Annual Report 2014-2015
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WPGA Leaders in Future-Focused Learning Annual Report 2014-2015 1 Message from the Board 2 Board of Directors 3 Message from Head of School 4 School Highlights 5 Strategic Plan Summary 6 Key Performance Indicators 7 Wolves in the News 8 Class of 2015 Snapshot 9 Financial Summary 11 Message from the Foundation 12 Foundation Financials 13 WPGA Finance and Fundraising Model 14 Message from Parent Volunteer Group 15 PVG Volunteers and Program Support 16 Donors and Donations 24 WPGA in Words Dear West Point Grey Academy Community: Peter Blake On behalf of the entire Board of Directors, I am pleased to present the West Vice Chair, Point Grey Academy Annual Report for 2014–2015. Now in our 20th year, we WPGA Board are extremely proud of our reputation as a leading independent school in of Directors British Columbia and Canada. Our school’s authentic culture is a byproduct of our welcoming and inclusive community—one that is progressive, open and involved. Tam Matthews’ experienced leadership has been apparent since becoming Head of School in 2013, when he led our school through a strategic planning process, with teaching and learning, learning environments, community engagement and healthy balance defined as key priorities for our school. The Board approved the strategic plan in September 2014 and provided a plan summary at the start of the school year. We are keen to continue to support Tam and his Leadership Team over the next four years of its implementation. In 2014, we welcomed three Board members: Sacha McLean, George Paspalas and Elena Smith. Together with our seven other Directors, they have been integral in guiding the school’s strategic goals and vision. This year, the Board created the Communications and External Relations Committee in addition to our existing Finance and Audit, Governance and Nominating, Building, and Risk Management Committees, the latter which recently completed a comprehensive risk management policy handbook and risk register for annual tracking. A highlight in 2014–2015 was the We Live Here campaign to fund, in part, the renovation of the junior learning commons, university and career counselling centre, senior lobby and early childhood education centre. We thank the over 350 families who donated more than $2 million for these terrific capital improvements, which greatly enhance our students’ educational experience, as evidenced by the previous summer’s junior lobby, senior study and dining hall renewals. Another notable event was the October 2014 transfer of the neighbouring Jericho Garrison property to Canada Lands Corporation and three First Nations bands. As an established and recognized key stakeholder in land discussions, we will continue to work closely with our neighbours, the community, the City and the Province to secure our long-term land arrangement. As always, we will keep you apprised of developments. In this exceptional year, I extend gratitude to our Chair, Bob Standerwick, and all Board directors for their commitment, professional insights and continuing support; to Tam, teachers and staff for their excellent work and dedication; and to our entire community of volunteers for giving so generously to our school. Sincerely, Peter Blake, FCPA, FCA Vice Chair, WPGA Board of Directors 1 Annual Report 2014 - 2015 Board of Directors 2014 -2015 Chair Vice Chair Robert Standerwick, Q.C. Peter Blake Directors Ex-Officio Members Fiona Brodie Tam Matthews, Head of School Patrick Chan Stephen Anthony, Head of Senior School Dr. Raymond Kwan Ciara Corcoran, Head of Junior School Sacha McLean George Paspalas Elena Smith Mark Tourigny Anuja Varshney Dr. Peter Wong Foundation Board of Directors 2014–2015 Chair Wendy King Directors Ex-Officio Directors Clive Austin Tam Matthews, Head of School Elizabeth Moxham Kate Rassekh, PVG Chair Robert Standerwick, Q.C. Stella Leung, PVG Treasurer Neil Watson Dr. Peter Wong www.wpga.ca 2 Dear WPGA Families and Friends: Tam Matthews In this annual report, we reflect fondly on 2014–2015, which had record Head of School applications (692), full enrollment (942), countless student achievements and impressive university placements. In September 2014, the Board of Directors approved our five-year strategic plan, Forward Together, which has brought new ideas, energy and focus. As we look back, we acknowledge the courage and generosity of founders Andrew Chan, Michael Choi, Elsie Sze, Dr. Peter Wong, Dr. Raymond Kwan and colleagues, whose 1996 vision—to build a globally-minded coeducational school—has been guided by the work of Clive Austin, founding Headmaster for 17 years; Robert Standerwick, Q.C., Chair of the Board for 16 years; and Wendy Valdes, Chair of the WPGA Foundation and Parent Volunteer Group for 12 years. We are indebted to Ciara Corcoran, Head of Junior School, and Stephen Anthony, Head of Senior School, both integral to WPGA from day one, and thank all staff, parents, alumni and friends who have contributed to our mission of Shaping Lives of Inquiry, Action and Joy. Indeed, our school would not be as strong without the support of our extended community, and we are continuously seeking ways to give back. For example, in 2014–2015 we built a 1.25-km community trail, hosted a West Point Grey Residents Association event, and assisted our Musqueam neighbours with curriculum development, a homework club, and the c̓əsnaʔəm exhibit at the Museum of Vancouver. Within our schoolwide service program, students cleaned Jericho beach, sang at local retirement homes and performed for the Point Grey Village Business Association. As part of our vision to be leaders in future-focused learning, we introduced four exciting partnerships: • UBC teaching partnership on numeracy in elementary grades • UBC Liu Institute partnership for our Global Studies program • Global Online Academy membership, which includes 63 leading independent schools worldwide • Connected North learning partnership with Cisco Systems and John Arnalukjuak High School, Nunavut In future years, we look forward to establishing partnerships in science, technology, engineering and entrepreneurship. Lastly, we congratulate our 70 Class of 2015 graduates, now members of our global network of 815 alumni, and recognize retired staff members Tony Grant, English teacher, Ursula Diem, Head of Languages, and Christine Poole, Director of Admissions, for their years of dedication. I am most grateful to them and to our students, staff, parents and Board members for making our school community so dynamic and inspiring. Heartfelt thanks, Tam Matthews Head of School [email protected] 3 Annual Report 2014 - 2015 School Highlights 2014–2015 Program and Cocurricular Initiatives • Implemented technology integration plan, including 1:1 device program for grades 2–12 • Trained teachers on differentiation, attachment theory and executive functioning, with all teachers completing professional growth and goal-setting plans • Introduced Atlas Curriculum Mapping; eight teachers received Atlas training in Portland • Launched Global Studies Diploma program in partnership with Liu Institute; hosted Global Studies Symposium at UBC and graduated 10 Global Studies SCHOLARS • Established learning partnership with Cisco Systems and John Arnalukjuak High School, Nunavut • Approved as first Canadian member of Global Online Academy (GOA); seven teachers received training for GOA instructor accreditation • Added engineering, robotics, science and executive functioning courses • Expanded grade 7 robotics program to include diverse technology applications and mechanical engineering • Offered senior service trip to Dominican Republic in partnership with Outreach360 • Received Difference Maker Award from the Rick Hansen Foundation for student service to community • Coordinated JK–7 service initiatives including the Great Daffodil Plant (1000 bulbs planted on campus), planet club and gardens, Music for Nepal fundraiser and difference makers club • Helped create K–12 teaching kit for Vancouver schools on the Musqueam village c̓əsnaʔəm • Empowered students to shape assemblies, committees and events; added student reflections to grades 8–12 report cards • Created a peer mentoring program, food committee and gay-straight alliance club • Adopted a best practices awards model rooted in long-term student achievement www.wpga.ca 4 Forward Together 2014–2019 Strategic Plan Summary WPGA Vision: Leaders in Future-Focused Learning Inspired by our rapidly evolving world, we are a model for schools in oering interdisciplinary, experiential programs and partnerships, with technology, entrepreneurship and global connectivity at the forefront. Mission: Shaping Lives of Inquiry, Action and Joy Core Values Globally Academically Character Inspired Innovative Driven Community Intentionally Spirited Balanced Strategic Priorities Learning Environments New facilities Leading technology Financial & fundraising plans Teaching & Learning Community Engagement Outstanding teachers Communications plan Engaged students Advancement plan Innovative curriculum Community partnerships Healthy Balance Goal setting Character education Empower students & sta 5 Annual Report 2014 - 2015 Key Performance Indicators (Source: NAIS Financially Sustainable Schools) WPGA Targets 2013-14 2014-15 Change Market Demand: Number of applications per acceptance 4:1 4:1 5.4:1 + 40% Retention: Student Experience 96% 94% 95% + 1% 101-105% Competitive Faculty/Staff Salaries: (compared to Vancouver Attract and retain staff School Board) 100% 101.25% + 1.25% Tuition Increases: Less than 4% Accessibility average