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Hello Everyone, I apologize for the length of time between now and the last post. I was felled by a nasty virus which I still am fighting, and the last couple of weeks I've been working on report cards - it's a busy time. We've been working hard, so it was nice yesterday and today to sit back and relax and watch our amazing students perform in the winter concert. I hope parents and guardians had an opportunity to attend this morning or tonight - it was wonderful. Even though the holiday approaches, we are in second term now and there is much to do. However, next Friday we will celebrate the hard work and learning that has taken place, with a potluck breakfast in Advisory, skating in the morning, and Spirit Day in the afternoon. Students, if you haven't already signed up to bring enough finger food to share with 8 - 10 other students, please do so! I will supply the drinks. Tomorrow (Friday December 12) report cards go home. Please remember that a C, C+, and B are all great marks, that mean each student is meeting expectations. Due to the late start this year, and that we spend a great deal of the first few weeks acclimatizing to middle school routines, most of my assessment has been on day to day work, effort, and evidence of THINKING! I hope you all got out excellent "Just Right" books today - remember that if you haven't finished Ma Famille yet, it's due Friday!

Hello Everyone. This is such a reflective day, and a poignant one for me. My Mother and Father courted by airmail for four years during the Second World War - that period in time shaped them, and the knowledge that they lived through the war always has had an impact on me. They, along with all the others who worked, fought, or lost their lives during WWII, are deeply in my thoughts today. I know that as we study the United Nations and the Declaration of Human Rights in class,that we have these rights because of the willingness of that generation to lay their lives and the lives of their loved ones, on the line. So - as you remember, also please take the time to respectfully meet the eyes of an elderly person and smile at them. Chances are they lived through that terrible time. On another note, Thursday was The. Best. Day. Ever! The weather was wonderful, the bannock and honey were yummy, and the hike in the woods not only taught us lots (I learn something new from Mr. Albany every time!) but re-connected us to nature. Got to get out more! Special thanks to all of our drivers and chaperones: Angel's mom and dad, Parker's dad, Ashley's dad, Talon's mom, Lavonne, Mr. Anatolyi, and a very special thank you of course to Mr. Albany! Mr. Hebdon took some amazing photographs (thank you Mr. Hebdon!!) and I will endeavour to get some up on the blog tomorrow, and send the rest via a Smile Drop - Ms. Sheffer will teach me how. Wishing you a peaceful, reflective day.

Hi Everyone, Tomorrow is the day! We're off to Goldstream - a special thank you to Ashley's dad, Parker's dad, Angel's mom and dad, Lavonne, and Mark. A special thank you to Talon and his mom for being so creative for transportation!Some reminders: dress for the weather - layers please, a raincoat if you have one, a tuque or hat if you can, gloves might be a good idea. Sturdy footwear that can get a bit muddy or damp. Please bring a healthy lunch and remember that you will be hungry with all the fresh air and hiking. We will be leaving the school by 10:15 - parents, please be at the classroom at 10. I will have the list of names of students that will be going with you. Also - Friday afternoon we go swimming, and many of you need to bring your pink form back along with your $10 (if it's not a convenient time to pay, please bring the signed form back anyway, and you can pay later). Looking forward to tomorrow - see you then!

Hi Everyone! Where does the time go? I was surprised to see it's been almost two weeks since my last post! Lots has been happening. Thank you to the many of you who were able to attend Parent/Teacher interviews - it was really great to learn about your students, I received great insight. To those of you who were unable to attend, please feel free to contact me through the school office or by email - I'm happy to set up a meeting before or after school to chat about your child's learning needs. We also had our earthquake drill in the "Great Shake-Out", and we will continue to have fire, earthquake, and lockdown drills. And - we've been working hard! You should now have received a bright pink permission form, regarding a fieldtrip to Goldstream on November 6. If you haven't seen one, please ask your child if it's buried in their backpack! Many have returned the form to me, which I really appreciate. Unfortunately, at this point I have only one driver. I realize it can be very difficult to drive on fieldtrips, but I am hoping that with a couple of weeks notice, some of you may be able to make arrangements so that you can drive some of our students - I still need rides for 12 children. You are welcome to stay with us for the day, but it is also possible to drop us off and pick us up. I would be most grateful if you would be able to look at your schedule and see if you can make arrangements. Finally, tomorrow is a Pro-D - no school for your children, just teachers! I hope you have a lovely "long weekend". Please let me know if you have any questions or thoughts.

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone! I hardly saw you today students, but I hope those of you in band had a great day, and Mini X students, I know you did - and great work weeding the Naturescape! Now it is time to sit back and relax for the three day weekend, and reflect on all that we have to be grateful for. I am grateful for my family, my animal companions, my work,and YOU! I am also grateful that when I am thirsty I can turn on a tap, or open the fridge for food and drink. I am grateful that I live in a peaceful country where our rights are protected and our voice is heard. It is easy to take things for granted, and we all have a bad day now and then - but how lucky are we, to live where we do and have what we have. Thank you for a wonderful beginning to the school year students. See you Tuesday!