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ANNU ANNU

MISSION

Montcrest School is a community, small enough to honour the individual and big enough to provide an exceptional academic experience with balanced opportunities in leadership, the arts, and athletics. Our school challenges children to discover and acknowledge their own voices, so they can understand and make meaningful connections with the world.

LETTER FROM

THE HEAD OF SCHOOL & CHAIR OF THE BOARD

As we reflect on another remarkable year at Montcrest School, we are filled with immense gratitude for our entire community. We extend our thanks to every family member, student, volunteer, faculty and staff. Our school is often referred to as a "village," and it is this collective spirit this shared commitment to nurturing every child and supporting them to exceed what they think is possible that defines who we are and makes all our achievements possible

This past year, we saw the successful culmination of our 2021–2025 Strategic Plan, a roadmap that has guided our progress and shaped our community over the past several years. In the fall, we launched our new Strategic Plan. The objectives within the 2025–2030 Strategic Plan were crafted with significant input from our community throughout the 2024–25 school year and will serve as our guide for the coming years.

This year, we can also celebrate a tangible symbol of our collective effort: the construction start of our vibrant Community Garden. This project, made possible by the power of philanthropy, is set to become a thriving space for sustainability, outdoor learning, and connection, enriching the lives of our students and the entire community.

In alignment with our ambitious strategic priorities, the acquisition of the property at 648 Broadview Avenue supports our capacity to build a legacy for generations of future Montcrest students. This building is currently residential and will remain so for the foreseeable future. This investment is part of our commitment to Montcrest's long-term strength and permanence.

Our achievements would not have been possible without the dedication of key groups within our village We want to specifically recognize the Montcrest Parents' Association (MPA) for their unwavering work in fostering meaningful community connections and organizing events that bring us all together. We also extend our gratitude to the Board of Governors for their strategic leadership and thoughtful guidance, which continually strengthens the very foundation of our school. It is the collaborative, unified vision of these groups, along with the Montcrest faculty, staff, and leaders, that ensures our continued excellence.

The power of our village is undeniable. It is in every shared moment, every act of kindness, and every collective effort to nurture each child's potential. We look to the future with great enthusiasm, knowing that with this incredible community by our side, there are no limits to what we can accomplish together.

Patti MacDonald Head of School

Sarah Lerchs Chair, Board of Governors

Board of Governors

Sarah Lerchs | Chair

Isabelle Bissonnette

Beth Dewitt

Ted Gorsline

Christopher Hills

Renee Kennedy

Warwick Marchant

Barb McLean

Jonathan Moncrieff

Craig Race

Candra Reynolds

Stephen Shuttleworth

Colette Tom

Board Committees

Advancement Committee: Candra Reynolds (Chair), Ted Gorsline, Donna Lindell & Wayne Pommen

Finance & Risk Committee: Colette Tom (Chair), Bridget Child, Beth Dewitt, Christopher Hills, Stephen Shuttleworth & Olivier

Simon-Vermot

Head Support & Evaluation Committee: Sarah Lerchs, Renee Kennedy & Colette Tom

Nominating & Governance Committee: Renee Kennedy (Chair), Thomas Aust, Sarah Lerchs, Barb McLean & Jonathan Moncrieff

Property Committee: Craig Race (Chair), Nicole MacDonald, Warwick Marchant & Thomas Mirkovich

Risk Task Force: Isabelle Bissonnette (Chair), Beth Dewitt & Jonathan Moncrieff

Strategic Planning Committee: Sarah Lerchs (Chair), Isabelle Bissonnette, Ted Gorsline, Christopher Hills & Candra Reynolds

2024-25

V I N G

I

G

Annual giving is the foundation of philanthropy at Montcrest School. While tuition covers day-to-day operations, it is your generous support through annual giving that allows us to innovate and grow. Every gift, no matter the size, helps us to provide an exceptional education and create a vibrant community.

Last year, your giving was channeled through two key funds, and the impact is visible campus-wide.

Montcrest Initiatives

A

A N N U

Raised to enrich the Montcrest student experience

Assistance

Our mission to make a Montcrest education more accessible is powered by you. By supporting the Elaine Danson Bursary or the Taber Family Bursary, you provide opportunities for deserving students.

This year, your support helped 10 families send their children to Montcrest. Thank you for your partnership and for the impact you've made. We are deeply grateful for your commitment.

A Visit from Elaine Danson

We were fortunate last school year to welcome back former Head of School, Elaine Danson (1991–2006). Her enduring dedication to Montcrest is a meaningful example for our community.

Upon her retirement, Elaine established the dedicated Elaine Danson Bursary that bears her name. By creating this fund, she launched Montcrest's first-ever financial aid program, ensuring her deep commitment to inclusive access would continue for generations of students. Her influence on our school extends throughout the campus; for instance, the naming of Danson House is also a testament to her legacy.

$34,149

Total raised for Financial Assistance

We were thrilled to connect her past leadership to our current community when our Grade 8 students had the opportunity to meet with Elaine back in the spring. During her visit, she shared inspiring memories and insights on what it means to leave a legacy, connecting directly to their Grade 8 legacy gift.

Dear Montcrest Community,

From the start, the Montcrest Community Garden has been a testament to our collective strength. The outpouring of support from our donors, the Montcrest Parents’ Association, and our many dedicated volunteers has been truly inspiring. As a community, we are coming together to create a space where our students can thrive.

This project has always been about more than just a garden; it's about cultivating a space where our students and our entire Montcrest family can grow together. The excitement for this initiative can be felt throughout the school from our JK class, eager to grow their own herbs, to our Grade 8 Food Committee, which is exploring ways to grow, harvest, and prepare food for our community.

We cannnot wait to see this space become a reality. Imagine our community gathering around the fire pit for a winter event, students and teachers sharing fresh-baked pizza from the wood-burning oven, and families coming together to tend the garden beds. This isn't just a place for learning; it's a place for connection.

Thank you for your continued support and for your belief in the transformative power of the Montcrest Community Garden. We are building something truly special together.

COMMUNITY

Thank you to our generous community of donors who gave to this project in the 2024-25 school year:

Birds and leaves are still available for purchase. Visit montcrest.ca to add yours today! Keep our Garden growing!

GARDEN

Major Donors

Birds Small Leaf

Donors

MONTCREST PARENTS’ ASSOCIATION

It has been a true pleasure to serve once again as Chair of the Montcrest Parents’ Association this year. I am deeply grateful to our parents, volunteers, board members, faculty, and staff for their enthusiasm and dedication, which continue to strengthen the bonds of our community.

The vibrancy of Montcrest was on full display through some of our most cherished traditions, from the Fall Fair and Bingo Night to Spring Fling and the much-loved Kite Day. Each of these events captured the spirit of joy, connection, and generosity that defines our school.

Thank you for your continued commitment and support. I look forward with excitement to all that the MPA and Montcrest community will achieve in the year ahead, and I encourage everyone to stay engaged and involved in the life of our school.

Sara Simon-Vermot Chair, MPA

Chair, Sara Simon-Vermot Vice Chair, Ken DiMarco MPA Leaders 2024-25

Treasurer, Janet Mirkovich

Secretary, Jenn Pearson

Communications Coordinator, Oxana Jeltova

Graphic Design Coordinator, Paul Abrams

Pizza Lunch Coordinator, Thomas Mirkovich

Tuck Cart Coordinator, Erin Shearer

Used Uniforms Coordinators, Noreen Flaherty & Bonnie Mo

Lost & Found Coordinator, Kendall Pereira

School Liaison, Carrie Weston

Grade Parents 2024-25

Larissa Vermeersch - JK, Tracy Chang - SK, Monika Mullen - Grade 1, Mark-Pieter Van Den Heuvel - Grade 2, Jessica Swartz- Grade 3, Devon Largio - Grade 4, Sarah Hawthorn - Grade 5, Haneen Davies - Grade 6, Jennifer Good - Grade 7, Bonnie Mo - Grade 8

7 USED UNIFORM SALES

PIZZA SLICES SERVED

12 70K+

RAISED

Learning @ Montcrest Parent Social Fall Fair

Bingo Night

SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC.

Cocktail Parties Used Uniform Sales

The MPA defines school spirit!

The Montcrest Parent Association (MPA) is the heart of engagement at our school.

Serving as a vital hub for our parent community, the MPA welcomes new

families, provides a range of fun events, and supports our strategic fundraising priorities. Volunteerism is a cherished, long-standing legacy at Montcrest, and we are profoundly grateful to the hundreds of parent volunteers who make this commitment a reality every year.

MPA EVENT

FEB. APR. MAY. JUN.

THE IMPACT

O F L E G A C Y

G I V I N G

We extend our deepest gratitude to the Class of 2024 for their remarkable legacy gift, which raised over $11,000 to expand our Physical Education program. This investment allowed us to acquire state-of-the-art fitness equipment including stationary bikes, box jumpers, dumbbells, kettlebells, and TRX bands fundamentally elevating the scope and effectiveness of our instruction.

For our Grades 4-8 students, this new equipment provides essential opportunities for growth by:

Building Foundational Strength: Utilizing modified dumbbells, kettlebells, and TRX bands to learn proper form, fostering body awareness and injury prevention.

Improving Cardiovascular Health: Stationary bikes offer a safe, low-impact way to build endurance and understand heart health through measurable activity.

Developing Agility and Power: Box jumpers and dynamic stations develop coordination and explosive power, vital skills for all physical challenges.

Promoting Inclusive Fitness: The variety of equipment ensures that all students, regardless of athletic preference, can find an activity they enjoy, promoting a lifelong positive relationship with health.

The generosity of the Class of 2024 ensures our students are building the confidence and knowledge required for long-term well-being.

0 2 5

C L A S S O F 2

Thanks to the leadership of the Class of '25, our students have left a remarkable legacy. Each year, our Grade 8 students collaborate to choose a gift that will honour their class and leave a lasting mark on the Montcrest community. After much discussion, the students voted to dedicate our new community garden fire pit to their graduating class.

We want to thank our parent champion Jenn Pearson for helping us achieve our highest-ever participation rate, a true testament to our community's spirit. This year's Grade 8 class raised an incredible $31,427, the most ever for a legacy gift! A huge thank you to the LerchsBoyes family for their generous $15,000 matching gift that helped us reach this new record.

The highest rate ever helped the Class of '25 break the legacy gift record. 70% participation

High School Destinations

Bishop Strachan School

Crescent School

Danforth Collegiate Technical Institute

De La Salle College

Greenwood College School

Havergal College

Hotchkiss School (US Boarding)

Malvern Collegiate Institute

Metropolitan Preparatory Academy

Monarch Park Collegiate Institute

Riverdale Collegiate Institute

Rosedale Heights School of the Arts

Royal St. George's College

St. Michael's College School

St. Clement's School

The Study Academy

The York School

Toronto Preparatory School

OUR ALUM VOLUNTEERING ON CAMPUS

Last year, over 40 alum volunteered with us, a powerful testament to their dedication and generosity of time and talent. We are deeply grateful for their contributions, including high school students completing service hours. We love seeing our alum back on campus as graduates return to mentor and share their professional expertise. Our alum are a powerful inspiration to current students, helping them connect their academic pursuits with their future aspirations and reminding us of the lifelong bonds formed at our school.

Thank you to the alum volunteers who have been back to support these events!

Fall Fair

Bingo Night

Movie Night

Middle School Info Session

Kindergarten to Grade 1 Info Session

Insiders Guide to High School

Grandpals Day

Coaching Support

Student Teaching

Musical/Drama Support

MONTCREST MOMENTS

Every day at Montcrest is filled with special moments that bring our community closer. Relive the excitement of our annual traditions, including the heartwarming Grandpals Day, where students beam with pride while showing family members their achievements; the spectacular stage performance of Puffs, and the pure joy found soaring at Kite Day.

B Y T H E N U M B E R S

M O N T C R E S T

Montcrest deepened its financial strength and stability throughout the 2024-25 academic year, achieving consistent enrolment numbers thanks to our commitment to sound financial stewardship and the ongoing support of the Montcrest community. This stability enabled significant strategic investments in our operations and campus. Key projects included a full update to the Thomson House HVAC system and important exterior work on Livingston House.

Expenses

Salaries & Benefits - 75.7%

- 8.5%

5.5%

6.0%

& Fundraising - 2.3%

- 2.2%

- 3.3%

Montcrest Initiatives - $63,911

Elaine Danson Bursary - $29,270

Taber Family Bursary - $4,879

Community Garden - $222,818

Class of ‘25 Legacy Gift - $30,927

Capital Initiatives Fund - $75,376

MPA Contribution to Montcrest

Initiatives - $50,000

MPA Contribution to Financial

Assistance - $26,000

Building Together Campaign

Pledged Gifts - $10,000

24-25

$513,181

Donors

OUR DONORS

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT

Aaron & Katrina Atkinson

Lerchs-Boyes Family

Butler-Bissonnette Family

Chau Family

Geordie Dalglish & Swith Bell

Paul & Melita De Francesca

Goldsmith Jano Family Foundation

Ted & Bronwyn Gorsline

Reid Gosselin Family

Vivianne & Al Gransden

Colette Tom & Roy Gunawan

William & Anne Hepburn

Hill Family Foundation

Hong Family

Nini Jones & Alex Baniczky

Brian Levitt

Patti MacDonald

Stewart Family

Candra Reynolds & Brad McMullen

Noreen Flaherty & Jeff Mowder

Paech-Lee Family

Pearson Family

Jay Prichard

Ann Wilson & Rob Prichard

Race Family

Simon-Vermot Family

Slaight Family

Stewart Family

Tudor-Marcotte Family

Tait Vines Family

Anonymous

The Katie Macdonald Foundation for A Better World

Dr. Notisha Massaquoi & Alison Duke

Barb McLean & Mort Mitchnick

We thank all community members who have supported Montcrest School over the years, and acknowledge those who have made contributions between July 2024 and June 2025 in this report. Donors who have supported Montcrest School for five or more years are marked with , ten or more years with and twenty or more years with . M M