Announcements

Registration is open for Virtual LIs

Registration is open for Virtual LIs

LI modules fill quickly.

Register today.

New Dates Announced: Governance Upskilling Workshops & Fireside Chats

New Dates: Governance Upskilling & Fireside Chats

New sessions have been added to our Governance Upskilling Workshops and Fireside Chats series, designed to support independent school board members.

Workshops: Oct 8, Nov 25, Feb 11, Apr 22

Fireside Chats: Sept 17, Sept 23, Nov 4, Jan 28, May 5

Free for CAIS Member Schools. Fees apply for non-members.

See details and register

Foundations for School Leadership Program: Designing a Practice

Foundations for School Leadership Program: Designing a Practice

Starting the Journey – Knowing Oneself in Order to Lead

The CAIS Foundations for School Leadership Program is the essential starting point for emerging leaders in independent schools.

🗓️ Save the Dates: July 5–8, 2026
More details coming soon. Registration opens in the new year and fills quickly — early sign-up is strongly encouraged!

🔗 Learn more

Summer LI Modules – In-Person

Summer LI Modules – In-Person

Dates: July 5–9, 2026

Location: Halifax Grammar School

More details to be announced soon!

Are you a member?

The CAIS School Innovation Grant Program (SIG) supports the creation of knowledge within the CAIS network.

Faculty and staff are encouraged to utilize this program as part of their professional growth plan for the year, either as a grant program recipient or a CAIS School Innovation Grants Committee member.

Applications for the 2025–2026 CAIS School Innovation Grants cycle are now closed.

Information about the next application cycle will be shared here and through CAIS communications.

Program Overview

The CAIS School Innovation Grants (SIG) Program supports the creation and sharing of knowledge across the CAIS network through school-based research projects led by educators and school leaders.

  • Grants to support internal school research
  • Mentorship from experienced CAIS school leaders
  • Opportunities to share findings through webinars and presentations
  • Potential presentation opportunities at the CAIS National Leaders Conference
  • Option to earn a Leadership Institute (LI) Diploma credit upon completion

For complete details on the CAIS School Innovation Grants program, visit the CAIS School Innovation Grants page in the member portal CAIS Connect.

SIG Committee

The CAIS School Innovation Grants (SIG) Committee is an advisory group representing the diversity of CAIS schools. Members bring research expertise and leadership experience to support program quality and impact.

Current Committee Members

Valerie McClements (Chair)
High School English Language Arts Teacher, Rundle College
Jesse Denison (Vice Chair)
Head of the Lower School and Preschool, Bayview Glen Independent School
Christina Schindler (Vice Chair)
Principal, Middle and Senior School, Elmwood School
Briana Bolt
Coordinator of Educational Technology, Meadowridge School
Trish Cislak (Past Chair)
Research Consultant, Crescent Centre for Boys' Education
Janay Eccles
Director of Middle School, Appleby College
Christopher Griffith
Research Coordinator, Assistant Department Head, Social Studies, Senior School, Crofton House School
Jon Hamlin
Director of Technology Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Glenlyon Norfolk School
Martin Jones
Head of Morven, Collingwood School

For questions regarding CAIS Research Programs and Services, please contact David Goodman, Manager of Research Programs, at dgoodman@cais.ca.