Learn with joy. Live with purpose.
Governance
Messages Head of College Chair, Board of Governors President, Alumni Executive Chair, Parents’ Guild
Engagement at HSC
A Year at a Glance Investing In Our Wellbeing Investing In Our Leadership Investing In Our Community
Each year we put this report together as a summary of the impact our work has – from student achievements and community building to future-proofing and philanthropy – this College has so much to be proud of. At the core of our community is a shared goal of inspiring joy in student learning, and achieving that mission requires thoughtful planning, strategic investments, and ongoing dialogue across all stakeholders.
Time, though completely set in its relentless march forward, has a funny way of changing as a person moves through life. In our earliest years, a single day can feel wonderfully expansive, each new experience stretching moments into what seems like an eternity, broadening our world in profound and indelible ways. And now, as adults, a year can often feel as though it flies by in the blink of an eye, a blur of commitments and routines.
Yet, it is through collections like this annual report that we are offered a unique opportunity to pause, reflect, and truly tap into the rich, evolving experience of our students. Within these pages, we can witness the incredible capacity contained within just one academic year – a year that, for a child, is filled with countless discoveries, profound growth, and transformative learning. This report serves as a testament to the depth of their journey, allowing us to appreciate the vibrant tapestry woven by their
Marc Ayotte Head of College
achievements, their challenges, and their moments of pure joy. It reminds us that while our adult years may accelerate, the journey of learning and discovery for our students remains as expansive and impactful as ever.
Our students learn that education is a call to action. We see this in major fundraising efforts for local partners like McMaster Children’s Hospital and organizations like the Dreamcatcher Foundation. This commitment to service is matched by academic excellence that prepares them for a global future, from becoming the first CAIS school to be a DELF examination centre to hosting our first Model UN conference. Underlying all of this is a deep commitment to wellbeing, giving students the resilience and compassion to lead.
As you explore the pages that follow, I invite you to share in this reflection and celebrate the remarkable progress and countless successes that define this past year at HSC.
It has been truly a joy to serve as HSC’s Board of Governors Chair these last two years. I can’t help but think of HSC’s mission of joyful learning when I think about my tenure.
HSC is stronger than ever, and I believe it has a lot to do with joy. The commitment that we make as board members to ensuring the financial health of the College is not siloed. Rather, it is deeply connected to the investments made to ensure the wellbeing of HSC’s people. When our students, faculty, and staff feel supported and valued, they are inspired to give back to this community.
As you will read in this report, a strategic focus on wellbeing, such as added Social Emotional Learning workshops for staff or partnerships with mental health experts, has seen tangible impacts. These kinds of initiatives inspired greater collaboration between stakeholders, increased innovation in the classroom, and fostered a vibrant campus life. Simply put, investing in our people pays dividends, not just in morale, but in the long-term sustainability and generosity of our community.
As I pass on my duties to Martin Doble, I have full confidence in his leadership and the College's future. Thanks to the dedicated efforts of both the Board of Governors and the Board of Trustees, and the prudent governance of HSC’s leadership, the College is firmly positioned to take on major growth in the form of
Christine Mills '94 Chair, Board of Governors
a re-imagined Middle School building. Our forthcoming capital campaign, set to launch in 2026, is more than just a building project; it is a symbol of our unwavering commitment to providing the best possible environment for our students. It is especially fitting that we embark on this exciting new chapter as we celebrate the College's 125th anniversary, honouring our rich past while boldly stepping into the future.
Thank you for your trust, your support, and your belief in the mission of HSC. I look forward to seeing the many ways we continue bringing joy to life and learning at HSC.
President
Rob Alexander ’89
Awards and Recognition Chair, Golf Committee Co-Chair
Erica Otaguro ’07
HSC Mentorship Chair
Stephanie Scicluna ’11
Young Alumni Representative
Daniela D’Ambrosi ’16
Parents of Alumni Chair
Toni Simpson
Committee Members
Patrick Chalkley ’03
Angus Gordon ’97
Trisha Harrison ’67
Judith King-Siganski ’62
Committee Advisors
David Simpson ’73
John Simpson ’75
Herb Wodehouse ’71
Alumni Officer & Committee Liaison
Bianca Barton '03
It's a deep privilege to serve as the Chair of the Alumni Association Executive, and I'm filled with immense pride as I see how our collective spirit and accomplishments give life to the College's mission every day. I’ve come to believe that my time here, like every member of our alumni community, plants a seed that continues to grow and flourish long after we depart. We are not merely graduates; we are the enduring heartbeat of this institution.
As you will read in this report, we had an incredible year full of events that showcased the power of HSC roots. Our cherished Fall Alumni Homecoming offered shared memories, new connections, and a profound feeling of being home. The energy on campus was a powerful reminder that our bonds to HSC and to each other are unbreakable.
Our alumni are not only a source of pride, but also a source of inspiration for our current students. A powerful example of this was our new E-Week Alumni Panel, where a group of dedicated alumni collaborated with faculty to offer Senior School students invaluable insights into various career paths. These moments, where our alumni community gives back and shares its wisdom, are the essence of a truly engaged and dynamic network. Looking ahead, we’re entering a monumental era in our shared history as we approach the College's 125th Anniversary. HSC’s history is a testament
Rob Alexander '89 President, Alumni Association
to the fact that alumni are not just the College's past, but its living, breathing foundation. This milestone is a celebration of our shared journey—a journey shaped by your participation and generosity. Just as the generations before us laid the groundwork for the HSC we know today, we are, yet again, on the precipice of a great transformation with a significant campaign on the horizon.
This next chapter will be defined by the strength of our community. Whether you contribute your time, your talents, or your resources, your engagement is the lifeblood of this institution. You are the embodiment of HSC's legacy and the most powerful force for its future success.
I am more committed than ever to fostering these relationships and building an even stronger, more connected alumni family. Thank you for your continued support and for being an integral part of HSC's ongoing story.
I believe that when parents are engaged, students thrive. There’s no greater example of this than at HSC. The last year showed just how profoundly our parent community shapes the learning experience. Our presence, not just on special occasions, but in the countless moments that make up the fabric of school life is the quiet, powerful force behind every joyful discovery. It is the unheralded commitment of HSC parents that builds an environment where students learn to be curious, courageous, and compassionate.
We see it in the sheer joy of volunteering at Monster Mash, in the tearful moments of pride as we listen to our children perform at Holiday Concerts, and in the unwavering enthusiasm from the sidelines of every sporting event. We are the supportive hands that help students bake for a fundraiser, stitch costumes for the musical and clap for every milestone. This collective spirit, this showing up in both big and small ways, is what creates an environment of joyful learning.
From the moment a parent makes the decision to invest in this community for their child’s education, they set out on a transformative journey and become partners in the living, breathing foundation that supports every moment of discovery and curiosity at HSC. This partnership extends beyond our guild; it's a profound collaboration among all the caring adults at HSC. Our students' success is also
Wendy Lam Chair, Parents' Guild
made possible by the strategic work of the College to enhance wellbeing support, to bring in external experts like Jake Ernst for parent information nights, and to commit to regular surveys that ensure every parent has a voice.
The strength of this community is built not just on the visible moments of celebration but also on the strategic, behind-the-scenes commitment to every student's holistic growth. By reading this report, you exemplify the very spirit of our partnership. Your time, your energy, and your dedication, combined with these efforts, are an invaluable gift to this College.
Thank you for your partnership, your ongoing support, and for being the foundation of HSC’s success. It has been a true privilege to work alongside all of you.
09.02.24
STUDENT ORIENTATIONS
Faculty, staff and HSC’s admissions team welcomed new and returning students from each school for a morning of programming that gave students a lead on their first day back to school.
10.05.24
Alumni returned to campus to enjoy a special day of celebrations that included pick-up athletic games, campus tours and an inaugural alumni brunch giving special recognition to the class years ending in ’4 and ’9.
11.11.24
REMEMBRANCE DAY
Community members gathered for a sombre reflection of HSC’s fallen soldiers and acknowledged the courage and sacrifice of those who have served our country.
09.24.24
PARENT MIX AND MINGLES
HSC’s dedicated Parents’ Guild members hosted three incredible socials to welcome new parents to the community, giving them a personalized opportunity to meet faculty in a casual setting.
10.25.24
MONSTER MASH
HSC’s Parents’ Guild transformed the Athletic Complex and Community Centre for the spookiest night of the year, welcoming students and their families for a festival of fright that included food, games, live entertainment, haunted houses, crafts, photo booths and more!
11.22.24
TROJAN FOR A DAY
HSC’s admissions team opened the doors of the College to welcome the friends of students for a shadow day.
11.29.24
SENIOR SCHOOL MUSICAL
Stellar choreography and incredible vocal performances brought down the house during the Senior School’s three-show run of Footloose.
12.19.24
CAROL SERVICE & ALUMNI HOLIDAY REUNIONS
The last day of classes before the winter break brought students, staff, parents and alumni together for festive celebrations both on campus and off.
12.13.24
EARLY ED HOLIDAY CONCERTS
Junior and Montessori students took to the VFC stage to perform holiday favourites for friends and family.
01.08.25
KINDIE SKATE KICKS OFF
Junior and senior kindergarten students laced up their skates and hit the ice as part of their physical education learning and exploration.
01.08.25
GATHERING LESSONS ON WELLBEING
College-wide workshops and lessons gave students time and space to focus on the social and emotional skills that reinforce health and wellbeing during GLOW.
2.22.25
HSC'S MODEL UN CONFERENCE
HSC's inaugural Model UN conference "Think Globally, Act Locally," united students in dynamic debate on pressing global issues with alumni judges and guest speakers enriching the experience.
04.07.25
02.20.25
ONE SCHOOL, ONE BOOK
Junior School families dressed down in their cozies for a night of literacy themed around the selected book by Iona Rangeley, Einstein the Penguin
02.27.25
MIDDLE SCHOOL MUSICAL
03.03.25
HSC WRESTLERS SHINE AT OFSAA
Senior School’s Trojan wrestlers made their mark at the provincial competition, taking home a gold medal as well as fifth place standing.
The artistic talents of Middle School students shone on stage for a spectacular rendition of James and the Giant Peach Jr.
03.05.25
CIS ONTARIO MUSIC FESTIVAL
Student musicians and vocalists from all four schools assembled at Roy Thompson Hall to take part in this one of a kind music festival, performing in front of an audience of over 2,000.
DELF EXAMS
Grade 6-8 students wrote the Diplôme d'Études en Langue Française as part of HSC’s first year as the first independent school in Ontario to offer these internationally recognized certificates issued by the French Ministry of Education.
04.11.25
MIDDLE SCHOOL SPACE EXPO
Grade 6 students dove deep into space to learn about celestial bodies, hi-tech telescopes, stellar life cycles, galaxy clusters and more, modelling their PBL for a wide audience of experts, parents and faculty.
04.26.25
MEANINGFUL MONTESSORI CONFERENCE
HSC’s Montessori faculty and staff put together an incredible showcase of their expertise and leadership in Montessori pedagogy during a full day of programming for local educators.
05.10.25 SPRING FAIR
HSC’s community spirit was on full display as families gathered on campus to watch Senior School athletics, play carnival-style games, and enjoy a delicious BBQ meal.
06.11.25 GRADUATIONS
Graduation ceremonies across all four schools celebrated individual achievements with awards and accolades throughout the final week of the school year.
05.01.25
ONE ACT PLAY THAT GOES WRONG
Senior School performers had audiences bursting with laughter as they put on this hilarious murder mystery where numerous mishaps showcased their incredible talents.
05.12.25
HSC MUSIC SHOWCASE
Students from all four schools came together to perform for families during an incredible evening of musical collaboration showcasing the wide range of vocal and instrumental talents.
06.17.25
ALUMNI GOLF TOURNAMENT
Alumni, parents, staff and friends came together on the greens of Dundas Valley Golf and Curling Club for the 27th Annual Golf Classic tournament in support of student scholarships.
Joy remains at the core of HSC's educational philosophy. We know that a love for learning is the most powerful and enduring motivator a student can possess. Joy doesn't exist in a vacuum; it is inextricably linked to wellbeing. A large body of research demonstrates an undeniable link between mental, emotional, and physical health and academic performance. When students feel a strong sense of belonging, emotional safety, and purpose, they are better equipped to engage with complex material, build resilience in the face of challenges, and unlock their full intellectual potential. Likewise, by fostering a supportive environment for our dedicated staff, we ensure they have the energy, inspiration, and tools to deliver the exceptional educational experience that is the hallmark of an HSC education.
Our strategic plan defines resilience and wellbeing not as a lofty goal, but as our daily focus. This year, we have significantly expanded our comprehensive wellbeing framework, integrating it across all divisions and aspects of College life.
The following infographic provides a snapshot of our key initiatives, showcasing how we're fostering a culture of health and support for every member of our community. From proactive mental health resources to dedicated mindfulness programs and physical wellness initiatives, each effort is designed to create an environment where every student and staff member can thrive.
with Lakehead University, designed to critically examine practices and contribute to a more just and inclusive school community.
HSC partnered with Jake Ernst, a psychotherapist, to educate faculty, staff, students, and parents on the responsible use of technology and social media. A revised cell phone and personal device policy was developed to safeguard the learning environment and nurture student achievement through healthy tech habits and reduced smartphone usage. Jake delivered keynotes and ran student workshops to protect students online and prevent device distraction, while also hosting virtual parent sessions.
Through training from the National School Reform Faculty (NSRF), faculty and staff learn to cultivate safety and trust among colleagues, solve problems collaboratively, and improve practices with honesty, fostering a more positive school culture.
The sensorial garden and play area for Montessori and Junior School were refreshed, enhancing students' physical literacy.
The Middle School launched its second year of the Second Step program,
a research-based SEL curriculum, which is also being piloted in the Early Education schools (Junior School and Montessori). One of the College-wide learning groups for SEL is actively looking at piloting this program. Another SEL group has discussed CASEL language for SEL and explored how the Zones of Regulation could support Early Education students.
Grade 4 students are piloting an extended HPE block focused on outdoor education, using journals to reflect on prompts like "We are Nature," connecting to nature as love, peace, and happiness. An outdoor education program is also being piloted for Early Education students. These programs aim to enhance physical activity and connection to the environment.
Ten HSC students and four faculty attended the "Engaging in Dialogue for Inclusion" Conference
to share concerns and problem-solving ideas related to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), fostering an inclusive and safe environment.
The redesigned E-Week experience at Camp Timberlane for Grades 6-8 focused on strengthening Social Emotional Learning skills, which was highlighted as a significant success given the Middle School's focus on SEL. Similarly, Grade 5 students' Winter Camp Experience and Grade 2 students' visit to Norval Outdoor School enhanced their HPE and SEL competencies.
HSC has a dedicated role, the Chair of Student Wellbeing, held by Erica Otaguro '07.
HSC’s Community Book Club discussed challenges faced by children and strategies for managing screen time, concluding with a fireside chat. This is a form of PD and community engagement that directly addresses contemporary wellbeing concerns.
It’s not just what students learn, but how they learn to lead. At HSC, we believe that leadership is not a title reserved for a few, but a skill to be cultivated in every student and staff member. Our strategic plan is our roadmap for this commitment, outlining our purposeful decision to equip our community with the foresight and courage to lead. We understand that inspiring leaders in education is how we, in turn, graduate the next generation of leaders in every field.
This intentional investment in our people is what sets us apart. We don't just teach leadership as an abstract concept; we provide tangible, real-world opportunities for our students and faculty to take risks, innovate, and master new skills. Whether they are pioneering AI applications in the classroom, achieving international recognition for academic clubs, or acting as mentors for younger peers, our community is constantly engaged in the work of leadership. This dedication ensures that our staff remains at the cutting edge of educational practice and that our students are prepared to navigate an ever-evolving world with purpose and confidence.
The following infographic showcases some of this year’s key investments in leadership. It highlights how we are not only preparing our students to be leaders among their peers, but also empowering our staff to be leaders in education, ensuring that the legacy of excellence at HSC is always forward-looking and dynamic.
HSC began work to create a new leadership development program in partnership with McMaster University’s DeGroote Executive Education designed to build internal leadership capacity within the College.
HSC uses Acadience
across Junior, Montessori, and Middle Schools for data-driven, individualized literacy instruction, aligning with the Ontario Right to Read initiative and informing Individual Intervention Plans.
HSC piloted and became its own DELF (Diplôme d'études en langue française)
examination centre in January 2025, the first and only CAIS school to do so. This offers students unique opportunities for French language certification, builds intercultural awareness, and strengthens the French team's expertise.
HSC has received platinum status from EcoSchools Canada for the fifth consecutive year, recognizing its commitment to environmental learning and action.
4 faculty and staff participated in a CIS/Future
to gain skills and knowledge in AI and its educational applications.
The Senior School’s Co-Op program continues to grow through expanded opportunities across industries.
The Academic Innovation and Instructional Team (AIIT) is redesigning professional learning, tracking innovations, and creating a
HSC Alumni served as judges for HSC’s inaugural Model UN conference, themed Think Globally, Act Locally, inspiring younger students.
HSC’s Montessori faculty and staff demonstrated educational leadership by hosting the
Montessori Conference,
uniting experts and educators to address critical 21stcentury topics including AI, neurodiversity, student mental health, and environmental stewardship.
A range of academic-focused extracurricular clubs
across the College.
have achieved significant success, including the VEX Robotics program (Middle School team ranked 946th globally in its first year), Model UN (expanding to Middle School, winning prestigious awards), the Competitive Business Club (CBC) preparing for DECA competitions, and participation in the HOSA Spring Leadership Conference and Bay Area Science and Engineering Fair), where students have won major awards and represented Canada internationally.
A lifelong commitment to building a better world begins with the essential, daily practice of turning empathy into action. A hallmark of a truly excellent education is its ability to look beyond the individual and inspire a deep sense of shared purpose. Our mission is not just to prepare students for success, but to instill in them the empathy and character needed to make the world a better place. Our strategic plan outlines our commitment to fostering a "Whole College, Inclusive and Connected". This isn't just a phrase; it's a foundational belief that a strong, compassionate community—both within our school and extending into the world around us—is where students discover their capacity for purpose and service.
Our students graduate as good people who understand the value of service and giving back. They recognize that real-world problems demand real-world engagement, and that their learning is enriched when it's connected to tangible needs. From supporting local initiatives to engaging with national conversations, we provide countless opportunities for our students to practice empathy and develop a sense of responsibility to others.
The following infographic highlights a year of remarkable collective action. It is a testament to the powerful impact we can have when our students, staff, and families come together with a shared vision of building a better community. These investments in time, effort, and resources align directly with our strategic goals and demonstrate how our community is at the heart of our learning experience.
HSC raised $4,000 for the Dreamcatcher Foundation, an organization that supports Indigenous youth and communities while also providing resources to the College.
The Middle School Inclusivity+ Club has actively raised funds for local LGBTQ youth programs. They raised over $700 in support of Speqtrum, a local YWCA organization, through candy sales on notable LGBTQ identity calendar dates. The club later raised $250 to support LGBTQ youth programs through the YWCA Hamilton in honour of Trans Awareness Month.
HSC families pitched in to make the holidays special for 60 families as part of the Holiday Hope program through St. Matthews House Charities.
With support from the Andrea Tkaczyk Fund, HSC students will facilitate the execution of the 3 Wishes Project in Hamilton General Hospital’s neuro trauma ICU, helping to fulfill wishes for patients within a short timeframe.
HSC's inaugural Model UN conference, themed “Think Globally, Act Locally,” raised $570 funds for Gore Park Community Outreach.
Over 900 students, staff, and faculty participated in hands-on Earth Day activities, including a litter collection initiative cleaning the perimeter of the campus, gathering over 77 pounds of garbage.
Through the remarkable fundraising efforts from the past two years, over $31,400 was raised towards the purchase of a life saving ventilator for the NICU at McMaster Children’s Hospital.
In May, students and staff planted $3,500 worth of trees on campus through a grant from Tree Canada. While on campus, this contributes to broader environmental health.
Families contributed nonperishable food items for HSC’s Neighbour to Neighbour food drive. Contributions totaled 2,093 pounds in donations and will help serve over 1,700 families in the Hamilton Mountain community.
Middle School Community Outreach
This program connects students to residents of a long-term care facility, fostering mutual connection and joyful learning.
Don't let the name fool you—
is all about giving life. This dedicated group of students and staff partners with Canadian Blood Services to make a vital, life-saving impact. Through 7 blood drive events, they have already supplied 90 donations and welcomed 17 new first-time donors to the cause.
Bound by a passion for exceptional education, HSC’s donor community proved once again the power of giving.
From scholarship funds to event sponsorships, donations big and small throughout the year made a lasting impact on student learning and gave renewed confidence for enhancing our campus over the next two decades. As we embark on HSC’s 125 Campaign, we are backed by an engaged and committed community of volunteers, advisors and donors who bring expertise and energy to all fundraising initiatives. As you will see in the pages that follow, the unwavering generosity of HSC donors continues to transform our aspirations into tangible realities.
Philanthropic Dollars
$4,157,962 Parents' Guild
$72,194 Alumni Golf Classic
$34,000
Philanthropy is the fuel that allows HSC to go beyond the essential and achieve the exceptional.
Momentum has been building at HSC, reflecting a community deeply invested in the College's future. The fundraising figures for the 2024–2025 year showcase an incredible wave of collective support. This collective giving comes from every corner of the HSC village. For the 2024–2025 year, a total of 137 generous donors supported the College. This total includes contributions from our dedicated parents, our thriving network of alumni, and our indispensable parents of alumni and other friends (which includes past parents, grandparents, faculty, and staff). When you look at the graphs to follow, you see more than just financial figures; you see a testament to our engaged and active community. Whether it was turning out for tried-andtrue whole-College traditions like Carol Service and Spring Fair, or participating in alumni networking and reunions, the HSC community rallied around a shared, purposeful pursuit: providing an excellent and transformative education.
"This generosity is a shared declaration of belief in HSC's mission. When our community rallies together, we don't just enhance the College—we power its future."
Dave Fitzpatrick, Executive Director of Advancement and Communications
The collective giving of the 2024–2025 fiscal year resulted in a monumental achievement, with total commitments (pledges and one-time gifts) exceeding $4.1 million. This represents a dramatic year-over-year increase of more than 320 per cent in overall giving commitments, setting a new benchmark for generosity at HSC.
A major driver of this success is the overwhelming enthusiasm for the Campus Master Plan. As we approach the official launch of the public phase of the Capital Campaign, the support for this transformative initiative—starting with the rebuilding of HSC’s Middle School facility—has been exceptional. These figures demonstrate that our donors are actively investing in HSC's next century of excellence.
To clarify for our readers, a gift is cash received in the current year, while pledge is a formal promise to donate a specific amount over a period of time.
(pledges and one-time gifts)
$534,641 $615,162 $932,721 $986,633
$4, 157,962
Balancing Today's Excellence with Tomorrow's Growth
The accompanying pie graph is highly reflective of a community focused on both the present and the future. We are proud to report that more than 85 per cent of all contributions in the 2024–2025 year were designated towards the Annual Fund and the Capital Fund. This tells us that our community understands and prioritizes the mission-critical needs of the College: ensuring the immediate vitality of HSC through the Annual Fund—which supports faculty development and facility improvements this year—while simultaneously committing to the long-term physical infrastructure required to sustain our educational model through the Capital Fund and the transformative Campus Master Plan. This distribution demonstrates a thoughtful and deliberate strategy by our donors to maximize impact, securing operational excellence and a physically superior campus for years to come.
The Capital Fund represents the community's commitment to HSC’s physical and tangible future. Capital giving is fundamentally a promise to HSC’s future, providing the necessary resources for major construction, renovation, and long-term facility enhancement, such as the ambitious Campus Master Plan.
The figure shown in the accompanying chart, which includes significant pledges made toward this campaign, is truly incredible. It demonstrates a bold belief in the College’s vision. For context, it is important to understand the difference between these reported fundraising figures and the actuals listed in the financial statements that follow. Our fundraising total includes pledges—the future guaranteed income from multi-year donor commitments—while the financials reflect only the actual cash received in the current year. This high commitment figure shows that a strong foundation has been laid, securing the resources necessary to ensure the Campus Master Plan is fully realized and brings the next generation of HSC facilities to life.
Immediate Impact and Strategic Enhancements
The Annual Fund is the lifeblood of HSC’s yearly operations. Unlike funds designated for specific long-term projects, Annual Fund dollars are immediately deployable and flexible, allowing the College to address its most pressing needs and enhance the student experience right now. For the 2024–2025 year, the Annual Fund raised over $1.1 million, a testament to its critical role in sustaining excellence.
An excellent example of the Annual Fund’s immediate and strategic impact can be seen in the Middle School. Supported by your contributions and investment from the College, we were able to implement essential upgrades—including new flooring, lighting, and lockers—that have given the Heaven and Young buildings new life. These improvements did more than just enhance the learning environment for our current students; they were a strategic investment. When the Campus Master Plan's first phase is complete and our Middle Schoolers move into their new facility, the current Middle School will be well-equipped to welcome Junior School students. Having a space that is well-equipped for our youngest learners will allow us to execute our full plan without disrupting the exceptional student experience that HSC is known for.
Securing Perpetual Excellence
The Endowment Fund is perhaps the most critical long-term financial asset for the College, as it provides a permanent source of stability and strength. When a gift is made to the Endowment, the principal (the original gift amount) is invested and a small, carefully managed portion of the investment earnings is used each year to support the College's operations and specific programs. Prudent stewardship by our Board ensures the fund's stability and perpetual support for HSC.
Thanks to dedicated efforts over the past few years, including the success of designated funds like the Inspirational Teacher Fund, our
Endowment reached a significant milestone, exceeding $5 million in 2024. The importance of this growth cannot be overstated: the larger the Endowment, the greater the stream of predictable, annual funding for student scholarships, faculty development, and academic programs, ensuring the enduring vitality of HSC for generations to come, regardless of economic conditions or annual giving fluctuations.
$5,059,350
$3,079,929
For the 2024–2025 year, over 56 per cent of all donors were current parents and alumni, demonstrating the strong sense of dedication from those most closely connected to the student experience and the HSC legacy. The remaining 44 per cent of gifts came from friends of the College, a crucial group that includes past parents, grandparents, faculty, and staff. This breakdown confirms that our fundraising base is broad, deep, and reflective of a community that spans generations.
Sustaining the HSC Legacy
The energy and commitment from our alumni community have never been stronger. While financial support is invaluable, the gift of time and experience from our former students is equally vital to nurturing the HSC spirit.
The accompanying chart showcases incredible growth in alumni volunteer participation, nearly tripling over the last three years. This metric reflects the number of alumni who participated in activities ranging from career mentoring panels like those during E-Week to reunion organizing and governance support. This engagement is a powerful testament to the value of an HSC education and the desire of our graduates to give back. By sharing their time, our alumni are directly mentoring the next generation and ensuring the enduring strength and professional relevance of the HSC network.
The Heartbeat of Our Village
The Parents' Guild (PG) serves as the vibrant organizational force behind many of HSC’s most beloved community events and support systems. Their commitment to building a strong "HSC Village" is evident in the remarkable increase in their volunteer activity.
Volunteer participation within the PG has grown exponentially, demonstrating an increasingly active and connected parent community dedicated to enriching the daily lives of students and staff. These volunteer hours power everything from successful whole-College events like Monster Mash and New Parent Mix and Mingles to crucial activities like chaperoning our Turkey Trot run and showing gratitude with the Faculty and Staff Appreciation Breakfast. This dedication ensures that the student experience is supported by an atmosphere of warmth, connection, and spirited involvement.
This is the story of HSC’s community—a portrait of collective giving painted one dot at a time.
For Senior School teacher Amaris Pozeg, the instinct to add her dot to the canvas of community began early. As a child in Hamilton, she would walk around her neighbourhood every Thanksgiving, going door-to-door collecting non-perishable goods for local food drives. “My father was a union guy,” she shares, “and he instilled in me a deep sense of duty to give back.” That lifelong commitment followed her to HSC in 2005. Ready to put down roots, a monthly contribution from her paycheque felt natural. “I came to HSC looking for a place to become part of the woodwork for the rest of my career,” she adds. “You can't just work in a community; you have to help build it."
For two decades, Amaris’s steady, consistent dot has been joined by countless others. Danielle Hourigan ’82, HSC’s Montessori principal and long-time monthly donor, uses the art of pointillism to explain this powerful phenomenon to her young students. Showing them Georges Seurat’s famous painting, A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte, she points out how each individual dot is essential to the larger landscape. “That painting is a perfect metaphor for giving at HSC,” Danielle explains. “Each donation, on its own, might seem small, but together, they create the vibrant, complete picture of what HSC is today."
Over the years, the collective canvas of HSC has become rich with colour and texture thanks to this steady generosity. This strong foundation of support creates the stability that allows for bold,
transformative moments. This year, the Clark Family— parents to four HSC alumni—added a brilliant brushstroke to the painting with a landmark one-million-dollar pledge to support the College’s future through our capital campaign. Their gift doesn't stand alone; its incredible impact is magnified by the deep and detailed masterpiece built by the community beneath it.
Dave Fitzpatrick, HSC’s Executive Director of Advancement and Communication, sees equal power in every contribution to this shared work of art. "The compounded impact of our monthly donors over decades is astonishing—it's just as powerful as a major gift," he notes. "One provides its strength over time, the other, in a moment. Both are absolutely critical to our long-term vision."
The masterpiece we see today tells a story of profound strength and collective heart. Because of this shared commitment, HSC has never been more fiscally stable—a direct testament to the compounding power of every gift, large and small, over generations. Our painting is far from finished. Now, from this position of incredible strength, we are ready to add new layers of detail, depth, and ambition. We invite every member of our community to pick up a brush, to make their mark, and to help us realize the bold vision for our next chapter. Together, we paint the future.
July 1, 2024–June 30, 2025
Jennifer Adams & Gregory Adams
Peter R. Annable & Pamela J. Annable
Anonymous (2)
Anonymous (6)
Armstrong Family
Dr. Ogunroti Ayibiowu & Adebisi Ayibiowu
Ayotte Family
Frederik S. Balfour '74
Jeffrey Ball & Beverley Ball
Sue E. Barnes '74
David I. Barnett '74
Martha Bartley '74 & David Bartley
Bianca Barton '03 & Brianne Barton '03
Scott & Jill Bear
Tudor Beattie '63 & Lyn (Parry) Beattie '68
Dave Bernstein & Jessica Bernstein
Patrick Blochle & Dr. Tamar Natsvlishvili
Dr. Michelle Butt
Jae Kyung Byun & Mikyung Kim
Hongcai Cai & Yue Ma
Jason Caruana
Patrick Chalkley '03
Dr. Beverley Chan '98 & Vincent Cheung
Chapdelaine Family
Shaomin Chen & Cuicui Li
Luanhui Allen Chen & Meihua Chen
Daniella Ciapanna
Clark Family
Cindy Clarke & Christopher Osborne
Jeff Cober & Denise Cober
Sarah Coulson '96
D'Hondt Family
Margaret A. D'Orazio '74
Charles Daellenbach
Warren Dakin '78
Liz Davidson
Davies Family
Gary W. DeGroote '74 & Laurie DeGroote
Doble Family
Dolgy Family
Mandi Dolja '62
Rod Douglas '65
Reem Elkahlout
Dr. Gail Erlick Robinson '60
Orkhan Eyyubov & Gunay Bayramova
Faggion Family
Jian Feng & Ping Zou
Dave & Kelley Fitzpatrick
Forsythe Family
J. Peter Foster '42
Fraser Family
W. Bruce Gabel & Jean Gabel
F. Hope Gibson '70 & Elizabeth Simpson '71
Colin B. Glassco '61
Grassroots Gratitude
Georgia Guenther '74
B. Guyatt
Dervish Halil & Yeliz Halil
Andrew Hammond '98 & Nora Nolan Hammond '98
John Hannah
Trish Harrison '67
Heagle Family
Sheriann Heath-Johnston & Jarrett Johnston
John S. Hedden '69
Peter Hill
Luther Holton '71
Martin Hotz
Danielle Hourigan '82
Howard Family
HSC Parents' Guild
Hutchinson Family
Judith King-Siganski '62
Geoff & Ana Knapp
Kim Kniaz & Richard Kniaz
Ann Lang '65
LiUNA! Local 837
Ray Loya
Haibing Lu
Franco Macchiusi & Wendy Jones
MacLeod Family
Carolyn McEwen
Jock A. McGregor '65
Jeff E. McKay '74
Lisa Mercanti-Ladd & Ian Ladd
Peter Meszaros
Bradley Micak & Kaela Micak
Christine L. Mills '94 &
Warren K. Mills '94
Colin Milne
Mark Mitchell & Lisa Mitchell
Moore Family
Mike Moore
Morgan Family
Mark S. Mullins '74 & Carrie Mullins
Drew Nameth & Susan Nameth
Sang Joon Oh & Emily Koo
Barbara Oliver '74
Erica Otaguro '07
Susan M. Owen '85
Paikin Family
James Parke & Valerie Parke
Pearson Family
Dr. Sumithra A. Peeris
Samantha Peeris '85
Lou Petrash & Dr. Linda Ullman-Petrash
Linda Pillinini
M. Poremba
Amaris Pozeg
Wei Qian & Xiaojing Shen
Qin/Yang Family
Amanda Rogers
Jason Roque & Daniela Roque
Derwyn J. Sangster '62
Erik A. Schaefer '91 & Amy Lazier Schaefer '93
Travis G. Schneider '98 & Suzanne Schneider
David & Robyne Schueler
Patricia E. Simpson '74
John C. Simpson '75 & Toni Simpson
James Smith & Beverly Edwards-Smith
Barbara H. Spencer '74
Dr. Shailau Spivak
Dr. Paul Szpakowski & Dr. Agnes Chmiel
Maxim Tcherner '07
Jacqueline Teggart
Michael Tesluk & Nicole Tesluk
Geoff Tierney & Kris Tierney
David Ryan Toth '96 & Christine Toth
Judith Tutty
Bruno & Gail Vedelago
Brandon '98, Esme & Clara Vedelago
Chongliang Wang & Haixia Zhang
Headmaster Emeritus M. B. Wansbrough & Michaele Robertson
William R. Warrender '63
Sean Washchuk & Tanya Baxter Washchuk
Linda & Dave Watson
Robb W. Webb '74
Christopher D. West '79
Dwaine Whalen & Deetra Whalen
Daphne Whicher '74
Herbert Wodehouse '71 & Margaret Wodehouse
Dr. Gerald Wright '58
Dr. Xu & Dr. Ren
Bowen Yang
Kathryn Yates & Robert Krull
A. Ben Young '47
Jianxin Yuan & Min He
Jin Zang
Kris Zelinsky
Brenda Zwolak
The 2024–2025 year was another strong one for Hillfield Strathallan College — financially and strategically. I’m pleased to share that we finished the year with a combined surplus of $2.5 million across all funds, and our total net assets and reserves now stand at an impressive $62 million. This solid financial position allows us to keep investing in our people, programs, and places that make HSC exceptional.
Our Expansion Fund continues to play a key role in preparing for our goals related to future campus development. This year, it posted a surplus of $1.8 million, and with our new Board policy, we transferred $3.9 million into our internally restricted fund which supports bringing our Campus Master Plan to fruition. Altogether, we’ve now saved $10 million toward bringing the first phase of our plan to life and building a new entrance off of Garth Street and taking the steps towards building a new Middle School — incredibly exciting advancements.
We also made meaningful capital investments totaling $751,000 during the year. These projects touched nearly every corner of campus — from a revamped Holton Building reception area that enhances safety and security, to the Middle School Page Fitness Centre remodel, made possible largely through donor support. Thanks to the Parents’ Guild’s incredible $65,000 donation, we installed new playground equipment in the Montessori Sensorial Garden. We also continued our focus on retrofitting our Junior and Montessori Schools with sustainable furnishings and refreshed several Middle School learning spaces to better support different learning styles.
Transportation was another area of improvement this year. We added two new full-size buses to help reduce rider time and increase route flexibility, and we’re thrilled to have introduced a new branded team bus for athletics and co-curricular travel.
Our endowed funds remain carefully managed, now surpassing $5 million in value. We also took advantage of the high-interestrate environment to strengthen both our operating and expansion funds. To position HSC for long-term success, we transitioned to a new investment advisory firm at year-end — a move that will help ensure our funds are managed strategically and align with our future Campus Master Plan goals. The Board of Trustees was particularly impressed by the firm’s innovative approach to managing not only our endowment but also other funds like the Expansion Fund, and by their forward-thinking ideas for supporting the upcoming capital campaign.
Finally, this year we were proud to provide $740,000 in scholarships and bursaries, ensuring more students can benefit from an HSC education. With record enrolment of 1,300 students, the College continues to thrive — and our financial strength ensures we can keep supporting our community, our mission, and our future with confidence.
Liz Davidson Director of Finance
2024–2025
2024–2025 Operating Expenditures
40,869,183
as of June 30 (in thousands of
Balance Sheet as of June 30 (in
as of June 30 (in thousands of
Balance Sheet as of June 30 (in
Our core mission is to develop joyful and engaged students who live life with purpose.
The best learning happens when students are happy to come to school, have opportunities to follow their passions, and participate in deep learning experiences that challenge them.
Joyful, engaged students develop strong relationships with their peers and with the caring adults who spark and support their learning both inside the classroom and beyond.
Their journey at HSC prepares students to live with purpose— to understand their world, inspire, lead, act, and make a difference in their own unique ways.
Published
by:
Hillfield Strathallan College and Advancement and Communications
Executive Director of Advancement and Communications: Dave Fitzpatrick
Director of Advancement and Communications:
Benoit Chapdelaine
Copywriting:
Alex Berry
Photography: Alex Berry, Emily Malcolm
Design and Production:
Katelyn Galer
Printing:
Barney Printing
Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this report. If, however, any errors or omissions have occurred, please accept our apologies and advise the HSC Advancement and Communications Office so that corrections can be made.
HSC is registered as a charitable entity with the Canada Revenue Agency and is authorized to issue tax receipts to qualified donors. Our charitable registration number is BN11895 7810 RR0001.
HSC Advancement and Communications
Hillfield Strathallan
Phone: 905-389-1367 advancement@hsc.on.ca hsc.on.ca
