December 18, 2017

Dear Parents and Guardians,

It seems hard to believe that we are counting down the last week before the Christmas Holiday break. As you are undoubtedly aware, much continues to happen here at Pioneer Park.

Progress report cards have been sent out and interviews conducted; junior students have participated in yoga and mindfulness lead by a wonderful parent from our community; Chess has begun for the majority of our classes; our school has received one of the top 5 2017 Eco School Recognition Awards (Thank you Mrs. Guenther, Mrs Kraus and the ECO team); Chapters adopted our school and provided us with a wealth of new books and toys (Thank you Miss. Schilling and Mrs. Fohring); Hockey continues to provide our students with many great life lessons both on and off the ice (Thank you Mr. Sanderson and all the hockey coaches).

We have seen two days of Christmas concerts, carol singing and a food drive. Teachers worked very hard to plan the concerts and their efforts showed in the wonderful work of their students…your children.

With the end of 2017, it seems fitting to offer thanks to all who make our school function as well as it does.

Thank you to School Council for your support, volunteerism, and hard work. We are lucky to have a council full of caring parents who meet monthly to offer insight and advance the initiatives of our school. Your dedication and unwavering support for all we do is greatly appreciated.

To our volunteers, Thank You for the time you spend. Whether it be with Strong Start, or on a field trip, or listening to children read, or helping in a classroom. Our ability to deliver the programs and learning we offer each day is enhanced by your involvement whether it be big or small. Each volunteer minute is appreciated!

As a community it is often easy to overlook, and even to sometimes expect, the many extras that are provided by our school staff outside of their regular classroom programs. This time of the year is also a great time to publicly recognize the other third of the partnership that constantly works at providing programs and guidance to support your children’s growth and development.

To our Educational Assistants, DECEs, Secretarial/Support Staff, Custodians, SERTs, and Classroom Teachers here at Pioneer Park: THANK YOU! for all that you do for our students, for being positive role models, having an open mind, and especially for how hard you work with the most prized possessions of all – our future. It is greatly appreciated, and these few words can never convey the importance of the job that you do each and every day.

Finally, a thank you to parents and care-givers. We appreciate your trust, your honesty, and your belief in what we do every day as we try to provide the best education for kids. We will strive to always do our best to help support the most important lessons students learn – the ones from their families.

Happy Holidays!

Tracy Tait