Dear Families,
I hope all of you had a relaxing and enjoyable summer break! We are so excited to be starting another school year! There is so much to look forward to as students immerse themselves in French language learning and experiences.
This school year, we will be implementing some new curriculums, as well as undertaking some small-scale implementations and pilots. All K-5 students will learn the new Mathematics and Physical Health and Wellness (PE&W) curriculums. Grades 3-5 will learn the new English Language Arts and Literature (ELAL) curriculum. Some classes will be piloting the new French Language Arts and Literature (FIFLAL) curriculum. Those specific teachers piloting FIFLAL will be letting their classroom families know about this as well as provide updates. As we will be working with several new curriculums this year, our School Development Plan will reflect this, and include new baseline data. Our school goals will remain the same with a focus on learning and implementing these curriculums effectively and supporting student growth and achievement.
Our Truth and Reconciliation Commision Calls to Action Commitment this year is, “Through Elders and Indigenous artists, we will deepen our understanding of the land, history, and peoples of our past, present, and future.” We are looking forward to continuing our work with Elder Pablo Russell in naming our hallways and learning more about the Blackfoot culture. Last school year, Elder Pablo graciously provided a name for one of our hallways, “pii’ taa’ pii” which means, Eagle’s Nest Hall or Nid d’aigle. We are also looking forward to learning more from Elder John Snow about nature and our Forest Garden, and how diverse ecosystems can be models and lessons for how we can work together in harmony.
As we look ahead, we are excited to engage students in representing their knowledge and understanding through art. We are working on collaborating with various artists, including Indigenous artists, to take on short-term residencies and support students in learning more about a specific art form and representing what they know through this art form.
Finally, we look forward to our continued partnership with all King George families and community supports. Here's to a wonderful and exciting 2022-2023 school year!
Sincerely,
Shafina Dharamsi
Principal, King George School
