FCS Students, Staff and Families,
Well, we made it! The year-end comes at the right time as it's been a long and trying year for us all. I have heard from a lot of parents who have sent a consistent message containing gratitude but followed quickly by “but, we're done". This is a very fitting sentiment.
Our School Development Plan well-being goal is focused on developing students who “engage in learning with confidence and persistence". While this goal is created specifically for learning, the extension applies to all areas.
As the year began, we had so many unknows, and our students returned with both excitement and trepidation. These mixed feelings held true for staff and parents alike. School didn't look or feel like normal and there were a lot of changes to manage. Masks, cohorting and new rules and routines made for a lot of new ways of working together. Things just felt weird.
Then, something magical happened. Teachers adapted quickly, students followed suit and parents trusted the process. Within about a week everything just settled and life in school started to look and feel just like it should. Smiles ruled (albeit behind masks), and learning carried on.
There was always the threat of quarantine and a move to online learning, and we did have the mandatory province-wide move to online in early 2021, but again, we pivoted with very little interruption. Students from kindergarten to grade 6 realized they could navigate the online environment with the support of teachers and parents, and we still brought a robust program forward despite interruption.
One COVID case would be too many, but for our whole school year to pass by with only 4 impacting cases was, in many ways, a minor miracle. In a school of our size, it is clear that our protocols and community awareness and support made the difference. The effort symbolizes a true collective commitment and we thank everyone for making the year a success in the face of so much adversity and obstacle.
Ultimately, our school development plan goals were realized by so many, and in so many ways. Our students found out that they could carry on, with confidence, in their learning. They were proud of their accomplishments and they even took on a little extra shine in the face of hardship. Change forced resiliency, and we all figured out this newness together. There was a sense of being able to take on any new challenge and all of a sudden that math problem seemed so much easier when you just had to do it and get it done.
We look forward to a super summer and even better year ahead. While we hope that we can get life in school back to normal, we know we are prepared for whatever lies ahead. As a school community, we are ready for whatever comes our way. Thanks again, and please enjoy a summer of love, play and well-deserved rest.
With Love and Gratitude,
Ian Fero,
Proud Principal
