| Looking back to December, we are thankful for the memorable events that brought joy and belonging to all of us at MTS.
We would like to thank everyone who joined us for our grade 1 & 2 Winter Concert. The students presented at their usual high level of performance. We were pleased to see everyone have a chance to connect with their fellow community members. After the concerts it was wonderful to see parents, students and staff lingering, chatting and socializing in the open area of the school as they met their children at their classrooms. After a successful event such as this there are many people to thank. Thank you again to Ms. Morgan, our music teacher, and all the staff here at MTS for all the work that went into getting ready for the big event. We had many parents volunteer to decorate, set up and take down, which was very much appreciated.
Our charitable drive supporting the Magic of Christmas was an amazing success. Our goal was to “Light the World with Kindness” and we DID by filling six boxes of toys, household and personal items for families in need. It was heart-warming to watch the children bring their donations to the front foyer as they lit up each donation with a light bulb that was suspended to form strings of lights surrounding the donated items. Thank you MTS community for once again supporting this worthwhile charity. The students had ownership for the charitable project in a way that was meaningful for them and contributed to their sense of compassion, kindness and empathy for those less fortunate
Our annual Christmas story has become a tradition at our school. Every year, I have the opportunity to read a story over the intercom while the story is projected in each classroom on the Smartboard. As well, every year a student(s) participates in the reading with me. Thank you to Ashwin, grade 4, and Savannah, grade 3 for being my co-readers this year. We read the story The Christmas Boot with all students (in their PJ’s) listening in their classrooms, while snacking on oranges and mini-candy canes provided by School Council. My student readers were awesome and read with confidence and expression. I know that their classmates were proud to have them read the story with me, as was I.
On December 22, the last day before winter break, our staff was treated to a luncheon provided by School Council. On behalf of all staff (lunchroom supervisors, educational assistants, facility operators, teacher and administration) I want to thank all parents for your kindness and particularly to the executive members of the School Council who organized the feast for staff.
Looking forward to a busy January as we get back into the swing of things!
Sound Kreations Dance Company After successfully completing the dance residency with morning kindergarten and grades 3 & 4 at the end of November, Sound Kreations returns the week of January 9 to work with grades 1 & 2 and afternoon kindergarten classes. A sharing celebration will take place on Friday morning, at 11:00am, January 13. Parents are welcome to attend.
Staffing Update- Learning Disruption Support
CBE received funds from the provincial government to provide additional support for students identified as at risk based on Alberta Education Literacy assessment data gathered in the spring of 2022 (students currently in grades 2, 3 and 4). These funds will be utilized for learning intervention commencing Jan. 9, 2023 and ending March 24, 2023. McKenzie Towne School received a part time teacher allocation to support this learning intervention. We are pleased to announce that we have hired Breanna Massey to fill this position. Ms. Massey holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English (Honours), from Mount Royal University and a Bachelor of Education form University of Lethbridge. She has experience teaching K- grade 12, and is also fluent in French. Obviously, literacy and language are a passion and area of expertise for Ms.Massey. We are thrilled to have her involved in the literacy intervention support. Parents will be informed if their child will be receiving this additional support for the 3 month time period.
Report Cards will be available on MyCBE during the week of January 30. Report cards are for Grades 1-4 and EES (no kindergarten report cards this term). Please follow up with your child’s teacher should you have questions.
Kindergarten Registration Kindergarten registration for the 2023-24 school year begins on Jan. 16, 2023. Please go to the CBE Registration page to register for kindergarten no earlier than Jan 16, 2023. Registrations are to be completed online. Kindergarten at MTS is a half-day program. At the time of registration, you will be asked to indicate a preference for a morning or afternoon class. Your preference will be considered when we assign students to a class in our spring organization and staffing process. Every attempt will be made to honor parent requests while recognizing the organizational needs of the school. All registrations received by March 20 will be considered equally – registrations are not numbered or ordered in terms of registration date.
Finally, I would like to stress once again the importance of your child’s regular attendance at school and arrival on time. Please continue to call the school if your child will be absent and provide reason for the absence, examples- illness, appointment, travel out of country. This information is documented at the school for each student in terms of attendance and late arrival. With the return to school in the new year our hope is that everyone will remain healthy and care for each other as we continue the learning journey in our positive and inspiring school environment.
Dr. Lorraine Slater, Principal
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