Dear Edgemont School Students, Parents, and Community,

As we reach the end of another remarkable school year, it’s a perfect time to reflect on our achievements and celebrate the memories we’ve created together.

This year, we started the year by welcoming back Elev8 Lacrosse. Coach Tyler worked with students in grades 1, 3, and 5 to build on their lacrosse skills. Students learned to cradle, pass, shoot, and defend, all while having a blast. Having a National Lacrosse League player as our coach was a real treat! Next year, our grade 1, 3, and 5 students will have the same experience, ensuring that everyone gets a chance to learn something new. We committed two years ago to providing athletic experiences or residencies for all our students. Those who did not participate in lacrosse had the opportunity to go to Safety City (kindergarten), swimming (grade 2), and participate in a Sportsball residency (grade 4). A big thank you to Mr. Thomas for coordinating these residencies for us!

Another significant milestone was the establishment of our Gathering Space. Starting as a clean slate, we added stumps in a circle around a medicine wheel rug. This space has become a special place for us to meet with Saa’kokoto, share items from our land-based trips, and connect with classmates. Here, we learned collaborative games and protocols to ensure all voices are valued and heard.

We also enhanced our programming by moving from performances based on existing scripts to creating celebrations of learning that intertwined classroom and music class experiences. This shift allowed more students to shine and surprised audiences with the creativity displayed through drama, dance, and music. We are grateful to Ms. Lyons, our inspiring teacher, director, and producer, for her incredible passion and energy in pulling together a performance for every grade level. Many grades also had the chance to work with ABC Danceworks, using physical movement as a language of learning.

Perhaps the biggest highlight of this year was our embracing of land-based learning. Our commitment to professional learning and modelled lessons empowered our teachers to confidently take students of all ages to explore Nose Hill and other local sites around Edgemont. We are incredibly grateful for the more than 80 parent volunteers who accompanied us on these trips, rain or shine. Through these experiences, we have deepened our understanding of the natural world and observed many seasonal changes. We have listened to stories on the land and started to understand how we can braid classroom learning with Indigenous knowledge systems, creating a richer and more enduring understanding of our world.

As we look back on the year, we must also say goodbye to some wonderful teachers who are leaving us:

• Mr. Thomas, our beloved Resource and Gym teacher, we will miss your puns and dad jokes. Thank you for taking us outside and introducing many of us to your passion- golf. We wish you a happy retirement!
• Mrs. Hassam, our wonderful grade 1 teacher, thank you for your patience and care. Happy retirement to you as well! We hope your days are filled with time outdoors and travel!
• Ms. Ang is taking a leave to have more adventures with her family. Thank you for your skillful teaching. We wish you fun and memorable times with your family as you take time off.
• Ms. Virk, thank you for your thoughtful collaboration and consistent teaching in grade 1. Best of luck at your new school! There are some very lucky kindergarten kids about to have you as their teacher! 
• Ms. Kopczynski, thank you for the work you have done with students small and tall! You have had an impact on students' competence and confidence from K - 3! Good luck in your new school!
• Ms. Muniz, thank you for your dedication over the past three years. You started with us as a student teacher and now look how you’ve grown. Good luck on your continued teaching journey!
• Ms. Herron, your future students are lucky to have your love and dedication. Thank you for bringing your beautiful spirit to grade 3. Best wishes!
• Ms. Ismail, your smile and positivity will light up any school. Thank you for making a difference! We hope to see you again someday!

When you see these amazing teachers, please join me in congratulating them on their next steps and awaiting adventures.

It has been a wonderful year packed with learning and connection. We are already excited about planning another year of engaging and enriching experiences. But first, it’s time for us all to enjoy the summer and a well-deserved rest.

Thank you, Edgemont community, for your support and care for our students and staff throughout this year. We are fortunate to work with and for you all!

To Greater Heights,

The Edgemont School Team