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Candidate Details

SMUS Board Service: 6 years on the board with 3 years as an Ex-Officio Governor as President of the Parents' Auxiliary and 3 years as an elected Governor. Current Chair of the Advancement Committee and also currently serves on the Head Support and Evaluation and Finance Committees. Previously also served on the Nominations, Head of School Search and Onboarding Committees.

Relationship to SMUS: Past school parent to Luka ’21, Maya ’23, and Markus ’25.

Primary Occupation: Registered Nurse

Place of Residence: Victoria, B.C.

Key Contributions, Attributes and Qualities:

• Elisa has held various important leadership volunteer positions at the School, including as a past SMUS Parents Auxiliary President and the current Chair of the Advancement Committee, bringing an understanding of school parent perspectives to the Board table.
• Elisa’s professional experience includes clinical nursing practice in large tertiary care settings, hospice work, occupational health nursing and teaching. Having worked extensively within interdisciplinary teams, Elisa strives to understand each stakeholder’s perspective and work collaboratively to deliver high-quality outcomes. Elisa believes that at the heart of authentic relationships is a genuine effort, transparency, honesty, and integrity in one’s actions.
• Elisa brings more than 20 years of extensive volunteer service in leadership roles and coaching to several community sport-based organizations, parent advisory councils, and as a previous Board member of St. Christopher’s Montessori School.

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Nomination Q&A

1. Please provide a general candidate overview, that summarizes your background experience including your professional and educational background.

Elisa Djurickovic is a Registered Nurse whose professional experience spans clinical practice in large tertiary care settings, hospice care, occupational health nursing, and teaching. Having worked extensively within interdisciplinary teams, she values understanding each stakeholder’s perspective and collaborating effectively to achieve high-quality patient and organizational outcomes. Known for her caring, compassionate, and attentive nature, Elisa excels at building strong, authentic relationships. She believes that genuine effort, transparency, honesty, and integrity are the foundation of meaningful partnerships and strives to embody these principles in all of her professional and volunteer work.

Elisa brings more than 25 years of volunteer leadership experience to her community. She has served in leadership and coaching roles with several sport-based organizations, parent advisory councils, and as a Board member at St. Christopher’s Montessori School. As a dedicated mother of four, she generously contributed her time and expertise to support numerous athletic and community initiatives during her children’s school years. In recognition of her exceptional commitment, she received the 2020 BC Alpine Coast Zone Volunteer of the Year Award for her contributions to the Mount Washington Ski Club.

Recently re-certified as a Registered Nurse, Elisa currently provides direct patient care in the community and at Saanich Peninsula Hospital. She is committed to leading by example through best practices in nursing, strong teamwork, and thoughtful clinical engagement. Her past professional work has also focused on aligning skill sets with specific workplace environments to enhance operational efficiency and evaluating software applications related to human resource allocation.

Elisa holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of British Columbia, a Master of Business Administration, and a Graduate Diploma in Knowledge Management from Royal Roads University.

2.  If a new Governor candidate, please describe how you meet the desired experience and skills areas as set forth in the January 23, 2026, Call for Nominations. If a returning Governor candidate, please describe what unique skills and experience you bring to the Board, together with how you have contributed to the Board and the work of its Committees during your time on the Board.

I bring six years of Board experience, a strong governance foundation, and over 25 years of community leadership to my role as Governor. My background as a Registered Nurse, combined with an MBA and a Graduate Diploma in Knowledge Management, enables me to approach complex issues with analytical discipline, operational insight, and a collaborative mindset. Professionally, I am accustomed to working within interdisciplinary teams, navigating sensitive conversations, and balancing diverse stakeholder perspectives — skills that translate directly to effective governance.

As a past Parents’ Auxiliary President and appointed Governor (2020–2023), I strengthened alignment and trust between the PA and the Board by increasing clarity around governance roles and fostering open, constructive communication. This helped clarify expectations and foster a more collaborative and mutually respectful relationship that continues to serve the school well.

Since being elected in 2023, I have contributed to two significant leadership transitions. I served on the Head of School Selection Committee, supporting the successful appointment of Dr. Jeff Aiken, and on the Director of Advancement Selection Committee, contributing to the appointment of Anna Burton. In both processes, I was deeply committed to thoughtful deliberation, strategic alignment, and long-term institutional success.

As current Chair of the Advancement Committee, I actively champion a strong culture of philanthropy, promote engagement with the Annual Fund and Journey for Life Campaign, and work to align advancement efforts with the school’s strategic priorities. As a member of the Finance Committee, I contribute to prudent financial stewardship and sustainability planning.

I bring continuity, strategic perspective, and a deep commitment to SMUS’s mission and long-term excellence.

3.  What is your connection to SMUS?

My connection to SMUS began as a parent to three children who attended the school:  Luka Djurickovic ’21, Maya Djurickovic ’23, Markus Djurickovic ’25. As a parent who was keen to get involved in SMUS Parents' Auxiliary (PA) volunteer opportunities, I first joined the PA in 2017. As the PA President, I served as an appointed governor on the SMUS Board of Governors from 2020-2023.

As Parents’ Auxiliary President, I saw my role as strengthening and bridging the relationship between the PA and the Board. I worked to ensure that parents’ perspectives were represented thoughtfully and constructively in Board discussions, while also helping the parent community better understand the Board’s broader strategic responsibilities. Serving in this dual capacity deepened my appreciation for the importance of alignment, transparency, and mutual respect between governance and the parent body.

I was committed to increasing clarity around the Governor role, distinguishing governance from operations, and ensuring expectations were well understood on both sides. This approach strengthened trust, communication, and collaboration between the PA and the Board. Encouragingly, that relationship has continued to evolve positively under the leadership of the two PA Presidents who have followed me; reflecting a shared commitment to partnership in support of the school’s mission.

In 2023, I was elected to the SMUS Board of Governors. I had the privilege of serving on the Head of School Selection Committee, which resulted in the successful appointment of our new Head of School, Dr. Jeff Aiken. I also served on the Director of Advancement Selection Committee and was proud to be involved in the appointment of Anna Burton. I currently serve as Chair of the Advancement Committee and as a member of the Finance Committee, contributing to both philanthropic growth and long-term financial stewardship.

4.  Why do you want to be on the Board of Governors of SMUS?

 My desire to continue in my role as Governor on the SMUS Board is rooted in my desire to continue with the work that I have been fully engaged in over the past 6 years. In my role on the selection committee for both the Head of School and the Director of Advancement, I made a deep commitment to the school to ensure that both individuals are supported as they integrate into our community and lead our school into the future.

As Chair of the Advancement Committee, I wish to continue to raise awareness of the philanthropic needs of SMUS, so that the gifts to the Annual Fund, Journey for Life Campaigns and Endowment Fund continue to provide SMUS students with exceptional educational experiences. A flourishing culture of philanthropy creates tremendous opportunities for our students and creates stronger connections between stakeholders. I wish to continue to highlight the need for, and positive outcomes which emerge from, philanthropic giving so that increased financial aid, exceptional student programming, capital expansion, and endowment fund growth continue.

Finally, as Governor I am at a key point in my tenure. I posses detailed knowledge of the strategic priorities of the school and I am heavily involved in key aspects of the Board’s work as it relates to these. Over the next three years, I am uniquely positioned to contribute to the highest level toward achieving our strategic priorities and driving key outcomes. I bring both continuity and strategic perspective, enabling me to support the board in advancing excellence and adapting our priorities to reflect the changing needs of SMUS within the independent school landscape. It has been a privilege to serve as Governor, and I remain deeply committed to long term success of the school.

5.  What personal and professional experience would you bring to the Board if selected?

I bring over 25 years of active involvement in a wide range of community-based volunteer roles, along with six years of experience as a Governor on the SMUS Board. This experience has provided me with a strong understanding of the Board’s strategic priorities, governance responsibilities, and the key issues currently shaping decision-making.

At the core of any effective team is trust. As a registered nurse, I have developed a natural ability to build meaningful connections and engage in complex or sensitive conversations with respect, curiosity, and compassion. These skills allow me to communicate effectively, foster trust, and work collaboratively with others to find thoughtful, balanced solutions. I value diverse perspectives and strive to ensure that our collective insight is used to achieve the best possible outcomes.

My professional background in a caring role, combined with my grassroots volunteer experience and perspective as a past parent, enables me to represent and articulate the views and concerns of the broader parent community. I understand the importance of listening carefully and balancing individual perspectives with the long-term interests of the school.

My educational background—a Bachelor of Applied Science in Nursing, a Master of Business Administration, and a Graduate Diploma in Knowledge Management—has strengthened my ability to engage stakeholders and contribute to strategic discussions. I recognize that the SMUS community is rich in expertise, and I am committed to fostering increased engagement with both current and past society members.

Through my clinical, administrative, and educational roles in both public and private healthcare settings, I have seen the value of interdisciplinary collaboration in developing and implementing best practices. As a Governor, I will continue to prioritize inclusive engagement and ensure that diverse expertise informs effective and forward-looking decision-making.

6.  Do you understand and agree to the principles of good governance as outlined on the Society webpage?

I understand and agree to the principles of good governance as outlined on the SMUS Society webpage. I thoughtfully prepare for my work as Governor, and I execute my fiduciary responsibility to act with honesty, loyalty and care when participating in all Board activities. I uphold the principle of confidentiality as fundamental to effective governance and am fully committed to safeguarding the confidentiality of all Board deliberations and communications. I am well aware of the significant investment in time required to perform my duties as Governor and I will continue to dedicate such to my role. I can be counted on to continue to support the development of the school through annual giving and will encourage others to make contributions that are meaningful for them.

7.  Do you understand and support the strategic plan, Floreat, for SMUS?

Yes, I see Floreat 2030 as the school’s strategic roadmap and one that, as Governors, we are responsible for stewarding and supporting in its thoughtful execution. Developed through an extensive consultative process, Floreat 2030 articulates four key priorities: Foundation, Preparation for Life, Sustainability, and Community. At the centre of each of these pillars is the student experience.

Our role as Governors is to ensure that decisions, resources, and oversight remain aligned with these strategic priorities. By pursuing excellence across each of these areas, SMUS will continue to strengthen its position as a leader among independent schools locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally.

I believe that disciplined execution of Floreat 2030 will not only sustain SMUS’s current strength but also enable the school to evolve thoughtfully in response to a changing world. Through this work, we will ensure that SMUS remains an outstanding institution — one that prepares exceptional young people for life with purpose, character, and resilience.

8.  Do you understand and support the need for a culture of philanthropy at SMUS, both amongst the Society Members and the Board itself? And if elected to the Board, please confirm that you plan to contribute to both the Annual Fund and the Journey For Life Campaign for each year that you are on the Board?

Yes, as an independent school that delivers an exceptional student experience, I recognize that philanthropy is a key element to achieving its financial goals. Among society members, fostering this culture requires clear communication about impact, transparency in priorities, and meaningful engagement. When members understand how their support directly advances the school’s strategic goals, philanthropy becomes purposeful rather than transactional.

At the Board level, leadership by example is essential. A fully committed Board — engaged, informed, and personally supportive — signals confidence in the institution and sets the tone for the broader community. Board participation in philanthropy strengthens credibility, inspires others to give, and reinforces alignment with our strategic priorities. I will continue to contribute to the Annual Fund and the Journey for Life Campaign for each year that I am on the Board.

I acknowledge, and I am grateful for the degree of philanthropy that has come before my family as it positively shaped my children’s education tremendously. As Chair of the Advancement committee, I will continue to champion and strengthen a culture of philanthropy at the school. I believe that philanthropic support, at whatever level is most comfortable for each person, can be transformative. Cultivating this culture is fundamental to sustaining excellence and ensuring that future generations of students benefit from the same strength of community, opportunities and exceptional standards that define the school today.

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