Principal’s Message September 2017
What a fantastic first week. I got to share with you that I was more than a little excited about the prospect of starting my first September here at MCS, and Day 1, did not disappoint. It was great to see students, parents and staff reconnect with each other after the summer break.
I first shared this scripture when I arrived last February at the Open House.
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28
What a blessing it is to be able to call Meadowlark Christian School home, knowing and trusting that God will work for the good of MCS and that we have been called according to his purpose.
To all the parents who took time out of their morning on September 5th (Day 1) to bring their children to school, I want to say thank you. You came, you gave warm welcomes, some of you had coffee and a snack in the Library and you then left to allow us to get on with the business of making sure your child learns. To me, the smoothness of how the first morning went shows the level of trust and faith you have in Meadowlark Christian School. Thank you.
Thank you families for a great first week of welcome! Now that your child has had a chance to settle in to his or her class, the following procedure will be implemented to ensure a smooth, safe start to each morning:
- 8:30am – Doors are opened
- Students can come in and hang up their coats and backpack on their hooks or in their locker.
- Junior high students will proceed to their period 1 class.
- Since Elementary student supervision will only be outside, (unless inclement weather requires an indoor start).
- Elementary students are asked to go back outside and enjoy outdoor activity and socializing
- 8:40am – 5 minute warning bell
- Students, just like last year, are asked to line up on the tarmac, just outside the doors in grade group lines
- Supervisors will assist each grade into the hallway, so that it does not get over crowded.
- 8:45am – Start of classes & Announcements
Parents, please do not hesitate to contact me if you have comments or concerns about this, (phone (780) 483-6476 or by email at Scott.Markine@epsb.ca.)
I need to take a moment to tell you a bit about the hard work that the teachers of MCS have engaged in since the school doors opened for the 2017-2018 School Year. Your child’s teachers have formed collaborative teams with the intention of learning more about how to teach kids how to read, how to write and to make sure that they develop the skills and attitudes in numeracy that will help them be successful in school and beyond.
All of the Language Arts teachers are working to ensure there is equity across grade levels, K-9, by aligning how they teach writing. The goal is to make sure that, when your child receives writing instruction, the teachers will use common language and strategies that build upon each other year by year.
In addition to writing, teachers are also going to learn more about how your child learns how to read. They will start col-lecting information about reading in the next couple weeks and track that information 2 more time this year to make sure your child is learning the skills they need to be successful readers.
The Junior High classes will be heading off to the Fall Youth Retreat and Camp Nakamun from September 18-20. I am excited to personally experience what has been described to me by staff and students as one of the defining experienc-es that make junior High at MCS.
Let’s have a great learning year!
Scott Markine
Principal