The first week back from the Christmas break at cole College Heights elementary was full of smiles and rosy cheeks as many classes took advantage of the fresh snow and perfect temperatures for winter activities outside including sliding, snowshoeing and skating. It was great to see the children so active and having fun. The week began with a school-wide assembly which focused on showcasing our current virtue and tolerance as well as reinforcing our school-wide expectations. Dr. Seuss and his Sneetches characters were featured in a video showing the importance of being socially responsible. Also at the assembly, many student groups were recognized for their participation and service in and around the school. Groups recognized included the girls and boys volleyball teams, many of the Grade 6/7 leadership teams, students participating in lunch time intramurals as well as the teacher sponsors of these activities. It was wonderful to have the whole school together the first day back. Lastly, we'd like to welcome back to our staff, Mme Orlando and welcome new to our staff, Ms. Habchi.
The 2013 school year is off to a rousing start at cole Heather Park elementary. During this colder weather, recess and lunch are often bustling with supervised activities in the gym and our individual classrooms, giving students an opportunity to either remain inside and participate or to brave the outdoors.
Many intermediate classes are taking advantage of all the new snow and enjoying gym classes that involve snowshoeing.
Under the teacher-sponsorship of Mrs. H. McCannon, our Tech Ed teacher, the Hockey Academy students, as part of a leadership initiative, have recently organized lunch-time floor hockey for Grades 6/7 on Mondays and Grades 4/5 on Wednesdays.
Soon the sounds of dribbling basketballs will be ringing in our ears. We are delighted that Mitchell Johnston, one of our Aboriginal Education workers who also has a great deal of previous coaching experience, has offered to coach the boys team. The girls team will be coached by Mr. Fleck, principal, and a parent volunteer. We are also delighted to announce that once again, Heather Park will be hosting an open basketball tournament in February.
Last, but definitely not least, we are thrilled to have been chosen to receive a Prince George Raise-a-Reader grant of $2,500 this year. The funds will be used to help purchase a collection of picture books to support the teaching of social/emotional learning. We look forward to receiving these wonderful resources soon. We would like to thank the funding committee for their generous support and Mrs. Weisgarber, our teacher-librarian, and Mrs. Trifunovich Allen, our counsellor-resource teacher for submitting the grant application.
The intermediate boys and girls basketball teams of Highglen Montessori elementary school are coached by Mrs. Rockwell. They have started their practice times during lunch in preparation for their games against other schools in our area. Go Highglen Heroes!
The students of Mr. Laing's class are looking forward to a day of cross-country skiing on Monday. Their first day will include a half day of lessons and then they will enjoy an afternoon at the Otway Nordic Ski Centre. Everyone is welcome to our parent information night on Jan. 22 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. There will be some great information about the range of Montessori programs from pre-school to Grade 9. During the evening there is also the opportunity to visit classrooms, see the materials and hear the students speak about their experiences. The students are submitting their yearbook cover ideas to Ms. Snider as the students work on the yearbook throughout the year.
Diversity Week will be celebrated at several secondary schools during the week of Feb. 25 to March 1. This pro-active approach to addressing issues around bullying will cover topics related to differences in cultures, gender, sexuality, spirituality and abilities in our communities. For more information on this program or on how you can support Diversity Week 2013 please contact [email protected]
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