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

Letter from the
Head
Mr. Southward with Headmasters’
Award winners Mackenzie Carter
and Kendra Domenicucci
To the SJK Community,
This report provides an overview of the year past, and also set our sights on the
short and long term future of SJK—one that I am extremely optimistic about.
Over the past 12 months I have had the opportunity to connect with all school
constituents and I have been quite taken by the passion for which teachers, staff,
students, parents, board and alumni speak of SJK and, for what it can be.
Although the financials indicate a difficult year, last year’s student successes were
numerous and I am very proud of their achievements and progress, and the
academic and extracurricular experiences that were on offer to them. Last year
my priority was, and remains, to ensure the SJK tradition of a first rate
educational experience for students. My priority was also to develop with school
constituents a strategic direction for the School that is both educationally
relevant and financially sustainable. I think we have achieved both as SJK
graduates fan out to university life with a grounding in knowledge and character
that creates a context of excellence for us to move an ambitious plan ahead.
2009–2010
We continue to assess both educational and demographic trends locally,
nationally and internationally. This is a pivotal time for SJK and as a Canadian
independent school as we face challenges and opportunities. In the short term I
have been tasked with not only ensuring that high standards prevail at SJK, but
we are indeed developing cutting edge programmes that are value-added and
centred on enhancing student learning and leadership.
All should have received a copy of our new strategic plan. The plan has rearticulated
our mission and values and set out a vision statement for the future.
Its focus is on six core areas and I invite you to review this in detail. It is
summarized on page 4 of this document. Launching a strategic plan is just a
beginning. Much work lies ahead for SJK in its implementation and I look
forward to your input and feedback as this evolves.
I am confident that we will continue to position the SJK experience as one of
growth and innovation in education.
Norman Southward, Head of School