ST. MILDRED’S-LIGHTBOURN SCHOOL STRATEGIC PLAN
ST. MILDRED’S-LIGHTBOURN SCHOOL STRATEGIC PLAN 2022 - 2029
SHE’S A MILLIE! Table of Contents Message from Head of School and Board Chair 4 6 8 Strategic Plan Development 10 14 16 18 12 Our Strategic Framework Real-world Learning Sustainable Strategic Vitality Academic Excellence and Innovation Vision, Mission and the Essence of SMLS Engaged, Diverse, Inclusive and Supportive Community
of
ST. MILDRED’S-LIGHTBOURN SCHOOL STRATEGIC PLAN 2022 - 2029 Message Head
BoardSchoolChairfrom our and
Dear SMLS Community Members,
SMLS is poised to take bold steps into the future, leveraging our current strengths and guided by an aspirational strategic plan. We are delighted to share
Aspire 2029, an ambitious roadmap that will advance our school’s vision and direction for years to come.
Aspire 2029 is the result of a robust and comprehensive consultation and planning process, led by our Board of Governors, Head of School
With each girl at the centre, supported by our strong, dedicated community, we will deliver an extraordinary educational experience that empowers young women to challenge and transform the world.
We look forward to working with all members of our SMLS community to realize our collective vision. It is an exciting time to be part of the SMLS family.
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SHE’S A MILLIE!
Strategic Plan Development
We are standing at the threshold of a new and exciting era in St. Mildred’s-Lightbourn School history; an era in which limitless potential is helping to shape our shared future. As we have been innovating and evolving, we embark now on a new strategic plan that will lead us boldly through the next decade.
The path to Aspire 2029 has been a thorough and consultative process led by our Board of Governors, Head of School and Strategic Leadership Team, with invaluable and expert guidance from Berlineaton Management Consultants. We express our deepest appreciation to everyone in the SMLS community who has contributed their time, effort, and wisdom to this plan. The passion and dedication that has been poured into this plan provide an infallible foundation on which we will continue to fulfill our mission and build a community where young women are empowered to challenge and transform the world.
SHE’S A MILLIE!
ST. MILDRED’S-LIGHTBOURN SCHOOL STRATEGIC PLAN 2022 - 2029
Create process led by Berlineaton Management Consultants • Formation of project teams • Project design sessions with Head of School, Board Chair, Chair of Strategy & Facilities Committee • Schedule regular check-in meetings with the Project Management Team Project Design SUMMER 2021 Understand the current SMLS environment and community • Internal and external research • CAIS Review: Internal Evaluation Report and CAIS Visiting Committee Report • Community input through Online Community Survey and Virtual Stakeholder Consultation Sessions (close to 1,000 participants) Scan SEPTEMBER 2021 – APRIL 2022 Describe and affirm SMLS’s unique purpose, values and desired future • One-day in-person workshop with Board of Governors and Senior Leadership Team • Working group sessions with Board Strategy & Facilities Committee and Project Management Team Articulate JANUARY 2022 – APRIL 2022 Determine goals and priorities that will achieve our desired future for SMLS • Two-day virtual workshop with Board of Governors and Senior Leadership Team to define goals and strategic priorities • Working group sessions with Board Strategy & Facilities Committee and Project Management Team • Board of Governors meeting to approve strategic framework Define APRIL 2022 - JUNE 2022 1.0 5.0 2.0 6.0 3.0 7.0 4.0 Match actions and resources to goals and priorities • Two full-day tactical planning sessions with Senior Leadership Team • Implementation Align MAY 2022 - SEPTEMBER 2022 Launch strategic plan to SMLS Community • Share the new SMLS strategic plan with all key stakeholders (students, families, faculty, staff, alumnae) • Build awareness, clarity, and excitement • Begin phased implementation of tactical plan EXECUTE SEPTEMBER 2022 ONWARDS Utilize reporting tools and measurements to drive action and adjust as results emerge • Track and evaluate progress • Adjust as needed • Report to and engage community on a regular basis MONITOR OCTOBER 2022 ONWARDS The Steps 7 Research & Community Engagement Strategic Plan Launch Create the Roadmap Tactical Planning Vision, Mission & Values Reporting & Measurement Goals & Strategic Priorities
Vision
women empowered
engage each
ST. MILDRED’S-LIGHTBOURN SCHOOL STRATEGIC PLAN 2022 - 2029
Young
to challenge and transform the world. To
girl in a personalized, real-world learning experience where she explores her unique pathways within a nurturing community. Mission
of SMLSEssencethe
EACH GIRL at the Centre
We believe that each girl is creating her own distinct educational pathway, as her interests, strengths and passions emerge. We are committed to co-creating that pathway with her in a personalized learning environment where each girl’s joy, laughter and love of learning belong.
ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE and Innovation
SMLS is grounded in best practices and focused on innovation. We set the highest standards of excellence for our academic curriculum and signature programs as we develop ethical, culturally competent leaders who are catalysts for positive change.
WELLBEING and Belonging
We understand that connectedness to oneself, others and the world around us is fundamental to our students’ learning and wellbeing. As a school community, we are united by our values and our commitment to building a just and inclusive environment with empathy, integrity and respect. We honour our Anglican heritage and welcome all faiths and cultures, celebrating the diversity reflected by each member of our school community.
STRENGTH of Spirit
We live in a complex world with uncertainty and change. We believe that resilience, courage and commitment are essential for our students and our community to embrace life fully, open ourselves to limitless possibilities, and boldly meet the unknown challenges ahead.
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ST. MILDRED’S-LIGHTBOURN SCHOOL STRATEGIC PLAN 2022 - 2029 Our Strategic Every iconic structure begins with a well-designed blueprint. This strategic framework is an essential supporting guide to the overall strategies of Aspire 2029. Our four pillars are the foundation that support our vision and mission. They will drive and guide the processes that will be implemented to achieve our goals: providing an exceptional education for girls and young women, and advancing SMLS for current and future generations. Academic Excellence & Personalized Learning Vision Young women empowered to challenge and transform the world. Mission To engage each girl in a personalized, real-world learning experience where she explores her unique pathways within a nurturing community. Goal Pillar 1 The Essence of SMLS • Each Girl at the Centre • Academic Excellence and Innovation • Wellbeing and Belonging • Strength of Spirit Framework SHE’S A MILLIE!
11 Real-world Learning Engaged, Inclusive & Supportive Community Sustainable Strategic Vitality Goal Pillar 2 Goal Pillar 3 Goal Pillar 4
Academic Excellence & Personalized Learning Goal Pillar 1 ST. MILDRED’S-LIGHTBOURN SCHOOL STRATEGIC PLAN 2022 - 2029
For more than a century, St. Mildred’s-Lightbourn School has upheld a proud legacy of academic rigour and personalized learning. With a focus on education, innovation, and empowerment, Aspire 2029 will allow us to continue building on that tradition.
Initiatives Examples of
With This Pillar...
• Implement a customized Senior School strategy that supports each girl’s personalized educational pathway, and optimizes the integration of our unique SMLS Signature Programs
• We will extend and continue enhancing the work the school has done in recent years to give students a true personalized experience.
• We will align our mission of engaging each student in a personalized, real-world learning experience where she explores her unique pathways within a nurturing community across all three schools - the Junior School, Middle School and Senior School.
• Develop Middle School and Junior School strategies that balance a strong foundation in essential academic skills with inquiry-based learning, underpinned by a personalized approach
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Real-world Learning Goal Pillar 2 ST. MILDRED’S-LIGHTBOURN SCHOOL STRATEGIC PLAN 2022 - 2029
Examples of
Initiatives
•
15 At SMLS, a student’s learning experience extends far beyond their classroom walls. Aspire 2029 leverages the strength of our signature programs to cultivate a rich and engaging environment in which girls and young women can grow and excel while acquiring essential, real-world skills.
Identify optimal Community and Global Partnerships that support new areas of learning for our students through consultation with current partners, field experts, our CAIS network, and our students • Develop an Environmental Stewardship Action Plan driven by student leadership • Create a comprehensive MS7- SS12 Higher Education Pathway that is personalized for each student
SHE’S A MILLIE!
With This Pillar... • We will not only extend opportunities for connection and partnerships, but also extend our five Signature Progams (Active Healthy Living, Arts and Design, Global Citizenship, Professional Internship, and STEM and Robotics). • We will give give further focus to preparing our students to thrive in higher education and life with the knowledge, understanding and confidence to meet opportunities and challenges.
Goal Pillar 3 Engaged, Diverse, Inclusive & Supportive Community ST. MILDRED’S-LIGHTBOURN SCHOOL STRATEGIC PLAN 2022 - 2029
Once a Millie, always a Millie. Aspire 2029 recognizes and utilizes the strength, wisdom and tireless support of the entire SMLS community: past, present, and future, as well as the vital role it plays in the success and wellbeing of every one of our students.
Examples of
Initiatives
With This Pillar...
• We will continue to foster the active engagement of all stakeholders in our school community, support the ongoing work of our diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging strategy.
• We will also continue to promote the wellbeing and belonging of young women, utilizing our faculty’s deep understanding of the intellectual, socialemotional, physical, spiritual development needs of today’s young women.
• Establish a DEIB Task Force to create a comprehensive strategy and framework for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging that supports all SMLS community members in feeling represented and respected
• Create an internal working group to consult and build relationships with Indigenous Communities
• Position SMLS as an expert in Girls’ Learning and Wellbeing
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ST. MILDRED’S-LIGHTBOURN SCHOOL STRATEGIC PLAN 2022 - 2029 Sustainable Strategic Vitality Goal Pillar 4
Examples of Initiatives
•
•
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Review, refine and update our draft Master Plan, aligned with the delivery of personalized, real-word learning and our curricular and cocurricular programs
Implement the SMLS Advancement Strategic Development plan • Communicate our Essence of SMLS to current and prospective community members • Continue to engage our faculty and staff in building a positive SMLS culture
Aspire 2029 establishes a solid foundation on which to nurture and cultivate our vision, mission, and strategic framework; properly ensuring that we have the necessary insight, resources and support to grow and evolve while retaining the unique values that have made our school the institution it is today. SHE’S A MILLIE! With This Pillar... • We will continue to nurture a culture of philanthropy by building on the strength and vitality of our SMLS community. • We will review and re-imagine our existing facilities, considering all of the possibilities that will best support and enhance the delivery of the school’s curricular and co-curricular programming.
ST. MILDRED’S-LIGHTBOURN SCHOOL STRATEGIC PLAN 2022 - 2029 Empowered Women. Inspired Girls.
Dare to Aspire
The initiatives, goals, and strategies outlined in this document represent the collective hopes, dreams, and aspirations of the entire St. Mildred’s-Lightbourn School community.
As with any living document, the precise scope, tactics, and objectives of Aspire 2029 may adapt to best match our future needs and circumstances. We will strive to provide additional information when and if these changes should take place. Please visit our website (smls.on.ca) for the latest news and updates.
Once again, we would like to thank everyone who has contributed to Aspire 2029, and all those who will continue to lend us their steadfast support as we make these pillars and goals a reality.
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