Dear Parents & Guardians
A very busy week in the office and at school is coming to an end. The Grade 6 students are exciting about their farewell and emotions are running high in every single classroom, making the office a busy place. The office has also been busy interviewing new staff members. We had two postings and 50+ applicants for our community Grade 5/6 posting. The German one had less, of course. It is an exciting time for brand-new graduates and teachers who have been on the sub list and/or on a temp contract this past year to be able to apply on probationary contracts for the fall. Ms. Ferzacca has decided to stay home for a bit longer (end of February 2026), so once all the permanent positions are filled, we will be interviewing candidates to fill her position.
Next week is a big week for our Grade 6 students, who are writing three PAT exams. We wish them good luck !
Summer Garden Watering Volunteers needed!
Our students, staff and volunteers have been working hard to get our garden space planted and ready to go. We need help to keep the space thriving and alive this Summer!
Sign up for a week - water as a family or share the week with a friend.
You must be willing to water each day of that week, especially on those hot dry weeks. Light weeding and garden care would also be helpful.
All supplies, including hose and sprinklers, are on site.
Field Trip Reflections
Frau Hauck asked me to share her cosmetology field trip reflection. She writes:
“We all enjoyed the bus ride and had a quick snack before we went to the College. All students received a little working booklet with a variety of tasks to finish, which students worked on throughout the day. After arriving at MC College, we got a nice tour throughout the College, including how the education works and what is available to students while they are learning. It was very unique to see how so many learning tools changed over the years to be more digital. The practical component though stayed mainly the same, practicing haircuts, colouring, and so much more on mannequins and real customers.
Students then got offered free services and they got to chose between a manicure or a hairstyle. Half of the students got one or the other and the excitement grew with each second.
Finally, students went through the learning of being thankful for great services and had the option of giving Tipps to their stylist or Esthetician. It was unique to observe and guide students through their learning, and how it all connects in so many real live situations.
All students received their services with a big smile and loved the entire atmosphere.
After some lunchtime in the park, which was close by, we visited one of the suppliers, and all the students were overwhelmed with what they saw: a great deal of hair wigs, hair in general and other products. Some students bought a few smaller items.
And then there was the time to head back to our school. We walked to the nearest bus station and arrived back at the school. For the remainder of the time, from 3:20 - 3:40 PM, we sat down at the Garden area and finished our booklet, which students were working on all day.
Overall, it was a very successful experience, which went above and beyond expectations.”
And here is what two of the grade 6 students said:
“Getting my hair done was my highlight. The stylist and I got along really well. Talked about TV shows we had in common, which was a lot. I was surprised at the size of hair supply store. It was huge. At the MC college it was neat to see just how many students they have that want to be hair dressers /barbers/ make up artists/ They had a lot of wigs.”
Another student reflected: “The whole day was just a lot of fun. Getting my hair done, the courses at MC college offers. I knew none of it before. Walking downtown and visiting suppliers and learning about it all was fun and interesting. I got a wig to turn into doll hair because I do doll-hair-rerooting as a hobby.”
Our Grade 1 students had a totally different kind of special experience. Ms. Halvorson wrote: Your student came home today with a Ziploc bag containing a slab of fresh clay. This was part of a special experience tied to our recent Arts Commons field trip.
We were thrilled to welcome Michelle Dyer into our classroom — a Registered Canadian Art Therapist who integrates creativity and wellness into her practice. The students spent a full afternoon immersed in mindful clay exploration, accompanied by the soothing sounds of Tibetan singing bowls, music, and oral storytelling.
It was messy, slimy, and so much fun!
Your student is welcome to continue exploring with the clay at home. If they’d like their creation to stay as it is, simply leave it out to air dry for 1–2 days. If they'd prefer to keep reusing the clay, just store it in the sealed bag. A little bit of water will help them reshape and create again.
Today was truly a joyful experience — full of laughter, creativity, and lots of gooey fun!
Warm regards,
Meike Thomsen, Principal
Dates to Remember
June 16: Grade 6 PAT, ELA, Part B, 9-10 am
June 17: Grade 6 PAT, Math, Part B, 9-10:10 am
June 18: Grade 6 PAT, Social Studies, 9-10 am
June 23: Fire Safety Presentations to Classes
June 24: Grade 6 Farewell, 2:30pm
June 26: Sports Day – LAST DAY OF SCHOOL
June 27: No School, Non-Instruction Day
July 25: Last day for parents/legal guardians to view current year report card
First day of school: September 2, 2025