Principal's Message
March is in the books and it was a very busy one for me. From meetings to Missoula to adapting to teacher job action, I felt like I was running fast but not getting very far. Throw in a couple of uncharacteristic sick days for me and it only made my situation feel even less productive. However, the month was the furthest thing from unproductive, and we had some tremendous opportunities for our students which were outstanding!
Missoula Children's Theatre took center stage for the month, and all students had the opportunity to take part in a drama production. There were two performances for the public to come and watch on Friday, March 15th. I was able to watch a bit of the afternoon performance but had to leave as I was coaching my own daughter's 13U club volleyball team in Moose Jaw starting on Friday and going all weekend. I did, however, get to hear some wonderful reviews and know that the kids were very excited to perform in front of an audience. I would like to thank the Missoula Board for their dedication and hard work in bringing this valuable experience to our student body.
The grade 5/6 class was treated to a unique experience in Regina when Ms. Schoettler took her class to watch a draw at the Brier. Teacher sanctions were certainly a concern as the date approached, but luckily nothing was in place and the group got to go as originally planned. I know that between our own school curling, the Brier, and the arena making three sheets of curling ice which our students have been allowed to use during the last week before the Easter break, curling is a hot commodity. I'm certainly not Nostradamus, but if I were to look out into the future, I would say that we will have a small bump in the number of students participating in school curling next year. Thank you to Ms. Schoettler for providing a first-rate field trip, the arena for putting in curling ice and allowing us to use it, and all of the teachers who took their classes over to the rink so our kids could experience a wonderful game.
Finally, I want to address the ongoing teacher job action. Unfortunately, the Teacher's Bargaining Committee and the Government Bargaining Committee have not been able to reach a deal at this time. I know that the sanctions that have been put in place have caused some inconvenience for many families. I would love for a deal to be reached and for the school to return to normal operations without a cloud of uncertainty hanging over our heads. Thank you for your understanding and willingness to help out as these negotiations unfold. Given the posturing by both sides, I do not see these negotiations ending soon and know that sanctions will only increase. I hope I am wrong in that assessment as I am not on the negotiating committee, nor do I know how close the two sides are to striking a deal. I just genuinely hope that a deal can be agreed upon before we lose more amenities that make up our school culture. Have a great month of April everyone.
Jay Fitzsimmons