Dear Vincent Massey Families, 

 

I'm writing this update just after enjoying an amazing band concert, featuring over 120 talented young Vincent Massey musicians. Thank you to Mr. Morawski for his work in inspiring these students over the year. Thank you also to all the families who have supported them through early morning rehearsals and hours of at-home practice. Lastly, I particularly wanted to thank the members of the band parent association, who work hard to support these activities and make sure that they are accessible to all students. 

 

The band concert was one of several busy evenings over the past week, as we hosted badminton tournaments for both Grade 8 and 9 teams (our two full gyms make us a popular school for hosting these events!) Grade 8 athletes won a total of 35 games and took first in their division. Congratulations to first place finishers: Grace in girl's singles, Marco and Nick in boys' doubles, and Violet and Eva in girls' doubles. Grade 9's had similarly impressive results, finishing first in their division tournament with an impressive showing of 42 wins and first places in boys' doubles by Kolten and Liam and girls' doubles by Zoey and Sophie. Grade 7's have their divisional meets this coming week. About 100 students tried out – about a third of all Grade 7 students. Those attending the tournament are excited for this coming Tuesday and Wednesday! 

 

There is also much excitement in Grade 9, with lots of important events over the next six weeks. Tickets for the community year-end celebration event will be sold at the school on May 26-28. A more detailed email was sent to Grade 9 families who opted-in to receive commercial messages; please consider volunteering to help this parent group. Plans are well underway for our school celebration and we will be turning our attention to valedictorian speech selections next week.  

 

In academic news, you will note that our first Grade 9 Provincial Achievement Test is on May 29. There will be some changes to the period order for all grades on PAT days but these are regular days of school.  Grade 9 students may leave after their PATs are completed with parent permission. Students remaining at school will be provided with time for review in their scheduled classes, possibly with some merging of classes given that many Grade 9 students do leave. Students who are exempt from PATs will be assigned to a grade 8 class for the morning if they attend school, as they cannot be with students who are writing. 

 

As we get closer to the end of the year, please take a moment to check your myCBE account to ensure that everything is up-to-date, including address changes and fee information. For Grade 7 and 8 students not returning to Massey next year, please let us know as soon as possible. This supports a smooth transition for your child and benefits all students through accurate planning information.  

 

Here are your upcoming events for the next two weeks: 

 

  • May 19 – School Closed – Victoria Day holiday 
  • May 20 & 21 – Grade 7 Badminton Divisionals 
  • May 21 
    • Grade 8 Outdoor Leadership leaves for Sunshine Coast trip 
    • Heritage Trip Celebration – 5:30-6:30pm in the Learning Commons 
  • May 26-30 – Grade 7 'Experience Metis' Social Studies and Science residency  
  • May 26 – Grade 9 Band mini-tour to feeder schools 
  • May 29 – ELA Part A Provincial Achievement Test (Grade 9) 

 

Best wishes, 

David Pugh 

Principal