​The return to school after the holidays is always exciting for students and teachers as we begin a new calendar year. While we remain in the throes of the world-wide pandemic, this new year also promises hope. Hope is a powerful human emotion. It is the feeling of positive expectation, of longing for a certain outcome, and of trust in the possibility. We are all hopeful that life will soon return to normal. Our hope is grounded in anticipation and trust that that the pandemic will end as vaccines to prevent the spread become available to all. As we are reminded by Alberta Health Services and the Government, we can see the light at the end of the tunnel.
We had a very successful week of online learning! We know that at the elementary age, online learning requires a lot of support from families and we are so thankful for this support. The week went smoothly: students were able to log in, families were familiar with the Google Classroom platform, and teachers were available for support in between synchronous lessons. Teachers’ google classrooms that were set up at the beginning of the year and used for the week of online learning will continue to exist. However it is important to note the purpose of the online presence now that students have returned to in- school learning. The google classrooms will be available for students who are not able to attend in-person classes in school because of illness or legal requirements to isolate. Teachers will support students in their learning through the online learning environment under those circumstances.
Thank you once again for continuing to support your children and our school with positivity. It is a year like no other. Finding the good to be thankful for when living through the hardship of the pandemic makes gratitude for what we have in our relationships with family, friends and colleagues that much more meaningful and important.
The promise of spring is yet to come! 
Sincerely, 
Dr. Lorraine Slater​