MAG Community Update - June 20th (2024)

With this likely being the last community message for this school year, we wanted to take a moment to thank everyone for their support of the school team and especially the students throughout another successful school year. Although every year comes with its challenges and difficult moments, it is amazing how quickly another year has gone by, and how much the students have accomplished, grown and flourished this year. It is important to take a moment to acknowledge the staff and students who will be leaving us and heading to new challenges next year, as we look forward to welcoming back those who are returning in September. To all members of our wonderful community, we would like to sincerely wish you a safe, restful and fun summer. We are all extremely fortunate to share this time and space together, and we wish the best to you and your loved ones as we head into what we hope will be some positive time for you to connect, recharge and find joy in everything you do. So as not to rob you of any of these precious moments, a reminder that school dismisses early (at 2:37) on Friday, June 28^th!

Congrats to all the Runners in Marathon Club!

Congratulations to the MAG staff and students who ran in the Manitoba Marathon on June 16^th.Marathon.jpg

Staffing for 2024-25:

We have nearly finalized our staffing for next school year. Here is an overview for each team at the school.

Kindergarten: As we move to Full Day Kindergarten, we are happy to have three classes next year. Joining Lise-Anne Mandaliti will be Carley Gagne (from École Provencher) and Kristin Mooney (currently at École Julie-Riel).

Grade 1: We will have two classes next year, taught by Brigitte Chrustie and Candace Côté. We wish Natalie Marcoux well as she continues her maternity leave and wish Donata Huebert well as she joins the team at Collège Jeanne-Sauvé.

Grade 2: We will soon confirm the teacher for the third classroom who will be joining Samantha Hudon and Savannah Olson (0.75)/Monica Ossachuk (0.25).

Grade 3/4: We will have four classes taught by France Chartier, Kayla Gauthier, Renée Lapointe and Cassandra Lemon. We wish Stéphanie Légaré all the best on her leave next year!

Grade 5/6: We will again have four classes taught by Haley Bielinski, Debra Duncan, Danys Lachance and Lindsey Waldie.

Grade 7/8: Joining Jess Mohr and Trisha Taylor will be Matthew Massicotte (currently at École George-McDowell) and Nicole Ziemianski (currently at École Varennes), as we add a fourth class. We wish Rae-Ann Gagné all the best next year on her maternity leave!

Student Services: We will once again have Danielle Boudreau and Margo Popkey working full-time, with Savannah Olson at 0.25 and Joy Perrott working 0.5 in Student Services as part of her role.

Administration: Micheline Girard and Micheline Scott will be back in the office and joining Tyler Milloy will be Joy Perrott (Vice-Principal & Student Services). We wish Michelle Kennedy the best as she joins the admin team at École Sage Creek School next year.

Library: Derek Acorn continues to be our 0.5 Teacher Librarian, supported by Lise Sokal as Library Technician.

Physical Education: Joel Bohemier and Katrina Male will form the teaching team in the gym. We wish Keegan Collett the best as a full-time kindergarten teacher at École Van Belleghem next year.

Music: Meara Harrison will teach K-6 Music, with Daniel Bergman returning from his leave to teach 7/8 Guitar, and Mykayla Santilli staying with us to teach 7/8 Band. We wish Justin Fraser the best as he continues his work in education in B.C.

Educational Assistants: Returning will be Melissa Feniuk, Taylor Hacault, Collette Luik, Oumou N’Diaye and Jocelyne Procyk. We welcome Barb fa*gerstrom (currently at École Sage Creek School) and will be confirming another addition to the team in August. We wish Mme Djourdat all the best at École Van Belleghem, and Mme Behin all the best at École Provencher.

Custodians: Robert Fillion will remain our Head Custodian, and Glen Murray, Stéphane Boulloigne-Roy and Carmen Schroeder will continue to make up the evening team.

If you are around the school during the last week, I encourage you to join me in thanking and wishing the best to all of the staff members who have made such important contributions to our school community, as they move on to new roles or adventures next year.

Class Placement for 2024-25:

At 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 27^th, students will have an opportunity to briefly get together with their classroom peers for next year during our “Bump-Up” meetings. Teachers who currently work in the school or who are able to attend will have a chance to meet with the group for a short activity before the end of the school day. By 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, families will also receive an email confirming next year’s class placement. Although the email may contain a link to this information, school supply lists will be available on the school website next week as well. Please note that these are limited supply lists, given that most are purchased divisionally using the flat fee paid by families each year. At this time, we expect families will be receiving a message either from the school or the division in August about a new fee payment system for next year, as part of a move to a new Student Information System. We ask that families settle up any outstanding fees from this school year using the current online system, or by contacting the school office (204-253-9704). Any other important information about school startup will be sent after the office reopens on August 19^th.

A reminder that the school team puts much thought and attention into the creation of classroom groupings, considering all factors that we hope make for balanced classrooms and placements that will be successful for all students. As such, we will not be able to entertain requests for classroom changes (due to friendships or other factors) once the placements are shared. The only reason we would look at classroom changes is if there are significant changes in enrolment over the summer which require changes to ensure balance and optimal learning groups.

Option Classes for Grade 7/8 Students:

A few weeks ago, Grade 6 students chose their preferences for option classes for next year. Every student was able to receive their first choice of Band, Guitar or “Option 3”/Exploration. If you are unsure which option your student has signed up for, you can confirm by contacting gaboury.clerical@lrsd.net. Students moving from Grade 7 to Grade 8 will continue with the same option (Band or Guitar) that they are taking this year, unless they have confirmed a different arrangement with their parents, teachers and school administration.

Reminder – Photos for Grade 8 Farewell: