What a wonderful way to finish the school year. Today, we held our year-end assembly, celebrating our UA Graduates of 2025 one final time in front of the entire school. We also continued our tradition of the annual ‘Step-Up’ Ceremonies, where our JK’s, Grade 3’s, and Grade 7’s figuratively and literally stepped up to the next stage of their educational journey. Amidst hoots, hollers and celebrations, the Junior School welcomed the JKs to the second floor, the Middle School welcomed the Grade 3s to the third floor, and the Senior School opened its doors on the fifth floor to the Grade 7s. 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 to reflect on the year that was. This year has been monumental for Urban Academy as a whole. We were thrilled to gain CAIS accreditation, a recognition of the excellence and quality that define our school. Our Athletics Program continues to grow, with many highlights including the Grade 6 girls’ tournament victory in an exciting shootout and the incredible success of the Basketball program from Gr. 5 through to the senior years. The Performing Arts productions shone brightly once again, showcasing the incredible talent and creativity of our students. UA also led the way in robotics, hosting the first-ever ISABC Robotics Competition, which brought students and schools together for a fun day of problem solving. Our Outdoor Education program expanded this year, with exciting new opportunities for students to connect with nature and develop leadership skills. We are also excited that the Duke of Edinburgh Award program will be offered in the Senior School starting next year, providing even more opportunities for our students to challenge themselves and grow. Additionally, we celebrated the addition of new facilities, including the play areas at the UA house, the UA garden, where students learned and connected with nature, and our very own UA school bus, enhancing transportation for our programs and events. It has truly been a year of growth and achievement for our entire community!
To the UA Graduating Class of 2025
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 and achievements that will last a lifetime. From the exciting university tour in the fall, where you explored campuses and envisioned your futures, to the unforgettable adventure to Spain and Portugal, which deepened your bonds and expanded your horizons, this has been a year to remember. The friendships you have built with one another and the support you’ve shown as a class are truly inspiring.
Your efforts have also paid off in your post-secondary plans, with acceptances to some top universities, including: SFU, UBC, UVic, UBC Okanagan and Emily Carr in BC, the University of Calgary, McGill, York, Waterloo, Queens, OCAD (Ontario College of Art and Design), and Western Ontario out of province, plus UCLA, University of Richmond, Northeastern University, Babson College, UW-Seattle, UC Irvine, UC Davis and UC Santa Barbara out of country. A big shout out to our University Counsellor, Mr. Gow, for his work with the grads over the last few years, planning for their post-secondary transition.
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. As you step into the next chapter of your lives, we are confident that the values, skills, and knowledge you’ve gained at UA will serve you well. You will always be part of the UA family, and we look forward to hearing about your future adventures. Once a Lion, always a Lion!
To our families
We deeply appreciate the partnership and support you have shown throughout this school year. The saying goes, “It takes a village to raise a child,” and at Urban Academy, our strong and engaged community is at the heart of everything we do. 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 and supported, and where they can thrive in both their academic and personal journeys.
To our dedicated UA staff
What a privilege it is to work alongside such a dedicated and talented team of educators and staff. The passion and care you bring to your work every day have made this an extraordinary year for our students. Your commitment to fostering growth and learning in and out of the classroom does not go unnoticed, and it is because of you that UA continues to flourish. Please take this summer to relax and recharge – you’ve more than earned it!
To our students
You are the heart of Urban Academy, and the energy, creativity, and determination you bring to our school every day are nothing short of inspiring. Each of you contributes uniquely to the school’s vibrant culture, and we are so proud of all you’ve accomplished this year. Whether in academics, arts, athletics, or simply showing kindness to others, you have made UA a better place. We cannot wait to see what you’ll achieve next. Enjoy your break from school, we will see you back here in September!!
A huge thank you to our entire UA community for making the 2024-2025 school year such a fulfilling and memorable experience. Wishing you all a well-earned summer break, and we can’t wait to welcome you back refreshed and ready for another incredible school year in 2025-2026!!
Yours in education,
Mr. Slinger, Head of School