As the 2023-24 school year draws to a close, I would like to provide you with a few messages and words of appreciation for all you do to support McKenzie Towne School. Seeing parents as volunteers in the school and on field trips, attending celebrations, and helping with special events such as Sports Day have been heart-warming and have filled the school with joy. Thank you to all parents. Our staff would like to thank School Council for the delicious lunch provided to us on Thursday, June 27.

This has been a busy final week at school. Today at our final school assembly we said farewell to students for the summer break. We would like to wish students and families who will not be returning to MTS the very best as they move on to different schools and to new learning adventures. For those returning to MTS we look forward to seeing your smiling faces on Thursday, August 29- the first day of school for the 2024-25 school year.

Grade 3 Global Citizenship Fundraiser

On June 20, in conjunction with their study of global citizenship and their Social Studies curriculum, the grade 3 classes once again sponsored an Art and Lemonade Sale to raise money for charity.

MTS students brought in their toonies to purchase lemonade and fudge, cards, bookmarks, sunflowers and necklaces created by our grade three students. The items for sale were representative of the cultures that the students study in the grade three Social Studies curriculum. Many students brought in money that they had saved themselves and generously donated to the cause through the purchase of the symbolic artefacts and yummy lemonade that was provided.

I am thrilled to say that just over $3,234 was raised through the sale. The proceeds will be donated to the Calgary Bridge Foundation for Youth, an organization that supports immigrant and refugee youth and their families with knowledge and information about Canadian culture and school system. The Calgary Bridge Foundation for Youth works in partnership with the CBE and Calgary Catholic School Distract and has provided programs and education services to our students and families who are newly arrived in Calgary and at McKenzie Towne School.

Report cards

Your child's report card is available to view, download and/or print starting from June 26, 2024 to July 26, 2024 (8 a.m.). Parents / Legal Guardians can sign into  MyCBE to view student information, including report cards, comments from teachers, assignments and grades, and attendance information.

Appeals Day

Appeals day is Friday, June 28 from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm. It is a non-instructional day for students. Teachers will be at the school form 8:00 am-1:00 pm. This is your opportunity to contact your child's teacher by email or phone to ask them any questions you might have about the report card. The school office will be open from 8:00 – 1:00 pm on June 28 and then will be closed for the summer.

Class lists

Because changes occur over the course of the summer, class lists will not be available until the first day of school, August 29, 2024. You can expect to receive an email from your child’s teacher for next year on August 28, 2024. The email will identify who your child’s teacher will be for the coming year and provide information on opening day procedures.

Staffing Update

The end of the year always brings changes with staff who are moving to different school settings and adventures.

We say a fond farewell to Mrs. Webber who has been at our school for a number of years and has contributed greatly to building a culture of excellence at MTS.

Special congratulations go to Mrs. Crosby who will be moving as Principal to Dr. Oakley School. She will be missed by students, staff and parents who have appreciated and valued her support and expertise over the past three years. I am working with our Area 5 Director to interview and select a new AP for MTS and will provide that information to the school community when it is available.

As well, we say goodbye and thank you to Ms. Heaton and Ms. Hornseth, who served on temporary contracts at the school. We are pleased to announce that Mrs. Thomson and Mrs. Darr will remain on staff at MTS next year. As well, Mrs. Olson and Ms. Massey will continue at the school on temporary contracts for teachers Ms. Morgan and Mrs. Holt who continue their leaves.

Finally, on behalf of the staff at MTS, I would like to wish all of you, parents and students, a safe, happy and relaxing summer. We look forward to our return to school on August 29, 2024.

Dr. Lorraine Slater