Dear Parents/Caregiver
Welcome back to another exciting year! We trust that everyone had a relaxing and enjoyable summer. As we head into a new school year we would like to welcome everyone back and rest assure everyone that this year promises to be another amazing year of learning for your children.
Over the summer months Mr. and Mrs. Avila worked tirelessly in an effort to have everything clean and tidy while the teachers rushed around in order to have the classrooms ready. As to be expected, everything was ready for the students to arrive on that first day of school. I would like to thank the entire staff for their huge commitment in getting the job done!
As many of you are aware, the Blessed Kateri School community has experienced significant growth in our student population from last year. At the end of June we had approximately 400 students. Upon opening our doors in September we were at 424 students. As to be expected, this put pressure on the class sizes – particularly in the junior division – with the bulk of the changes occurring in grades 4 and 5.
In order to reduce class sizes the board has decided to add an additional teacher to the school – meaning that class sizes will be reduced in these grades. In order to accommodate the new class a portable will be brought in – it will be located where the previous portable from two years ago was situated. We are anticipating full installation of the additional portable by Thanksgiving. In the interim, we will convert our existing community room into a classroom. Ms. Dafoe will be joining us as the teacher for the grade 4/5 position – we extend our warmest welcome to her. Ms. Dafoe comes to us from St. Teresa School in Kitchener.
Please be sure to mark Wednesday, September 19th on your calendar as the Opening School BBQ, Meet the Staff, and Book Fair Night. More information will be coming home shortly. As well, we would like to welcome any interested parents to our first School Council Meeting on Tuesday, September 25th @ 6:30 p.m. in the school library.
Finally, I would like to encourage each of you to become actively involved in your child(ren)’s learning. The most important thing you can do for your child is to share their learning journey. Helping with and monitoring homework lets your child know that homework is a natural and important part of their learning. As well, there are several opportunities to become involved in the school either through classroom help, field trip supervision, or school council participation. Please consider any one of the above as an avenue for involvement.
Again, on behalf of the entire staff of Blessed Kateri School, welcome back….we’re looking forward to another terrific year!
Sincerely,