Vice Principal's Letter

Dear Families,

As we approach summer break, it is time to reflect on a very positive and successful school year at Lord.

Every year, we have some changes to our staffing at school. This year, we will be saying good bye to Mrs. Wong, Mr. Campbell and Cheryl.

Mrs. Wong has been an outstanding intermediate teacher at Lord for many years. Her strengths and personal commitment to providing enriching experiences for her classes are well known – this year was no exception as the students in division one can confirm. Her contribution to the education of hundreds of students is exemplary. We wish Mrs. Wong all the very best as she enters a new phase of her life with her family.

Mr. Campbell has worked with many students over the past 2 years in his various roles – teacher librarian, grade 6/7 teacher and grade ¾ teacher. We have been very fortunate to have had Mr. Campbell at Lord as long as we did. His energy, leadership, and joy of teaching have made a very positive impact on many students. Many students have come to really admire Mr. Campbell. Mr. Campbell will be working at another school in Vancouver and those students are very fortunate.

Cheryl will be working at another Vancouver school in the fall. Cheryl has been working in the office at Lord for 14 years. Cheryl’s friendly, warm nature at the front desk has served all of us well. We will miss you, Cheryl and we wish you the very best at your new school.

We also have a number of students leaving the Lord community, going to new schools in September. I wish you well as you continue to learn and grow over the years ahead. Keep in touch with your good friends from Lord! To our grade 7 students – you will be a wonderful addition to the grade 8 group at Templeton, Burnaby North or whichever school you are planning to go to. You have been an amazing group of students – great role models, infectiously fun and positive. It has been a pleasure working with you this year and I know the teachers all feel the same.

I wish you a wonderful summer – enjoy the warmer weather and spending time as a family. Read books together and do some fun family outings – even a picnic at the park is a way to reconnect and allow yourselves time to relax. All the very best to all of our families and staff!

Sincerely,

Sarah Gray
Vice-Principal

Vice Principal's Letter

Dear Families;

Its that time of year; we are heading into celebration season at school while meaningful learning continues in each classroom every day.

Over the past couple of years, our school goal has been focused on healthy living. At our most recent Professional Development day, staff spent time reflecting on our progress with this school goal and planning ahead to re-focus our goal for next year. We have much to celebrate - many healthy initiatives have been taken on and are now part of our school culture.

While healthy living will always be important at Dr. A. R. Lord, we are shifting our focus to literacy as a school goal for 2011-12. There are a number of effective literacy practices and opportunities in place already and with this as our school goal we will build upon those with other exciting ideas that are grounded in best practice.

We do indeed have much to celebrate at Dr. A.R. Lord! Our students amaze us with their kind actions, genuine interest in school and the positive growth we see in them daily. Please join us for the special events coming up over the next few weeks.
Sincerely,

Sarah Gray
Vice-Principal

Vice Principal's Letter

Dear Families;
There are a number of exciting school activities in the works at this time. Track and Field, the mural project, the edible garden, a new bike rack and the new park benches by the playground - just to name a few things happening outside.

Classes are engaged in a variety of in-school events as well with field trips and special celebrations being planned. Meanwhile, staff are looking ahead to organize the school for September. Every spring, administration works with HR at the VSB along with the teachers and support staff on site to work out details for student placements for next year. If you would like to share your thoughts about your child's learning needs, please complete a form, available from Cheryl in the office and return to Sarah Gray on or before May 19 (Sports Day.) We will begin our work on student placements this month with the details being reviewed and finalized in September. The criteria used for class placements considers both the individual needs and overall classroom structure. More information on the criteria for class placement is available from the office.

Please remember that next week we will be having our Sports Day. Students are asked to attend from 8:30-12:30 that day. We all hope you can join us for this very exciting, community building tradition. I know the students are working towards the day with posters, team cheers and wardrobe planning! Good luck to everyone and most importantly, have fun and do your best!

Sincerely,
Sarah Gray, Vice-Principal

Vice Principal's Letter

Dear Families,
It is a pleasure working with the students at our school; everyday, I am amazed at the learning going on in the classrooms and on the playground.

It is wonderful to see our young students problem solving with each other, taking the time to listen to each other respectfully when someone is sad and making amends.

While children often need a little bit of adult guidance to manage some of the trickier, more emotionally charged situations, our students respond quickly and positively learning from each situation.

As school staff, we see the children grow in their ability to work through the regular ups and downs of friendships more and more independently as the years go on. It is our hope that the students will carry these skills with them throughout their lives, creating peace in our school and beyond.

Sincerely,
Sarah Gray
Vice Principal