Simoes’ classroom we will be hiring a teacher to take over for the short term. Cowland will be away for the remainder of the year.įor Mrs. Simoes will be away until February 10 (possibly longer) while Mrs. Unfortunately, Deb Cowland (Learning Commons Teacher) and Natasha Simoes (Kindergarten Teacher) will be away on medical leaves. As we return from Christmas break, at Richard Bulpitt we will also have a few changes to work through. One thing that is similar in all the schools is the unexpected changes happen. This is the fourth school I have been in as a principal.
Believe it or not, but more cold temperatures and snow are expected on the weekend! A HUGE “thank you” to the dad (and his young son) who spent an afternoon volunteering time chipping out the ice along the south edge of the building today! (I’ll have to get his name and put it in the next news.) We do continue to remind everyone to walk carefully and wear proper footwear. The district and school staff have been out shoveling paths but unfortunately we can’t get everything cleared. Besides, salt has limited effect against heavy snow. Virtually everywhere in the lower mainland are out of salt/ice melt. As a school and the district overall, there are limited resources to deal with weather conditions like this. The weather has been beautiful but not all that functional. Learning isn’t just for the young ones in the building! Staff will be using the opportunity to collaborate and continue working on individual, group, and school improvement goals. Please adjust your schedules to pick up your children at that time. Way to go Bulpitt Bulldogs!Ĭollaboration Early Dismissal – Monday, January 9th 1:15 pm.Ī reminder that on Monday students will be dismissed at 1:15. I’m happy to observe that has already been happening in our school and it is the direction in which we’ll continue. We know there are going to be conflicts or problems that arise but it is important that we resolve those in peaceful and positive ways. Quality teaching and learning in a positive, productive, fun, safe, and caring environment are my main goals as a principal and educator. The opportunity to learn now and have viable career options later are what gives them the best chances of future success and happiness. As individuals, it is up to each of them to get the most they can out the educational opportunity so that they can become responsible, supportive, productive, and positive adults contributing back to this great country we live in. If they didn’t learn that day, then they missed their pay. My message to them is that their work and learning are the most important things that happen in school. However, given that taxpayers fund the school system, I’ve let the children know that they receive a little over $30 per day in “pay.” It doesn’t come in the form of actual dollars, instead it comes in the form of learning. My first two days at Richard Bulpitt Elementary have been very positive and I appreciate all the smiles, hellos, and waves from staff, students, and parents (guardians and grandparents too!) In my visits to the Grades 3 to 5 classes thus far, I’ve introduced myself and asked the students about whether they “got paid” today. I believe that schools and the work that staff and students do are the main reasons why Canada can maintain its high standard of living. In third world and developing world countries this doesn’t happen for many whereas in Canada virtually all our children have the opportunity to attend school for 13 or more years. I strongly believe that providing a solid level of education to children and young adults is the best way to ensure success of individuals and society.
Is going to school an opportunity for children or is it a “job” for children? I believe it’s both! All over the world, millions of children yearn for the opportunity to go to go to school and learn how to read, write, listen, speak, do math, think (creatively and critically), solve problems, develop important social skills, collaborate with others, have fun, and plenty more.