Welcome Message from the Board Chair

Dear Families & Staff: 

On behalf of the West Point Grey Academy Board of Directors, welcome back to returning families and a warm welcome to the new families, faculty and staff members joining us. As proud Grey Wolves parents (Hazel ‘26, Kate ‘32) for the past 12 years, my wife Melanie and I can attest to the boisterous spirit, inclusive community, and sense of belonging that help define WPGA’s special culture.

Since I first joined the Board of Directors in 2014, and in my role as Chair of the Finance Committee since 2016, the school has judiciously maintained a very healthy financial position, now and in advance of our long-term future on the Jericho Lands. As noted in previous Board communications, earlier this year WPGA and MST Development Corp. negotiated a continuation of our land lease through 2040. In the interim, we will make thoughtful, strategic improvements to our campus, such as this past summer’s playground additions in the Junior School and the new Learning Commons in the Senior School – for maximum impact to student learning and enjoyment. 

In 2021, we produced our Strategic Plan, Leading Together, and updated our four priority areas: Learning, Environments, Community, and Wellbeing. As we enter the final year of the plan’s implementation, we will soon prepare for the next iteration, soliciting community input and insights to inform organizational goals. We are also working on a refresh to our brand’s visual assets and website, which will help to shape the school’s shared language and unique points of difference. Both the brand refresh and website will be completed in early 2025.  

Like all independent schools, WPGA relies on donor contributions to fund enriched programs and larger school improvements; tuition and government grants are intended to cover staff compensation and operations only. Donations are tax deductible and help to keep tuition costs (which are not tax deductible!) as low as possible. 

In 2023-2024, our community donated $772,061 to the Shaping Lives Annual Fund. Gifts to the Fund are largely unrestricted, allowing the school to dedicate resources to immediate needs. On behalf of the Board, thank you to our families, staff, alumni families and friends for your remarkable support last year. 

In October, we will launch the Shaping Lives Annual Fund for 2024-2025, under the guidance of  Lydia Vandenberg, incoming Director of Advancement. At that time, I invite you to join the Board and Leadership Team in giving annually to WPGA. Together our donations provide transformative learning experiences that we would otherwise not be able to offer.

I encourage all parents to get involved at WPGA through volunteering. To submit your name to our Parent Skills Database, visit WolfNet > Resources > Governance. To join a PVG Committee, go to WolfNet > Resources > Parent Volunteer Group.

I offer my gratitude to our Board Directors and Committee Members, Foundation Directors, and the Parent Volunteer Group for their volunteer service, and wish everyone a great start to the school year. If you have any questions or concerns, reach out at any time.  

Sincerely,

Sacha McLean 

Board Chair