A MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR OF THE BOARD
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Annual Report 2022 – 2023
A MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR OF THE BOARD
Carolyn Kirkwood CHAIR , BOARD OF GOVERNORS
On behalf of the Board of Governors , I would like to honour and welcome all students and families , whether embarking upon the first year or the next step in their CHS journey . This is a remarkable institution , enriched each fall by our ever-expanding community .
2023 marks the 125th anniversary of Crofton House , and it has been an exciting year of celebration , both within the School and throughout the incredible network of CHS alumnae locally and around the world . The balance of innovation and tradition that has characterized the School during its long history is one of our core differentiators . And it is one that is sustained through our next strategic plan , Thriving in Possibility , which was launched earlier this year .
In many ways , the Board at Crofton House exemplifies this same balance . The role of the Board is one of longer-term strategy and stewardship . Our commitments and principles span decades , but our capacity is constantly enriched by the thoughtful turnover of governors that injects fresh perspective and new skills to support the School ’ s changing requirements . This is my fifth and final Annual Report message as Chair , having joined the Board in 2015 . I am thrilled to be handing over to Craig Lindsay , a Governor since 2018 , who was unanimously endorsed by the Board as the next Chair .
When I look back at the last year , several Board endeavours stand out . We conducted , with the School , a robust review of risk and risk management practices to ensure currency in our approaches given the extraordinary shifts in the external landscape over the last few years . The Board approved a meaningful increase in staff compensation and initiated a Staff Matters Task Force to recommend changes in structures and processes to better support the outstanding people we are fortunate to employ . We also struck an Advancement Task Force to consider fundraising priorities and practices to facilitate the ongoing evolution of the School under the new strategic plan , including our steadfast focus on diversity and financial assistance .
When I look back further , over the last five years , I believe the Board has overseen some substantive and highly relevant developments . We have invested in curriculum renewal to align with provincial requirements and the changing global context and in learning resources and pastoral care to meet the varied requirements of students – including post-pandemic . We have endorsed changes in staffing structures and professional development