Thank you to those of you who attended last night’s AGM. In a school that has ‘entrepreneurial spirit’ as a core value, it is easy to want to keep growing, improving, pushing, dreaming and aspiring. According to our parent survey, I know that this feeling resonates with most families in our community. These are all great things but sometimes it behooves us to take a moment to reflect on what an incredible last year we have had and what has been accomplished, and then to look ahead with renewed enthusiasm. This is what the AGM certainly accomplished for me. If you weren’t able to make it, you can always review the recording below.
For returning families, as we respond to parent feedback you may have noticed that there is a bit of a shift in some of our community events this year. For our Junior and Middle School families, the cross-grade connection celebrations were a hit — thank you to the Class Parents for the lead on making those opportunities happen! A returning event we have come to love is PAX’s Breakfast With Santa coming up at UA on December 7. Thank you to the team of parents — and brave Santas — who are coming together to make that happen, and for those who have already purchased tickets!
Then we have our Winter Concert on December 18. The ‘big concert’ at Massey is taking place for all Grade 1-5 Students as well as Grade 6-12 students involved in the performing arts. It is an incredible opportunity to see student talent shine, and we’d like to encourage families, even if you don’t have a student involved, to attend and let yourself be entertained! I also am personally very excited for the JK and K Winter Concerts coming up in February where we get to see the newly budding joy of performing in all of its glory!
There is a significant new event planned for this year. As many of you may know, a passionate group of parents with both strength in planning and creativity, have been working since the summer on our upcoming UA Carnival taking place at the school on March 8. As they are many of the same people who execute our PAX parent pub nights (what a great turnout last Saturday!) these parents know how to plan events – and are preparing a Carnival that will have something for the whole family. Mark your calendars and tell your friends as we can’t wait to see who may be in the dunk tank for this inaugural event!
And finally, this year there is going to be a shift in the gala. Instead of a big formal event, we are planning a fun parent’s night out. Think: our own restaurant for the night with food, libations, entertainment, community, dancing and an opportunity to get dressed up and enjoy a few surprises along the way. The UA After Dark Parent Soiree (working title) is taking place on May 3. Details to come but mark your calendars.
I would be remiss not to mention that all of these events serve a double benefit as being fundraisers that support UA Students in their school experiences. So we are grateful for those who plan them and those who attend, as they do make a significant difference! We appreciate the UA community, and all that our families pour into making this such a wonderful place to gather, learn, and build community. Ultimately, it is why ‘inspired by community’ is at the centre of our mission statement.
We are looking forward to all of the wonderful events to come this year and the fun they will bring along the way!
Yours in Development,
Sonja Kennedy
Director of Development