The 2011-2012 newsletters are in pdf format. To view/download these pdfs, you must have Adobe Acrobat Reader.

Monthly Newsletters

Principal's Message - May

The object of education is to prepare the young to educate themselves throughout their lives. ~Robert Maynard Hutchins

It is hard to believe that there are only approximately 40 school days left for students.  The year has certainly passed by very quickly.  While there is still much to do in the time remaining, we also begin the important work of planning next year’s organizational structure and the staffing process.

By example we have received our operating budget (Resource Allocation Model, RAM) for the 2012-2013 school year.  This tentative budget is based upon our projected September student enrollment and is ratified upon our September 30th student count.  Principals are responsible for allocating those dollars to staffing needs and operating expenses.  Decisions are based upon the CBE values, anticipated school/student needs, the Provincial Class Size recommendations and staff contractual obligations. A change in two or three students has a significant impact upon our final decisions.  As such we REALLY appreciate families informing us of any anticipated moves as soon as possible.  In addition to all of the support staff positions, our tentative learning organization for next year currently consists of:

3 - AM Kindergarten
2- PM Kindergarten
6 - Grade One classrooms
6 - Grade Two classrooms
4 - Grade Three classrooms
3 - Grade Four classrooms
1 - 0.8 Music Teacher
1 – 0.8 PE Teacher
1 – Resource Teacher
1 - 0.5 Learning Leader

We will be able to share more details about that process at our next School Council meeting.  We will also be able to share information about next year’s calendar and school hours at the May meeting.  The information will be added to the June newsletter and posted to the website.

In closing, I would just like to express my sincere thanks to the Royal Oak Fundraising Committee for all of the work and time that they have so generously donated to the school again this year.  At their recent AGM, we had an opportunity to review all of the resources and programs that the school has acquired thanks to their initiatives.  Their efforts and the community’s support of their initiatives have significantly enriched teaching and learning at Royal Oak School.

May/June 2012 Grade 3 Provincial Achievement Tests

The purpose of the Achievement Testing Program is:

• Determine if students are learning what they are expected to learn
• Report to Albertans how well students have achieved provincial standards at given points in their schooling
• Assist schools, authorities, and the province in monitoring and improving student learning

The confirmed schedule for Grade Three is as follows:

      L.A.- Part “A”  – May 15
      L.A.- Part “B”  – June 12
      Math                - June 14

Sincerely,

Scott MacNeill, Principal