Thank you and happy Summer!
And so here we are, the last day of the school year. The classroom parties are over and a few tearful goodbyes have been exchanged. Leftover snacks and treats are in the fridge, report cards and various school projects are scattered across the kitchen table and a few extra bodies are sprawled on the living room floor watching soccer—let summer begin!
It has been an action packed year and I want to take a moment and thank the School Advisory Council, teachers and parent volunteers who have dedicated their time and talents to enrich our school community at Fern.
A personal thank you to the incredible SAC Executive and team leads: Lori Lyn Adams—Treasurer, Jacqueline MacDonald—Secretary, Jamie Cuthbert—Fundraising, Taya Kozak-Goebel—Arts, Kathryn Maxfield and Joanne Somers—Eco Team, Roy Schulze—Communications, Michelle Braakman—Food Committee, Liz Leason—Spring Fling and Fun Fair Lead, Katrina Herrndorf—Graphics, and Alysa Hawkins—Robotics Club. Together, we learned a lot and made many positive things happen. Following are just a few of the highlights:
· Improved communications with parents via e-newsletters, email blasts, comprehensive meeting minutes and the Fern Notice Board blog.
· The tremendous work of the Arts Committee that brought music, storytelling, dance and visual arts in to our classrooms and hallways. In addition to the inspirational installation of the Fern Family Tree in the playground.
· Launch of the Science and Robotics Club which will be expanded in 2012/13.
· The achievement of Platinum Eco Status for the third year in a row and our very own Children’s teaching Garden.
· Redesign of the Fern Hot Lunch Program, which has been self sustaining in its first year of operation.
· Creation of a new Learning Skills and Work Habit initiative, focussing on integrating learning skills and work habits into the classroom and helping support teachers.
· Special events and fundraisers like: Shopalicous, Top the Hat campaign, Dance-a-thon, Spring Fling and Fern Fun Fair that helped raise over $27,000 for additional programs for next year!
The minutes of our June meeting will be posted on the Parent Council page in the next few days with more details. Please take a few minutes to read through them and see the exciting plans for next year.
If you have not been involved to date, please give some thought to doing so next year. The SAC is your forum to have a voice and make things happen. The possibilities are endless if we work together and develop strong partnerships.
Thank you again for your action, integrity and vision. Enjoy the summer months and see you in September!
Pamela