2009-2010 SJK Annual Report - St. John's-Kilmarnock School

SJK’s most renewable energy source
Across the globe nations, industries, and citizens are finding ways to propel the green
movement. Great institutions are leading the charge to innovate the way we source and
spend energy. While consumption can always be curbed, the larger challenge exists on
finding new, renewable energy sources that can scale to meet demand.
As SJK looks to prepare for the next generation of students I propose that we look at
our energy in a slightly different light. Instead of looking at it in kilowatts and emissions,
we must look to engage the time, talent, and treasure of our community – a
commitment that is at the core of our success.
Undoubtedly, a great deal will come from the time and talent of our world-class faculty
and staff who continually set a high bar of excellence on campus throughout student life
– a level of excellence our students and alumni are all the better for. A large portion still
will be sourced from our parent community who seek the very best for their children
and have invested immeasurably in the vision of SJK. Let us take a moment to thank the
dedication of our faculty and staff and vision of our parents – past and present.
The hard truth, however, is that these two groups are not enough. For SJK to truly
hurdle to meet the goals set out in the school’s strategic plan we must continue to
engage with our vibrant and diverse alumni body who are leading in their communities
near and far. Our alumni body is a growing group who continue to stay involved in our
university dinner programs, alumni pub nights, school events (e.g., Science Fair), and stay
connected through online social networks.
As we look to plan the next chapter in our
alumni’s future we must look to connect
alumni to each other, and not just to the
school, so that our community can continue
to build an exponentially tighter web of
connections. These connections will come in
the form of social connections, academic
connections, commercial connections, and
community connections. It is through these
connections that we can continue to derive
value from our association with the school in
turn do our part to reciprocate through the
gift of our time, talent and treasure to give
back to each other and the school.
The school’s 40th Anniversary is on the
horizon and a fantastic rallying point to
continue to ‘stir the flame’ and provide the
school with a deep source of renewable
energy. Please do stay in touch and help us
keep connected!
David J. Singh (Class of ’03)
SJK Alumni Association President
dsingh@sjkschool.org