Crofton House School
3
A MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR OF THE BOARD
This is a very special year – our last
under Pat’s leadership. All of us:
parents, girls, alumnae will be moved
to do something different this year and
next. This will be a year of celebration.
We have a bazaar and a gala to look
forward to. We have a new Head to
welcome less than a year from now.
But I get ahead of myself. Let me first
report on the activities of the board
during the financial year to June 2018.
During the year to June, the school
spent 23% more than the prior year
on supporting girls who would not
otherwise be able to afford our fees.
Not one penny of that came out of
school fees. As with our buildings, our
Bursary Program is 100% paid for out
of donations and it will stay that way.
Although we certainly believe all our
girls benefit from having a diversity
of students at the school, we can’t
increase diversity by asking more in
fees from the large majority of our
families who work very hard to afford
the best education for their girls.
And the best it is…We spent 10%
more on teaching and learning than
in the prior year. That is, of course,
the core of what we do. Most of
that went on increased salaries and
benefits. As a further motivator for
teachers, this was the first year of the
Teacher Professional Growth Plan
– an annual process of self, peer and
learner evaluation. It was designed by
Lois Rowe in collaboration with other
senior educators. Meanwhile, in the
spring parent survey, 94% of us agreed
that, “CHS teachers are passionate and
caring professionals”. grow with your generosity. At this
time when polarization of income
and education are at the root of so
many of the world’s problems, we
will welcome into the school more
girls with different stories and
perspectives. What else is left for Pat
to achieve? With buildings all built,
with the curriculum richer, teachers
more passionate, applications rising,
and a community that sees no reason
there should be a better girls’ school
in the world, this fund will bring more
sparks into the already high octane
mix that is our student body. Look out!
Outside normal board business, we
were faced with the momentous task
of finding a new Head of School who
would be worthy of Pat’s legacy. The
board worked very hard but enjoyed
the exciting process of putting CHS
out there to the world. The world
definitely noticed us. A wealth of great
candidates were attracted to continue
the climb gradient that Pat has locked
us onto. We would have been proud to
announce to you any of those on our
short list. But Ena Harrop, currently
head of one of London’s great girls’
schools, won unanimous board
approval to lead us onwards from
next August. We are pleased to have
our new head appointed and cleared
for Canadian residence in time for her
to give a year’s notice, and for Pat to
put the final touches to her great work. Lastly, I am delighted that Carolyn
Kirkwood has agreed to chair the
board starting from this year’s AGM. If
you want something done, ask a busy
person. Carolyn has been effective
on several board committees and
task forces and has been my valued
sounding board as we constantly
refine the board and challenge and
assist Pat in her job. From a good board
will emerge a great candidate for Chair
such as Carolyn.
As you would expect, those will be all
about teachers and girls. Pat and the
board are working on ways to make
being a teacher at Crofton House
even better. And Pat and Paul
Dawson have generously seeded a
new fund – the Pat Dawson fund
for extraordinary girls – that will
Leading such a talented board has been
a pleasure. Crofton House has been
a wonderful school for my youngest
daughter – now in Grade 12 and ready
to fly. And it’s been a great community
for Sabine and me as new Canadians.
I call on you all to welcome Ena and
her family to Canada as warmly as you
once welcomed us.
Sincerely,
Richard Wood