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Earlier this week I was able to spend time with other CAIS Heads of School at our annual Heads and Chairs conference. Each year, those in these roles from across the country get together to share thinking, reflect, plan and learn from each other.
There are many shared areas of focus among CAIS schools. These include the ongoing evolutions and support of programs, people and facilities, and the challenges and opportunities related to sustainability and permanence such as enrolment and philanthropy. Like many, these are areas of focus for us here at Matthews Hall not only because they are topical but because they are strategic priorities for us.
Among the hallmarks of a strong and sustainable independent school you will find areas of our strategic focus; academic excellence facilitated by talented faculty and staff, enrolment stability and growth, sound financial management and a supportive parent and alumni community.
Our learning journey is at the core of all that we do and ensuring its rigour, and providing meaningful learning support and pathways is critical. The core determinant of a joyful learning journey is the quality of the trusted adults with whom our students learn. Ensuring our faculty and staff are well resourced, provided time to collaborate and reflect on their practise, and provided meaningful professional development opportunities ensures their continued growth. This, in turn, ensures the growth of our students. We will continue to evolve these supports for our people so they can ensure the growth of your children.
As an independent school in the province of Ontario, enrolment and philanthropy are the two ways we ensure stability and permanence. Tuition covers the operating costs and the day to day running of the school. This includes program costs and materials, infrastructure, and salaries. Charitable gifts, on the other hand, provide the much-needed support for additional growth such as campus development, programmatic enhancements, equipment, or additional support for our people.?We seek to evolve these two areas that sustain us so that we can ensure the very best people and facilities can remain in place for the Matthews Hall of today, and as importantly, the Matthews Hall of tomorrow.
I am passionate believer in the importance of the independent school system, and immediately became connected to the exciting path forward for our school. I am filled with optimism for our bright future ahead, where our collective efforts will not only enrich the lives of our students but also ensure that we are recognized as a leader in education offering the most trusted and balanced experience for all who attend Matthews Hall.
Christopher White, Head of School