Dear GAA Families,

As we conclude our first couple of weeks together in the new school year, I want to thank you for the positive energy and support you have brought to our community. Walking through classrooms, I see students settling into routines, teachers building meaningful connections, and a wonderful sense of excitement for learning. It has been a truly joyful start.

I would also like to invite you to our Back to School Evening on Wednesday, September 24, from 4:30 to 6:30 pm. This will be an important opportunity for you to meet your child’s teachers and learn more about the year ahead. To best accommodate families, we will begin with an introductory session in the auditorium at 4:30 pm, with a repeat session at 5:30 pm for those arriving a little later. Following that, you will visit classrooms to hear directly about curriculum, routines, Specialist teachers and ways we can partner together to ensure a successful year for your child.

One of the most impactful ways you can support your child’s learning at home is through daily reading. Whether your child is in PreK or Grade 5, regular home reading - listening to stories, reading aloud together, or talking about books - strengthens vocabulary, comprehension, and fosters a lifelong love of learning. A few minutes each evening can make a big difference.

I also want to emphasize the importance of attendance and punctuality. Each school day begins promptly at 7:45 am, and those first minutes are vital for building community, setting the tone, and preparing students for learning. Consistent attendance and arriving on time help children feel confident, connected, and ready to engage fully with their day.

Finally, a special thank you to GAAPA for the warm welcome and the wonderful Popsicle Day - a big hit with our students! We are also grateful for the ongoing support from Booster club, whose efforts make such a difference in the life of our school.

Thank you again for your partnership and commitment. Together, we are building not only strong academic foundations but also joyful, caring classrooms where every child can thrive. I look forward to seeing you at Back to School Evening and celebrating many more milestones together.

Warm regards,

John Ashenden

Elementary Principal

Our KG1A students had an exciting time exploring the beloved story Owl Babies! They brought the tale to life by painting the characters, creating their own owl puppets, and acting out the story with their friends. In the construction area, the children even built cozy nests for the baby owls, showing wonderful teamwork and creativity. It was a joyful, hands-on way to build their love for reading and storytelling!

Grade 1 A students have returned to school with excitement and curiosity. They are quickly settling into classroom routines and learning how to work together. The children have enjoyed exploring the life cycle of frogs and discovering facts about other animals. In maths, they are practicing numbers, patterns, and problem-solving skills. Each day brings new opportunities for reading, writing, and hands-on activities. The students are growing in confidence and having fun while learning.

For this week and last, 1A have focused on being ‘GEM Learners’ by showing our best behavior every day. Students are expected to respect themselves by trying their best and making good choices. They are continuing to show respect to others everyday by listening, sharing and using kind words. By following these GEM expectations, Grade 1A have truly sparkled like the little GEMs they are.

Teamwork in Action: Towers and Robots

3A recently took part in exciting team-building and math challenges that brought out their creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving skills! 

In the first week, they worked together to build the tallest tower they could using only paper, followed by constructing a tower out of spaghetti and marshmallows. 

They also combined math with imagination in a place value activity, where teams used ten blocks to design and build their very own robots.  

These hands-on experiences not only strengthened their understanding of place value but also encouraged teamwork, creativity, and innovation.

Why does this matter? Building a math mindset helps learners become resilient, creative problem-solvers — skills that extend far beyond the classroom.

Families are an important part of this journey, too. At home, we invite you to encourage your child to:

• Stay curious and ask questions

• Be open to struggling and learning from mistakes

• Wonder: What tools or strategies could help me overcome this challenge?

Here are some challenges that you might like to try together at home. Who can find the most creative solution? How will you learn from each other?

We look forward to sharing more of our learning with you this year!

• September 18 - Parents' Games Club by GAAPA @1pm, Family Cafe (Main Lobby)

• September 24 - Elementary School Back-to-School Night (parent information evening about Elementary School)

• October 6-10 - Book Fair

• October 13-17 - Mid-term Break (no school in session)