Rethinking School, Rebuilding Spaces: Pickering College Unveils New Academic Hub

Hundreds gathered for the celebration, including special guests and speakers. Pictured (left to right): Dawn Gallagher Murphy, Member of Provincial Parliament of Ontario; Dr. Cinde Lock, Head of School, Pickering College; Marson Zhang, Grade 3; John Taylor, Mayor of Newmarket; Mirella Morra, Chair, Pickering College Board of Directors; Roger Warren ’51, Pickering College alumnus; Daisy Lin, Grade 8; Ariana Heidarpour Meymeh, Grade 12; and Graeme Hepburn, nephew of Roger Warren ’51. (CNW Group/Pickering College)

The new assembly hall inside West Lake House provides a welcoming space for students and the community to gather, alongside studios, labs, and classrooms that spark passion and purpose. (CNW Group/Pickering College)

Pickering College is an independent day and boarding school for students in Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12. Founded in 1842 as a Quaker school, and established in our current Newmarket location in 1909, the mission of Pickering College is to instil in each individual the ability and responsibility to make the world greater, better and more beautiful than they discovered it. (CNW Group/Pickering College)

NEWMARKET, ON, Sept. 5, 2025 /CNW/ - Pickering College proudly celebrated the grand opening of West Lake House, a 50,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art academic building that will not only transform learning on campus but also expand opportunities for students to collaborate with and serve the wider community.

The milestone event, which took place on September 2, brought together students, families, alumni, staff, and community members for a ribbon-cutting ceremony and tours of the new space.

"West Lake House is a place where purpose-driven learning comes alive," said Dr. Cinde Lock, Head of School. "Here, our students will engage with community partners, collaborate on projects that matter, and build the skills and confidence to make a positive difference in the world. It's about academic excellence and using knowledge to serve a greater purpose."

West Lake House includes an assembly hall, library, science labs, music and art studios, drama rooms, and classrooms—all designed to foster meaningful, real-world learning. It is also the new home of Newmarket's community radio station, 102.7 CHOP FM, creating a centre for local residents to share their voices and connect with the broader Newmarket-Aurora community.

"When I started Grade 9, West Lake House was just a dream," said Ariana Heidarpour Meymeh, Grade 12 student and Co-chair of the Student Committee. "What excites me most is the possibility this space brings and the chance that it gives students to discover new passions. It's not just about the spaces themselves, but the opportunities they open up."

The project was made possible through the generosity of current and past parents, alumni, and friends of the school. Their support has created a lasting legacy that ensures Pickering College students can apply their learning in ways that strengthen both the school community and the world beyond its walls.

About Pickering College
Pickering College is Canada's only Quaker-founded independent day and boarding school for students from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12. Founded in 1842 and established in its current Newmarket location since 1909, Pickering College's mission is to instil in each individual the ability and responsibility to make the world greater, better, and more beautiful than they discovered it. The school's international network of alumni includes prominent academics and scientists; lawyers and judges; artists, musicians and filmmakers; social entrepreneurs and business innovators; and government and public service members. Pickering College is a full member of UNESCO's Associated Schools Network (ASPnet).

SOURCE Pickering College

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