September 23, 2022

Dear UA Parents,

First of all, I hope that you enjoy the new format for our Weekly Update. Our hope is that it makes it easier for you to find information and see what is taking place at UA!

I am currently writing to you from Aberdeen Hall in Kelowna where I am attending meetings with the Heads of School from the other ISABC Schools. I always enjoy these opportunities to meet with my colleagues, especially when we have not had many opportunities to meet face to face over the last couple of years. I really benefit from hearing what is going on in other schools and topics of provincial and national interest. I especially enjoy sharing all of the wonderful things we are doing at Urban Academy.

On Wednesday night we hosted our first ‘in-person’ New Parent Reception in the new building. It was a wonderful opportunity for so many of our new parents to come together, connect with one another, and enjoy some social time with each other. There was also a presentation by the Sr. Leadership Team and the Board to help those in attendance learn more about how the school operates. The best part of the presentation was hearing from our incredible parent leaders: Tina Parmar (PAX Chair), Harm Hayre (Parent Volunteer Coordinator), and Naomi The (Gala Vice Chair) who showed off their passion and energy for UA and did a wonderful job sharing how new families could volunteer with UA.

Thursday was our first Spirit Assembly of the year for the Middle and Senior Students. At the assembly, our Grade 4’s as well as our new students in the Middle and Senior school were invited to join their new House Teams and receive their team shirts. It was a very energized crowd from the moment they stepped into the gym!! The assembly was also used to kick-off our annual UA Terry Fox Run. It is hard to believe the impact that our local hero has had in the years he has been gone. I am sure we all have experience with friends and/or family who have been impacted by cancer. The Terry Fox Run is an incredible opportunity to continue to support the important research that is going on in regard to cancer treatments and new breakthroughs. We have included info below on how you can support the UA Terry Fox Run campaign.

Next week UA students will be participating in a number of lessons and activities around Truth and Reconciliation Week. As we head towards Truth and Reconciliation Day on Friday, September 30, I encourage our UA community—students, staff and parents—to take time to reflect on why this new holiday is on the calendar and to consider what we can do as individuals and as a society to learn from the past to ensure that our future as Canadians is one that we can all be proud of and feel that we truly belong to as equals and without prejudice.

Yours in education,
Mr. Slinger