Dear Parents,
Our school year has begun like most school years in many ways. We have been very excited to see the return of many of our students who were online last year and some of our teachers who have returned to on-site learning and teaching as well. As you, we are fully aware of the current situation and we continue to take measures to keep everyone safe.
DAILY CHECKS
WE NEED YOUR HELP! If your child is demonstrating any of the symptoms that are outlined by Alberta Health and The Calgary Board of Education, keeping them at home (even if you're uncertain of what's the cause of their illness) keeps everyone safe. Please do the daily check. As a school, we want to be aware of and support an ongoing healthy and safe environment. Students at MSB School require masks. Students should come with a mask and providing an extra mask in their backpack is always a good idea, just to be sure!
PROJECTED ENROLMENT AND SCHOOL ORGANIZATION
As you are aware, our enrolment numbers were projected at 555 students and we are about 60 students below that projected number. As a result, our school has had to re-organize based on the numbers of students and teachers. While our school was below the projected numbers, other schools were above their numbers and as a result required more teaching staff. To address this need, we have re-organized our school and we now have to bid “Farewell For Now Friend" to Ms. Morrow, who has been appointed a teaching position in South East Calgary. Ms. Morrow has taught Grade 1 and 2 at our school and this year has been teaching Grade 3 and 4. Always a strong advocate for student learning, Ms. Morrow's talents will be deeply missed. We are grateful for the many wonderful moments of learning our MSB School students have shared over the years with Ms. Morrow and we send our best wishes as she begins at her new school Friday, September 24, 2021.
As a result of our re-organization, Ms. Visram who has a vast experience in many grades, has been welcomed to the Grade 3 and 4 teaching team effective September 24, 2021. Our Grade 1 and 2 classes have been re-organized and any students' families who were involved in this process, have been notified. This new organization will begin Monday, September 27, 2021.
ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL APPOINTMENT
As you are aware, Mr. Schumm is on leave at this time and Ms. Weselowski assumed the interim role of Assistant Principal. An Acting Assistant Principal has now been appointed to the school. We welcome Ms. Rupi Bergamin. Ms. Bergamin has school leadership experience and will bring her talents, passion and skills to our learning environment effective Monday, October 4, 2021.
At this time, I would like to acknowledge the dedicated work of Ms. Weselowski who skilfully led in this role to support teaching and learning at MSB School. As well, Ms. Miller (Grade 5 and 6) returned to her previous role in the interim and Ms. Saunders supported her former role as these adjustments were made. As principal, I am pleased to see the agility of teachers and leaders to make the learning environment at MSB School the central focus of all our actions.
SCHOOL COUNCIL AND GENERAL MEETING
The MSB School Council and Annual General Meeting was held and quorum was not achieved. As a result a new meeting date will be forthcoming. Please watch for a new date for this meeting. Your participation and engagement is a positive addition to the school and learning opportunities for our students.
TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION
In the spirit of reconciliation, staff and students at Manmeet Singh Bhullar School will be building awareness and a collective understanding about the Indigenous Peoples through Truth and Reconciliation Week. From September 27th to October 1st, several topics will be covered including land and treaties, languages, culture, and reconciliation. The school community will be coming together to honour Orange Shirt Day on September 29th by wearing something orange. There will be opportunities for students to reflect on the history and legacy of residential schools and to discuss stories of survival and strength. At Manmeet Singh Bhullar School, we have made a commitment to ensure that every child matters, and that each student is welcome, safe, respected and cared for in their learning community every day.
CALENDAR REMINDERS
FRI SEP 24 -Non student day (Professional Learning Day)
THU SEP 30 -Non student day (Day declared to honor Truth and Reconciliation)
FRI OCT 08 -Non student day (Professional Learning Day)
MON OCT 11 -Fall Break begins
TUE OCT 19 -Classes resume
Sincerely
K. Bauer
Principal
