I am happy to write this week’s weekly news, and just share a few thoughts from not only the perspective of Board Chair, but also as a UA parent. Something we focus on regularly around the board table is that at Urban Academy, we are continually striving for excellence—refining our programs, strengthening our community, and ensuring that we provide the best possible learning environment for our students. As we continue to grow and evolve, I thought I would share some reflections on how far we’ve come and where we are headed next.
This journey has been both exciting and humbling. We are incredibly proud of our diverse and dynamic school community—the students who bring energy and curiosity to every day, the dedicated staff who guide and inspire them, and you, our families who entrust us with your children’s education. Our shared commitment to innovation and excellence fuels everything we do.
When we launched our Strategic Plan a little over a year ago, we determined that Urban Academy is not afraid of a bold vision. We are passionate about Educating for Tomorrow and fostering a strong sense of belonging among our students, staff, and families. Our entrepreneurial spirit is evident at every level of our school, from the boardroom to the classroom. As we continue to grow, we remain deeply rooted in the values that have shaped our journey.
This has come with transition, especially over the past 8 years—from a small school to a thriving, medium-sized school. This transition has come with important developments. We have been building and refining the systems, structures, and governance necessary to sustain our momentum while preserving the close-knit relationships that define us. The ad-hoc solutions that served to launch our school have now matured into thoughtful, strategic planning for the future.
With growth comes opportunity, and we embrace the chance to reflect, improve, and strengthen our school even further. A significant next step for the board is to look ahead and ensure that our facilities continue to meet our needs as we fill out to full size in the next few years. While classroom space is sufficient in our current building, the staff are finding greater pressure is being put on our shared spaces such as the makerspace, gym, theatre, science lab and outside play spaces. As there may be emerging opportunities in the neighbourhood to allow for some more specialized spaces, the board is considering those options and the implications. We will continue to keep our community apprised. As we grow, we remain committed to maintaining the warmth, connection, and excellence that make Urban Academy so special.
Thank you for being part of this journey with us. Your trust, involvement, and belief in our mission are what make Urban Academy not just a school, but a vibrant and supportive community.
Kate Begent-Connors
Board Chair