PILLARS pickering college winter 2018
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
pickering college w i n t e r 2018
PILLARS
the
a solid foundation for a bold future
1
CONTENTS
My artwork, “It’s time to break the chains,” is a mixed media piece, where a pair of woman’s hands are
being held back by the excuses made towards sexual assault victims, not allowing them to break free. My
artwork represents the struggles women must face because of their gender and the stereotypes and myths
placed upon women solely because of their gender. The sayings (in brighter orange) on the chains represent
what attackers have said to their victims during the act of sexual assault, as well as the victims’ responses
to their attackers (in duller orange). The brightness of the attackers’ words show how much power they hold
over the responses and pleas of the victims. The mood of this piece is dark, but in order to get this particular
statement across, the reality of this issue must reveal itself in the piece.
–Moira Banks-Batten, Grade 12
2
22
Isaias Medina ’85, former senior
Venezuelan diplomat to the
United Nations, takes a stand
for his humanitarian beliefs.
28
Thank you to the Pickering College community for your generosity.
18
The Global Leadership
Program inspires Pickering
College students to enact
positive change around
the world.
48
Pickering College honours
Charles Boyd with the Class
of 1842 award as he marks his
50th year with the school.
4 Head Shots 6 Strategic Plan 8 Light The Way 9 PC Selected as UNESCO Candidate School 10 Student Life
22 Feature: Isaias Medina ‘85 24 Athletics 26 Boarding Life 28 Thank You to Donors report 46 AGM News
48 Feature: Charles Boyd 50 Reunion Weekend 52 Alumni Connections 58 PC’s Urban Cultivator Launches
60 PCA Update 61 Holiday Home Tour 62 Upcoming Events
3
HEAD SHOTS
In celebration of our past, present and future with Peter Sturrup, Headmaster
This issue of The Pillars is dedicated to the school’s past, present and future. The pag-
es that follow reveal that it has been extremely exciting to celebrate our 175th anniver-
sary and honour those who have made the school what it is today.
And what it is today is quite remarkable. We have a solid foundation based on our
traditions, our Quaker values and our historical successes. The school is benefiting
from excellent enrolment, outstanding satisfaction amongst our students, parents and
staff and the school is financially strong. This allows us to be prepared for the future;
and that has never been more important. For a revolution is happening around us.
We hear about it in the political world, we see it in the technology within our grasp,
we feel it in the social structures reacting to emotional health, social media and claims
of inappropriate behaviour and we face it in the rapidly-changing demographic face
of our community. There is a revolution happening but the strategic choices we are
making have prepared us to thrive and to lead in that revolution.
The heart of strategy is about the choices you make to do things differently than your
competitors. With this issue of The Pillars we launch a refreshed strategy, outlining the
three key strategic choices we are making to ensure we really do thrive and lead. To be
ready, we need vision, purpose, consistent values and an unambiguous sense of direction.
As a result of an almost year-long strategic review process, the Board of Directors
adopted a new Vision and Mission in December 2017. Our Vision is “To develop
innovative, courageous and compassionate global citizens who take action, true to
Quaker values.” Our Mission is “To instil in each individual the ability and responsibility
to make the world greater, better and more beautiful than they discovered it.” If
these words sound familiar it is because they build on the work we have been doing
for decades, if not 175 years.
Our strategy is student-focussed. It builds on our history and instilling our values to
develop citizens who are true to Quaker values. It develops in our students the skills
to be innovative, courageous, compassionate citizens. It is instilling in them the ability
and responsibility to take action to make the world greater, better and more beautiful
than they discovered it.
Our strategy is focussed on transforming how we engage with our community. It will
allow us to leverage the opportunities technology affords to enhance and enrich the
student learning experience, to enhance the way staff, parents, alumni, prospective
families and the community engage with the school in a faster, more user-focused,
more seamless and engaging experience. And our plan will focus on establishing
transformational partnerships that provide enhanced opportunities and resources for
our programs as well as the community.
This is a thought-provoking, ambitious, creative and innovative strategy. It will give
rise to a transformation in the way the school leads in the future. It will build on our
reputation as a leader in education and will transform the way we engage with the
broader world. In the coming months we will be sharing more about the specifics
of our strategy. We hope you will be as excited as we are. We hope you will get
involved, or become more involved, with the school because you are inspired by our
Vision. We hope that all members of our community feel compelled to take action
and fulfill our Mission.
4
5
PICKERING COLLEGE
OVERVIEW
STRATEGIC
VISION
To develop
innovative,
courageous and
compassionate
PLAN
global citizens who
take action, true
to Quaker values.
MISSION
To instil in each
individual the ability
and responsibility
to make the world
greater, better and
more beautiful than Build Fund Innovate
they discovered it.
• Drive a Digital • Capture New • Embrace
VALUES Transformation Revenue (from
innovation)
Disruption
• Community
• Accelerate the • Forge Strategic
• Compassion
Global Leadership • Improve our Collaborative
• Integrity
Program Branding Partnerships
• Respect
Awareness
• Responsibility
• Complete Phase I • Create a Culture
of the Campus • Intensify of Innovation
Master Plan fundraising
and build
endowment
6
“When Peter asked me to lead the Committee to develop the school’s new Strategic Plan
to 2020, I was humbled by the privilege and quite intimidated. The work that resulted in
the last Strategic Plan was excellent. Even though my background is in strategy process and
development, I had some trepidation that I could really help steward the school to an even
greater plan. I spoke with each Committee member early in the process. It quickly became
very apparent that we had an amazing amount of passion, history and expertise among the
volunteers and Board members on the team. What I would bring to the table would stem
from where my passion and skills are—process, research, listening and synthesizing into the
coherent and clear plan we have. I am very proud of what we accomplished. I thoroughly
enjoy working with Peter and the Committee—and am keen to continue our work.”
–Ailene MacDougall, current Parent and Board Member; Chair, Strategy
Last winter, a group of volunteers came together to begin the next strategic planning THANK YOU TO ALL OF
process for Pickering College. It was the intention to build on the previous plan and take THE MEMBERS OF THE
into account the school’s achievements with the development and execution of the Global STRATEGY COMMITTEE:
Leadership Program, the Campus Master Plan and our financial and administrative goals.
Ailene MacDougall
In February 2017, a retreat was held at the school that included members of the Board, Committee Chair,
senior administration and the Strategic Plan Steering Committee. Facilitated by Susan Wright Board Member and
of Wright Management Consulting, the agenda included a review of the competitive world Current Parent
around us, an analysis of our strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and strengths, key trends
affecting education, a look at innovation and a review of our Mission, Vision and Values. As Charles Beer ’59
a result of the retreat, the following steps were agreed to: undertake a more comprehensive Corporation Member and
review of our Mission, Vision and Values; solidify the strategic framework and key strategic Alumnus
choices; and build a case for an innovation strategy.
Karen Dubeau
Community Member
Following the retreat, Pickering College engaged with Jennifer Steele and Frank Viti, of Aurora
Consulting Group, to assist in the process of refining our strategic choices in a way that Beth Egan
addresses the needs of the school and our constituents. They conducted almost 40 in-depth Past Board Chair and
interviews with members of the Pickering College community to help define what is working Alumni Parent
at the school, what could be improved, and what was missing.
Beric Farmer
It is fitting that we engage in this process in our 175th anniversary year, as it was evident Board Member and
from the interviews that the roots and history of the school are deeply significant in planning Current Parent
for the future. For instance, the Board has reconfirmed our commitment to Quaker values as
an important differentiator, providing an ongoing link from our founding to our future. Our Barclay Morton
commitment to remaining a “small school” (under 500 students) was verified, as was the Current Parent
ongoing role of the Global Leadership Program in building Pickering College’s reputation as Darren Slind
a leader in education. Digital transformation, progress through disruption, identifying new Corporation Member and
sources of revenue, and collaborative partnerships round out the commitments we made in Current Parent
this plan. The new plan is straightforward with three new overarching strategic choices:
To Build, To Fund and To Innovate. Peter Sturrup
Headmaster and
Looking forward, our priorities for investment will be: Alumni Parent
- Completing the Campus Master Plan - Increasing fundraising resources and expertise
- Renewing branding and marketing - Enacting a digital transformation
- Providing seed money for innovation - Investing in our talented staff and volunteers
On December 13, the Board of Directors approved our new stategy and now the implemen-
tation plans are being prepared. Over the coming months we will be encouraging any and
all members of our community to become more involved by offering their expertise, time and
feedback. If you would like more information about the strategy or would like to be involved,
please contact Kylah Adams in the Headmaster’s Office at kadams@pickeringcollege.on.ca.
7
Light The Way
Don King shares his thoughts on a lifelong
connection to Pickering College,
and why he is donating $100,000 to
the Light The Way capital campaign.
I may not
have attended
Pickering College,
but this is
my spiritual
home.
In 1928, my father, Sanford W. King, accepted
the job offered to him by Pickering College Board
Chairman Albert S. Rogers as Grounds Manager
of the Pickering College farm. I was just a baby at the time and the school had recently
reopened after a ten-year hiatus, including a time when it operated as a hospital for “shell-
shocked” soldiers returning from the devastation of the First World War.
My father worked at Pickering College for 25 years, greatly upgrading the soil quality of the
farmlands that were east of the school campus (now College Manor). His work produced food
for generations of students and taught them about rural life and the science of agriculture.
Along with my mother they raised two boys, myself and my older brother, MacCallum.
To learn more about the I remember working on the grounds of the farm helping my dad, and playing with the Widdrington
campaign and how you can boys as a child. I also got to know the Headmaster at the time, Joe McCulley, and some of the
make a gift, please contact faculty and staff. I recall attending the school’s 100th Anniversary banquet in 1942, and this
Magdalena (Meg) Bodnar, past October I was a special guest for the school’s 175th Anniversary banquet. Thinking back, I
Director of the Light The never would have thought Pickering College would be a constant in my life for all these years.
Way capital campaign at
1-877-895-1700 ext. 254 or I may not have attended Pickering College, but this is my spiritual home. My life took me far
mbodnar@pickeringcollege. afield first to pursue my education at the University of Toronto, followed by a successful career in
on.ca. management consulting. My parents left the Pickering College campus in 1953, when my father
retired. But even after many years away, something kept calling me back to Pickering. I visited
There is a brochure included the College grounds one day in 2005 and met the Alumni Director at the time, Jane Lynes,
with this edition of The Pillars and became engaged with the school once again. I had the pleasure of serving on the 100th
that provides information Anniversary in Newmarket Committee, began attending alumni luncheons and Pickering events,
about how you can help with and in 2010, to my surprise, was invited to become its only honourary alumnus.
this important project.
Over the years, I’ve seen the changes Pickering College has undergone; from becoming
a co-ed school to expanding outdoor education and developing the Global Leadership
Program, to enhancing the facilities. It has provided me with an opportunity to reflect more
deeply on the school that has meant so much to me and my family. That is why, after the sale
of my home in 2017, I decided to make a $100,000 gift in support of the Light The Way capital
campaign. I would encourage everyone to take a few moments and reflect on their personal
connection to Pickering College and think about giving back to the school that has given so
much to you. Let’s remain true to “The People are Pickering” and join together in helping the
school build the new Centre for Creativity and Innovation, to benefit generations to come.
8
PCUNESCO &
Pickering College is proud to have been selected as a Candidate School within
the Canadian Commission for UNESCO’s Associated Schools Project Network
(ASPnet) in Ontario and is currently working towards full membership.
UNESCO (United Nations Educational,
Scientific and Cultural Organization) launched
the Associated Schools Project Network in
1953, which includes 10,000 educational
institutions in 181 countries, with 84 located in
Canada. In 2017, Pickering College became the
only independent school in Ontario to secure a
candidacy.
The goal of ASPnet is to ensure quality education
from early childhood to teacher education by
strengthening the four main pillars of learning:
learning to know, learning to do, learning to be
and learning to live together. Associated Schools
are committed to promoting UNESCO ideals by rights, and sustainable development—it’s very
conducting projects to better prepare children powerful.”
and young people to address the challenges of Throughout the school year,
an increasingly complex and interdependent Montgomery Gole and Hayden Spiers are in Pickering College will observe 43
international days that are marked
world. Grade 12 politics and are excited by what
by the United Nations. These special
becoming a UNESCO candidate school means
days and their significance will be
“It was just a perfect fit for us. We’re not for Pickering College. discussed at Morning Meeting. A
just teaching it, we’re actually doing it— few of the upcoming days include:
we’re doing what UNESCO is looking for “We feel pretty validated,” says Gole. “We have
internationally,” says Kim Bartlett, Director of a lot of cultural diversity and not only are we a February 11
Teaching and Learning at Pickering College. Quaker school, we also have a lot of boarders UN Women in Science Day
“Being selected as a candidate school and it has been really cool for me to learn February 13
recognizes all of the wonderful work our about other cultures.” UN World Radio Day
teachers are doing.”
March 8
“Our Capstone project is trying to solve a UN International Women’s Day
To apply to become a candidate school, major issue in the world, so it goes hand in
March 20
Pickering had to provide evidence of our work in hand with UNESCO,” says Spiers. “We get to
UN International Francophonie
teaching and learning, our values as a school, as learn a lot more and I think it will be a great
Day
well as the development and implementation of step forward for the school.”
the Global Leadership Program. March 21
UN Elimination of Racial
To gain full membership, Pickering College will
Discrimination Day
“What also impressed them was, between have to retain its candidacy for approximately
Kindergarten to Grade 12, our program has a two years and be active participants within April 6
scope, sequence and continuum of skills and the network. UNESCO encourages candidate UN Sport for Peace Day
values and knowledge. We’re not just taking and member schools to recognize special May 3
students one year and teaching them; we’re international days, such as World Peace UN World Press Freedom Day
teaching them from a very young age to Day, and international days reflective of the June 5
become active, informed global citizens. The international student body, such as United UN Environment Day
Global Leadership Program is really based on Nations Day which Pickering College has
inter-cultural learning, peace and human celebrated for many years.
9
10
Developing digital
creators and innovators
Technology is playing an increasingly important role for all
students both inside and outside the classroom. That’s why
Pickering College has made it a key focal point of the Global
Leadership Program, to ensure our students are embracing TECHNOLOGY
new technology and mastering its use, from our youngest INTEGRATION BY GRADE:
students to our graduates.
In the Junior School—the Foundation Years—the Global Leadership Program focuses on inquiry,
creativity and collaboration and students are introduced to technology from the very beginning.
Alexis Furlan, Kindergarten teacher, says very early on her students are well versed in using
technology to enhance their learning, such as working with Code-a-Pillar, a precursor to coding
and robotics. The colourful device allows students to experiment as they play, helping them
to develop coding, sequencing and critical-thinking skills. “As a result, they’re confident and Kindergarten:
comfortable with various media before they reach the later grades,” she says. Code-a-Pillar
In addition, students in the Junior School receive continuous Grade 1:
feedback both from their teacher and through the use of Sesame, Dash and Dot
Creativity and an assessment platform used by Pickering’s primary teachers to Hour of Code
innovation are provide a living, visual record of student competencies. “We use
photographs and videos to assist students in reflecting back on Grade 2:
transferable their thinking,” Furlan explains. “We might look at and discuss Hour of Code
photos of students engaged in an activity and include a quote of May the Fourth
skills that can something they said in the moment.” Dash and Dot
be applied to
By Grades 4 and 5, students are comfortable with having such Grade 3:
any context... ready access to technology including using computers, mobile Hour of Code,
devices, 3D printers, robotics, and coding. Grade 5 teacher Alex FIRST LEGO League Junior
Au Yong says, with some guidance, students in these grades are Coding
able to make good choices and conduct themselves responsibly. Dash and Dot
“Our students are taught that these tools help express ideas,
create original content and solve problems,” Au Yong says. “The Grades 4 and 5:
high level of engagement and interest in our design and build challenges, such as Lego robotics Hour of Code
and coding, is incredible. Our students in the Junior School also love using Google Apps for Lego Mindstorm Robot
Education and Edsby, our learning management system, as a natural part of their learning.” Programming
FIRST LEGO League
According to Pickering College’s technology integration specialist, Gordon Chiu, all of the tools
at students’ disposal are really just “modern day paintbrushes” to develop critical thinking,
integrative thinking and design thinking skills. “Even though students of this current generation
are widely considered as digital natives, most will develop into digital native consumers without
any purposeful engagement of the mind,” Chiu says. “It’s our mission to develop students who
are digital native creators and innovators.”
The ability to use technology in an innovative way to create products and solve important
problems is critically important for 21st century students, says Julia Hunt, Director of Global
Leadership. “Our Junior School Global Leadership Program sets the foundation for this type
of interaction with the global context through carefully selected technological tools and
platforms,” she says. “Creativity and innovation are transferable skills that can be applied to
any context, giving Pickering College students a competitive edge in their future endeavours.”
11JUNIOR SCHOOL STUDENT LIFE
On Air is a video that
tells the story of our own
1
102.7 CHOP-FM, and the
radio heritage at Pickering
College, beginning with the
original Roger’s amateur
radio story. It shows our
radio facility in action and
highlights Pickering as
Canada’s only independent
school with an FM radio
station, licensed by the
Canadian Broadcast regulator,
the CRTC. Produced by
Pickering alumnus and
CHOP-FM Board member
Brian Purdy ’56, the video
captured a Platinum Award
at the 2017 MARCOM 3
AWARDS in the category of
Educational/Institution.
4
The MARCOM AWARDS
is an international
competition, established
in 1995, that honours
outstanding achievement
in terms of quality and
resourcefulness. There were
over 6,500 entries from
US, Canada and 15 other
countries for the various
categories of awards this
year. Be sure to watch On
Air on PC’s YouTube channel 6 7
or on our website.
121 One beautiful mid-October 5 Junior School recently
morning, Grade 4 students participated in a math evening
explored Pickering College’s where students and their
campus with Ms. Lamont, parents had the opportunity
looking for evidence of animal to engage in fun, hands-on
and plant habitats. Students activities together. For the past
took note of what animals, two years, Pickering College
plants, insects, trees, and has focused on mathematics,
birds they observed in our an essential 21st century
own backyard. One student discipline, and its connection
remarked, “We felt energized, to science, technology and
inspired and connected to real-world interdisciplinary
nature! What a special campus problems. Pickering will
and outdoor classroom we continue to develop our students’
have here at Pickering College!” abilities in STEM, as we recog-
nize that mathematics is the
2 Grade 5 has been studying foundation for everything.
the digestive system and writing
2 stories about the adventure 6 The Grade 1 class was
that food goes on in the body. excited to be introduced to
They then shared what they had Dash the robot. Using the
learned on 102.7 CHOP FM. Wonder Workshop app Go, the
students learned how to move
3 As part of the GLP Environ- the robot. Dash moves forward,
mental Stewardship Building backward, turns, looks in
Block, the Grade 5 students different directions and speaks!
have been presenting to the The students were thrilled with
Junior School classes about this new learning experience.
the importance of using fewer
paper towels when drying 7 On October 31, Ms. Duncan’s
their hands to minimize waste. Grade 11 LEAP course ran their
By shaking off your hands—12 second Junior Buddies Lead-
times to be exact!—and then ership event for Ms. Smith’s
folding one paper towel before Grade 2 class. The theme for
carefully drying your hands, the day was “Race to Halloween
boys and girls could learn a Town.” The Grade 11 students
better way to dry their hands. helped the Grade 2 students
with their map and compass
5 4 The U12 Girls’ Basketball skills as they “navaghouled”
team learned some fundamen- campus and completed several
tals of passing and shooting Halloween-themed challenges.
from PC parent Linas Balai-
sis. He inspired the girls to 8 A little rain did not dampen
combine their efforts at skill the spirits of our Grade 3s who
development with a passion spent the afternoon last fall
for the game. Mr. Balaisis collecting soil samples at our
played varsity basketball at outdoor education property,
University of Toronto, played Blue & Silver Farm.
in the Lithuanian Olympics
and was selected to the All Star
Tournament team.
8
1314
Water worries
In the week leading up to December’s holiday break, our
Grade 8 students were fully immersed in project-based “This experience was
incredible because we
learning. The students were tasked with creating a film got to think creatively
about different solutions
to raise awareness for a local water issue as they worked and perspectives we may
towards attaining the Wisdom pillar of their Global take on our local water
issue. Throughout this
Leadership Program “pillar pursuits.” project I’ve learned that
teamwork is such a huge
With topics ranging from banning microbeads to skill when it comes to
the consumption of water, from the use of plastic big group projects. My
Grade 8s explore water bottles to access to clean water, students favorite part was getting
local water issues collaborated in groups as they moved through a to make a change in our
series of workshops that prepared them for their local community.”
through documentary final project, a film to be submitted to the Water –Mathea MacRae
Docs Film Festival in Toronto.
film projects. “I loved the creative
“We started them off with a process of integrative aspects of the project
thinking, where they look at the problem and then and the focus on being
have them break it down into two opposing innovative in delivering
models, finding the pros of both,” says Chris our message. It allowed
Coyne, the Middle School science teacher leading this initiative. “They need to ask—is there a me to really appreciate
middle ground or a solution that best encompasses both sides—that they can go forward with.” the creativity of my class-
mates and the feeling of
Although it’s the third year Grade 8s have participated in this project, the Middle School faculty knowing we were being
team made some changes this year to create a stronger connection between this interdisciplinary very productive and really
undertaking and the curriculum. For instance, in math students worked on data management working well together.
projects where they researched the impact of water on an issue and then presented their data It was exciting to build
on a scatter plot or histogram. Students learned how to storyboard so that they would be better on each other’s ideas and
prepared for creating their films and how they may look. Faculty also introduced a workshop to really get our creative
assist students in developing their French language interview skills so that the films contained a juices flowing.”
French component—something few schools in the festival have done. –Michaela Morra
“This project was a massive undertaking for Grade 8 students—they were researching, they “When we started work-
were finding answers, they were trying to solve problems that adults might not have answers ing, I realized that it was
to yet. But overall they seemed to get really involved in it and they liked the activities that we going to be fun but also
did, the workshops we had planned for them—you could really see the engagement of the challenging. Our group’s
students throughout,” says Coyne. favorite part was filming
and getting the finishing
Julia Hunt, Director of Global Leadership says projects like ‘Water Docs’ are “incredible touches together. My
opportunities for our students to address an important topic from multiple disciplines, favourite part was com-
and really delve into both the problem and potential solutions. Our Grade 8s are not only municating with other
considering solutions, they are taking action, which will prepare them to be changemakers organizations to work
in today’s society.” In early March, the students’ work will be submitted the Water Docs Film with us.”
Festival which takes place in Toronto in April. –Dakota Bagshaw
15MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENT LIFE
2
1 3
Tyler Yue, Mathea MacRae,
Michaela Morra, Yoyo
Zhang and Avery Clune 4 5
attended the CAIS
National Student Leader-
ship Conference last fall. 1 The Field to Fork co-curricular, survival of humans. Congrat- where teams were tasked with
Our Middle School leaders run by Mrs. MacDonald, ulations to Edurne Sulaiman sourcing materials to build a
teamed up with The Study, encourages students to learn Grana, Michaela Morra, fire to burn through a string
a school located in West- more about local foods Danica Khanna, Jennifer Porter, suspended above. They were
mount, Québec, where through grocery shopping, Krish Gupta, Jamie Conway, given a flint to strike a spark,
they have challenged each going to an apple orchard Pepa Prochazka, Dakota and had to tend their spark
other to make milk bag and learning how to prepare Bagshaw, Alyssa Lucchese, carefully to light the fire. All
mats. You can read more and cook various meals and Georgia Saarimaki, and Yoyo groups successfully built and
about this initiative at desserts. The students worked Zhang for taking part! Special lit their fires.
www.milkbagsunlimited.ca collaboratively and were thanks to Grade 10 students
enthusiastic in trying new Hillary Krofchak and Meghan 4 The Grade 7 classes travelled
recipes, such as mini apple Beswick for assisting as poised to Blue & Silver Farm to
pies, canned salsa and healthy and equitable judges. Lastly, explore and document inter-
smoothies. The students’ ideas warm congratulations to actions in local ecosystems
were considered throughout Andrei Maris for earning Best for their Pillar Pursuit project.
the term to make this co-cur- Overall Speaker. They had beautiful weather
ricular activity engaging, fun and learned a lot thanks to
and educational. 3 Middle School students their superb guide, Mr. Lewis.
launched their GLP Pillar Years
2 In a friendly debate with with three challenges that tied 5 The Grade 6 class teamed up
Villanova, Pickering students to the pillars of Adventure, with Grade 9 science students
tried their hands at futurology Wisdom and Community. The to work together to investigate
as they discussed the impacts highlight for many students invasive species on campus.
of artificial intelligence on the was the Adventure challenge,
16ANDREI
MARIS
Delving into drama
and debate.
Now in his sixth year at Pickering College,
Grade 8 Andrei Maris was immediately
drawn to the strong PC community and
pursued new activities wholeheartedly.
Impressed with the opportunities the
co-curricular program offers, he’s already
an active member of the Theatre Club,
landing roles in last year’s production
of Macbeth and the upcoming musical
School of Rock. In addition, he’s the
current co-chair of the Junior and Middle
School Committee and is a member of
the jazz band and Youth Engagement
Organization.
Andrei discovered a talent for debate and
public speaking after trying it in Grade
7. He is actively involved in theatre and
music lessons outside of school, already
listing the YTV science-based 10-skit series
How Much is 2 Much? on his résumé. He
has found his drama and debate skills
overlap and help him to express himself
and voice his ideas clearly.
Loving reading and creative writing, his
favourite subject is language arts. He has
enjoyed the curricular trips to Halifax,
Ottawa, and Quebec. His favourite
experience was the trip to the Canadian
Independent Schools Drama Festival
performance of the original comedy Prom
Queens 3 last spring. He notes Mr. Bishop
and Mr. Robertson as motivating him
to push himself and expand his skills in
drama and language.
Looking beyond Middle School, Andrei
hopes to incorporate his love of language
and math in his future endeavours.
His advice to other students? “Middle
School brings new opportunities. Try new
things to see if you’ll be good at them.”
“Middle School brings
new opportunities. Try new
things to see if you’ll be
good at them.”
17ENACT
Pickering
students are
making a
difference
locally and
globally The Global Leadership Program encourages
students to take action to make a positive global
impact. They are expected to actively engage
with their community and advocate for important
causes such as social justice and service projects,
taking real action to address their concerns. Here
are just two examples of great work by students
who are truly making a difference.
Nupur Krishnan, Grade 12
Nupur Krishnan has been exposed to India’s culture and way of
life from a very young age, having two parents who were born
there. Last summer, after completing a course by the National
Lifesaving Society, she decided to share the skills she had learned
with students at a semi-rural school while visiting the country
with her family.
“In India, learning to swim isn’t a priority and fewer people learn
first aid and lifesaving skills,” she says. And so, Nupur decided to
tailor what she had learned into a lifesaving course for students
at the school, so they could help someone in their family or their
community in urgent medical distress.
The course was very well received, with both teachers and students
asking lots of questions and volunteering to come up and demon-
strate the skills they had just learned. It was so successful that
Nupur and the school have decided to continue their relationship
by staying in touch through Skype and online.
“I could directly see the impact I was making—it opened their
eyes to this sphere of knowledge that maybe they hadn’t even
thought about before, and that will help their community in the
long run. At Pickering we learn that by dropping a stone in a
pond, the ripples can continue to grow out and I thought that
was really cool to see.”
Nupur says the Capstone project (which for her is on an entirely
different topic than this initiative) has really helped to open her
eyes to identifying problems she sees in a community and then
coming up with solutions to solve them.
“I was able to use a similar process of ‘okay here’s my problem,
how do I come up with a solution? How do I implement it, what’s
my action plan?’ So the process that I learned last year—and I’m
continuing to learn this year—really helped me to structure my
approach for the course that I taught.”
18CHANGE
Alp Batur, Grade 12
Last summer, Alp Batur decided to volunteer to help Syrian
refugees who were living in a camp not far from his home city in
Turkey.
In Turkey, the experience for refugees is far different than it is
in Canada—many are forced to focus solely on the day-to-day
survival of staying fed and sheltered. The Turkish government
provides support for refugees who enter the country legally, but
those who cross the border illegally are not entitled to the same
services.
While at the camp, Alp learned of a 16-year-old girl who was
very ill with blood cancer. Her name was Dilara and she did not
have access to much-needed medical care because her family
was among those who had crossed the border illegally. With help
from Alp’s father who works in a hospital, she was transferred to
his hospital where she could receive care. After a check up, they
learned that sadly she was in the end stages of cancer.
Over the next few weeks, Alp visited Dilara daily. The first week
they spent getting to know each other. She enjoyed puzzles so
Alp brought them to her to help keep her mind off what she was
going through. Through it all, Alp says he was amazed by her
positivity and her courage. She told him how she dreamed about
being able to learn English and to study in New York. Alp taught
her some English words and answered her many questions about
what it’s like to study in Canada.“Time was flying for both of us,
she was forgetting her sickness and I was finding my real self and
understood what is important in life,” says Alp.
It was during their third week of spending time together that
Dilara passed away. Alp says throughout it all he was amazed by
her hope and her spirit even as she faced death. It makes him
happy to know that he was able to help make her last few weeks
of life brighter and more enjoyable.
“Supporting someone, especially in this case, is just priceless. I
know that it is not for everyone. It is a really big responsibility.
It was, and still is, hard for me to bear the consequences,” he
says. “I didn’t change the world, but I changed her world, which
means a lot.”
19SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT LIFE
1
1 To draw attention to the Adventure Perspectives) 4 Patrick Prochazka, Grade 12, 6 In the fall, our students
September earthquake in Mex- students completed a 20-hour competed in the International supported the Quakers from
ico, Hurricane Irma, and the Red Cross wilderness first Young Physicists’ Tournament Yonge Street Meeting as
efforts that will need to go into aid course. Students and in Singapore last summer, they prepared and served
rebuilding the affected com- staff are now well prepared winning a bronze medal with dinner at Inn From the Cold,
munities, Pickering College’s for their upcoming trips the Canadian Team. “PC’s a local shelter. Joining Bert
music students took to Main for this course—a winter program, especially Mr. Dale- and Glenda (from left) were
Street to raise awareness while camping trip to the Crown man’s 12 physics class and the Mali, Huy, Emre, Emre, and
performing “Second line,” a land north of Manitoulin debate program, really helped Jaide. The students found the
New Orleans-style march. Island and a spring hiking me gain the skills necessary for experience to be rewarding
trip to Algonquin Park. this tournament.” and eye-opening.
2 Our Grade 10 Canadian There was an intensive
History class had the oppor- exercise where students had 5 The PC Senior Boys’ Soccer 7 The Green Team, chaired
tunity to visit the Newmarket a limited time to diagnose team fought hard to win the by Michael Wang (right)
Historical Society’s First World an issue and treat it. Cardiac CISAA Division III championship continues to be committed
War Interactive Trench Exhibit arrest, hypothermia, sucking game against Albert College to reducing food waste at
at the Old Town Hall. A high- chest wounds, fractures and in Belleville. To earn their spot Pickering College. Lucas
light was the wall dedicated spinal injuries were some of in the championship game, PC Tan (left) has accepted the
to Pickering College’s contri- the issues they learned to played and won a semi-final responsibility to collect daily
bution during that time as a address. They also learned against Villanova College. data from our meals and to
military hospital for injured a multitude of ways to carry In the championship game, work with Dining Services to
soldiers. a victim to safety and wrap Pickering College’s goals were come up with ways to ensure
a hypothermic individual scored by Adam Murphy and that we produce as little
3 In October, 24 LEAP in a “taco” using silver foil, Berkay Onur, securing our win food waste as possible.
(Leadership, Exploration, insulation, tarp and a rope. over Albert College, 6-2.
202 3 4
5
6 7
21“Stand on the right side of
“The foundation of my life was built
here during these incredible three
years in Newmarket. I honestly and
sincerely thank PC for being there for
me, for shaping my beliefs, my respect
for humanity, my moral principles,
my faith and my courage.”
–Isaias Medina ’85
22history, whatever the cost.”
Isaias Medina ’85 resigns his United Nations diplomatic post to draw
worldwide attention to the crisis in Venezuela.
crisis in Venezuelan history, I could not We were doing this every day at the UN,
stay silent. I had to stand up and speak our work was to fight against impunity for
out. I loved my job at the UN but I love many different issues in the international
my country even more,” he says. community. How could I be honest with
myself and stay there and see what’s going
What led him to that moment began on in my country without doing anything?”
over 30 years ago while he was a student
at Pickering College. Medina describes Medina says his resignation did what
himself as having been a “rowdy kid” he had hoped it would do, drawing
who didn’t speak much English when he international attention to the crisis in
first arrived at the school. What he didn’t Venezuela. Since then, the international
expect was the kind of lifelong impact community has enforced sanctions,
Pickering College would have on the repudiated the constituent assembly
two-time Student Committee Chair. and “has unmasked an international
“The foundation of my life was built criminal organization that has hijacked
here during these incredible three years 30 million people, dressed as a sovereign
in Newmarket. I honestly and sincerely government,” he says.
thank PC for being there for me, for
shaping my beliefs, my respect for Though no longer a diplomat, Medina
humanity, my moral principles, my faith has been invited to participate in
and my courage,” he says. the Organization of American States’
hearings to declare as a witness of
Last summer, a crisis brewing in Venezuela After Pickering College, Medina went the alleged crimes against humanity
was thrust into the international spotlight on to study law, becoming a successful committed by President Nicolas
due in large part to the actions of corporate lawyer in New York. But the pull Maduro’s regime, particularly regarding
Pickering College alumnus Isaias Medina towards making a difference in the world the inhumane acts committed during this
’85. The now-former senior Venezuelan was great and so he switched to public profound humanitarian crisis.
diplomat to the United Nations made international law, where he became an
headlines around the world when he expert in negotiation, peaceful dispute In October, Pickering College had the
resigned his post in protest, breaking resolution and preventative diplomacy. privilege of hosting Isaias Medina as a
ranks with Venezuela’s president and When Venezuela joined the United virtual Leader in Residence, providing
his ruling socialist party, and publicly Nations Security Council in January 2015, students with the opportunity to ask him
criticizing its handling of months of anti- Medina was honoured to be invited questions about his life and what brought
government protests. as an advisor to the team. At the same him to what was, in essence, his defining
time, he continued his work with the moment. At Morning Meeting, his advice
The most recent trouble in Venezuela United Nations General Assembly Sixth to our current students resonated with
began in April 2017. The Supreme Court Committee (Legal), the primary forum for the audience as it is in keeping with the
made two unconstitutional decisions that the consideration of legal questions in the principles being taught through Global
usurped the competency of congress and General Assembly. Leadership Program today.
the president violated the constitution
by convening a fraudulent constituent Fast forward to July 2017. “I had to make “Align what you think with what you
national assembly. Millions of people a choice: do I keep my mouth shut and say and what you do. Do not ever
took to the streets in protest, lasting four turn my head around and not see what abandon your beliefs and in the hardest
months. In all, Medina says 130 people is happening, or come at them and try challenges, be who you really are. Defend
were murdered, 15,000 people were to make a difference … because they’re the defenceless. Speak for the voiceless.
injured and 600 people were arbitrarily (Venezuelans) in a country where the media Always stand up for what you believe with
arrested as political prisoners. is completely censored. So, I made my respect of others. And remember, might is
resignation public. I did not endorse human not right. Right is right. Stand on the right
“During the most profound humanitarian rights violations or crimes against humanity. side of history, whatever the cost.”
23ATHLETICS
Allowing students to
develop a love of sport in
a safe and encouraging
environment is among
the top priorities of
the Pickering College
athletics program.
By embracing these
changes our students smaller field, students had more touches on
the ball allowing players to use the skills they
are becoming more
physically literate which
Changes to U12 Sports had developed in practice which led to more
we know allows them promote fair play and sport engagement.
to be more active for
the rest of their lives. skill development. “The changes have provided a greater
Countless studies have opportunity for younger students to develop
proven that if a person their skills through playing experience and it
is physically literate they has allowed the older students to take on
are more likely to have leadership roles to mentor the younger players,”
the confidence to be a There have been some exciting changes in says Amanda Hamm, Grade 6 teacher and
healthy and active adult. our U12 competitive sports this year! If you coach of the U12 soccer team. “I also like
We look forward to have had the chance to watch, you might that the changes promote more fair play.”
continuing to implement have noticed some differences in the way
and embrace these the games were being played. For example, In volleyball, we transitioned to playing
changes as we move into U12 soccer games were held on New South Tripleball which was developed with the
the winter season. Field and U12 volleyball coaches were active intent to focus more on skill development.
participants tossing volleyballs in games. Instead of serving back and forth between
These were just a few of the modifications teams which often led to a game of just
put in place to support the Canadian Sport serves, coaches from opposing teams tossed
for Life initiative which strives to improve the the ball into play so that the student in the
health and wellness of all Canadians. One of receiving position could use an underhand
the programs associated with the initiative is pass to begin the game. With this modification,
the Long Term Athlete Development Model. students could practice their skills and work
The goal of this model is to support active towards achieving three touches before sending
involvement in all levels of physical activity the ball over.
with developmentally-appropriate programs.
In short, we are modifying the way our One significant change in basketball was
Grades 4, 5, and 6 students play competitive implementing stop play every four minutes
sports so that they have more opportunity to to allow rotation of players. This ensured that
build their skills, develop sport competencies, all players were getting equal playing time.
increase their confidence, and hopefully de- As Coach Au Yong remarks, “equal play-
velop a lifelong love of participating in sport. ing opportunities at this age are especially
important when the season is so short. The
In U12 soccer this fall there were two improvements to the rules helped promote
significant changes that happened. The first fair play, greater confidence and serve as a
is that the field and net size were modified, reminder about the ideals of sportsmanship
and the second is that teams played 9-versus-9 and representing Pickering College with pride
instead of 11-versus-11. By playing on a and spirit.”
24ROSA
SCHAEFER
The difference a year makes.
With the goals of improving her English
skills and gaining new life experiences,
Grade 11 student Rosa Schaefer first
arrived at PC in the fall of 2016. Like many
international boarding students, she only
intended to stay for one year. After just
one term, she persuaded her parents to let
her continue her high school studies here
with her second family.
Rosa has proven herself a valuable asset for
the swim team, competing with the team
at the OFSSA championships last year and
she’s looking forward to another successful
season. She is also a member of the Senior
Girls’ basketball team and track and field
team.
She describes herself as initially “very shy”
when she first arrived but pushed herself
to become more open and make friends,
struggling at first but gaining confidence
once her English improved. “Everyone
here has made an impact. My personality
has changed a lot, and I love the cultural
diversity of the students.”
Her newfound confidence allowed her
to tackle the challenges of math and
chemistry, expanding her problem-solving
skills and applying formulas. She finds a
new way to approach an assignment if her
first attempt doesn’t work.
On choosing Pickering College, Rosa says
she simply had the feeling she wanted to
go here. Her advice to a new boarding
student is “Don’t be afraid to speak
English because everyone is in the same
situation.”
Expressing gratitude for the opportunities
she has been given, Rosa adds “I love PC.
“Everyone here has made I’m really glad I came back.”
an impact. My personality
has changed a lot, and I
love the cultural diversity
of the students.”
25BOARDING LIFE
Laura Mason, Director of Health Services and Boarding, talks about making
new friends and forging relationships that can last a lifetime.
The first snowfall is a special time in boarding. It is filled with Toronto Harbour, team building at YMCA, apple picking and
excitement and awe. Each year I wait with anticipation, not for baking, Nuit Blanche, Cirque du Soleil Volta, paintball and
the snowfall but for the reaction of the boarding students to that various sporting events including the Blue Jays and Toronto
first snowfall. For many of them, they have never experienced Raptors. There is truly something for everyone, whether you are
snow and when it happens there is laughter, excitement and a from halfway across the world or from just up the street.
joy that is almost tangible.
Along with this great privilege comes a great deal of
I am then reminded that, for many of these children, this responsibility. It is also a time for students to learn about
experience is filled with so many “firsts.” Living in boarding and themselves and of what they are truly capable. Being in
being part of the boarding family and the Pickering College boarding is a test of personal strength. The days are very full
community is often the first time most of these young people and the schedule is very tight, from getting up each weekday
have been away from their parents for a significant period of morning at 7:30 a.m. through to Open Space Study which ends
time. There are expectations and responsibilities that come with at 8:00 p.m. followed by evening activities until 9:30 p.m., it
being a boarding student. For some students, they make this is a busy day. Students are responsible for things like keeping
adjustment easily and for others it takes some time. their room clean and washing their own clothes as well as self
managing but they do it all with such resolve.
It is wonderful to watch young people share new experiences
throughout their time at Pickering College. They are making The boarding program provides our students with coaching
new friends, and forging relationships that often last a lifetime. and guidance along this path of growth and maturity. I believe
They are trying new things, new foods, a new language and it takes a great deal of courage to take on the challenge of
new experiences. Our boarding program attempts to offer boarding, away from home and the things that are most
enough variety of activities to appeal to the majority of people. familiar and comfortable and, in some cases, to learn a new
In addition to the evening activities that include fitness, yoga, language and culture. What a blessing it is that we can share in
Zumba, board games, cooking and baking we also go on trips each others’ lives and learn and live with each other in such a
every weekend that include things like a boat cruise around diverse and special community.
26TIMUR
SABIROV
PC makes a lasting first
impression on GLP Scholar.
Hailing from Kiev, Ukraine, Grade 9
student Timur Sabirov is excited by the
prospect of spending the next four years
at Pickering College.
Timur is the recipient of the 2017-2018
Global Leadership Program Scholarship
and proudly acts as a representative of his
home country. This scholarship recognizes
the potential of a student entering Grade
9 as a significant contributor to the school
and to the Global Leadership Program.
Timur has quickly adjusted to life as a
boarding student far from home. Enjoying
his newfound independence, he loves
spending time with friends playing soccer,
visiting Main Street, and simply relaxing
on the weekend. His four-day trip to Camp
Tawingo allowed him the opportunity to
further bond with new classmates, while
marvelling at the breathtaking scenery of
the Ontario wilderness.
Enjoying all subjects equally, he finds his
studies here easier with more attention
from teachers and more time devoted
to individual subjects. “Teachers go into
greater detail with a more concentrated
focus,” says Timur.
He has been amazed by the friendly,
open atmosphere and the welcoming
environment provided by the boarding
community, emphasized by Associate
Faculty members Ms. Daoust and Mr. Di
Nardo who provide extra help with studies
and join in for the occasional soccer game.
Dazzled by the size, scope and diversity
“Two things [the Global Leadership of downtown Toronto, Timur is already
looking forward to future studies in
Program] has taught me since September Canada. His enthusiasm shows he is well
is to be more patient and to help others. on his way to becoming a model scholar.
You learn and it’s interesting.”
27Thank You 28
to the Pickering College Community 2016-2017
Welcome
The 2016-2017 school year was one of exciting progress for Pickering
College. This was the second year that the entire school, from
Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12, was fully engaged with the Global
Leadership Program. Our first graduating class under the Global
Leadership Program, our Grade 12s, showed incredible innovation and
creativity in the global issues solutions they presented in their Capstone
projects. Upon graduating, they walked through the Pillars confident
and well prepared for post-secondary and beyond. They also know that
we will always be here to support them and welcome them back to the
Hilltop as treasured alumni. Our debate team, only five years along, sent
its first competitor to the World Debating Championships in Australia.
We brought the LEGO League and Reggio learning to the Junior School.
We also added sports championships to the banners in Egan House,
performed brilliantly at national music festivals, and between the efforts
of staff and students, served over 100 not-for-profit organizations with
gifts of volunteer time and financial donations.
Our supporters responded to the successes of our students and the
passion of our educators. Through support for the Holiday Home Tour
and the Golf Tournament, by providing thousands of volunteer hours,
by donating generous annual gifts to financial aid and athletics, by
building our endowments, and by providing exceptional support for
the Light The Way capital campaign and the building of the Centre for
Creativity and Innovation, our community continues to give of their
time, talent and treasure to build a bright future at Pickering College.
What a wonderful example this sets for the students in our care and
for the community we serve. Our future leaders witness this generosity
of spirit from our parents, alumni, alumni parents, staff, their fellow
students and friends. The school continues to grow from “strength to
strength” as Charles Boyd, our longest-serving employee, often says.
This is the result of your support. As you look through the pages of
this magazine, we hope you feel our gratitude for what each of our
volunteers and donors have provided. Your support allows our school
and our students to thrive now, and into the future. Thank you.
Peter Sturrup Kelly Mason Donna Fordyce
Headmaster Chair, Board of Directors Chair, PCA
29You can also read
