Superintendent Message & Newsletter
It is hard to believe that it is already December and that we have less than two full weeks of school before the winter holidays. Our schools were busy in November and will be over the next couple weeks, too.
I would like to thank students and staff for the care and thought that went into planning ceremonies and assemblies leading up to Remembrance Day. YK1 schools also participated in a city-wide ceremony on the morning of November 11, 2022. Thank you for continuing to honour the brave men and women who have served our country, and continue to do so.
I would also like to thank students, staff, families, and Trustees who volunteered their time decorating and walking alongside YK1’s float as part of Yellowknife’s Santa Claus Parade on November 26, 2022. Thank you especially to members of École Sir John Franklin High School’s graduation council for their work decorating our float ahead of the event. Speaking of the high school, I would like to congratulate the girls’ hockey team for winning this year’s Challenge Cup against the girls’ team from École St. Patrick High School on November 23, 2022. I would also like to commend the boys’ team for their performance in a hard-fought loss. Between the school’s pep rally and the two games, school spirit was on full display and the energy in our community was palpable!
I hope families were able to attend parent-student-teacher interviews at schools towards the end of the month. These meetings provide great opportunities for parents and guardians to meet YK1 staff, to learn more about our schools and programs, and to track their child’s progress within the classroom and beyond.
I encourage families to monitor YK1 websites and social media pages in the coming weeks to see when schools will be holding holiday events, including winter shows and feasts. Students and staff have been busy preparing for these special events and I look forward to seeing their hard work pay off before a well-deserved break.
As a reminder, the last day of school for all YK1 students before winter break is December 20, 2022. École Sir John Franklin High School students will return to school on January 4, 2023 and JK-8 students will return on January 5, 2023. YK1’s District Office will be closed from December 22, 2022 to January 3, 2023 inclusive. If your child would like to access child and youth care counsellors during the holiday period, call (867) 767-9110 ext. 41716 to book an appointment, or visit www.nthssa.ca/mentalhealth to learn more.
I hope that students, staff, and families enjoy a safe and restful break and get to spend some quality time with their loved ones. At the same time, please consider doing your part to prevent the spread of germs and bacteria during cold and flu season by washing your hands frequently and avoiding gatherings if you are feeling unwell. Wishing you all the best for 2023!
