YEARS EST.1996 WPGA Annual Report 2019–2020 CELEBRATING TWENTY-FIVE YEARS TABLE OF CONTENTS 2 Message from the Board Chair 4 Board Directors 6 Message from the Head of School 10 Strategic Plan Progress Report 17 Key Performance Indicators 18 Class of 2020 22 School Revenues/Expenses 24 Message from the Foundation 26 Foundation Financials 28 Message from the Advancement Office 30 Giving at WPGA in 2019-2020 32 Shaping Lives Fund Allocation 36 Message from the Parent Volunteer Group 38 Student Wishlist Support 39 PVG Committees 40 Donors and Donations MESSAGE FROM THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS Dear WPGA Families and Friends: Welcome to West Point Grey Academy’s Annual Report for 2019–2020. On behalf of WPGA’s Board of Directors, I am pleased to introduce the report, which includes our strategic and operational objectives, key performance indicators, and our community’s volunteer and financial support. In August 2019, we welcomed Stephen Anthony as WPGA’s third Head of School. A founding faculty member and longtime Head of Senior School, Stephen stepped into the headship role well prepared, supported by the Board and an experienced Leadership Team. Stephen and the Leadership Team guided WPGA through the Ministry mandated school closure in March 2020 and subsequent Ministry-directed transitions, from Stage 4 in April and Stage 3 in June to Stage 2 this fall. At the core of our plans is the safety of all community members, continuity of student learning and care, and the ability to quickly shift between stages, if directed by the Ministry. Although the pandemic was paramount in defining 2019–2020, we did enjoy a relatively normal first half of the school year. See below areas the Board addressed last year and that we continue to work on this year. SHAPING LIVES FUND & FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FUND Like all nonprofit independent schools, we depend on donors’ generosity to fund enriched programs and priority needs, as tuition and government grants cover operations and compensation only. In 2019–2020, 63% of WPGA families donated $688,460 to the Shaping Lives Fund, enabling us to complete renovations to our arts and music facilities, invest in academic and cocurricular programs, promote environmental stewardship, and much more. Visit wpga.ca/shapinglives for full program support. Together we also raised $72,593 for the WPGA Financial Assistance Fund, established in April to provide short-term tuition assistance to current families. 2 Last month we launched the Shaping Lives Fund for 2020–2021. We have new needs for a new reality, which include technology upgrades, wellness resources, and equipment to facilitate outdoor learning. The Financial Assistance Fund is now a permanent giving option, and we hope to eventually expand the Fund to include entrance scholarships. Remember that the Shaping Lives Fund pays for these extra, exceptional learning programs and related costs for your own children and all other students at WPGA. I really hope you will consider the school as part of your philanthropic planning each year. My heartfelt thanks to the 63% of families who already do so. Like every year, we’re aiming for 100% participation rather than a target dollar amount. As a community, our impact is stronger than individual contributions. (As an incentive, remember that donations are tax deductible!) Within our Board and Foundation Board, 100% of directors have donated to the Fund for 2020–2021. JERICHO LANDS PLANNING PROGRAM Since September 1996, when WPGA opened its doors, we have been honoured to reside on the Jericho Lands, the unceded traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwxwú7mesẖ (Squamish), and sə̓lílwətaʔɬ (Tsleil- Waututh) Nations. Following community open houses for the Jericho Lands Planning Program, hosted by WPGA in March 2019, and stakeholder feedback, this past summer the City of Vancouver released its draft guiding principles for the Jericho Lands; these principles will be incorporated into a policy statement that will inform the future rezoning and development of the 90-acre site. The Jericho Lands Planning Program includes the Jericho Lands Working Group, which provides direction and insight on community needs relating to the Lands. We are pleased that Robert Fung, WPGA parent, was vetted by the City of Vancouver to be on the 24-member Working Group. Robert steps in for Graham Bullen, WPGA alumni parent. We are deeply appreciative of Graham's service to our school community. As always, we will keep you apprised of updates to the planning process. Long- term development plans include WPGA, and we are hopeful and excited to continue to serve our community and celebrate 25 more years and beyond on the Jericho Lands. PARENT INVOLVEMENT Thank you to our Board of Directors, Foundation Board, Board Committees and Parent Volunteer Group for a wonderful and fulfilling year of volunteerism in 2019–2020. We extend gratitude to Anuja Varshney, who stepped down from the Board in June 2020 after eight years. We welcomed Miranda Lam to our Board of Directors in July 2020. Parent engagement, volunteerism and philanthropy, from 1996 to now, are hallmarks of WPGA. Despite the limitations of this school year, we will find 3 creative ways to contribute, to stay involved, and to ensure a joyful educational experience for all Grey Wolves. Sincerely, Peter Blake, FCPA, FCA Board Chair [email protected] Emma ‘18, Tess ‘20 BOARD DIRECTORS 2019–2020 BOARD OF DIRECTORS: Peter Blake | Board Chair Patrick Chan, Wendy King, Sacha McLean, George Paspalas, Elena Smith, Robert Standerwick, Q.C., Mark Tourigny, Anuja Varshney, Dr. Peter Wong, Cheryl Yue BOARD EX-OFFICIO DIRECTORS Stephen Anthony | Head of Senior School Ciara Corcoran | Head of Junior School Jason Parker | Head of Senior School FOUNDATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS: Wendy King | Chair Clive Austin, Elizabeth Moxham, Robert Standerwick, Q.C., Neil Watson, Dr. Peter Wong FOUNDATION EX-OFFICIO DIRECTORS: Stephen Anthony | Head of School Nyle Beck | (Past) Chair, Parent Volunteer Group Baljit Bawa | (Past) Treasurer, Parent Volunteer Group 4 MESSAGE FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL Dear Wolfpack: WPGA's Annual Report for 2019-2020 includes our Strategic Plan Progress Report. The plan, Forward Together, is as relevant today as it was when created a few years ago, due in large part to the comprehensive planning and broad constituent input at the time. This year, we will undertake a strategic plan refresh, adapting objectives and priorities based on evolving needs, new realities and future aspirations, as well as incorporating input from our parent, student and staff surveys completed in early 2019. The latter half of 2019-2020 strengthened and highlighted our ability to adapt, focus and be flexible. Remote learning and alternate methods of curriculum delivery demanded an increased reliance on technology as well as a heightened commitment to our students’ and community’s wellbeing. It also necessitated a mindset shift: moving forward, courageously yet judiciously, amidst uncertainty. The pandemic isn’t over yet, but we remain prepared and confident in our capacity to safely provide exceptional educational experiences within the framework and guidelines mandated by the Ministries of Education and Health. We've enjoyed the incredible fortune to learn and grow on this campus for 25 years. The Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Nations have done the same on this hill for thousands of years prior. From a long-term educational perspective, we have remained committed to Indigenous education, and to diversity, equity and inclusion. Our Indigenous Education Teacher Working Group Committee meets regularly to build cultural and historical knowledge of Indigenous Peoples and to incorporate this learning into the curriculum in meaningful ways for all students and staff. This fall, to further build on our work over the years, we’ve established a Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee, led by Kanya Adam, WPGA parent. Kanya has a Doctor of Philosophy, Politics and International Relations from Oxford University 6 and teaches in the political science and social justice/international human rights departments at Simon Fraser University. She is a Director and Past President of MOSAIC, one of the largest settlement nonprofit organizations in Canada serving immigrant and refugee communities in BC. The committee, comprising students, teachers, staff and alumni, will explore how WPGA can be even more diverse, equitable and inclusive—walking the talk in all facets of school life and truly modelling the values we hold so dearly . This fall WPGA celebrates 25 years of teaching and learning, of shaping lives, and of contributing positively to our greater community. As a founding faculty member, I fondly recall early days of literally assembling second-hand classroom furniture with the help of staff and parents before WPGA opened its doors in September 1996. Optimism and enthusiasm were high, and I remember the feeling of being part of something special, part of a supportive, kind, humble community. This has always been WPGA’s ethos—sleeves up, volunteering, working together to get things done. I thank our Board, Foundation Board, Board Committees and Parent Volunteer Group for their notable service, last year and every year, and honour all parents who give of their time and resources. What we have and who we are at WPGA is because of each of you. To that end, I invite you to join me in donating to the annual Shaping Lives Fund for 2020-2021. As Peter mentioned, our collective impact is greater than any individual donation. Together we can—and we do—make a difference. CLASS OF 2020 Congratulations to the 80 members of our Class of 2020. It was a remarkable year, and I applaud our graduates’ resilience, gratitude and positivity throughout. I also celebrate their courage and tenacity this year, whether they opted to start their university careers in new cities or made new plans to remain in Vancouver. Progredimini Confidenter.