A message from Mirella Morra Chair, Board of Directors
As we chart our course forward, our foundation remains rooted in the core values established by the school’s Quaker founders—values that have guided and sustained generations of Pickering College students. This continuity is what connects our past to our present and prepares us for the future.
We stand at a transformative time in Pickering College’s history, prepared to embrace the future with confidence. The school’s strategy with its focus on Inspire, Innovate, Invest reflects this readiness and ambition.
Thanks to the dedicated faculty and staff, Pickering College students learn to live the school’s mission and vision in their daily lives as they shape a better world while pursuing their passions. As parents, I believe there is little more we could wish for than for our children to lead meaningful and purposeful lives.
Underpinning our strategic priorities of Inspire and Innovate is Invest. This is where our broader Pickering College community has the opportunity to have the most substantive impact. From remarkable donor support for West Lake House to scholarships, the restoration of the farmhouse at Blue & Silver Farm, and the Eric Veale Memorial Arena renovation, none of these projects would be possible without the generosity of our school community.
“The People are Pickering” is a well-known phrase that is central to our community and speaks of our shared belief in the values, education, and experiences provided to students. By investing in the school’s future, our community ensures that students today, and future generations, will have the best possible learning experience to prepare them to make positive change in the world.
We look forward to the journey ahead, confident that our strategy—reflective of the many voices within our community—will inspire everyone to join us in this exciting endeavour.
Mirella Morra Chair, Board of Directors
A message from Dr. Cinde Lock Head of School
Pickering College has always been ahead of its time. From the school’s roots in coeducation to the establishment of the advisor system and the abolition of corporal punishment as a means of discipline, we continually stand at the forefront of innovation and strive for the ideal of what school should be.
The Global Leadership Program (GLP) ensures our students not only excel academically but develop the critical skills needed to be leaders and change agents in the world. These skills—ranging from problem-solving to adaptability and social responsibility—are instrumental in shaping who our students are and how they contribute to the world.
What also sets PC apart is our Quaker heritage and history. The Quaker values of Simplicity, Peace, Integrity, Community, Equality, and Stewardship ensure a global perspective is nurtured and lived every day as we help students explore their interests and find their passions. Our Quaker values ingrain in us a commitment to making a difference, which we see demonstrated through our students’ drive to take action and effect meaningful change, a passion that continues to grow through their university years and beyond.
The impact of our school’s mission and vision is vividly reflected throughout our strategy. Our community of leaders and innovators is leaving the world a better place than they found it. This enduring legacy of positive change is a testament to the effectiveness of our work at Pickering College.
We believe in empowering young learners with the knowledge and capabilities to make informed choices that enable them to successfully navigate and shape the future. It is our life’s work to nurture the next generation of global leaders, committed to sustainability, and the creation of a positive society where everyone can thrive.
Dr. Cinde Lock Head of School
Our Quaker Values
Pickering College was founded by the Religious Society of Friends, known as Quakers, in 1842. We remain the only Quaker-founded school in Canada and the influence of their guiding values is immense. Quaker values— referred to as the SPICES—permeate the education and atmosphere at Pickering College. These values are taught, modeled, and lived by both students and teachers.
Simplicity guides students and staff to focus on fewer ideas or materials, to explore key concepts more deeply and fully, to set priorities, and to prefer clarity over clutter.
Peace is an endeavour to see the good in each person, regardless of background. Our focus is on collaborative and restorative resolution of conflict.
Integrity means being authentic and keeping consistency between one’s values and one’s actions. We are also open to new ideas, new solutions, and new paths.
Community building centres on simple gestures of kindness, warmth and inclusion; it is gathering interconnected individuals whose collective actions create a sense of belonging and encourage participation, so we accept and take care of one another.
Equality is essential, yet different than sameness. Equality asks that we give and receive the same respect, kindness and care for one another.
Stewardship means taking care of what has been given, not just for our own use but for people around us and for future generations. We should be active stewards of things, of ourselves, of each other, and of ideas and ideals.
Inspiration in Action
From farm to table
From K-12, it has been a team effort to prepare for chickens at Blue & Silver Farm. Our students have tended to incubators, built brooding boxes, nesting boxes and roosts, and created a chicken run. In addition, the farm’s maple trees were tapped for the first time, yielding 80 gallons of sap that was turned into maple syrup. Grants from Canadian Accredited Independent Schools (CAIS) and Learning for a Sustainable Future (LSF) have fueled this endeavour.
Connecting needs to solutions Making an impact
Through the Global Leadership Program, our graduates gain a competitive advantage, developing their creative problem-solving skills in a supportive teaching environment.
Lolade, Grade 12, created a digital collection of reliable, concise and verified information to guide international students through the process of enrolling in international study in the U.S. and Canada. With website visits from 11 countries and a mailing list of over 50 contacts, this project was able to provide vital information to people around the world.
A group of Grade 7-9 students spent their March Break exploring Costa Rica, which included volunteering with a dog rescue organization. Upon their return, Junior & Middle School held a dress-down day in support of Costa Rica Dog Rescue & Adoption, which cares for and places homeless dogs into permanent loving homes.
A few months later, our Director of Middle School returned to Costa Rica and delivered the funds raised, which was enough to cover dental work for about 20 dogs.
INSPIRE
Guide students to lead a meaningful life and connect with the world around them
Education has a profound impact on guiding students toward purposeful lives enriched with meaning. Our students actively engage with their environment, fostering connections with local organizations, businesses, and community members to learn from diverse perspectives and experiences. Through collaborative service projects and community partnerships, students gain a deeper understanding of the issues facing their communities and develop the empathy needed to address them.
The oath of Athenian Youth with its commitment to “make the world greater, better, and more beautiful than they found it” has served as a guiding principle at Pickering College for generations, inspiring students to embrace their role as contributors to the common good. In addition, compassion, one of the school’s core values, lays the foundation for a lifetime of ethical leadership and service. By nurturing social responsibility and civic engagement, we empower students to lead purposeful lives of impact beyond Pickering College, becoming agents of positive change in their communities and beyond.
Inspiration in Action
Reimagining democracy from Anishinaabe roots to modern day
Pickering College co-hosted a youth conference with educators in York Region that reimagined the future of democracy. Participants examined historical examples of York Region’s governance, tracing back to Anishinaabe governance and a responsible government model envisioned by The Children of Peace (Quakers who built the Sharon Temple).
Eighty students from across York Region and Georgina Island participated in thoughtprovoking discussions about positive visions
of democracy, and welcomed guest speakers including Chief Ted Williams and John Ralston Saul. Steve Paikin, host of TVO’s The Agenda, led a reflective discussion with workshop leaders and students about their conference key takeaways, which was broadcast on the school’s CRTC-licensed radio station.
Students left feeling inspired to make positive changes in their communities and with a clearer vision for what governance could look like in the future.
John Ralston Saul speaks with Jannat N.
Engage students to learn with community partners to make a difference
Students are encouraged to learn with and make a difference alongside community partners. Through meaningful engagement with local organizations, students become agents of change, fostering connections and learning in an environment that transcends traditional classroom boundaries.
To cultivate a spirit of service and citizenship, our Agent of Change Award and Alumni Keystone Award recognize community members, organizations, and alumni who demonstrate exceptional leadership, innovation, and a commitment to making a difference. By amplifying these awards and celebrating the nominees and recipients, we will inspire students to follow in their footsteps.
In addition, our alumni community’s annual events serve as a platform for networking, professional development, and reminiscing, which reinforces their bond with each other and our school. Students greatly benefit from this renewed relationship, learning directly from alumni mentors and leaders-in-residence who share their expertise and lived experience.
Externally, Pickering College is enhancing its community relations strategy by engaging with organizations such as UNESCO, Facing History and Ourselves, Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center for Holocaust Studies, Town of Newmarket, Yonge Street Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends, Indigenous communities and Newmarket African Caribbean Canadian Association.
Inspiration in Action
Post-graduate certificate in experiential education and global leadership
Pickering College and Queen’s University have partnered to offer a groundbreaking post-graduate certificate for educators in experiential education and global leadership. The program, inspired by progressive education pioneers
Joseph McCulley (Pickering College) and Duncan McArthur (Queen’s University), aims to revolutionize teaching by empowering teachers to extend learning beyond classrooms, fostering holistic, purpose-driven education in line with social responsibility ideals.
Completing five Additional Qualification (AQ) courses offers advanced standing toward a professional master’s degree, with participants earning certificates from both institutions.
We are thrilled to offer a scholarship to a Pickering College teacher each year, made possible by a generous donor.
In turn, we have offered an external scholarship that is open to any interested educator in Ontario. We are fully committed to teacher development and the impact this certificate can have on a teacher’s practice in experiential education.
Indigenous Peoples Atlas of Canada
INSPIRE
Share and celebrate initiatives that showcase Pickering College as a trailblazer in education
As a leader in education, we want to inspire and uplift others by sharing best practices. From a learner-centric interdisciplinary Middle School program to our deep-rooted Quaker values, our commitment to promoting excellence in education and fostering a culture of inclusivity, respect, and compassion is steadfast. Pickering College’s Quaker heritage is central to our identity and guides our educational philosophy. We hope by sharing examples of the school’s values in action, we:
• Inspire others to embrace the principles of peace, social justice, and stewardship of the earth.
• Cultivate a world where compassion, equality, and sustainability guide our interactions.
Telling our school’s story and what makes us stand out in a sea of choice in the independent school market is central to our strategy to attract and retain mission-appropriate students. Not only do we highlight our academic programs, we take great pride in celebrating the achievements of students, staff, and alumni through media relations. By sharing their success, we elevate our profile locally, nationally, and internationally, which in turn drives student and faculty recruitment, philanthropy and new partnerships that further enrich our students’ learning experience.
Innovation in Action
Students reimagine Canadian currency
Did you know that an Indigenous woman has never been featured on a Canadian banknote? The Native Women’s Association of Canada hopes to change that through Change The Bill, a call to action promoting reconciliation through art. Inspired by this initiative, Grade 8 students researched the legacies of the women on the recommended bills and then created their own bill designs to acknowledge the contributions of lesser-known 19th-century history makers.
Staff, students, parents, and guests attended their exhibition, including Tony Van Bynen, Member of Parliament, who spoke about how currency designs are determined and encouraged students to enact change on this and other important issues.
What’s next
• The Global Leadership Program project in Grade 9 integrates geography, science, math, and English course objectives as students develop their plans for an enivonmentally sustainable outdoor learning centre.
• Using an interdisciplinary approach and incorporating fieldwork, students will connect skills and knowledge across their coursework while giving them a sense of agency in developing their solutions.
INNOVATE
Empower students as change agents through the transformative experiential Global Leadership Program
This transformative experiential program equips students with the skills, knowledge, and mindset needed to tackle real-world challenges and effect positive change in their communities and beyond. By enhancing mentorship, forging strategic partnerships, and introducing program accelerators, the school seeks to elevate the impact and reach of the program, empowering students to lead with confidence and purpose.
One key initiative is the integration of the PC Impact Incubator stream into the Global Leadership Program, creating a seamless pathway for Senior School students to translate innovative ideas into tangible solutions. Through hands-on projects, engaging one-on-one with mentors and access to additional resources, students can develop their entrepreneurial skills and bring their visions to life, driving positive change in the community and beyond.
We recognize the value of experiential education and the role that outdoor education plays in fostering leadership skills and promoting environmental stewardship. By leveraging Blue & Silver Farm’s potential as a living laboratory, students connect with the natural world, develop resilience, and cultivate a sense of responsibility toward the environment.
Innovation in Action
Cultivating an entrepreneurial spirit
The PC Impact Incubator accelerates and launches Grade 12 students who have an innovative, viable idea to develop a product that addresses a significant local or global issue.
Students are tasked with researching a problem and the challenges faced by a specific community. They then work with community leaders to understand the needs of their group and prototype and test a product that can be launched. Students pitch early prototypes for grants and funding and develop a marketing plan to launch the product.
What’s next
• A new technological education credit for Grade 9/10 and expanded technology offerings provide students with opportunities for exploration and collaboration.
• Students use their skills to think critically and creatively as they analyze situations, identify issues, and develop solutions.
• A culminating GLP project in Grade 9 that allows students to further explore these skills through an interdisciplinary team-based assignment.
Leverage the use of technology to inspire students to take action INNOVATE
Innovation in education is about inspiring students to take action, explore their passions, and develop essential skills needed for the future. One of our key strategies is to harness the power of technology to ignite students’ curiosity and creativity across all grade levels.
By developing age-appropriate and stage-appropriate technology strategies for each division, our faculty is effectively incorporating digital tools and resources into the curriculum to enhance learning outcomes. Central to this effort is the creation of a JK–12 skills matrix that integrates International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) standards, ensuring that students develop the digital literacy and fluency needed to thrive.
A maker mindset emphasizes hands-on learning, problem-solving, and collaboration, empowering students to become creators rather than just consumers of technology. In a supportive environment, our students are provided with opportunities to unleash their creativity through robotics, coding, and design-build projects. Through participation in these activities, students gain confidence, build resilience, and learn the importance of teamwork and perseverance—essential qualities for success in an increasingly digital world.
Innovation in Action
Lighting a SPARC in Middle School
SPARC (Student Projects Advancing Real Change) experiences will ignite our students’ inner light, curiosity, and empathy while developing skills in technology and social advocacy. The program focuses on five interdisciplinary areas:
• Technology: robotics and coding
• Designing for now and the future
• Environmental stewardship
• Social justice and advocacy
• Identity and community
Each of these areas empowers our students to become critical thinkers and socially responsible individuals who take action through collaborative, authentic partnerships with the local community.
SPARC gives our students a sense of agency by providing them with choice in the actions they take to solve real-life problems. The vision is to help Middle School students discover their passions and identity through experiential and technology-based learning, as they work together to make the world better than they discovered it.
INNOVATE
Unleash every child’s limitless potential to pursue their passions
Innovation in education is not just about embracing new technologies or methodologies; it’s about unlocking the full potential of every child and empowering them to pursue their passions with confidence and purpose. Various pedagogical approaches drive student-centred learning and ensure students actively engage with the curriculum.
Children are naturally curious. We instil a sense of wonder by constantly asking questions and providing them with the space to experience, observe and reflect upon what interests them. Our faculty work closely and collaborate with our students, putting them at the centre of their own learning as they determine their path.
Communicating the Global Leadership Program’s connection to the future of education and its competitive advantage aims to inspire students and educators alike to embrace a holistic approach to learning, leadership development, and a mindset needed to thrive. Students are empowered to think critically, solve problems creatively, and adapt to change with resilience and confidence. Whether it’s through Reggio-inspired inquiries that engage children, parents and the community as essential components of the learning process, project-based learning, performance through arts and athletics, or entrepreneurial ventures, students are encouraged to explore their passions, take risks, and pursue ambitious goals.
Investment in Action
Transforming the arena
The Eric Veale Memorial Arena has been an integral part of our physical education and co-curricular programs, fostering a love for ice sports and physical activity for many generations of students. The arena has served us well for more than 50 years but has reached its end of life. The renovated arena will have an upgraded ice pad, the addition of insulated walls and an energy and environmentally-sustainable refrigeration system. A multi-purpose gym, complete with a rock-climbing wall, will be added to the existing space at the south end, providing students with state-of-the-art facilities and further enhancing the Co-curricular Program.
What’s next
• Rogers House mechanical infrastructure upgrades to reflect energy efficiency and sustainability.
• Determining the priorities for the Rogers House renovation to improve Middle and Senior School spaces.
Artist rendering
INVEST
Develop and create inspiring learning spaces by executing the long-term facilities plan
Creating inspiring learning spaces requires careful planning and execution, taking into consideration the interplay between architecture, pedagogy, and the overall experience of learners. Our long-term facilities plan serves as a roadmap, not only outlining immediate needs but also envisioning the school’s future requirements. The construction of West Lake House represents more than just bricks and mortar; it symbolizes our bold vision for the future and ensures our students have inspiring learning spaces. Our plans include renovations within Rogers House, our main academic building, as well as enhancement of the boarding environment, improved traffic flow and parking at the school, and other indoor and outdoor spaces. The development of infrastructure at Blue & Silver
Farm is also an important aspect of our planning. Our commitment to creating inspiring spaces is evident in the work we have completed recently. Whether it’s the creation of Alumni House, providing dedicated space for parent and alumni events and volunteers to gather, or upgrading the ESL Academy to serve as a classroom/boarding space, our intention is for each project to benefit the whole school community.
Sustainability is an important focus of our facilities plan, as we identify ways to reduce our impact on the environment. Our goal is to not only reduce the school’s carbon footprint but also to instill a sense of environmental responsibility in our students. From energy-efficient buildings to waste reduction initiatives, every step taken contributes to a brighter future.
Artist rendering
Investment in Action
ESL Boarding Academy accelerates language acquisition
Pickering College launched the ESL Academy, a new program for English-language learners entering Grades 9 and 10. Offering a full-year, credited program, the Academy is designed to accelerate students’ language acquisition and provide a foundation for students to study at Canadian boarding schools. Enrolled students earn a full year of Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) credits, prepare for and complete the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) Junior test, and participate in exciting excursions to explore Canadian culture.
Students develop skills including public speaking, group work, writing with personal voice and synthesizing research. Following one year of study in the ESL Academy, many students progress to Pickering College’s core program the following academic year.
What’s next at Blue & Silver
• Expanded auxiliary programs and events are possible with hire of farm manager and tenant.
• Investing further in the infrastructure so that students can be involved in growing organic produce in industrial greenhouses, beekeeping, and caring for many types of livestock.
• Partnerships focused on tech-based and regenerative farming practices.
INVEST
Design purposeful auxiliary programming to generate new income
Auxiliary program offerings have been thoughtfully designed to complement our core academic program while providing an additional revenue stream. Diversifying our revenue sources provides greater flexibility and positions us for long-term success.
Our targets for auxiliary programming are ambitious, aiming to exceed expectations so that funds can be reinvested into key areas such as facility upgrades and enhancements, faculty development, and student scholarships.
We will recruit to fill all boarding spaces annually, including those at the ESL Academy. By attracting a diverse and dynamic student body, we can enrich our learning community and enhance our global reputation.
In parallel, we seek to increase enrolment in all summer camps, capitalizing on the school’s existing infrastructure and expertise in delivering enriching educational experiences outside the traditional academic year. By offering a diverse array of summer programs, we can attract students from a wide range of backgrounds and interests.
Investment in Action
Building for the future
West Lake House construction is progressing steadily with support from generous donors.
With a spring 2025 completion date, this new academic building will provide creative and collaborative spaces for years to come.
In addition, the Eric Veale Memorial Arena renovation began in May 2024.
Over $39 million was raised to see these two incredible projects through to completion.
What’s next
• Pickering College is dedicated to fostering a culture of philanthropy that supports our immediate needs as well as our vision and mission.
• In preparation for the next capital campaign, we will conduct a feasibility study to ensure that our aspirations align with our fundraising capabilities and our donors’ passions.
INVEST
Engage with donors who share our vision and passion
Investing in donor engagement is essential for advancing Pickering College’s mission and securing vital resources for programs and initiatives. By cultivating relationships with donors who share our vision and passion, we can build a supportive community committed to our long-term success.
Whether it’s through one-on-one meetings, campus tours, friend-raising or fundraising events, we seek to foster a sense of connection and belonging for all. By expressing sincere gratitude and demonstrating the impact of their contributions, we acknowledge donors’ generosity and their commitment to the school. This may involve providing regular updates on the progress of funded projects, inviting donors to events, or recognizing their support through naming opportunities and recognition programs.
We seek to recruit Board and Corporation members who demonstrate leadership in philanthropic giving. These individuals play a pivotal role in advancing the school’s fundraising efforts and supporting strategic initiatives.
By aligning Pickering College’s leadership with its fundraising priorities, a culture of philanthropy is created that permeates every aspect of operations.
We warmly invite you to join us in shaping the future of Pickering College. Your support is invaluable, and there are many meaningful ways to contribute.
By offering your partnership, your philanthropic support, and by sharing the Pickering College story, you are not only becoming part of the legacy of Pickering College, you are helping to sow the seeds of the future.
Thank you for your belief in the value of Pickering College and the role we all play in making the world greater, better and more beautiful.
To become involved, please contact us at communications@pickeringcollege.on.ca.
