Head's Message: Exploring Perspectives 

Dear WPGA Families:

Our school theme for 2024-2025 is Explore, and part of great exploration is to navigate uncertain terrain and examine all perspectives and ideas. The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation prompts us, as Canadians and world citizens, to explore and reflect on our country’s past, which motivates us to be better allies and, in our school context, more informed and compassionate educators.

As we approach the sobering one-year anniversary of the October 7 terrorist attacks on Israeli citizens, observe the terrible loss of innocent civilian lives throughout the region, and witness the worsening conflict that shapes daily news headlines, we reflect on the profound impact and emotional weight such events may have within our own community. As well, amidst news cycles of elections, at home and south of the border, the divisive rhetoric – perpetuated by a relentless algorithm – can become challenging. Watching these events give rise to discord, polarization, campus protests and even hate speech in the global community is demoralizing. At school and online, we may find ourselves seeking ways to navigate and to express ourselves and our allyship respectfully. In such times, how do we remain Open Minded, Character Driven and Community Spirited, three of our school’s Core Values?
 

WPGA plays a role in fostering harmony and in embracing our shared humanity and shared values as a school community, even if our backgrounds and belief systems differ. The desire to feel seen, heard and respected is universal and fundamental to our school ethos. This is the cornerstone of our diverse, cherished community at WPGA and one that we strive to instill in our students. We trust that this shared sense of humanity among our 1,500+ alumni has rippled out into the global community, even in the smallest of ways. 

Autumn is a time of reflection and renewal. I hope that the care and critical thinking fostered around your family dinner tables only strengthens our commitment to nurturing our students' empathy in the classroom and our willingness to understand and respect one another. No matter how young your children are, these conversations equip them to make a positive impact in a complex world, and continue to make our school a safe, supportive space for every single Grey Wolf. Thank you in advance for your continued partnership in this important work.

Sincerely, 

Stephen Anthony 

Head of School