Dear Vincent Massey families, 

 

I hope this email finds you well and enjoying our first dose of real summer weather. Earlier this week, I was out on Edworthy hill enjoying that sunshine with a class of Grade 7s. They were there as part of our "Experience Metis" residency. The outdoor component of this residency teaches students about native plants and, despite my biology background and frequent mountain biking through that park, I was genuinely amazed by the variety of edible berries and plants which can be found there! During the indoor component of this learning, students visited a replica trappers tent and learned more about the history of the Metis people. Thank you to Ms. Eshom and the rest of the Grade 7 team for putting together this opportunity. 

 

Meanwhile, Grade 9's completed their first Provincial Achievement Test on Thursday. This went very smoothly, thanks both to the work of lead teachers and to the calm and focused approach of students. We will continue with the same structures and approximate timetable for our remaining PATs (see dates below.) 

 

Our intrepid group of Grade 8 outdoor leadership backpackers are on their way back to Calgary as I write this message. They should arrive around 5:30pm on Saturday afternoon (May 31). Based on the handful of texts I've received from Mr. Rustemeyer, the trip has gone very well. 

 

As we approach the end of the school year, one of our leadership classes took it upon themselves to sort a small mountain of lost and found items. These are now laid out on tables in our front entrance. Please ask your child to take a quick look for anything that belongs to them. Items left at the end of the year will be donated to charity. 

 

Next Wednesday, June 4, is our last School Council meeting at 6:30 pm in the learning commons. I encourage you to come and support our school through your participation. A major agenda item will be a review of spending priorities for our latest casino funds. 

 

Here are your key dates for the remainder of the school year: 

  • June 2 – Grade 9 Riverwatch Environmental Science rafting trip for 9-1, 9-2, 9-3, 9-7, & 9-9 Homerooms. Please review the separate email to these classes and ensure students are dressed for the weather. 
  • June 3 – Grade 9 Riverwatch Environmental Science rafting trip for 9-4, 9-5, 9-6, 9-8, & 9-10 Homerooms. Please review the separate email to these classes and ensure students are dressed for the weather. 
  • June 4 – School Council Meeting year-end meeting, 6:30-8 in the Learning Commons 
  • June 5 – Track and Field Meet, full day at Glenmore Athletic Park 
  • June 6 – Stampede Marching Bands presentation to band classes 
  • June 10 – Grade 9 Outdoor Ed bike trip 
  • June 12 – Vincent Massey Music Parent Association meeting at 6:30 in the Band Room 
  • June 13 – Grade 9 Math Part A PAT 
  • June 16 – Grade 9 ELA Part B PAT 
  • June 17 – Grade 9 Math Part B PAT 
  • June 18 – Grade 9 Social PAT 
  • June 19 – Grade 9 Science PAT 
  • June 23 
    • Grade 9 Farewell Ceremonies 
    • Grade 8 Calaway Park 
    • Grade 7 Edworthy Park 
  • June 24 – ODL Celebration BBQ 
  • June 25 – Report Cards available for viewing in PowerSchool 
  • June 26 – Last day of school, early dismissal (12:42), Yearbooks distributed 

 

All the best, 

David Pugh 

Principal