Dear Silver Springs School Parent(s)/Guardian(s),
It is with great pride and excitement that I write this letter of introduction as the newly appointed Principal of Silver Springs School. I am looking forward to joining and leading this dedicated and dynamic staff. I would like to thank and acknowledge the strong leadership of Ms. Nancy Gillott, who has supported my transition to principal. It is very evident how she and the staff have created a safe and caring learning environment. Through meeting with Ms. Gillott and Mr. Vanderbeek, as well as a review of the Principal Feedback survey, I sense the importance of community, connection, communication, as well as academic rigour to the Silver Springs School community. As I transition into this new role, I am committed to uphold these values and beliefs that make this school a wonderful place to learn and grow.
As an educator, I have over 25 years of experience with the CBE spanning Grades K-9. My strengths and passions are in the areas of literacy, inquiry-based learning, inclusive learning, and childhood mental health and well-being. I believe that we need to ensure the personalization of learning for all students to ensure authentic engagement and high achievement.
My most recent leadership experience has been for the last five years as Assistant Principal at Citadel Park School (Grades K-4). Prior to my Assistant Principal role, I worked as a Learning Leader in various areas at Valley Creek School (Grade 4-9) including grade 5, grade 6 and the Learning Commons. I am elated to bring my skills as an educational leader to Silver Springs School and to work with you as a partner in education to ensure your child's learning success.
Along with staff, I will work hard to continue the legacy of success established at Silver Springs School by building strong relationships with parents, students, staff, and community partners. We will continue to focus on well-being for learning initiatives, fostering and nurturing a safe and caring learning environment for students, providing effective communication, continuing to use learning data to inform instruction, and providing exciting and challenging learning opportunities for all students.
I anticipate a most successful conclusion to this current school year and transition into the 2021-22 school year as my team partner, Mr. Bob Vanderbeek and I support the academic, social, and emotional growth of your child. As Principal, my door is always open and I welcome your input. Please feel free to call or email to share any questions, concerns, suggestions, or ideas as we continue to make Silver Springs School a great place to learn.
Thank you for taking the time to provide your thoughts in the feedback form to support my transition as principal of Silver Springs School. Should you have any additional questions, concerns or suggestions, please feel free contact me at mcryskamp@cbe.ab.ca . I look forward to meeting and connecting with each of our families and students in the weeks to come.
Sincerely,
Michelle Ryskamp
Principal
Silver Springs School
