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What's the difference?

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It's that time again!

8/27/2015

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As September looms ahead, I haven't heard a single person complain about the summer that we all just enjoyed. Long sunny days, mild evenings, and a seemingly endless series of opportunities to enjoy the beautiful environment that surrounds us. That is not to say that there haven't been challenges - near drought conditions in many communities; a proliferation of wildfires; and now, the constant drone of politicians and pundits have all done their best to try to dampen our collective spirits but I have to admit, this summer was reminiscent of the ones that I remember from my childhood, the ones that seemed to go on forever.

Great summers allow us to recharge. Students, parents, and educators all emerge refreshed and reinvigorated from a summer like this. With the start of school less than two weeks away, everyone is bursting with anticipation and scrambling around to get clothes and supplies bought; classrooms prepped; and daily routines back in place.

We are looking forward to another exciting year at KGMS! One major change that most parents and students will see is that we have gone to a full co-teaching model from Kindergarten to Grade 9. Each Division will have two educators working in partnership to meet the needs of our students in addition to our usual resource teacher support for Language Arts, Mathematics, and Social Emotional Learning. Our partnerships with Emily Carr University (arts and design); UBC (psychology intern programme and teacher training); and, SFU (teacher training) are continuing, and we are collaborating with the NVSB to broaden our elective opportunities for our senior high school students. 
Building on our great experience of last year, Outdoor School (September 23-25) will be a local programme with no overnights. This allows us to include all students in this wonderful community building event.

This year will also mark an amazing milestone for KGMS. For the first time in our 43 year history, next spring we will be celebrating the successes of our inaugural Grade 12 graduating class! 

As we look forward to school opening on September 9th, here are some things to keep in mind:
     - School starts right at 8:15. This year the first bell will ring at 8:10 and students will be expected to be in their homerooms five minutes later. September 9th is a full day and dismissal will be at 3:15. There will be outside supervision, as always, until 4 p.m.;
     - On opening day, students will be directed to their classrooms upon arrival and once everyone is here, there will be a brief welcoming assembly in the gym. Parents are invited to join us for coffee in the library after drop off if you need a little "uncoupling" time! There will also be an chance to explore car-pooling opportunities at that time; and,
     - Although the construction across the street is almost completed, parking will be at a premium. In addition, the turning circle that used to be in front of the school has now been moved to the north end of the block. Parents are still welcome to carefully drop off at the front door and continue out the other end of the parking lot as well.

Other key events for September:

Curriculum Night                     Tuesday September 15th
Welcome Back Barbeque       Saturday September 19th
Outdoor School                       Wednesday to Friday September 23, 24, 25th
Professional Day                     Monday September 28th

Welcome to the 2015-2016 school year! We can't wait to see you on September 9th.

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    Dr. Jim Christopher is recently retired Head of Kenneth Gordon Maplewood School and Maplewood Alternative High School in North Vancouver. A parent, author and long-time teacher, and educational administrator across Canada, he has been actively involved in the drive to differentiate learning experiences to meet the needs of all learners.

    View my profile on LinkedIn

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