Happy first day of summer, everyone!
What a wonderful way to finish the school year. Today, we held our year-end assembly, celebrating our award winners, were entertained and said goodbye to the Grad Class of 2026. We also continued our tradition of the annual ‘Step-Up’ Ceremonies, where our JK’s, Grade 3’s, and Grade 7’s figuratively and then literally stepped up to the next stage of their educational journey. The Junior School welcomed the JK’s to the second floor, the Middle School welcomed the Grade 3s to the third floor, and the Senior School opened its doors on the fourth floor to the Grade 7s. On Wednesday, our Grade 12 students took part in their ‘Step-Out’ ceremony, led by their JK buddies, symbolizing their launch from UA. This tradition serves as a meaningful reminder of the growth and achievements we celebrate each year at UA!
The end of the school year is always a natural time for reflection. This year has been a monumental one. We were thrilled to host our first Capstone Presentation Night, where our graduates successfully transformed their interests into professional-grade inquiry projects. Our commitment to belonging and inclusive education was highlighted by our Pride Day celebrations on June 8, reinforcing UA as a safe and welcoming space for all. Our Athletics Program continues to flourish; a massive shoutout to our Grade 6/7 Girls Soccer team for their silver medal finish in Tier 1 and our Jr. Boys Badminton team for finishing their season in the top four. Our UA MUN conference was the largest one yet. The Music concerts featuring our new strings program and Performing Arts productions shone brightly once again with wonderful performances of Pirates Past Noon, The Lion King (Kids), and The Drowsy Chaperone (Jr.). It has truly been a year of growth and achievement for our entire community!
To the UA Graduating Class of 2026: Congratulations! You did it! Your hard work, resilience, and dedication have brought you to this significant milestone. This year has been filled with incredible memories from the courts to the stage and classrooms, but mostly with one another as you galvanized yourselves as the Class of 2026! Whether you are heading to university or exploring new paths around the world, we are confident that the values and skills you’ve gained at UA will serve you well. Grads, we are incredibly proud of all you have accomplished and can’t wait to see the impact you’ll make in the years to come. Once a Lion, always a Lion; welcome to being UA Alumni!
To our families: We deeply appreciate the partnership and support you have shown throughout this school year. Our Urban Academy Volunteer leaders and committees, including PAX, Carnival, Gala, Hot Lunch, Used Uniform, Class Parents and parent volunteerism throughout, are truly second to none, supporting UA families in all kinds of ways. Your involvement helps create the positive, nurturing environment that makes UA such a special place. Together, we are building a school where every student feels valued. To those families graduating from UA or moving on to different journeys, thank you for being part of our community.
To our dedicated UA staff: What a privilege it is to work alongside such a talented team. The passion and care you bring to your work every day, in the classroom, on the field, and through our various programs, have made this an extraordinary year for our students. Please take this summer to relax and recharge – you’ve more than earned it!
To our students: You continue to be the heart of Urban Academy. Your energy, creativity, and determination are nothing short of inspiring. Whether in academics, arts, robotics, business, MUN, athletics, or showing kindness, you have made UA a better place. Enjoy your well-earned break! For those joining us for the summer, we look forward to seeing you at our OOSC and Summer Sports Camps!
A huge thank you to our entire UA community for making the 2025–2026 school year such a fulfilling and memorable experience. Wishing you all a wonderful summer break, and we can’t wait to welcome you back refreshed and ready for the 2026–2027 school year!
Yours in education,
Mr. Slinger