The first month of school has gone by very quickly, but our students are settled in and taking advantage of so many opportunities presented to them. It is so rewarding to walk through the school and see them engaged and connecting to their learning, to the staff, and to one another. Thank you for your ongoing trust in us to teach and lead your children for another school year!
Many of you will recall that over the past year, we have been raising funds for an Activity Bus. A bus would help our transportation needs for athletics and field trips, and provide access to events and activities that we have not been able to take part in previously. I am very excited to share that we will be acquiring a new 24-passenger Activity Bus, and if all goes well it will arrive before the end of 2024!! A huge thank you goes out to our UA community who made this possible as it will make a significant difference for our students. It is another example of our community coming together to enhance the student experience at UA, just as we did for the 4th-floor playground. We first needed to have a secure space to park the bus and now that we have the paved area behind the house on Rousseau, we have somewhere for the bus to be parked safely.
This is a timely announcement, as you will find in your mail slots this coming week, an invitation to participate in our annual giving campaign. The UA Staff are so excited about what annual giving can do for our students as tuition only covers our typical operations. The extra funds help to bring out the entrepreneurial spirit in our staff as they are able to expand the offerings for our students. This year we are looking at wishlist items such as upgrades to some of the decks, additional robotics & tech equipment, some wonderful athletic initiatives, scholarship support and so many other dreams that are only possible when our community gives. The most critical factor in our annual giving as a community, is that of participation. So please consider how you will be part of this initiative this year. Thank you for your ongoing support, it impacts so much of what we are able to do.
Returning to the transportation theme, I want to thank everyone for settling into the routine of drop-off and pick-up at UA. I do want to re-emphasize that it is imperative that our UA families follow the expectations that we have set out regarding drop-off and pick-up, as well as following the rules of the road at all times. As the weather shifts into the fall and winter months we need to be extra patient, especially on rainy dark days like this morning. Additionally, we need to continue to be vigilant about respecting our neighbours’ access to their driveways and not stopping or parking in ‘permit only’ areas of the neighbourhood.
As the Thanksgiving long weekend approaches it is always a sign that fall is upon us. I hope the week ahead provides everyone time to gather and reflect on what you are thankful for. I know I am grateful for the UA Community and the incredible journey we are on together.
Yours in education,
Mr. Slinger