Hello McKenzie Highlands School Community,
Every year at this time I marvel at how quickly the year went by and how much the students have learned and grown. Being in a new school is always a year of “firsts" and I am heartened and reassured knowing how much these students are loved and cared for by their parents/guardians. You have welcomed me into your school community so very graciously and been a tremendous support to your children and the dedicated teaching and support staff who care deeply about them. Heartfelt gratitude to the MHS team!
A special thank you to our School Council for their work this year to fund resources, contribute great ideas for MHS, and make amazing enrichment opportunities possible. When you get to know the students at MHS, you quickly learn they are great kids who bring ideas, creativity, joy and fun to what we do. Best wishes to our grade nine students who finished off so very well and entertained us in full measure.
We continue to grow as a school and I anticipate a student body of approximately 850+ students for 2023-24. We have hired an additional teacher and educational assistant. We are saying good bye to Ms. Olsen-Patton and wish her the absolute best in her retirement. Mr. D'Aloisio, Ms. Meville and Ms. Hur will be leaving us and embarking on new and exciting career adventures. We were fortunate to have two temporary contract teachers covering leaves and will also be saying good bye to Ms. Kostal and Ms. Dey as we welcome back Ms. Baerwaldt (grade 5) and Ms. Brown (grade 7-9) who will be our learning leader for social studies. We wish our departing teachers the very best!
We are excited to officially welcome:
Ms. Elwenni-Grade 6-9 Math Learning Leader
Ms. Wattamaniuk-Grade 6-9 Literacy/ELA Learning Leader
Ms. Foster-Learning Leader, Student Services
Ms. St. Clair- L&L, Drama and Humanities teacher
Ms. Teja-Grade 7-9 Humanities
Ms. Hardy-Grade 7-9 Humanities and Physical Education
Mr. Arnott-Grade 7-9 Math and Science
Ms. Wiggs-Educational Assistant
School start up is August 31 and will be a staggered entry with grade 4 and 5 ONLY joining us on this day. Grade 6-9 will start on September 1, with all grades in attendance. We will send further details the last week of August.
We look forward to seeing our students and families return in the fall and wish each and every one of you a wonderful summer.
Sincerely Yours,
Daryl Martin
Principal, McKenzie Highlands School
