First Term Reflections

Our first term of the 2012 - 2013 is drawing to a close.  Report cards have been issued, parent-teacher interviews are being held this week, and we are all reflecting on how the first three months of school have gone.  I am pleased to say that despite all of the new things we have experienced this year (100 new students, 10 new teachers, for example), the tone in the school and on the playground is very positive.  I am seeing students engaged, teachers excited about projects and technology and collaborating with one another.  I am also seeing many acts of kindness and generosity, such as students and teachers sharing supplies and knowledge with one another, parents donating their time to our school to fundraise, serve lunches and run clubs, bus drivers encouraging and supporting children, custodians caring about our school environment, and our educational assistants taking the time to build relationships with students and teachers.  We have a good place to learn and to be.

In other learning news, last weekend, most of our French Immersion students took part in the Squamish Culture and Heritage Festival at Quest University.  We were able to preview the projects that the students prepared on Wednesday afternoon.  Very impressive!

Felicitations to all!

Last week I attended a workshop in West Vancouver on The Daily 5 approach to teaching reading and writing.  This approach, created my two American teachers,  is truly a juggernaut, rolling through North American schools, embraced by teachers who want a more effective, efficient, engaging way to teach students to read and write, self-regulate and own their own learning.  I am very impressed with the work that is being done in not only West Vancouver classrooms, but in our own Sea to Sky District.  Many teachers are really ready to practice in a way that appeals to the 21st century child.

We now look forward to all that December brings: our annual Writing Day, the Band and Primary Christmas Concerts,  classroom celebrations and gingerbread-house building madness!  We hope you will be able to attend one or more of these celebrations.



Last Year's Christmas Band Concert