6 minute read
Message from the Head of School & Chair of the Board of Governors
The 2022–2023 school year began and ended with a palpable sense of optimism. After two-and-a-half years of significant or partial pandemic restrictions, we no longer had any limiting health protocols. This allowed us to launch into a robust education program at all levels, including a wide array of co-curricular activities. Embracing the theme of “Reframe, Refocus and Renew”, everyone at LCC was upbeat, yet mindful that the pandemic still had lingering effects in our community. We started the year continuing to prioritize the social and emotional needs of our students so that all experiences could be as engaging and fruitful as possible. By spring, a true sense of renewal was achieved.
In the fall, students were grateful that they could actively participate without restriction in academics, athletics, arts, clubs, and service. This included the return of athletic tournaments and in-person competitions in many activities. This also meant that older students had to adapt to the management of schedules that were fuller than in previous years. They did so enthusiastically and spoke appreciatively of the many opportunities afforded them. At the end of the winter term, we saw the return of international travel for the first time since 2019. Dozens of Senior School music students participated in a band trip to Berlin and Amsterdam. Another group of Senior students voyaged to Panama for a unique adventure and service experience for the Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award. Other students traveled abroad to an international Round Square conference in the United Kingdom and on exchanges to schools in Colombia and South Africa.
Our student body was led by a capable and committed grade 11 graduating class. As leaders, they were active in a wide range of portfolios that motivated younger students to try new activities. Notably, grade 11 students were also impressive in their leadership of several key fundraising drives: the 39th annual schoolwide Terry Fox Run, the Girls for the Cure Walk, and the Movember campaign for men’s health. These were followed by outstanding December food and toy drives. Several smaller fundraisers supported community causes throughout the year.
To support the many learning initiatives on campus, our faculty and staff led by example. LCC is a people place and our personnel from all academic departments and administrative offices were crucial for the renewal of a vibrant campus life and spirit of engagement. Parent volunteers also provided significant support in our efforts to protect and nurture the positive school culture we value so dearly.
We also further embedded our commitment to student and community well-being with the second full year of a Positive Education approach. Using a school wellness framework called the PERMA-V model, high school students were helped to develop positive habits that allowed them to thrive. Various student surveys told us that students felt progressively more connected and more positive this year. We will continue to build on this into the future.
In December 2022, the school administration announced that it had made the bold decision to forgo the government grant beginning September 2024 and become fully independent. This move will allow the school to fully open its doors to Montrealers, Quebecers, Canadians and international students of all backgrounds. This is fully aligned with the Community & Belonging pillar of the strategic plan and reflects our promise to ensure greater accessibility and inclusive learning.
Enrolment rose to new record levels in 2022–2023. The merits of the IB programme from grades 7 to Pre-University continued to draw significant interest in the school.
Our financial position also remained strong, with reserves meeting and exceeding the suggested ISM (Independent School Management) target. We thank our Board members for their leadership and commitment to LCC and for overseeing the implementation of the first year of our new five-year strategic plan, Stride Forward Boldly.
To provide as much financial access as possible, we are continuing our Power of Possibilities Bursary Campaign. We have raised approximately $12.25M toward a goal of $25M by 2027. That would bring our total endowed bursary pool to $40M. We are grateful to our wider community for their generous and ongoing support.
In 2022–2023 we implemented a second DEI action plan, with a commitment to further enhancing diversity, equity, and inclusion at LCC. This included deeper faculty training, many themed events, guest speakers, assembly presentations, and a rich array of classroom activities centered around diverse cultural topics. Notably, two cohorts of teachers completed SEED (Seeking Educational Equity and Diversity) training, a curriculum for educators developed by professors and researchers at Wellesley College in Massachusetts. This will continue next year.
After almost a year of work, our faculty and staff prepared a thorough self-evaluation report on all school operations for CAIS/NEASC (Canadian Accredited Independent Schools and New England Association of Schools and Colleges). This culminated in a visit by a peer review team comprised of 12 educational leaders from schools across North America. This detailed accreditation process is part of our commitment to meet the highest standards in our programs and operations. The visiting team was impressed by the school, identifying our professionals as the key ingredient to what they called “LCC’s special sauce”.
A final thanks to our graduates in grade 11 and PreUniversity for their positive engagement in 2022–2023. We are proud of their involvement, leadership, and many achievements, and wish them well in their post-secondary studies and beyond.
At the start of the school year, we spoke to many groups about our community’s post-COVID challenge to preserve and enhance our precious school culture and commitment to our core values and LCC pride. We believe this has occurred in an impressive fashion. LCC’s community spirit is strong, and together we are truly striding forward proudly and boldly. We should all be grateful to be part of such a deeply engaged community.
DAVID SCHWARTZ ’87
CHAIR, BOARD OF GOVERNORS
CHRISTOPHER SHANNON,
PRE-U ’76
HEAD OF SCHOOL
David Bensadoun ’87, Pre-U ’88,
with Christopher Shannon, Pre-U ’76
THE LCC BOARD OF GOVERNORS 2022–2023
Chair
David Schwartz ’87
Members
David Amiel
John Antoniou ’84
Andrea Arthurs
Kristina Ashqar ’02, Pre-U ’03
Angela Auclair
David Bensadoun ’87, Pre-U ’88
Ryan Blatt ’89
Sheri Elefant
Laurence Duguay
Harley Greenspoon ’90
Constance Guindo
Karyn Lassner
Mark Pascal ’92
Costa Ragas ’01, Pre-U ’02
Caitlin Rose ’99
Michael Shatilla ’88
