Our School
Morning Meeting
One of the defining qualities of Pickering College is Morning Meeting. It is a time to gather collectively - as a school and as a community - in a spirit of friendship and shared purpose. It is an opportunity to celebrate our achievements, announce upcoming events, and engage in meaningful conversations about important issues—whether they are global in scope or directly relevant to our students and staff.
Morning Meeting is also a time for reflection, where we consider who we are as a school and what it means to live by our core values. Much like our Quaker founders, we approach this time with a commitment to respect, listening, trust, integrity, and compassion. Through these gatherings, we continuously nurture and strengthen the bonds that define our community.
Pickering College holds four traditional Meetings for Worship each year: Opening, Remembrance Day, Christmas, and Closing.
The Four Pillars
The four pillars at the main entrance of Pickering College stand as powerful symbols of strength, tradition, endurance, and simplicity. Their design and elegance capture the essence of our school’s values, beautifully embodying the ideals of Faith, Freedom, Friendship, and Fun. These pillars serve as both a gateway for those entering the school and a passage for graduates embarking on their journeys into the world. They are a lasting tribute to the spirit of all who have walked these grounds before us, constantly reminding us of the legacy and community that shape our shared experience.
Faith – In the potential of our students, the strength of our friendships, the values of our school, and the resilience of the human spirit.
Freedom – To express ourselves, to follow our convictions, and to embrace the challenges and opportunities that come with taking bold steps.
Friendship – The foundation of our cherished community, where bonds are formed and nurtured with kindness and trust.
Fun – A vital part of our daily experience, where joy and enthusiasm are celebrated as we learn, grow, and connect.
Motto
Our school’s motto, "Bene provisa principia ponantur," translated freely means, “Let foundations be well planned.”
Houses
At Pickering College, every student is assigned to one of four Houses—Blue, Silver, Gold, or Red—upon entering the school. This longstanding tradition dates back to 1929, when the first annual Sports Day (then called "Field Day") introduced the concept of colour teams.
By the 1950s, these colour teams evolved into what we now know as "Houses," which compete year-round, earning points for achievements in sports, co-curricular activities, and other school events in pursuit of the prestigious House Cup. In recent years, additional challenges have been added to foster community involvement, such as collecting donations for the Newmarket Food Pantry as part of the competition for House points.
With a spirit of friendly rivalry, sportsmanship, and vibrant displays of school pride—complete with cheers, colours, and celebrations—House teams remain a cornerstone of student life at Pickering College. This tradition continues to unite us, build school spirit, and create lasting memories for all.
A brief history of Pickering College
1842
West Lake School, near Picton, Ontario, is where the story begins.
1878
The school moved to Pickering, Ontario, under the care of Canada Yearly Meeting. The Quakers also provided the funding for the building of what would soon be known as Pickering College. This magnificent structure burned to the ground on New Year’s Eve 1905. Fortunately, not a single person was injured.
1909
Pickering College re-opened in Newmarket, Ontario. The Rogers family, founders of Newmarket and for whom Rogers House is named, along with other leading Quakers, were very generous in their support of its construction. The building's architect was John Lyle, who also collaborated on Toronto's Union Station, and featured a Georgian-style façade. The four grand pillars were eventually named Faith, Freedom, Friendship and Fun, which represented the school's approach to education.
The Old Gym was added in 1927, thanks to a generous gift from Albert S. Rogers, the Chairman of the Board at the time. In 1933, Mr. Rogers left his 250-acre farm to the school in his will.
1931
Firth House was built and housed the “prep” or younger students. An addition was added in the late 1940s.
1966
Our beautiful Dining Hall opened, moving the kitchen and dining room out of the lower level of Rogers House.
1971
The Arena was built with the support of Old Boys, while long-time teacher Eric Veale was acting Headmaster. “The Barn” as it is fondly known also has the reputation as “the best ice in Newmarket.”
1982
The Right Honourable Governor General Edward Schreyer opened New House as the new residence. Rogers House had suffered a disastrous fire in 1981, requiring a relocation of the boarding students and a full renovation of the building. A significant fundraising effort, including the sale of the farmlands beyond Memorial Field and a number of important pieces of art from the school’s collection was necessary during this time.
1992
Pickering College celebrated its 150th anniversary, adding a Junior School (starting in Kindergarten) to the existing Middle and Senior Schools. It also marked the return of coeducation to Pickering with the admission of girls for the first time in nearly seven decades.
2003
Our gymnasium, Egan House, opened after a successful fundraising campaign led by former Board Chair and volunteer extraordinaire Beth Egan. Now, Pickering College is able to host more indoor tournaments as part of the CAIS competitive family, as well as provide an excellent athletic experience for our students.
2007
The student lounge, new kitchen and servery were added to our school, to the delight of students and staff alike, after a very generous gift was dedicated to this purpose by Jim Spring ’47. Our ’40s Student Lounge pays tribute to the wonderful 1940s alumni who have been and continue to be involved with and supportive of Pickering College.
2012
Long-time teacher and alumni ambassador, the late Charles Boyd, chose to leave his beautiful Blue & Silver Farm to Pickering College in his will, and to encourage its use as a nature-learning centre. The farm is an asset to every student who visits and the cornerstone of our exceptional outdoor education program.
2013
Pickering College introduced its trailblazing Global Leadership Program. Every student, Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12, benefits from its fully integrated, enriched programming. The Global Leadership Program teaches students to deeply consider the global context, and to develop the skills necessary to effectively participate in this context. Creative and innovative decision making drives all programming in academics and activities beyond the classroom. Students learn to take theory to action, and to assess the impact of their actions.
2015
The Dining Hall was expanded and renovated as the next stage of the Campus Master Plan. It was the first major project supported by the Light The Way capital campaign and was renamed as the Harry M. Beer Dining Hall. Like the renovation of the Pillars, our community invested to make this project a reality.
2017
The first class graduates from Pickering College with both the Ontario Secondary School Diploma and the Global Leadership Diploma. The school also celebrates its 175th anniversary.
2022
Peter Sturrup, PC's longest-serving Head of School, retired after 36 years at Pickering College, 27 years spent as Head of School. Dr. Cinde Lock, the first female Head of School in Pickering College’s nearly 180 year history, began her role on August 8, 2022.