​Dear Families,
It has been a wonderful year of learning at Monterey Park School! We have had many opportunities to explore our community through walking trips to the wetlands, learning on our school field and traveling to different sites right here in our own backyard. Learning on the land was part of our staff Truth and Reconciliation commitment to help all students develop a connection to land and place, while honouring Indigenous ways of knowing, being and doing.
Our dance residency with Sound Kreations and our Evergreen Theatre Science/Drama performances were excellent authentic learning experiences for students, funded solely by our Parent Society. In addition, we benefitted from additional classroom book resources and new risers for our music program. None of these would be possible without the support of our council and their fundraising efforts. So thank you on behalf of all staff and students. Students also returned to off-site experiences that enrich programming, offering opportunities for students to connect with experts in their respective fields related to curriculum. Some of these included Telus Spark, OH Ranch, Calgary Zoo, Arts Commons, City of Calgary Recycling and Composting, Stampede School, Library School and City Hall School.
As with every year, change is inevitable. On Tuesday, we said goodbye to our grade six students who are off to junior high in the coming year. We wish them much success! In addition, a number of staff will be moving on to new adventures:
Ms. Dennison and Ms. Augustine are off to well-deserved retirements after many, many years of service
Mr. Bawa, Ms. Cassie, Ms. Chin, Ms. Conway, Ms. Geib, Ms. Murray, Ms. Patterson, Ms. Lim-Sbeiti, Ms. Skibbe and Ms. Verano are off to new schools next year
Congratulations to all of our staff! Monterey Park staff are a hard-working, committed and caring group of educators who are passionate learners themselves. Wishing all of them a restful and fun summer.
To our families, thank you for your support, open communication and willingness to work alongside us. We tried some new ways of connecting with you this year. We hope to continue to strengthen our relationships. Have a wonderful summer with your children, families and loved ones! You will hear from us in August with detail about the new school year.
With appreciation,
Carrie and Michelle