The Path Forward

Message from the Campaign Co-Chairs

Selwyn House is a great school, on so many levels. It offers a rigorous academic program, unique experiential learning opportunities, and a warm and caring atmosphere. It’s a place where boys thrive. With your support, Selwyn House will become even better.

We are extremely proud to be leading “The Path Forward: Our campaign to open doors and open minds.” This fundraising campaign is going to allow Selwyn House to welcome boys from all backgrounds and walks of life and to create programs that broaden our boys’ appreciation of the world around them.

There are many good reasons to give to the campaign, and Selwyn House teachers and staff members explain them best (see following page). Opening doors and opening minds is going to make Selwyn House an even better school for current and future generations.

We and the members of the campaign team look forward to telling you more over the next few months. We invite you to participate and join us on this exciting path forward.

Vincenzo Guzzo ’86 Parent of: Angelo (2015), Vittorio (2017), Vito (2022), Delano (2026) Mark L. Smith Parent of: Michael (2010), David (2012), Patrick (2014)

Committee Chairs Mark Smith, left, and Vincenzo Guzzo ’86, right, with Headmaster Michael Downey

Campaign Cabinet

HONORARY CO-CHAIRS

France Chrétien-Desmarais André Desmarais ’73

CO-CHAIRS

Vincenzo Guzzo ’86 Mark L. Smith

CABINET MEMBERS

Ian Aitken ’81 Michael Avedesian ’88 Caroline Deitcher Michael Denham Philippe Desmarais ’03 Lloyd Feldman Anna Gainey Conrad Harrington ’00 Jean-François Marcoux Jason Tsadilas ’88 Justin Vineberg ’88 Rody Yared

HEADMASTER

Michael Downey

DIRECTOR OF ADVANCEMENT

Sharon Cozens

What open doors and minds means to our teachers

“I’m looking forward to Selwyn House becoming a fully independent school. We are embarking on a new and exciting chapter of our history. I’d like to think of it as our Renaissance.” – Sebastien Lajoie, Head of Middle School

“Greater diversity in the classroom will bring about greater sharing of ideas and perspectives.” – Michael Zackon, Head of Elementary English Department

“Having students from more backgrounds allows us to share in the diversity of life, help students understand that their experience is not the only reality, makes us more empathetic, and breaks down barriers to equality.” – Alex Becker, Head of Music Department

“Selwyn House can be accessible by everyone in the city, everyone in the province, everyone in the country and all around the world. Who knows what the possibilities are?” – Anthony Lukca, Physical Education Teacher and Coach

“Ça va nous permettre de représenter la vraie vie. SHS deviendra une communauté plus représentative du monde extérieur.”

– Julie Côté, Spécialiste en musique et professeur d’informatique

“I’m really looking forward to building a strong community where students will be able to continue on from Elementary School through to Grade 7, graduate in Grade 11 and that we’ve been part of their family.”

– Kathy Funamoto, Head of Elementary School & Alumni Parent

“When we eliminate the need for an eligibility certificate and boost our financial assistance, we’ll be able to welcome boys from even more backgrounds and communities, and our school will better reflect the amazingly diverse city we live in.” – Haneefa Corbie, Head of Middle School Science

“Selwyn House can give opportunities to young men regardless of where they’re from, what language they speak at home or their financial status.” – Neil Banerjee, Head of Senior School

Donors to Date

The following have made contributions and/or pledges to The Path Forward Campaign. We are grateful for their early support of the campaign:

Anonymous Jeniene and Randall Birks ’88 The Birks Family Foundation Claudine and Stephen Bronfman Family Foundation Carreiro Family France Chrétien-Desmarais and André Desmarais ’73 Maria and Vincenzo Guzzo ’86 Sophie and Scott Jones John R. McConnell Foundation Mierins Family Foundation The Alan and Roula Rossy Family Foundation Mark L. Smith Marie-Christine Thibault and Rody Yared