Principal's Message

         It is playoff time in so many ways when we hit the end of April and move into May. From professional sports like the NHL and NBA, to school sports like badminton and track and field, high-stakes competition is plentiful. However, academically it is also playoff time as we start our reading, writing, and math assessments. I always find this time of year exhilarating as we get to see the progress students have made in the form of standardized tests. Honestly, the test results are rarely surprising as we monitor progress all year. However, the final assessment is the official rubber stamp on a year of learning. Obviously, this year has seen some challenges in terms of missed school days due to contract negotiations, but regardless, I am expecting another round of incredible results.

          May is always a busy month and this year is no exception. Graduation ceremonies are on May 24th. Our School Community Council Annual General Meeting takes place on May 14th. Track and field practices are every Monday through Thursday for the entire month of May. Minor days such as the P.A.R.T.Y. Program in Humboldt on May 9th, and Horizon's Student Day on May 14th happen during this month. We host a huge sporting event in the Pre-District Track and Field Competition for Horizon on May 21st. The assessments I mentioned earlier have due dates in May as well. Both the kindergarten EYE assessment and writing assessments must be completed by May 24th while the Fountas and Pinell assessments are to be completed by May 15th. Throw in the May long weekend and things get very compressed and busy. With that being said, May is not the busiest month of the school year, but rather, it is one of the most gratifying months because all of the assessment results, AGM, and graduation ceremonies are reasons to celebrate excellence.

          To my grade twelve students who will be moving on from their public education experience, I want to thank you for your time here at Watson School. Each grade carves out its own unique identity as a group, and I will certainly miss this group's ability to roll with whatever comes their way. Nothing seems to rattle them and the ability to not overreact while adapting to the current reality will certainly serve them well. Ralph Emerson said, "The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be." I believe this to be a great quote for our grade 12's as they have all the skills and tools needed to go forward and I am excited to find out what they have decided to become years from now! Have a great month of May everyone!

 

Jay Fitzsimmons