SMLS Annual Report 2020-21

ANNUAL REPORT

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ST. MILDRED’S-LIGHTBOURN SCHOOL 2020-2021 ANNUAL REPORT

SMLS BOARD OF GOVERNORS 2020-2021

Gary Skene

Nancy Richards

BISHOP

HEAD OF SCHOOL

Susan Bell

Heather Broadwell

Ian Gallagher

Claire Gillies

Colin Hanson

Victoria Hughes ‘01

Marguerite Jackson

Lisa Matthews

SISTER

Ijeoma Ugwunze

CHAIR

CHAIR OF RISK MANAGEMENT

CHAIR OF FINANCE

VICE CHAIR

Michael Trott

Chris Wong

Maggie Zhu

SISTER

ST. MILDRED’S-LIGHTBOURN SCHOOL 2020-2021 ANNUAL REPORT

TABLE OF CONTENTS 4

A Message from Gary Skene, Chair of the Board of Governors and Nancy Richards, Head of School

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Retiring and New Board Members

5

In Memoriam: Nadine Farran-Gatti

5

Our Mission

6

Our Strategic Pillars: Superior

16

Our Strategic Pillars: Differentiated

25

Our Strategic Pillars: Personalized

32

Financial Statements

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ST. MILDRED’S-LIGHTBOURN SCHOOL 2020-2021 ANNUAL REPORT

A Message from Gary Skene, Chair of the Board of Governors and Nancy Richards, Head of School The 2020-21 school year was an extraordinary journey - one that was challenging and trying but also one that strengthened our school community in so many ways. As the world around us continued to grapple with a global pandemic, St. Mildred’s-Lightbourn School (SMLS) remained unwavering in its commitment and dedication to doing what is best for its students. With the best interest of each girl at the centre of every decision we make and every action we take, SMLS remained ever-focused on identifying and implementing emerging educational priorities all the while managing remote learning and pandemic management strategies.

When the Ontario government ordered schools to close again in Spring 2021, our outstanding Faculty once again brought to life an impressive Remote Learning Plan. Our staff provided support and assistance to our 440 families (561 students), answering questions about expectations, setting up technology to facilitate Every one of our remote learning, and creating Millies learned how to opportunities to keep the entire school community connected. become more resilient And how are students rallied too! and how to thrive in Every one of our Millies learned how to become more resilient challenging times. and how to thrive in challenging times. Our students found creative ways to connect with one another and uphold the values of diversity, inclusivity, justice and altruism, they truly reflected the year’s school theme of empathy. We could not be more proud of our school community and all that they weathered, experienced and triumphed in 2020-21.

“

Despite all of the disruption and chaos that the global pandemic contributed to the school year, SMLS kept hold of its goal to provide a rich, high quality academic program so that girls could complete their academic year successfully. The School continued to identify and implement 21st Century teaching and learning approaches with the intention of translating the SMLS vision into

facilities concepts. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion remained an important, schoolwide commitment related to faculty/staff professional development, student learning and an inclusive school culture. And, on top of everything else, the School continued preparing the CAIS Accreditation Report for the Visiting Committee (which had been deferred from 2020 due to the pandemic).

The school community accomplished so much in just one year. The SMLS Annual Report 2020-21 highlights the educational activities throughout the last school year to support the unique value of a SMLS education for girls from Preschool to SS12 and attempts to capture the flexibility, the sheer determination, and the demonstrations of resiliency that surfaced over the course of another remarkable year.

On behalf of the Board and the School, we wish to thank the entire SMLS community for its unwavering support of St. Mildred’s-Lightbourn School. Together, we have continued to create an environment where resiliency, strength, and empowerment emerge in our Millies.

Sincerely,

Gary Skene Chair, Board of Governors

Nancy Richards, M. Ed Head of School

ST. MILDRED’S-LIGHTBOURN SCHOOL 2020-2021 ANNUAL REPORT

Retiring and New Board Members The Board would like to thank retiring members, Caroline Hogwood and Doug Jenkinson, for their generous time commitment, their willingness to serve our school community and their outstanding support for our Millies.

For the 2021-22 school year, we welcomed Claire Gillies and Maggie Zhu, two SMLS parents, to our Board of Governors. Their bios, as well as a full overview of the role of the Board of Governors along with Board and committee mandates, can be found on MySMLS. If you have an interest in potentially serving on the SMLS Board, please submit a resume to Catharine Scott, our Board Secretary, at cscott@smls.on.ca as we utilize a parent skills database for possible candidates.

TO DEVELOP COURAGEOUS GIRLS WHO CHALLENGE AND CHANGE THE WORLD

In Memoriam: Nadine Farran-Gatti Nadine was a staunch supporter of SMLS, actively engaged as a parent when her daughter Nathalie was at the school and proudly involved on our Board and in our advancement work because of her love and enthusiasm for SMLS and all Millies. The SMLS Distinguished Service Award has been proudly renamed the Nadine Farran-Gatti Distinguished Service Award in recognition and appreciation of all that Nadine gave to the SMLS community. She is greatly missed and will be fondly remembered by all who knew her.

OUR MISSION

The SMLS community said goodbye to dedicated Board Member Nadine Farran-Gatti in October 2021.

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ST. MILDRED’S-LIGHTBOURN SCHOOL 2020-2021 ANNUAL REPORT

STRATEGIC PILLARS The unique value of an SMLS education is captured by our Superior, Differentiated and Personalized approach to academic excellence.

SUPERIOR

DIFFERENTIATED

PERSONALIZED

• Academic excellence and innovation

• Globally recognized Signature Programs

• Unique understanding of how girls learn

• Social/emotional wellbeing and physical development • Student leadership development

• Global Citizenship • Professional Internship • Robotics and STEM • Active Healthy Living • Art and Design

• Personalized choice • Personalized Connection

SUPERIOR Academic Excellence and Innovation Amid the global pandemic, SMLS continued to prioritize, identify and implement 21st Century teaching and learning approaches while simultaneously managing and implementing effective remote learning strategies for students.

SPECIAL NOTE Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all EQAO assessments (Grades 3 & 6, Grade 9 Mathematics, and the OSSLT) were cancelled by the province in 2020-21.

A key focus for the 2020-21 school year was to continue evolving the ways in which our students and teachers utilized technology to support and enhance teaching and learning in all academic areas. Certainly this was critical to our success during the two extended province-wide lockdowns in the winter and spring of 2021, but also in our efforts to remain a leader in the field of Educational Technology.

And, despite the pandemic, SMLS students continued to participate in a variety of academic enrichment activities, contests, and challenges, including mathematics and computing contests, international art competitions, math leagues, and the Forest of Reading Program (Junior School).

95

%

OF STUDENTS ACHIEVED HONOUR ROLL STATUS IN 2020-21

ST. MILDRED’S-LIGHTBOURN SCHOOL 2020-2021 ANNUAL REPORT

Advanced Placement (AP)

SMLS Honour Roll

The goal of our AP Program is to create opportunities for every girl to go above and beyond the Ontario curriculum in the subject area of her interest. In the 2020-21 school year, SMLS offered 6 AP courses and more than half of our senior school students enrolled in at least one AP course.

The SMLS Honour Roll standard is to attain an 80% or higher average across all courses at the Senior School.

AP Courses Offered at SMLS • Biology • English Literature and Composition • Calculus AB • French Language and Culture • Chemistry

Grade

% Students Attaining Honour Roll Status 2021

2020

2019

2018

2017

SS9

96

98

94

91

78

SS10

98

94

91

80

83

SS11

89

97

SS12 GY Total Percentage

98

98

95

97

83

86

86

95

96

98

100

91

87

89

87

The trend has been consistent over the last 5 years with ~90% of our students achieving Honour Roll status each year.

• Physics 1 • Chinese Language and Culture • Psychology • English Language and Composition • Studio Art 2D and 3D Design

Ontario Scholars In the 2020-21 school year, the large majority of our graduating students received the Ontario Scholar designation -- i.e., achieved an average of 80% or higher in their top six Grade 12 courses.

Percentage of Grad Year Students Who Were Ontario Scholars Year

2021

2020

2019

2018

2017

%

98

100

96

100

100

Graduates In Stem-Related Programs Through our robotics, coding, and excellent Math and Science academic courses the level of preparation of our girls for STEM related programs is exceptional with 52.5% of the graduating class attending STEM programs this fall, with an additional 20% pursuing business degrees in areas such as finance and commerce.

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ST. MILDRED’S-LIGHTBOURN SCHOOL 2020-2021 ANNUAL REPORT

SMLS Grad Class Students Entering Post-Secondary STEM related programs Class Size

Science Health Sci

Computers/Tech

Engineering

Math

% of Class

2021

40

16

1

3

1

52.5%

2020

59

17

1

10

2

50.8%

2019

24

7

7

58.3%

2018

41

15

7

53.7%

2017

37

12

5

1

48.6%

2016

48

19

3

2

50.0%

2015

45

19

6

55.5%

2014

49

19

4

46.9%

2013

43

7

5

27.9%

2012

49

9

2

22%

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SMLS 2021 Graduating Class University and College Destinations

University of Toronto Ryerson University

McMaster University

Queen’s University

Laurentian University

University of Guelph (incl. Ridgetown Campus)

Queen’s University Western University (incl. Huron College)

University of Ottawa OCAD University

Wilfrid Laurier University Sheridan College

McGill University

Dalhousie University ONTARIO University of the Pacific

University of Michigan

QUEBEC

INTERNATIONAL (USA)

NOVA SCOTIA Northeastern University

ST. MILDRED’S-LIGHTBOURN SCHOOL 2020-2021 ANNUAL REPORT

Class of 2021 University Admissions Highlights

40 97.5 100 %

GRADUATES

OF THE GRADUATING CLASS IN 2020 WERE

ONTARIO SCHOLARS

95

TOTALLING

FOR FIRST YEAR STUDIES ALONE

OFFERS OF ADMISSION FROM

ACCEPTED

37

INSTITUTIONS AROUND THE WORLD

INTO THE

UNIVERSITIES AND COLLEGES OF THEIR CHOICE

SCHOLARSHIP AND AWARD OFFERS

430,000

$

%

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ST. MILDRED’S-LIGHTBOURN SCHOOL 2020-2021 ANNUAL REPORT

SMLS Graduating Class Programs of Study NUMBER OF GRADUATING STUDENTS

PROGRAM OF STUDY

2021

2020

2019

2018

2017

Arts/ Liberal Arts

1

6

3

7

6

Business, Finance, Management, Marketing and Commerce

8

6

2

6

5

Biological/Biomedical/Life Sciences

4

5

1

9

4

Communication, Journalism, Media

1

2

1

1

3

Concurrent Education

1

1

-

Criminology/Law/Social Justice

2

3

1 7

7

5

-

Engineering/Architecture/Computer Science

3

11

GAP Year

1

1

General Science

4

4

4

2

3

Health Sciences/Dentistry/Medicine/ Nursing

7

4

2

4

4

Kinesiology, Recreation, Leisure and Fitness Studies

1

4

-

-

1

Mathematics

1

2

Psychology Social Sciences Visual and Performing and Fine Arts Total Number of Students

3

1

1

1

3

1

3

2 2

3

7

1

1

1

40

59

24

41

37

Social/Emotional Wellbeing SMLS and Physical Development Wellbeing Philosophy At SMLS, we understand the developmental stages of girls and work with each girl to ensure that she is known, supported, and challenged to be her best self.

Our focus on the social, emotional, spiritual and physical development of girls, and cultivating each girl’s capacity for wellbeing, is a differentiator for our school. From our Active Healthy Living Program to our Real World Global Citizenship experiences, our students have numerous opportunities to develop resilience, grit and physical fitness. As we focus on each girl’s strengths in a positive way, we provide the necessary foundation for academic excellence within a personalized learning environment.

At SMLS, each girl is empowered to take ownership of her wellbeing in a safe, diverse and inclusive school culture.

In alignment with our School Vision of personalization, diversity is celebrated, individuality and uniqueness are respected. A holistic approach to self-care is promoted.

Creativity, self-advocacy and healthy risk-taking are fostered through the strong partnership between all members of the SMLS community. In our culture of wellbeing, students thrive and are inspired to embrace their most authentic selves.

ST. MILDRED’S-LIGHTBOURN SCHOOL 2020-2021 ANNUAL REPORT

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In our culture of wellbeing, students thrive and are inspired to embrace their most authentic selves.

SMLS Wellbeing Guiding Principles AT SMLS, WE BELIEVE:

The five domains of Wellbeing (Physical, Social, Emotional, Spiritual & Intellectual) are interconnected Student wellbeing is best supported through a strength-based approach Mental health and wellbeing is a continuum that requires a differentiated approach for each girl

Adversity and setbacks are opportunities for individuals to develop resilience and grit Healthy relationships are based on the ability to recognize the strengths and personal boundaries of self and others Social-emotional learning enables individuals to integrate thought and emotion for successful participation in the SMLS community and beyond

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ST. MILDRED’S-LIGHTBOURN SCHOOL 2020-2021 ANNUAL REPORT

SENIOR SCHOOL Our first priority in welcoming our students back to full, in-person learning, five days a week was the safety of our students and of our wider community. This goal was successfully achieved through a significant change to our calendar year; the introduction of semesters, along with modifications to our daily schedule which included the cohorting of students, dedicated learning spaces for each grade, and a wide range of in-school health and safety protocols. Our teachers and guidance staff placed additional focus on supporting students’ social emotional wellbeing, while ensuring that our students continued to meet the high standards of learning that are one of the cornerstones of our program.

Teachers and learners strive to meet our mission to develop courageous girls who challenge and change the world by implementing reflective practices which facilitate the development of both disciplinary expertise and character. There is a focus on the development of characteristics such as resilience, integrity, empathy, curiosity, and humility. The 2020-21 school year, and the demands that the global pandemic presented for

our students, really highlighted for us the importance of the work that we do in providing an environment for the emergence of these characteristics in our students.

The SMLS Circle of Care team continued to work closely with students, teachers and families to support the socialemotional wellbeing of our Senior School students. The Learning Strategies team also worked with students with IEPs to ensure they had strategies in place to support their academic progress. The learning strategies team also partnered closely with the Social Worker to develop “skill building” plans for students with anxiety to help them use strategies to manage their worry and, in turn, manage their workload and connect with their classmates.

ST. MILDRED’S-LIGHTBOURN SCHOOL 2020-2021 ANNUAL REPORT

MIDDLE SCHOOL Despite the challenge of facilitating Health and Physical Education programming without access to our usual facilities due to the pandemic, Middle School students were able to continue to prioritize their health and wellbeing. Students participated in a CISAA virtual cross country meet in the fall. Students were encouraged to participate in the Commit to Fit Challenge for the month of February, Wellness Wednesday Walk/Run Club, fitness classes such as OBE fitness, as well as the 1km a Day in May Fundraiser. While learning remotely, at home fitness programs were highly successful due to the choice and voice that the students had with respect to their daily workouts. The students also took part in fitness classes spanning the decades from the 1950’s onwards.

The Middle School Guidance program continued to evolve. Initiatives such as Peer Mentorship Circles continued virtually in 2020-21. The Middle School Guidance Counselor also led the evolution of our personalized student Records of Achievement toward a personalized digital Learner Portfolio with all Middle School classes. This portfolio incorporated student goal setting and reflection on academic and co-curricular engagement as well as student identity.

The Middle School engaged in numerous activities

to promote spirit and community. Due to pandemic restrictions we were not able to participate in Coalition of Single Gender Independent Schools of Greater Toronto (COSSOT) events, however, a positive sense of community within the Middle School at SMLS was promoted through events such as a student coffee house, movie and trivia “Girls’ Night In”, Positive Community Awareness week, holiday spirit initiatives, and Spirit Week.

The Middle School had a number of Giving Back initiatives that allowed us to be connected with the broader community and, in turn, exposed our students to new experiences and diverse perspectives. There is an emphasis on service with purpose, where students learn about local organizations and understand their impact on our Oakville/ Halton community.

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ST. MILDRED’S-LIGHTBOURN SCHOOL 2020-2021 ANNUAL REPORT

JUNIOR SCHOOL Despite the restrictions of the COVID-19 Pandemic, SMLS successfully continued to run modified Service Learning opportunities such as the Millie 100, the Terry Fox Run and the Christmas Pyjama & Book Drive for Halton Regional Police. In addition to these opportunities, JS students raised funds to plant trees for Earth Day and experienced an Earth Day presentation from Loretta with Down to Earth education.

The Virtues Project is used in all Junior School classrooms as a way of helping to develop the gifts of character within each of our students. The language of the virtues is used regularly in class as we discuss how we can all learn and grow to become the best version of ourselves.

Our Circle of Care team also continued to provide support to our JS students and played a key role in supporting students as they navigated shifting from in-person to remote multiple times throughout the year. Our Learning Strategies team worked with students and families to develop strategies to help both the student and parent manage their time online, organize workload and continue to support literacy

skill development in the primary grades. The Social Worker and the School Nurse continued to do regular Homeroom “pop-ins” with every class (both in-person and online) to answer questions, dispel COVID-19 myths and support students to manage feelings of isolation. The Circle of Care team also worked with SS students to facilitate peer to peer mentorship through the Big Sister-Little Sister initiative.

“

...helping to develop the gifts of character within each of our students.”

ST. MILDRED’S-LIGHTBOURN SCHOOL 2020-2021 ANNUAL REPORT

BENCHMARKS OF SUCCESS Guest speakers on topics of wellness, self-care

Gift card drive for Halton Women’s Place

Day Social Documentary Millie 100

Spartan at-home athletics Miami Youth Climate Summit Pyjamas and gift cards drive for the Kerr Street Mission Christmas Wonders program

Letter-writing drive for local isolated seniors with Oakville Meals on Wheels and Cards4Care

Christmas Pyjama & Book Drive with Halton Regional Policeand Open Doors

“Walk a Km a day in May” in support of Camp Oochigeas

Student Leadership Development We continue to focus on developing the 6 Cs: Character, Citizenship, Communication, Critical Thinking & Problem Solving, Collaboration and Creativity. Our focus on Personalized Learning, Teaching for Deeper Learning and providing Real World learning opportunities equips each Millie with the skills, competencies, character and leadership traits that will enable her to thrive, and be a catalyst for societal change.

In Grade 5, every SMLS student has the opportunity to serve the Junior School as a House Representative for a full term.

Students participate in organizing events, leading activities and representing their House as a leader and mentor for the younger girls.

voice and leadership to the activities of the Middle School.

MS House Council meets weekly throughout the year and several Middle School committees are formed to organize student-led initiatives.

Every student in Senior School has the opportunity to hold a leadership position and assist in running an event through the Athletics Council, Arts Council, STEM Council and House Council. In their final year, students can apply to become a Prefect. This group of Millies is responsible for a multitude of duties: they organize activities and events, assist in chapel, and serve as role models for our girls. The Prefects wear burgundy blazers to signify their position. The Head Prefect is the leader of the SMLS student body.

Middle School students have the opportunity to participate in the Middle School House Council, contributing their

BENCHMARKS OF SUCCESS Middle School students participated virtually in the CAIS Middle School Leadership Conference, where students participated in sessions and created an initiative on the theme of inclusion.

Through the enhanced House system our JS5 students build their leadership toolbox and hold regular house meetings to promote student voice and leadership. This past year, they promoted healthy eating through our “Healthy House Breakfasts” initiative and enjoyed increased leadership at Chapels.

Big Sister, Little Sister program.

Senior school students and younger students connected at special times throughout the year to develop ongoing relationships, instilling a sense of leadership and responsibility in the older students and giving the younger girls someone to look up to. This is one of the strengths of a school that spans Preschool to Graduation.

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ST. MILDRED’S-LIGHTBOURN SCHOOL 2020-2021 ANNUAL REPORT

DIFFERENTIATED The educational experience at SMLS is distinguished by its globally recognized Signature Programs in Global Citizenship, Professional Internship, STEM & Robotics, Active Healthy Living and Arts & Design. Each girl may choose among the many opportunities that these five programs offer, creating her own, personal pathway in support of her unique interests, talents and aspirations.

Despite the world pandemic, the school was able to continue providing robust programming in each of its signature programs during the 2020-21 school year.

Global Citizenship Signature Program The SMLS Global Citizenship program, available to all students from JS1 through to SS12, engages students with the world beyond the walls of our school. Our program engages students in authentic, real-world experiences that enrich their academic knowledge and application across a broad range of curricula, while remaining purposefully geared toward character development, nurturing of personal life skills and making a difference in the world.

Through our Global Citizenship program, students explore and connect with local and global communities through: • EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING TRIPS, • COMMUNITY SERVICE LEARNING, • CULTURAL EXCHANGES, • INTERNATIONAL STUDENT LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES.

HIGHLIGHTS

ST. MILDRED’S-LIGHTBOURN SCHOOL 2020-2021 ANNUAL REPORT

Duke of Edinburgh Award

from the 2020-21 School Year International Experiences for students in grades 5 and up.

While the COVID-19 pandemic prevented SMLS from travelling internationally for Global Citizenship experiences, our school leveraged partnerships with Round Square and Envoys to provide students with virtual international opportunities including: Two Round Square Virtual Conferences

Virtual International Student Exchange

Envoys Global Leadership Virtual Student Conferences Conversational Classes with Round Square Envoys International schools in France & “Dances of the world” Spain for SS9 & SS10 SS9 HPE virtual dances classes with instructors from around the world

Round Square International Middle School Student Conference

The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award is an internationally recognized program for young people, building their skills to equip them for life and work.

By creating opportunities for young people to develop skills, get physically active, service learning and experience adventure, the Award can play a critical role in their development.​At SMLS, girls participate at all levels of the Duke of Edinburgh award, and the bronze level is a requirement for graduation.

In 2020-21, SMLS still successfully navigated the pandemic to support SS9 Students in completing their Bronze award. SS9s were provided with the opportunity to meet all of the requirements of the Bronze Hiking DOE award through a Day Trip at Bronte with SMLS Global Citizenship staff and Alive Outdoors and the integration of orienteering into SS9 HPE classes.

Off-site activities for Senior, Middle and Junior students In the midst of the pandemic, our Global Citizenship team partnered with Alive Outdoors to run three different Outdoor Education Day Trips at Bronte for students to develop leadership and orienteering skills.

Senior School NUMBER OF RECIPIENTS 2020-21

NUMBER OF RECIPIENTS 2019-20

NUMBER OF RECIPIENTS 2018-19

NUMBER OF RECIPIENTS 2017-18

Bronze

39

34

40

37

Silver

9

12

5

16

Gold

0

2

5*

7

AWARD

*Note: No students achieved the Gold award in Canada in 2020-21.

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ST. MILDRED’S-LIGHTBOURN SCHOOL 2020-2021 ANNUAL REPORT

Junior Duke Program (Middle School) All Middle School students work toward the Junior Duke Award, which is unique to SMLS, focusing on many of the skills of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award program such as developing the physical, mental and spiritual aspects of the whole girl.

NUMBER OF RECIPIENTS 2020-21

NUMBER OF RECIPIENTS 2019-20

NUMBER OF RECIPIENTS 2018-19

NUMBER OF RECIPIENTS 2017-18

Earth (MS6)

36

41

40

32

Moon (MS7)

43

46

43

27

Star (MS8)

35

42

37

21

AWARD

MILLIE 100 Program (Junior School) Our JS3, JS4 and JS5 students work towards earning the Millie 100 award, based on developing life skills, participating in near and far adventures and a variety of character building opportunities.

DATE

NUMBER OF JS5 RECIPIENTS

June 2021

22

June 2020

23

June 2019

26

June 2018

34

June 2017

34

Professional Internship Signature Program Our unique Professional Internship Program provides every Grade 11 Millie with the opportunity to explore personal career interests in a customized, OSSD credited, 4-week work placement across a wide range of specialized industries.

HIGHLIGHTS

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from the 2020-21 School Year In 2020-21, amid a global pandemic, 46 SS11 students participated in our Professional Internship Program and were able to complete a customized work placement in an industry of their choice.

ST. MILDRED’S-LIGHTBOURN SCHOOL 2020-2021 ANNUAL REPORT

WE ARE GRATEFUL TO THE FOLLOWING COMPANIES FOR THEIR VALUABLE SUPPORT: • ACER - Assoc. for Canadian Educational Resources

• iQuanti

• Baby’s Best Sleep

• Miix Analytics

• Black Opera Productions

• Nicole De Larzac Consulting

• C Group

• OAK Swimming

• Centre for Inspired Living Campbell River

• Oakville Animal Clinic

• ClearPoint Neuro

• Oakville School of Music

• DB Schenker • EarthLove • Forest Hill Real Estate Muskoka • FreeRun Inc. • Gateway Freight Systems • Glou Beauty • Halton Environmental Network • High Performance Equestrian at Chris Delia Stables • Informatica • iQuanti • JA Productions • Klas Squared • Kuya Silver Corp. on the Kerr and Silver Kings projects • Laurie Sanci • Lougheed Middle School • Melissa Tan Music Therapy

• JA Productions

• Oakville Brain & Body • Orangetheory Fitness • Priority Me • Prism Care • Project Autism Canada & HYDAC • ReadyMix Concrete • RevolutionHER • Silong Int • SMLS Communications and Marketing • SMLS Student Wellbeing • Sonar Foundation • Team Recruiter • The Part-Time Jungle • UHN Eubanks • Upper Right Management • Vertical City • Wake Up Kate Marketing

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ST. MILDRED’S-LIGHTBOURN SCHOOL 2020-2021 ANNUAL REPORT

STEM and Robotics Signature Program STEM and Robotics Opportunities Our STEM and Robotics Signature Program allows students across all divisions of the school to participate in robotics.

The strengths of the STEM & Robotics program include: • a wide-reaching robotics club with a globally recognized FIRST Robotics team • coding lessons that are integrated into the core curriculum at an early age • Advanced Placement courses in many areas of STEM • a choice of Math enrichment for girls of all ages • a wide range of excellent STEM learning experiences across all three divisions of the School All girls from JS1 to MS7 experience FIRST Lego League Robotics using technology and problem solving as part of either their science curriculum and/or co-curricular opportunity.

In 2020-2021, KinderLab KIBO Robots were introduced to JS1 students, in order to integrate STEM into the program. KIBO is a resource that combines robotics, coding, engineering design, and computational thinking.

It is a screen free robot that incorporates all 21st Century skills including creativity and innovation, critical thinking and problem solving, as well as collaboration and communication. The curriculum connections that KIBO facilitates are endless. After just a few hours of working with KIBO, the girls learned that robots are machines that have automated moving parts that can be programmed, a program is a sequence of instructions that a robot acts out in order with each instruction having a specific meaning, and a program is like a story with a beginning, events, and an ending.

With the introduction of Labster software, our Senior School and MS8 Science students were able to conduct virtual science experiments during virtual learning, as well as in-person learning. Below are a couple of examples from Senior School Science use of Labster software: SS12 Electron Transport Chain - related to our study of energy in the metabolism unit Diabetes - related to our study of the excretory and endocrine systems Protein Synthesis - related to our unit of dna replication and protein synthesis SS11 Carbohydrates - related to our study of nutrition and the macromolecules that support it Evolution: Are you related to a sea monster - used as an application tool in our evolution unit Cardiovascular Function during Exercise - used as an application tool in our animal structure function unit

HIGHLIGHTS

ST. MILDRED’S-LIGHTBOURN SCHOOL 2020-2021 ANNUAL REPORT

from the 2020-21 SWAT 771 SWATposium For the 2020-2021 school year, SWAT 771 hosted their annual SWATposium, virtually, having workshop presenters as well as participants from Toronto, Oakville, Ottawa and USA. The team also participated in the virtual challenges FIRST, offered in place of in-person robot competitions: • FRC @ Home Challenge • Innovation Challenge • Game Design Challenge • Chairman’s Award

For the FRC @ Home Challenge, a group of students worked on presenting our robot strategy and design process. This challenge also tasked the group with describing and showing our 20192020 robot, from design to prototype to build.

Coding and Computer Science Instruction in coding has been part of the Middle School program for several years now, with sessions being facilitated by organizations from outside of SMLS. During 2020-21 our Director of STEM facilitated coding instruction across the Middle School using technology purchased through CodeCombat. The CodeCombat platform teaches students the coding languages Python and JavaScript. The Ministry of Education has now included coding within the mathematics curriculum and has outlined expectations about what students will know, understand, and be able to do.

Therefore our Director of STEM works closely with our mathematics team to facilitate the coding program.

In the Senior School, the Introduction to Computer Science (ICS3U) course has been offered for the past two years. Girls in SS10 are able to reach ahead and take this course. In the last three years, the number of girls taking this course has been growing:

20

18

STUDENTS

2019-2020

2020-2021

STUDENTS

7

STUDENTS

2018-2019

For the Innovation Challenge, a different group of students worked on selecting a real-world problem, doing research into the problem and its current solutions, and finally developing their own solution. Throughout the process, students used various research methods including interviewing experts in the field to help guide their innovative solution to the problem. SWAT 771 focused on the issue of mental health of students and their proposed solution is an online forum for students to seek advice. This website incorporates artificial intelligence (AI) by helping filter out posts with triggering images or words, tailored for each user.

For the Game Design Challenge, students were able to design their own FIRST Robotics Competition game, from premise to field specifics and game pieces as well as the game rules. Students working on this challenge learned about and experienced the different areas of game design, from ideation to 2D and 3D modelling to pitching the game idea. SWAT 771’s pirate theme game had 2 alliances with 3 robots each working together to collect treasure pieces and bringing it to their ship and finally retrieving an anchor and climbing up their ship mast for the end game.

For all of these challenges, each sub-team had to prepare a 7-10 minute virtual presentation followed by a 5-7 minute question and answer session with industry experts/judges.

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ST. MILDRED’S-LIGHTBOURN SCHOOL 2020-2021 ANNUAL REPORT

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Active Healthy Living Signature Program

HIGHLIGHTS

In our enhanced Athletics and Active Healthy Living programs students have the opportunity to participate in physical fitness, competitive sport, creative expression and spiritual reflection, at their various stages of development.

Each girl is challenged to be her best-self with access to Spartan Athletic Teams, new and innovative fitness offerings, increased professional coaching, and community enriched programs, such as our unique Wellness Wednesdays, to focus on each student’s well-being during their time at SMLS, and beyond. With the limitations on physical activity and cohorts during the 2020-21 school year, SMLS ran a modified Wellness Wednesday program in the Middle and Senior Schools, which activities such as indoor and outdoor group fitness, run-walk club, outdoor floor hockey, soccer, Mindfulness & Meditation and yoga.

from the 2020-21 School Year During the COVID-19 pandemic we were unable to run regular sports teams. As an alternative, our students participated in: Virtual cross country meets through their cohorted classes, providing time submissions online The specially-created “Spartan At-Home Fitness Series” in which professional coaches led the students through at-home basketball and soccer workouts and an SMLS Alumna ran professional online Yoga classes for students.

We had a great deal of positive feedback regarding the At-Home Spartan Fitness series and SMLS staff provided students with the necessary equipment to fully participate in the workouts in the comfort of their own home or backyard.

Arts & Design Signature Program The Arts continued to be integral to academic programming, allowing our students to develop the ability to express themselves artistically, and to have opportunities to display and perform artwork. Creativity has been identified as an essential competency for success in the 21st century and our Arts programs provide opportunities for creativity to flourish.

JUNIOR SCHOOL During the 2020-21 school year, students continued to be engaged in a variety of arts activities aimed at fostering creative growth, innovation, and studio habits of mind.

The Junior School girls worked on visual arts projects exploring the elements of art and the principles of design, with each grade learning key foundational skills. Students were provided with robust art kits in response to pandemic protocols, allowing them to explore different media through direct teaching lessons, inquiry based projects, and individual exploration. Students also explored digital platforms such as Google Draw. Additionally, Pixton-an animation program was introduced in JS4 and JS55, providing students with a rich opportunity to use their imaginations and link learning cross -curricularly. The individual art kits allowed students to have a seamless art experience while at home during remote learning and teachers provided virtual instruction and leveraged technology such as document cameras, slide presentations and sharing, and the creation of instructional videos.

Highlights of the music program included the use of iPad apps to create and play music on virtual bells, boomwhackers and xylophones, as well as a lot of outdoor and at home singing in JS1-JS5. In JK and SK, most music classes took place outdoors where students were able to explore singing and movement in the safety of a wide open space. JS1 and JS2 enjoyed individual rhythm kits to learn the value of notes and rhythms, while

ST. MILDRED’S-LIGHTBOURN SCHOOL 2020-2021 ANNUAL REPORT

JS3 and JS4 classes played boomwhackers at school, and recorders at home. Grade 5 classes began their exploration of the ukulele while learning about chords, accompaniment and performance in school and at home.

A culmination of learning was celebrated through the Google Site showcasing student work in the arts in all grades in the school. Students in all classes created personal visual art galleries with visual artwork, and class performances included demonstrations of students singing through virtual choirs. The Google Site provided an excellent framework to share student learning, creativity, and deep learning connected to a variety of subject areas and themes.

MS7 and MS8 students were granted access to a musicdedicated software called MusicFirst. This software acted as an online platform which facilitated all aspects of the music program including performance, composition, theory, and appraisal. Students were able to play band instruments at home and record their progress using the program to then receive written teacher feedback.

Although music instruction was always virtual, students were still given the opportunity to collaborate with each other in class. Students were also given the opportunity to participate in co-curricular musical activities including virtual instrumental performances.

MIDDLE SCHOOL During the 2020-21 school year, students were engaged in a variety of creative activities that fostered imagination, inquiry, research, and creative problem-solving. Although the girls were not able to attend classes in the art, drama, or music classrooms due to COVID protocols, technology was leveraged and students were able to continue learning via direct instruction on Google Meets, through Google Meet break-out rooms, and through collaborative learning within their classrooms.

Our MySMLS Learning Management System was also used extensively to house learning material.

In visual arts students were also provided with art kits allowing them to engage with traditional art tools. Students participated in the creation of Google Slideshows to present their work, as well as folders to house works in progress and finished work. Many students participated in the Art Club which continued in a virtual format for a portion of the school year.

Students had the opportunity to participate in the first ever Middle School Virtual Play, The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life on Earth, by Jeremy Johnson and Brian D. Taylor. The play was written specifically for a virtual performance. Students rehearsed the play over several months and filmed individual scenes using Zoom. The scenes were then integrated using special software designed for ensemble performances.

TheMiddle School student community watched the show together and there was a special encore performance for families of students involved.

SENIOR SCHOOL The Arts & Design Signature Program in the Senior School at SMLS placed a necessary emphasis on digital forms of artistic and creative expression during the 2020-21 school year.

In Visual Arts and Media Arts classes, a document camera was used in tandem with our new digital RevTouch screen to conduct in-class art demonstrations and 1:1 breakout tutorials, leading to enhanced student engagement and learning. Sessions were recorded in Google Meet, to help students reflect upon and retain what was taught.

The Google Jamboard software platform helped to establish and maintain connections in the classroom, allowing students to receive consistent, daily feedback on their work, both from their teacher and peers. Students used equipment such as Wacom tablets and laptop-

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ST. MILDRED’S-LIGHTBOURN SCHOOL 2020-2021 ANNUAL REPORT

powered LED lightboxes, along with software such as Adobe Creative Suite, Sketchbook Pro, and Tinkercad, to create individual and unique works of art. This of course complimented our students’ more traditional mediums for expression like drawing, painting, and sculpture, which were possible through the provision of individual art kits for each student.

In Music classes, students used percussion instruments to collaborate in live performances, while solidifying their understanding of music theory and musical scores.

Our Senior Music teacher, Mr. Despinic also arranged for students to advance their expertise in several areas of the music curriculum by providing access to the comprehensive ​​learning management system MusicFirst.

Students were able to use their laptops, along with this powerful integrated software, to engage in music notation, ear training, sight reading and recording. In addition, students explored new and alternative means of composing using the digital audio workstation, GarageBand. There were also several collaborative creations whereby students used software to combine audio tracks of their instrumental playing to mimic group performances. These were often a highlight during special assemblies throughout the year.

Though a Senior Production was not possible in 2020-21, Drama students continued to rehearse and perform within their class cohort by taking advantage of the large Three Sisters Theatre to put on performances. As an example, our Grade 9 students continued with their performance of Romeo and Juliet, which included a virtual performer as the play’s narrator (streamed live into the theatre via In Spring 2021, two Senior School Students, Lauren and Alina, approached our Prefect Council with an idea to create a visual reminder of how strong the SMLS community is and how important the connections are that we build with one another. As one looks at the mural from left to right, the landscape transforms from empty and disconnected to lively and prosperous. This represents how girls moved from feelings of loneliness and isolation to being engaged and thriving as part of our school community.

an iPad) and provided a cross-curricular experience for our students who were also studying the play in English class. Students were able to utilize the lighting and sound systems in the theatre to augment their performances, learning how to affect the mood of a scene through the use of these technologies. Similarly, the Grade 10 and 11 students were able to use these same resources for the performance of their own original and adapted works.

Highlights from the 2020-21 School Year Our students’ voices and artistic expression flourished this past year.

A remarkable collection of student art that includes visual art as well as musical and dramatic performances from across the grades was presented in SMLS’s firstever digital Art Gallery. The collection showcases the truly incredible work of our students and the outstanding calibre of our Arts & Design Signature Program. Well done, students and teachers!

Another noteworthy project, initiated entirely by Senior School students, is a beautiful mural acknowledging and commemorating the student experience of the global pandemic. It is a poignant depiction of how our girls have relied on connection with one another and our community as a source of strength and optimism.

ST. MILDRED’S-LIGHTBOURN SCHOOL 2020-2021 ANNUAL REPORT

PERSONALIZED Through surveys and anecdotal reporting to the school, parents consistently cite the personalized attention that teachers give their daughters as uniquely valuable to the educational experience that SMLS delivers. They describe teachers as “attentive” and “responsive” and are pleased that teachers genuinely support their daughters in achieving individual goals. The Advisor Program in

the Senior School, Homeroom teachers in Middle and Junior School and the Circle of Care team all provide opportunities for girls to receive individual attention and make personalized connections with faculty.

In 2020-21, SMLS faculty participated in a wide variety of Professional Development opportunities that support 21st Century learning and personalization.

Selected highlights of SMLS Faculty Professional Development FACULTY PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT 2020-21

WHEN

CITE Conference

April 2021

20/20 Vision: Focus on Diversity, Equity Inclusion and Belonging. This one day conference provided breakout sessions on ideas and issues in the English classroom.

Teachers explored topics like podcasting.

Jim Knight-Instructional Playbook Workshops

Jan-March 2021

These workshops, run by Jim Knight’s Instructional Coaching Group, focused on the development of resources to be used by coaches as they work with fellow teachers.

Indigenous Canada

Oct.-Nov. 2020

This is a MOOC (Massive Open Online Course) developed by the Faculty of Native Studies at the University of Calgary. It explores First Nations’ cultures from their origins to the present.

PQP Part II Practicum Project

Sept 2020June 2021

This project is the capstone of the Principal’s Qualification Program.

DETAILS

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ST. MILDRED’S-LIGHTBOURN SCHOOL 2020-2021 ANNUAL REPORT

FACULTY PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT 2020-21

WHEN

DETAILS

Teachers’ College at Columbia University: “Keep the Kids Talking: Shifting from Q&A to Q&D”

February 2021 - May 2021

Learned targeted instructional strategies that create the conditions for authentic student-driven discussion.

Stanford University “Mathematical Mindsets”

Summer 2020

• Classroom set up at the start of the year to incorporate learning about brain plasticity and the importance of struggle to promote growth.

• Idea of making conjectures and the importance of mathematical reasoning.

• Importance of the visualization of math.

• Ways to introduce algebra to promote a conceptual understanding.

• Importance of discussions in math.

Cohort 21

Oct. 2020 to June 2021

Participants each choose a specific area of research in which they will focus and over the course of the year meet and share their results with peers as well as with their school.

Brave New Teaching: “Curriculum Rehab”

December 2020

Curriculum mapping using “Essential Questions” and “Universal Basic Design” to facilitate curriculum planning using “skills-based” approach.

Future Design School - Effective January 2021 Collaboration and Engagement in Online Learning

During the session, we unpacked different strategies for use in the classroom to drive effective collaboration and engagement.

Brave New Teaching: “The Shakespeare Teaching Festival”

April 2021

Week-long PD festival to help ELA educators design, instruct, and help students enjoy Shakespeare plays and understand his place in our ever-changing curricula.

Promoting Positive Play During a Pandemic

March 2021

This was a virtual meeting presented by Brent Evans from the Norval Outdoor Education Center.

The program concentrated on engaging primary based students in outdoor imaginative games and activities using a combination of the natural environment and ‘talking’ animals to tell stories and engage the students.

Center for STEM Education for Girls Conference

Feb. 2021

Presented by the Harpeth Hall Center for STEM Education for Girls and the STEM Consortium.

The Center for STEM Education for Girls is dedicated to closing the gender gap in STEM one girl at a time.

CAIS Leadership Institute: Faculty Culture Governance Academic Administration

Summer 2020

Supporting the learning and development of independent school leaders is a strategic priority for CAIS that supports school improvement and innovation.

ST. MILDRED’S-LIGHTBOURN SCHOOL 2020-2021 ANNUAL REPORT

FACULTY PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT 2020-21

WHEN

DETAILS

CAIS Leadership Institute: Change Management

Oct. 2020

Supporting the learning and development of independent school leaders is a strategic priority for CAIS that supports school improvement and innovation.

CAIS Leadership Institute: Advancement

April/May 2021

Supporting the learning and development of independent school leaders is a strategic priority for CAIS that supports school improvement and innovation.

“The Third Path” Book club webinars

December 2020

Supporting students social-emotional wellbeing, discussing topics from the book such as emotional safety and regulating difficult emotions.

Indigenous Canada, Online, via the University of Alberta, Faculty of Native Studies.

July to November The importance of marginalized perspectives when 2020 studying history, asking ourselves the questions “whose story/ voice is missing? How does the story/ history change when we incorporate those missing perspectives?

Incorporated learning into both MS7 and 8 history curriculum.

“

...the Circle of Care team all provide opportunities for girls to receive individual attention...”

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ST. MILDRED’S-LIGHTBOURN SCHOOL 2020-2021 ANNUAL REPORT

FACULTY PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT 2020-21

WHEN

DETAILS

Beginning with the End in Mind, Connect2learning Academy (Sandra Herbst and Anne Davies)

July 2020

Review how we collect and store student work (maybe through the use of a website or portfolio)and give the students a chance to decide what they want to submit as evidence.

Evaluation and Reporting Connect2learning Academy (Sandra Herbst and Anne Davies)

July 2020

Importance of collecting samples from a range of students to give teachers, parents, and students a clear idea of what success looks like at each level.

Success Through Powerful Feedback

July 2020

Importance of co-constructing criteria with students to give feedback because in a language that makes sense to the student which gives room for improvement.

PBL 101

April 2021

3 days foundational course learning about Gold Standard Project Based learning and how to implement it into the classroom.

CIS Drama Teacher Zoom Conference

Oct 2020

Virtual theatre is becoming more prominent and theatre companies are developing shows with this in mind e.g Outside the March.

Sandra Herbst Online Seminar Connect2Learning

• Stratford has online plays and resources to check out.

• More meetings to come to discuss strategies for drama educators.

Sound and Video Editing Your Musical Numbers (Broadway Teacher Workshop)

• Using audacity to clean up background noise in individual recordings.

• Starting recordings with a clap as “transient sound”.

• Learned how to have 4 video performances playing in a zoom style screen.

• Learned how to navigate Adobe Premiere and match up sound.

• Resource details from professionals in these fields.

ST. MILDRED’S-LIGHTBOURN SCHOOL 2020-2021 ANNUAL REPORT

FACULTY PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT 2020-21

WHEN

DETAILS

Stanford University: Youcubed Data Management

March 2021

Focus on data talks and the importance of women pursuing careers in the field of data science.

Mindfulness CoCurricular Credit

May 2020

Organized to help understand the benefits of mindfulness and ways to use it in the classroom. Provided resources such as exercises, books and videos for both teachers and students.

Special Education Part 1

May 2020

An introduction to special education, with a focus on IEP creation, differentiation, accommodations.

Increasing Engagement for Online Learning Future Design School

January 2021

Tips provided to teachers for online learning design. Provided different ideas to engage students in online skill building.

Math UP Training

February 2021

An introduction to the Math UP website. This PD provided an overview of the resources on the website and how each grade can use it.

Fountas and Pinnell Reading assessment

June 2021

An introduction to Fountas and Pinnell reading assessments including an overview of the boxes we use alongside the website. An opportunity to practice the reading assessments was also provided looking at the different types of errors and self corrections students make and how to use the reading assessment information in our teaching.

Various Lynn Lyons Podcasts

June 2021

Social Anxiety or Social Awkwardness-What is Normal?, The Physical Symptoms of Anxiety, Summer Safety Traps for Anxious Parents.

Marian Small Webinar, HDSB

June 2020

Keynote from Marian Small, with dialogue on MathUp, open questions and big ideas.

Managing Emotions in Times of Uncertainty & Stress: Yale University

July 2021

• Online self-paced course led by Marc Brackett.

Reading Part 2 AQ

June 2020

Reading Part 1 and 2 provided teachers with the opportunity to deepen their knowledge and understanding of the foundations and understandings of the foundations of reading instruction.

Teachers were taught how to apply current educational theory regarding reading instruction, program planning, and assessment and evaluation to create strong, independent readers.

Therapeutic Arts Life Coach - Online Course with CPD Certification

June 2021

The therapeutic art life coaching process includes guiding powerful ancient art designs for meditation and selfexploration, such as mandalas, as well as modern day artistic approaches for goal setting and manifestation, through creating vision or dream boards. Journaling, guided meditation, and specific art tasks aimed at stress reduction (colour studies and visual affirmations) are effective and useful practices for student development when focusing on self-expression, emotional well-being and creative mindfulness exercises.

• Learn about the impacts of stress.

• Teach students how to identify and manage emotions.

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ST. MILDRED’S-LIGHTBOURN SCHOOL 2020-2021 ANNUAL REPORT

ADDITIONAL

HIGHLIGHTS

Responding to the Global Pandemic

Educational Technology Across the School

Our teachers and staff continued to be united in their goal of providing a rich, high quality academic program so that our girls could complete their academic year successfully.

SMLS provides access to a broad range of technologies that supports the above collaborative and innovative teaching and learning environment from preschool through to graduation, through purposeful and coordinated use of digital devices and cloud-based tools for collaboration to provide rigorous, relevant, and engaging learning experiences for our students.

Students returned to school full time (5 days a week) in September 2020 which was a significant differentiator for the school. The increased use of technology across all three schools continued to disrupt traditional pedagogical approaches while enhancing student learning. The widespread use of Zoom and Google Meets connected our students with guest speakers, conferences, and other events around the world which have previously not been available. New programs and tools, such as Jamboard and RevTouch screens led to increased transparency in the classroom. With enhanced technology, our girls had more opportunities to share their work, give and receive feedback, and connect with their peers and teachers, all of which capitalized on the ‘teachable moments’ and resulted in enhanced student learning.

Similarly, interactive learning improved through the use of virtual ‘breakout rooms’ in Kahoots, and Jamboards.

These new approaches and strategies will continue to be used in classrooms during in-school learning

ST. MILDRED’S-LIGHTBOURN SCHOOL 2020-2021 ANNUAL REPORT

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Overview of SMLS technology utilization: JUNIOR SCHOOL

MIDDLE SCHOOL

Raz Reading (JK to JS3) Nearpod Mathletics (JS3-5) Lego Mindstorms IXL - Math & English (JS1-5) Type to Learn Epic XtraMath Seesaw (PK - JS2)

Nearpod code.org document cameras

EV3 Kits Solar suitcases

SENIOR SCHOOL

SCHOOL WIDE

2 Rev Touch Screens Labster Virtual Simulations for Science

Destiny (library catalog) Britannica online (English & French)

Vernier Probes (Bio, Chem, Physics)

World Book online

Kahoot Quizlet FlipGrid Explore LearningGIZMOs

Document Cameras VR - Oculus Rift NearPod Software Notability Software - to assist with remote learning (high potential it will be used moving forward)

PHET Simulations Quizziz Desmos Piktochart HP Reveal Type to Learn IXL - Math & English Codecombat iMovie Gamemaker Studio 2 Noodletools

FlipGrid, Kami, Screencastify PHeT Simulations (SS9-GY) Explore Learning - Gizmos Kahoot Desmos (math) Noodletools Piktochart HP Reveal

Focus On Diversity, Equity and Inclusion As An Important, School-Wide Commitment During the 2020-2021 year, the long-term work of the Faculty DEI Committee was acknowledged with the publication of a timeline entitled The Past Decade+ of DEI at SMLS. As a school, we have made progress in a number of areas such as gender expression, identity and sexual orientation, multiculturalism, and Indigenous awareness, with much work still to be done. Faculty and staff underwent Deep Diversity Training with Anima Leadership as part of an ongoing program of professional development related to DEI. The 2020-2021 school year theme of Empathy supported classroom dialogue pertaining to diversity, equity and inclusion and a number of faculty-led and student-led Chapel Talks dealt with issues of racism, social justice and awareness of diversity within our local and global communities.

Several Chapels were dedicated to celebrating the diverse cultures within our school community.

(English, French & Spanish) Britannica Image Quest NFB online Toronto Star online EBSCO databases (Novelist, Explora, Science Reference Centre, Canadian Literary Centre, Canadian Points of View, etc.)

“

...purposeful and coordinated use of digital devices and cloud-based tools for collaboration...”

Continued Preparation of the CAIS Accreditation Report for the CAIS Accreditation Visiting Committee (deferred one year to November 2021 due to pandemic) The planning for our CAIS accreditation review, which began in 2018 and was deferred in 2019 due to the pandemic, was continued in the 2020-21 school year and the necessary updates were made. As an example, all first drafts had to be updated to include the Remote Learning Component. By June 2021, all CAIS Standards were completed and another editing occurred over the summer months for the upcoming virtual Accreditation to take place in November 2021.

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ST. MILDRED’S-LIGHTBOURN SCHOOL 2020-2021 ANNUAL REPORT

FINANCIAL RESULTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2021 The summary financial information set out below is derived from the 2021 fiscal year audited Financial Statements of St. Mildred’s-Lightbourn School (“SMLS” or “the School”). The SMLS 2021 audited Financial Statements are available on request from the School.

For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2021, total revenues exceeded total expenditures resulting in a surplus of $4.1 million. The total surplus includes a $1.5 million surplus from regular school operations resulting mainly from actual enrolment being higher than the budgeted target. Also included in the total surplus are an unrealized gain on the school’s investments of $1.3 million and $1.3 million in revenue from the Canadian Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS). During the fiscal year, the Ontario government mandated closures of the school premises due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Families received refunds for ancillary services not

received during the closure periods. The resulting decrease in revenue was mitigated by operating expense savings realized during the closure period and receipt of the government wage subsidy funding. The Board of Governors specifically sets surplus funds aside as internally restricted funds representing operating and capital reserves to facilitate the near term operating needs of the school as well as to facilitate future planning and growth. As an independent school, this is critical to the long-term strength and sustainability of the school.

Internally restricted net assets are not available for other purposes without approval of the Board of Governors.

Total capital expenditures for fiscal 2021 were $0.5 million reflecting ongoing investment in the school’s facilities and infrastructure. The school’s bank debt was fully paid during the fiscal year.

ST. MILDRED’S-LIGHTBOURN SCHOOL 2020-2021 ANNUAL REPORT

Liquidity and Outlook: As at June 30, 2021 the School held (i) operating cash and cash equivalents of $15.3 million, comprising $5.1 million for working capital requirements and contingencies, $5.0 million of prepaid fees for the 2021-2022 school year, $1.3 million in the reserve for facility renewal, $3.5 million reserved for Strategic Initiatives and $0.4 million in reserve for donor restricted operating purposes, and (ii) internally restricted and endowment cash and cash equivalents of $8.3 million, used to fund academic prizes and financial aid.

The School’s operating cash is invested in guaranteed investment certificates with Canadian chartered banks and Canadian government treasury bills.

Restricted cash is managed by the school’s third party investment manager and is invested in a mix of fixed income and equity investments as per the School’s Statement of Investment Policies and Procedures.

The School’s financial objectives are to (i) maintain competitive tuition fees and rates, (ii) enhance our programs and services, (iii) ensure the school has sufficient financial reserves to respond to unexpected situations and to fund future strategic initiatives and (iv) grow our endowment and foundation accounts in a sustainable manner.

Audit: For the fiscal 2021, the financial statements of SMLS were prepared in accordance with Canadian accounting standards for not-for-profit organizations (ASNPO).

The independent auditors, BDO Canada LLP, issued an unqualified audit report for non-profit organizations.

During the course of the audit, they did not identify any significant weaknesses in the design or implementation of internal control over financial reporting.

The Board of Governors approved the fiscal 2021 financial statements of SMLS on September 27, 2021.

Revenues and Expenditures

Financial Position

For the years ended June 30 (in $ thousands)

As at June 30 (in $ thousands)

2021

2020

Revenues Fees and programs Contributions, investment and other Expenditures Excess of revenue over expenditures before other items

16,275

16,389

2020

Cash and short term investments-operating

15,275

6,778

Long-term investments - restricted

8,308

6,672

1,179

1,276

17,454

17,665

Other current assets

15,943

15,944

Capital assets Total assets

1,511

1,721

Other Items 1,266

COVID-19 subsidy

1,333 2,599

(334)

Bank debt

(334)

Deferred capital and other contributions Fund balances

4,110

1,387

788

1,131

13,429

14,368

37,800

28,949

9,719

4,492

-

185

3,397

3,807

24,684

20,465

37,800

28,949

Liabilities and fund balances Accounts payable, accruals and prepaid fees

Unrealized gain (loss) on investments

Excess of revenue over expenditures for the year

2021 Assets

Total liabilities and fund balances

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e r e h W ered w o p Em omen W rge Eme From the moment a student enters St. Mildred's-Lightbourn School she begins a journey of discovery to emerge as an empowered and thriving woman.

From Preschool to Grade 12, we support each student's interests, talents and learning needs. Our Signature Programs help her discover a world of opportunity and the knowledge that makes her a Millie.

Learn what makes our community so special. Attend a virtual open house or get in touch today.

She’s a Millie!

KIRA, LAILA, LISA, GRADE 10

1080 Linbrook Road Oakville, ON L6J 2L1 905-845-2386 | smls.on.ca