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November 26, 2020
Good Afternoon Parents and Guardians,
It is hard to believe that December is upon us next week!  Please check out the three important messages for November 26:
New Admin Announcement
It is a difficult and bittersweet decision to make, but I will no longer be able to continue in this position as Principal at Hillhurst School.  When I took on this contract on Oct 13, I was told it would be for 4 weeks, until Nov 6; then it was extended 3 additional weeks ending tomorrow.  With Mr. Giffen's leave being extended once more, there is a need to fill this position again.  Though this may come as troubling news, I am most pleased to announce that Ms. Karen Pope has been appointed the new Acting Principal at Hillhurst School. As I put in my recommendation to Area Director Lori Cooper, “there is no one better suited to take on this position than Karen is."  Lori and the Superintendent's Team agrees. 
With Ms. Pope leaving the Assistant Principal position, we now have another important position to fill.  I am also very pleased to announce that Ms. Shafali Dharamsi Hamir, our Grade 4/5 Gate teacher and Learning Leader has been appointed Acting Assistant Principal at Hillhurst School.  Ms. Hamir knows the Learning Community extremely well from a teacher & Learning Leader perspective, as well as from a parent perspective.  Ms. Pope and Ms. Hamir will make an outstanding team.  Please join me in congratulating them!  These assignments are effective on Monday, November 30.  This will allow for a smooth and seamless transition and much need continuity.  We will also have a former teacher from Hillhurst School, Ms. Vickey Wong, take on Ms. Hamir's teaching assignment, which will provide even greater continuity within our learning Community.  It is awesome to know that Ms. Wong is also more than familiar with our Hillhurst School having worked here for over a full year. 
It has been a blessing to have worked in such a wonderful school with such amazing staff and students. I will truly miss my new found friends at Hillhurst School.  I have also appreciated the tremendous support of parents as well.  It has been a lot of fun.  Please take care.
Best wishes always. Peace.
Bruce Johnston
Principal
New Covid-19 Restrictions
On Tuesday, November 24 at 4:30 p.m., the Provincial Government announced that all grade K-6 students will continue to come to school every day until our Winter break starts on Dec. 18.  The first week after the break (Jan 4-8th), school will start back up, but students will stay at home and be learning online with their teachers who will be in school teaching from the classroom.  It is important to understand that during that week, the expectation is that all students will be engaged in learning, attend all of the virtual classes during scheduled times and complete all of the assignments to the best of their ability.  We really appreciate the support of parents during these virtual lessons.  More information will be shared with parents towards the end of December just before the break.
CALENDAR:
Friday, November 27 – No Kindergarten
Wednesday, December 2 – Deadline for ordering Pictures from Lifetouch
Friday, December 4 – PD Day – No School for Students
Friday, December 11 – No Kindergarten
Friday, December 18 – Last Day of Classes
Bruce Johnston
Principal​