Dear UA families,
It was another eventful week here at UA with our students participating in many extra-curricular activities including volleyball games, cross-country races, and sign-ups for upcoming activities such as Model UN, the Middle School Robotics Team, and our Grade 12 University tour of UVic and VIU. Our students are so fortunate to have these opportunities as they help build our community and our school spirit.
These opportunities our students continue to experience have me reflecting on what is going on in other parts of the world at this time. UNICEF says, “too often during conflict, we think that children are on the periphery of violence, but in reality, it is they who are most affected by war.” As I mentioned in my message on October 11, one of UA’s key values is belonging. We recognize that members of our community have unique lived experiences, identities and perspectives. In light of the ongoing events involving Israel and Gaza it is imperative that UA remains a place where all of our students, families and staff can feel respected, included, safe and supported in who they are. UA is, and will continue to be a place where a sense of belonging is valued, and hate and violence are not tolerated.
We ask that all parents of students who have access to social media have conversations with their children. The proliferation of social media news can expose our young learners to complex and potentially distressing content, and at this time it is challenging to know what is factual information and what is disinformation. If you would like more information about supporting your children I suggest you read this Common Sense Media article “Explaining the News to Our Kids”. You may find some good suggestions that help you to discuss news with your children.
In UA news, I hope you have all checked your mailboxes this week as you should all have received a mailer from UA for our Annual Appeal. The ‘Let’s Get Some Wheels’ Appeal is going to help the school move towards the purchase of an activity bus which will be a great asset for students and teachers of all grade levels. There are two ways to participate in the Annual Appeal, the first is a donation of Parent Equity Units, or you can donate directly to Canada Helps. As always, our Annual Appeal is focused on the participation of as many families as possible. It would be great to beat our 47% participation last year which helped us build the playground and furnished the Senior School with furniture!
This weekend I will be joining UA’s Chair of the Board, Kate Begent-Connors for a multi-day conference with the other CAIS Heads and Chairs. There are just over 90 CAIS schools across the country which will provide us the opportunity to connect, reflect and learn with a wide-ranging group of school leaders from across the country. I hope those of you going to the PAX Pub Night tomorrow evening have a wonderful time socializing and building community.
Yours in education,
Mr. Slinger
