A Shift In Philanthropy at The Country Day School
A quiet but powerful shift has taken place at The Country Day School - one that reflects our community's evolving understanding of philanthropy and its impact.
When I arrived at CDS in 2008, conversations around scholarships and bursaries were rare. Tuition was viewed simply as the cost of attending, and endowment funds primarily supported current programs and academic achievement. Access and affordability were not yet part of the philanthropic dialogue.
When I arrived at CDS in 2008, conversations around scholarships and bursaries were rare. Tuition was viewed simply as the cost of attending, and endowment funds primarily supported current programs and academic achievement. Access and affordability were not yet part of the philanthropic dialogue.
Fast forward 18 years, and that mindset has transformed. Together with our Board of Directors and Head of School, I’ve witnessed a growing commitment to supporting endowment funds that open doors for students who might not otherwise see CDS as a possibility. Our community now recognizes the transformative power of an education built on balance — and the importance of making that experience accessible to more young people.
This shift began with the creation of the Paul C. Duckett Endowment, established in honour of our third Head of School upon his retirement in 2011, to provide financial aid for current CDS families facing unforeseen challenges. The momentum continued with the Eberts Scholarship, launched in 2013 by Co-Founder Ed Eberts as CDS’s first entrance scholarship. What began as a single annual award has grown to four, benefitting 20 students and counting. The Alumni Legacy Fund, created eight years ago in recognition of our founding year, offers alumni, past parents, and grandparents an opportunity to support the next generation of Cyclones — children of CDS graduates.
As CDS closed in on its 50th anniversary milestone (celebrated in 2022), another evolution in giving emerged — one rooted in remembrance and legacy. Families have chosen to honour the lives of alumni we’ve lost far too soon by establishing endowments that keep their passions alive. The Courtney T. Cathers ’06 Endowment and Hanna Valle ’13 Endowment support programs and students who excel in and contribute to the Arts, while the Ian Sokullu ’19 Endowment fuels innovation in Computer Science and Robotics. These funds ensure that the names and spirits of these remarkable individuals continue to inspire and uplift future generations.
It is an incredible privilege to work with families who wish to create such lasting legacies — whether in honour of a loved one, or as a testament to their belief in the power of education. Each fund is born from kindness, vision, and a shared commitment to our community’s future. And the impact — on the lives of our students and the strength of our school — is truly immeasurable.
To learn more about establishing an endowment or simply schedule a conversation, please don’t hesitate to contact me at brent.johnston@cds.on.ca or 905.833.1220 x269.
Thank you for your ongoing support.
This shift began with the creation of the Paul C. Duckett Endowment, established in honour of our third Head of School upon his retirement in 2011, to provide financial aid for current CDS families facing unforeseen challenges. The momentum continued with the Eberts Scholarship, launched in 2013 by Co-Founder Ed Eberts as CDS’s first entrance scholarship. What began as a single annual award has grown to four, benefitting 20 students and counting. The Alumni Legacy Fund, created eight years ago in recognition of our founding year, offers alumni, past parents, and grandparents an opportunity to support the next generation of Cyclones — children of CDS graduates.
As CDS closed in on its 50th anniversary milestone (celebrated in 2022), another evolution in giving emerged — one rooted in remembrance and legacy. Families have chosen to honour the lives of alumni we’ve lost far too soon by establishing endowments that keep their passions alive. The Courtney T. Cathers ’06 Endowment and Hanna Valle ’13 Endowment support programs and students who excel in and contribute to the Arts, while the Ian Sokullu ’19 Endowment fuels innovation in Computer Science and Robotics. These funds ensure that the names and spirits of these remarkable individuals continue to inspire and uplift future generations.
It is an incredible privilege to work with families who wish to create such lasting legacies — whether in honour of a loved one, or as a testament to their belief in the power of education. Each fund is born from kindness, vision, and a shared commitment to our community’s future. And the impact — on the lives of our students and the strength of our school — is truly immeasurable.
To learn more about establishing an endowment or simply schedule a conversation, please don’t hesitate to contact me at brent.johnston@cds.on.ca or 905.833.1220 x269.
Thank you for your ongoing support.
Brent Johnston
Executive Director of Advancement
Executive Director of Advancement
Land Acknowledgment
The Country Day School wishes to recognize and acknowledge the land on which the school operates. Our nearest Indigenous Nations are now the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and the Chippewas of Georgina Island. The Dish with One Spoon Wampum covenant is often cited as an example of the shared responsibility for caring for these lands among the Huron-Wendat, Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee peoples who would call these their traditional territories. CDS respects the relationship with these lands and recognizes that our connection to this land can be strengthened by our continued relationship with all First Nations, by acknowledging our shared responsibility to respect and care for the land and waters for future generations.
School Information
Junior, Middle and Senior Schools
13415 Dufferin Street, King, Ontario L7B 1K5
(905) 833-1220
communications@cds.on.ca
admissions@cds.on.ca
Founded in 1972, The Country Day School is a co-educational private school offering programs in JK-12 and located on 100 acres north of Toronto in King.
13415 Dufferin Street, King, Ontario L7B 1K5
(905) 833-1220
communications@cds.on.ca
admissions@cds.on.ca
Founded in 1972, The Country Day School is a co-educational private school offering programs in JK-12 and located on 100 acres north of Toronto in King.
