So Far So Good!

I would like to start this blogging experiment by thanking everyone for their support in my new position. Staff, parents, community members, the RM, and of course the students, have all been wonderful in welcoming me to Roland School. It has made the transition very easy and very enjoyable.

Elementary education is a little bit new to me as I have spent the past 13 years at Carman Collegiate. The learning curve has been steep so far as I work to wrap my head around early years reading instruction and numeracy development. Thankfully, we have a strong staff here who care about kids and collaborate to make their classrooms great and don't mind sharing their know how with me as they go. While at Carman Collegiate, I taught grade 7 for 7 years and was working on my 6th as the Vice Principal when I was given the opportunity to come to Roland. My experience as a middle years teacher has eased my transition a great deal but there is still much to learn about K-4 education. I am loving the challenge already.

As most of you are likely aware, I will be in the position until Feb. of 2017, at which time I will return to Carman Collegiate and Mrs. Chevalier will return to Roland. My goals while I am here are broad and simple;

• I will work to ensure Roland School is a place where kids like to spend their time.
• I will work to promote Roland School as a great option for all families and to erase as many obstacles to that idea as possible.
• I will advocate for Roland School and the community to ensure a healthy and vibrant school remains a building block of the community.
• I will work with all stakeholders to keep an open dialogue and to maintain and build relationships.
• I will work to reconnect Roland School to its proud history in the community in an effort to build a sense of pride and belonging in our current students. 

Thank you again to everyone for your support. I have loved seeing parents come out to help at the arena, show up to cook hot lunches, and join discussions at PAC meetings. I look forward to getting to meet more and more people as time passes.