Category Archives: School Days

A Peaceful Spot

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The inner courtyard at Cleveland was one of the first “Wow” moments I had when I toured the school after being appointed Principal here in July 2011. I was immediately drawn to the garden path and wondered what herbs were in the herb garden. There are benches for sitting and reading, and a variety of plants that I hope the students can help me identify.

The courtyard is accessible to students during recess and lunch, and sometimes during class time. Students can walk out of our library and find a quiet place to read. How cool is that!

Schools often have hidden gems, and I am so pleased to have one as peaceful as this so that students can find a quiet space in their day.

If you can’t find me in my office or in a classroom, I may just be hiding away on a courtyard bench reading a good book (if I can get away with it).

Take care.

Fun in the Sun

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Our first full day of classes was quite the success. Students moved early to their classes and met their new teachers. Supplies were organized, name tags were created, and routines were put in place. I was able to visit most rooms by the end of the day, and I will get to the classes I missed tomorrow.

I am working on my personal learning goal of memorizing the names of everyone in the school. It is coming along, with students introducing themselves to me in the hallways, on the playground, and in the classes. It is a pleasure to get to meet all these friendly children. Now I just have to remember all those names.

I have also had the pleasure to meet many of the school’s parents. Thank you for making me feel so welcome.

My second learning goal (learning to speak French by the end of the year) is coming along slowly. I find myself understanding more than I had expected to understand, and I very pleased to hear students speaking French. I look forward to having the students help me to re-learn French. Merci Bien.

At the end of the day, I was able to take a grade 5/6 class outside for some play time on the soccer field and the forest. Great way to get to know students. It was an excellent, albeit dusty, soccer game. I don’t know who won, but I do know it looked like fun. The three goalies above even found a new way to cover the net.

I can’t promise that I will post every day, but I will try to keep this updated regularly.

Take care.

Getting Ready for the New Year

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The 2011/2012 school year is about to begin. I am looking forward to being a part of a new community in North Vancouver and to being the Principal of Cleveland Elementary School.

Over the summer, the teachers and support staff have been working hard to get the school ready for students, and on Tuesday, September 6th, the halls of the school will be once again filled with the joyful noise of 500 children as they come back from their summer break.

Thank you to all the staff who have helped us get ready for the new school year. The school looks great.

Thank you in advance to all the students, parents and community members for their positive support for the upcoming school year. Together, we shall continue to make Cleveland Elementary a great school for everyone.

Take care and see you next week.