Building a strong, supportive community

The Pickering College Association (PCA) is a dynamic group made up of parents, past parents, alumni, and staff volunteers who collaborate to organize engaging community events and activities that support the school’s programs. The wide variety of initiatives offered by the PCA not only provides exciting opportunities for involvement but also fosters a strong sense of community, grounded in mutual respect, inclusivity, and a celebration of diversity.

Through fundraising and friend-raising efforts, the PCA plays a key role in enriching school life for students. The funds raised support essential initiatives such as capital projects, curriculum development, cutting-edge technology, and program enhancements, all of which contribute to the continued growth and success of Pickering College.

This academic year, we were delighted to continue celebrating parents with a number of PCA friend-raising initiatives including Mom and Dad events to welcome new as well as current parents, providing an informal and relaxed way to get to know one another. These events help to bring our larger parent community together and we are so thankful for the parents who attended. In the fall, we enjoyed a special night celebrating the women of PC at our Sip, Snack, and Sparkle event where we made beautiful bracelets. A few weeks later, we hosted with a fantastic Wings and Wits trivia event geared to Dads, which was a big success.

In November, the much-anticipated Holiday Home Tour showcased five beautifully decorated homes in the wonderful communities of Aurora and Newmarket. The tour offered a festive and immersive experience, as visitors had the chance to discover the incredible talent of local designers, florists, caterers, and musicians who brought each home to life. A portion of the proceeds from the event went to Construct, a social enterprise by Blue Door that provides skills training to help vulnerable people secure long-term employment. We are so grateful for the overwhelming support of everyone who attended and volunteered, and we look forward to welcoming you to the 20th anniversary tour this November.

The Staff Appreciation committee remains dedicated to expressing our gratitude for the Faculty and Staff at Pickering College through special events organized for different members of our school community.

Additionally, the PCA was pleased to maintain our weekly PCA Walks every Friday morning and host monthly PCA Coffee Socials celebrating various events and special morning meetings.

In early April, we gathered to celebrate our wonderful community at Spring Luncheon, a cherished annual tradition. This year’s theme was High Tea and offered attendees an opportunity to connect while taking in the views of historic downtown Newmarket, from The Overlea at the Postmark Hotel.

There are many opportunities to join us on campus over the next couple of months as the school year draws to a close—two of note:

Don’t miss Fun Fair taking place after school on Thursday, May 15! With carnival games, inflatables, and a dunk tank, it’s sure to be a fun-filled afternoon. Join us for exciting activities and to make fun memories with your school community!

Monday, June 23 promises to be another spectacular day of golf at the Charles F. Boyd Invitational Golf Tournament, taking place at the beautiful Emerald Hills Golf Club in WhitchurchStouffville. This year marks a special milestone as we celebrate 25 years of camaraderie and community spirit on the golf course. We invite you to join us for a day of friendly competition, great conversation, and unforgettable memories. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or just there to cheer on friends and colleagues, your participation will help make this day truly special. Registration is open: www.pickeringcollege.on.ca/golf

At Pickering College, we believe that school is about more than just learning—it’s about building a strong, supportive community. Our school is fortunate to have an amazing group of students, faculty, and parents who make it all possible.

As we like to say, the People are Pickering. If you’re looking for ways to get involved and make a positive impact on your child’s school experience or to connect with members of our community, follow us on Instagram @PCAParents or reach out to PCA Chair, Krystie Robinson-Vincent, at pcachair@pickeringcollege.on.ca