President's Report 4th Annual General Meeting 19 March 2008 Submitted by: Catherine Dickinson It has been heartwarming to continue to watch Sadleir House continue to flourish and grow over the last year; and I am continually amazed by the accomplishments of this organization with our tight budget and big ideas. I believe that this is largely due to the hard work, dedication and watchful eye of our Steward. Without his oversight and guidance, the gears would stop turning and things would slowly grind to a halt. It is with his facilitation that this all becomes possible. At previous AGMs I have reported primarily on the work of the Board of Directors and on other items of note or interest. I feel that this year, I have to unfortunately report that I feel that the Board needs to do some reflection in the year ahead. Although our structures are set up to allow for the Board to deal with governance items and the staff to manage operations, I have felt over the last year that the Board has been meandering along without a clear direction. When this project began - there was a clear vison of what should be achieved, both short and long term. I believe that over the next year the Board needs to regain a clear vision and direction for the organization, as well as a strategic plan to implement that vision, so that the P.R. Community and Student Association can continue to evolve and grow in ways that benefit and enhance the Peterborough and Trent University communities. Some of this work has begun already through discussions at the Fundraising Committee, but I believe that the entire Board needs to engage in this planning and take ownership for the direction of the organization. In this way, I feel that I have not always lived up to the responsibilities of my office as President. Although I care very passionately about this organization; I have not provided the necessary leadership to the Board of Directors over the last year and I have not been able to contribute the time necessary to engage directors and volunteers in a way that has elicited meaningful contributions. The P.R. Community and Student Association faces a number of particular challenges, many stemming from our limited financial resources. As an organization, I am confident that we can overcome them all if we have people that are motivated and have a plan to meet these challenges. Thanks and Gratitude As President, I have the privilege to be involved in all of the wonderful things that go on here, without actually having to do much of anything; and I often find myself feeling unworthy. As such, I would like to thank the following people for their contributions over the last year, as well as those that I may have accidentally (and regrettably) missed. Thank you so much! Marisa Barnhart Darryl Bennett Molly Blyth Ken (Solo) Brown Ken Brown, CA Dwayne Collins Gord DeVillers Nick Ferrio Julia Harrison Yolanda Jones Yvonne Lai Robert Lightbody Sarah Mackillican Cindy Manlow John Milloy John K Muir George Nader Susan Newman Derek Newman-Stille OPIRG - Peterborough Laurel Paluck Alissa Paxton Ryan Perks Laura Perry Jonathan Pinto Joan Sadleir Richard Sadleir Linda Shisko Robin Smith Jill Staveley Sara Swerdlyk Christine Symons Tom Symons Richard Taylor Trent Central Student Association Helen Wallis John Wadland Andrew Wernick In particular, I would like to thank those members whose term on the Board of Directors will end at the close of this general meeting for their involvement, their thoughtfulness, their care and their time: George Nader & Tyler Roach. We wish them well, and hope they not only stay in touch, but continue their support of the house and those activities within its walls. It has been a pleasure and an honour to give my time to the P.R. Community and Student Association, and I look forward to many more successful years ahead. Respectfully Submitted, Catherine Dickinson, President & Chair