Summer is out and school is in for children, teachers and staff across this area.
The kids headed back to class or to class for the first time last Tuesday for the first day of the 2013-2014 school year. Although the first week is always hectic for teachers and staff at the numerous schools to get to know the names that go with the new faces that are suddenly staring up at them, everyone seemed to be excited to get going.
Enrolment numbers at each of the schools remained fairly constant with those from last year and despite a few subtractions and additions to the teacher ranks at each school those who occupied a certain classroom last year are for the most part occupying the same one this September.
Now that the first week is over, it is full steam ahead for the schools to implement any new and previous initiatives that are in place to get the kids learning to the best of their abilities.
Dundurn Elementary School
Jason Hill, principal of Dundurn Elementary School, said there are 151 students enrolled at the pre-Kindergarten to Grade 6 school including 27 kids in the Kindergarten class. He said the school is also welcoming one new intern to their teaching ranks this fall as Julie Belina would be helping out with the Grade 5/6 class.
“One of our new goals this year is to provide tools, skills and opportunities of inquiry to improve student engagement and achievement,” said Hill. “Inquiries is a newer focus within the curriculum and we’re hoping (to focus) on technology and use of technology as tools in relation to inquiry.”
Hill said the school got off to a great start this year with their annual opening day pancake breakfast. He said close to 300 people came out for flapjacks smothered with maple syrup including representatives from most of the families that have children enrolled at the school.
Loreburn Central School
Loreburn Central School principal Jill Long said 100 students are enrolled at the Kindergarten to Grade 12 school this year including four in Kindergarten. She said there are no interns at the school this fall, but they do have a new teacher in Blair Frederickson, who is taking up the career development position at schools in Loreburn, Kenaston and Davidson, and a new custodian in Michelle Lafontaine.
Long said there will be a focus on reading and physical health and wellness during the 2013-2014 school year. She said they are also continuing with their Leader in Me initiative this year where priority is placed on teaching kids the seven habits of highly effective students in the 21st Century.
“Our first (habit) is be pro-active,” said Long. “The second is begin with the end in mind. The third is to put first things first. The fourth is think ‘win win’ and seek first to understand and be understood. Habit six is synergize and habit seven is sharpening the saw.”
The principal said they would be hosting a Leader in Me day later this year where they invite people from around the area to come to the school and see what the program is all about. She said the students run the whole day including the assembly and the planning of it.
To read more please see the Sept. 9 print edition of The Davidson Leader.