Strong Roots • Bright Futures
“We are pleased to launch the RNS 2025-2030 Strategic Plan: Strong Roots • Bright Futures. Rooted in nearly 150 years of history and tradition and energized by a future-forward vision, this ambitious five-year plan will position our school to meet the challenges of the future with confidence and intention, and solidify our standing as a leading independent boarding and day school in Canada. Together we are building a bright future for RNS — one that will see us educate and inspire the next generation of students from New Brunswick, across Canada, and around the world.”
JIM BRENNAN
Chair of the RNS Board of Directors
PAUL MCLELLAN Head of School
“The RNS 2025-2030 Strategic Plan gives us a set of clear, forward-thinking priorities that are both ambitious and financially responsible, ensuring RNS continues to grow with purpose. I look forward to watching it unfold, and wish to thank the Strategic Planning Committee as well as parents, employees, students, Board Members, and alumni for their contributions in this process. With strong roots and a bright future, RNS is poised to lead, inspire, and thrive for generations to come.”
CINDY LUNDERVILLE ’73
Strategic Planning Committee Chair
STRATEGIC PLANNING COMMITTEE
Cindy Lunderville ’73 (Chair), Jim Brennan, Craig Jollymore, Amy MacIsaac, Heather MacLean, Glenn McGee ’81, Paul McLellan, Tanya Moran, Lloyd Shears ’74, and Frances Westley INSIDE: OUR 2025-2030 GOALS
ALIGNMENT
OUR MISSION
To provide a nurturing environment where students are empowered to embrace their individuality while pursuing the greater good.
OUR VISION
RNS will bring out the best in every student, giving them the skills, confidence, and passion they need to chart their own path and make a significant contribution to the world around them.
OUR VALUES
Character
We believe character is developed through respect, responsibility, kindness, and citizenship.
Courage
We believe courage is built by taking risks, embracing challenges, and being open to new experiences.
Creativity
We believe creativity is fostered by embracing imagination, new ideas, and innovation.
Community
We believe community is powered through empathy, engagement, and lasting relationships.
IMPLEMENTATION
To achieve the ambitious goals outlined in this strategic plan, the school—under the guidance and oversight of its Board of Directors—will implement an Annual Operating Plan that ensures the strategies associated with each of our four goals are translated into focused, measurable action.
RNS STRATEGIC PLAN: 5 AMBITIOUS OUTCOMES
Every student experiences a transformative education. The RNS experience builds confidence, fosters well-being, and prepares our students for a meaningful, successful life.
Our employees are engaged and thriving. RNS employees are supported by a culture that recognizes their contributions, invests in their growth, and aligns their work with a clear sense of purpose.
Our community is vibrant and connected. Parents, alumni, and partners actively contribute to the RNS experience through mentorship, engagement, and philanthropy.
Our facilities and infrastructure evolve with intention. Our campus is an inspiring, future-ready space that reflects our commitment to innovation, wellness, sustainability, and learning.
Our school is built for permanence. With sustainable enrolment, diversified revenue, and a deeply rooted culture of philanthropy, we are ensuring a strong RNS for future generations.
These actions will inform each Departmental Operating Plan. Data collection and analysis of this work will provide increased clarity, alignment, and accountability over the next five years.
Goal 1 OFFERING A UNIQUE AND EXCEPTIONAL EXPERIENCE
Providing a transformative experience in a safe, supportive, and inclusive school community.
STRATEGIES
• Place well-being, belonging, and engagement at the heart of the student experience.
• Nurture growth, leadership, and development through the breadth of student opportunities available within the RNS community.
• Establish boarding culture at the centre of the RNS experience for all students.
• Empower students to reach their full potential by providing personalized support in an inclusive learning environment.
• Elevate the quality of an RNS education, maximizing student growth and preparation for future opportunities through innovation and excellence in teaching practices.
Goal 2 SUPPORTING AN ENGAGED AND CARING COMMUNITY
Fostering a community of diverse, thoughtful, and curious individuals who are healthy, well, and actively engaged.
STRATEGIES
• Strengthen the value and recognition of our employees.
• Support a culture of lifelong learning within the RNS community.
• Cultivate a holistic passion for wellness within our community by addressing the diverse dimensions of well-being.
Goal 3 PROVIDING QUALITY FACILITIES AND LEARNING SPACES
Delivering high-quality facilities and creating inspiring learning spaces designed to elevate and enrich each student’s unique experience.
STRATEGIES
• Upgrade and integrate technology to build a flexible, future-ready learning environment that supports programming and campus connectivity.
• Launch a campus-wide renewal plan aimed at modernizing aging facilities, reducing maintenance risks, and enhancing efficiency, sustainability, and the overall campus experience.
• Design and improve flexible, high-quality spaces that support collaboration, creativity, and learning both indoors and outdoors.
Goal 4 ENSURING FINANCIAL STRENGTH AND SUSTAINABILITY FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS
Committed to strength and permanence through focused growth, sound financial management, and by fostering a Culture of Philanthropy.
STRATEGIES
• Adopt innovative enrolment strategies, expand into new markets, optimize student mix, streamline admissions pathways, and strengthen our brand to attract a diverse, high-quality student body.
• Generate revenue by hosting external events and non-school programs in our existing facilities.
• Use technology and best practices to instill a culture of philanthropy in order to broaden the donor base, increase giving, and enhance donor engagement.
• Align Development, Enrolment, Community Engagement, and Alumni Relations under one integrated Advancement team to realize operational efficiencies and increase emphasis on strategic marketing and brand recognition.
