Lately I have found myself challenged to make time for this blog. I have had many blog-worthy ideas, but very little time to write. I have to make time. So tonight, I put on iTunes (The Flaming Lips) and share some of what has been happening at school.

After school art class is going really well. The students today were all smiles at the end of the lesson. One child is still to be picked up from the class, so we’ll just hang out a bit until Mom gets here.

Salmon eggs are hatching. Mme Cusanelli and some grade 7 students are making sure the two tanks are running properly and testing the water every week to ensure we raise healthy Chum salmon. Students discovered today that a few of the eggs have hatched, and the little alevin are working to find hiding places in the rocks.

Foundation Skills Assessments are taking place throughout the school for our students in grades 4 to 7. The assessments should be completed by the end of the week.

Valentine’s Day will find all our students in the gym for a school assembly. We have a few classes and some grade 7 students who will lead the assembly, which will focus on love. Unfortunately for me, it is scheduled for the morning, and I am out at a Principals’ meeting. C’est domage 🙁

New wiring has been pulled for the west wing and the portables to improve the wifi signals. It is quite amazing how much wire is used in order to get a wireless system working properly.

Gung Hei Fat Choi – I missed wishing everyone a Happy Chinese New Year. It is now the Year of the Snake. I am looking forward to what this year will bring. Next year is the Year of the Horse. Now that’s a good year (especially since I was born in the Year or the Horse).

Kindergarten students have all completed their TOPA assessments (Test Of Phonological Awareness). All Kindergarten students are assessed in late January or early February with this reading readiness tool. Teachers have the results, thanks to our LAC teachers (Mme Hamilton and Mrs. Doll) and may be in touch with parents soon.

Volunteers at Cleveland. Last week the Cleveland Parent Advisory Council (CPAC) set up in the front hallway and worked on recruiting a number of volunteers for different activities or events. Thank you to all the people who volunteer their time for our students. Cleveland is a wonderful school, and these amazing volunteers play a vital part in making a great place for students and adults alike. If you haven’t signed up to volunteer for something, please contact your PAC representative. Thanks CPAC for the coffee last Thursday morning. It was excellent.

Grade 7 students continue to volunteer their time to help make Cleveland a better place. Their enthusiasm for helping is really appreciated. The challenge that I face now is having students in many more grades who want to help out and be leaders in the school. What a wonderful challenge to have.

Our new web site will be up and running soon (I hope). It is currently being reviewed at the District level, and it should be up and running before March Break.

It’s getting dark now, and I think I should go home. The little art student was picked up some time ago, so I think I can leave now.

Take care.