review. The Committee is considering nominations to fill three Board vacancies for the upcoming 2018-2019 year.

St. Clement’s School
Board Meeting Highlights, February 21, 2018

Agenda – February 21, 2018

Highlights of the meeting include:

• Heather Henricks, Vice Principal Learning, Research and Innovation, provided the Board with information regarding planned changes to the SCS Timetable that will help the School to achieve the strategic plan goal of continuing to optimize student learning, well-being and programming.
• Martha Perry highlighted the information set out in the Principal’s Report that had been circulated in advance of the meeting.
• Karen McKay, Chair of the Advancement Committee, reported that the Annual Giving campaign is progressing well and plans are underway for the special House Party event scheduled on Saturday, April 21.
• David Bacon, Chair of the Finance Committee, discussed the meeting of the Investment Sub-committee at which representatives of the School’s investment management firms made presentations highlighting the investment performance through to December 31.
• As provided in General By-Law 1, the Governors elected Alice Pitt, Vice Provost Academic at York University, to fill an existing Board vacancy.

St. Clement’s School
Board Meeting Highlights, January 10, 2018

Agenda – January 10, 2018

Highlights of the meeting include:

• Martha Perry reported that the School is tracking its progress on strategic plan initiatives and will report this progress to the Board on a quarterly basis.
• David Bacon, Chair of the Finance Committee, reviewed the financial results for the three months ended October 31, 2017 and the forecast results for the 2017/18 fiscal year.
• David Bacon reviewed the information in the budget documents circulated in advance of the meeting, including the commentary describing the major budget assumptions and the statement of operating results comparing the 2018/2019 and 2017/2018 budgets. Following David’s review, the Board approved the 2018/2019 tuition fee, acceptance fee and operating budget recommended by the Finance Committee.
• Karen McKay, Chair of the Advancement Committee, reported that the Annual Giving Campaign is progressing well and the Committee is optimistic that the fundraising goal of $650,000 will be reached.
• Rob Chadwick, Chair of the Property Committee, provided an update on the ongoing Campus Master Plan work being considered and the Committee is continuing to work with the School’s consultants to determine next steps.
• The Board was advised that Poonam Puri, Chair of the Governance and Nominating Committee, and Brian Denega, Board Chair, are meeting with a Board of Governors candidate with an educational background to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Elizabeth Smythe.
• The Governance and Nominating Committee is reviewing the Governance section of the Canadian Accredited Independent Schools Internal Evaluation Report and will be seeking related input from the Board members.

St. Clement’s School
Board Meeting Highlights, November 15, 2017

Agenda – November 15, 2017

Highlights of the meeting include:

• Martha Perry introduced new members of staff.
• Brian Denega, Chair, introduced and welcomed new Board member Hilary McLean. The 2017-2018 Board Committee Chairs were announced (David Bacon, Finance; Rob Chadwick, Property; Karen McKay, Advancement; Poonam Puri, Governance and Nominating) and the primary focus of each of the committees for the year ahead was discussed.
• 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 School has received the results of the surveys conducted during the last school year. These will be summarized and presented to parents and staff before the end of the year. The School is also tracking its progress in implementing the directives set out in the 2017-2020 Strategic Plan.
  • Karen McKay, Chair of the Advancement Committee, reported that the 2017-2018 Annual Fund Campaign has been launched with a goal of $600,000. The School is planning a community event this spring as a prelude to a larger gala the following year. The School’s strategic planning video has been well-received with over 3,600 views.
  • In the absence of David Bacon, Chair of the Finance Committee, Brian Denega reported that the Committee is meeting in November and again in December to review and approve the 2018/2019 operating budget and tuition fee. James Black, Chair of the Investment Sub-committee, reported that the first two investment rebalancing transactions were completed in June and September, and the rebalancing process is now 25% complete.
  • Rob Chadwick, Chair of the Property Committee, reported that the School is continuing to consider options for developing a campus master plan.
  • Poonam Puri, newly appointed Chair of the Governance and Nominating Committee, reported that the Committee members met with Patti MacDonald, Executive Director of Canadian Accredited Independent Schools, to discuss our accreditation review scheduled for January 2020. The Committee continues to work on succession planning and the recruitment of individuals to assume targeted Board and committee positions.
• Members of the Board had a generative discussion on risk management.

St. Clement’s School
Board Meeting Highlights, September 25, 2017

Agenda – September 25, 2017

Highlights of the meeting include:

• Martha Perry introduced new members of staff.
• Brian Denega welcomed Meredith Roth, who replaces Kimberly Cudney as President of the Parents’ Association.
• David Bacon, Chair of the Finance Committee, welcomed Sam Marinucci, partner with the audit firm Hogg Shain and Scheck. David and Sam reviewed the financial results of the School for the 2017 fiscal year. The audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2017 were approved and Hogg Shain and Scheck were appointed auditors for the fiscal year ending July 31, 2018.
  David noted that financial forecasts for the 2017/2018 fiscal year will be presented on a quarterly basis. These forecasts will include the cost of the library renovation completed in September.
• Martha Perry reported on the following matters:
  • Martha reviewed the final admissions results for the 2017/2018 school year, noting that the School’s focus continues to be directed to finding the best mission-fit students.
  • Martha provided an overview of her 2017/2018 objectives.
  • The consulting firm Outlook Management has provided the results of the parent, student, staff and alumnae surveys that were completed last year. The School is encouraged by the positive feedback from these surveys. Highlights of the survey results will be presented to the community later this term.
  • In November, Patti MacDonald, Chair of Canadian Accredited Independent Schools (CAIS), will meet first with St. Clement’s School staff and later with the members of the Board of Governors to discuss the School’s upcoming CAIS accreditation review.
• The Chairs of the Board Standing Committees highlighted information set out in the reports that had been circulated in advance of the meeting:
  • Karen McKay, Chair of the Advancement Committee, reported that Paige Church, Annual Fund Chair, and her committee will be launching the new campaign early in October. The Board approved the Planned Giving Policies and Procedures document that had been developed by the Advancement staff and approved by the Advancement Committee.
  • Rob Chadwick, Chair of the Property Committee, reported that the School continues to meet with Craig Goodman, Principal with CS&P Architects, to finalize the campus master plan feasibility study.
  • Melissa Eldridge, Chair of the Governance and Nominating Committee, reported broadly on the Board of Governor’s self-evaluation as well as the ongoing recruitment and cultivation of potential new Board members.

St. Clement’s School
Board Meeting Highlights, June 21, 2017

Agenda – June 21, 2017

Highlights of the meeting include:

• The Director of Admissions and the Director of Recruitment and Community Engagement presented the 2017Admissions’ Report to the Board. Discussions highlighted the expected positive impact that various elements of the new Strategic Plan will have on admission activities during the year ahead.
• 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, Principal, review the various staffing changes for the 2017/2018 school year, including the appointment of Natalie LaForest, presently the Arts Curriculum and Department Leader, to replace Peter Hill as Head of the Senior School.
  • The draft strategic planning document 20/20 Vision for the Future, Developing the Outstanding Women of Tomorrow, Today, was approved by the Board. The Board Chair thanked Poonam Puri, Chair, and the other Strategic Planning Committee members, for their contributions in developing the strategic plan.
  • Karen McKay, Chair of the Advancement Committee, reported on the success of the 2016/2017 annual giving campaign, which exceeded the goal of $550,000. Karen noted that 2016/2017 was a very successful year, with various gift receipts beyond those designated to the annual giving program.
  • David Bacon, Chair of the Finance Committee, reviewed plans that the School’s Investment Sub-committee has developed for rebalancing the School’s investment portfolio.
  • Rob Chadwick reported that the Property Committee has commissioned an architectural study to review in further detail various campus planning options under consideration by the School.
  • Melissa Arruda, Chair of the Governance and Nominating Committee, asked members to complete the annual SCS Principal Assessment Questionnaire and the SCS Board Self-Assessment Questionnaire; summary results will be reported at an upcoming Board meeting.