elcome back to another school year. We hope all our students and families had a safe and restful vacation. We welcome all our new families, new staff members and our new parish priest.
Every grade is special. However, this will be a very special and memorable year for our Junior Kindergarten students, who are beginning their first year at school, and our Grade 6 students who will be completing their last year at our school and preparing for Intermediate school.
Grade four students will participate in an exciting new Classroom 2000 Plus program that brings state-of-the-art technology into the classroom. The technology is integrated into the curriculum.
The curriculum units were developed by the Ottawa-Carleton Catholic School Board and include hands-on kits, software and textbooks. The program promotes cooperative learning, addresses individual needs, prepares students for future self-directed learning, cultivates responsibility and provides an opportunity for students to work with a variety of technology (computers, laser printer, flatbed scanner, digital camera, LCD projector, a television, VCR and a CD player) and develop theirtechnological skills.
Although the academic year has just begun, we have already had opportunities, at our Annual Family Barbeque and by participating in the Terry Fox Run, to gather as a community. This year we look forward to strengthening our ties with our local high school (Immaculata) and establishing new partnerships with local businesses. St. Margaret Mary School will continue to reach out to the less fortunate people in Ottawa by assisting organizations in our local community.
Our Catholic School Council is looking for an individual to fill the community representative position. This person will provide our School Council with a community perspective and assist in promoting and maintaining a welcoming, vibrant and effective Catholic school community. Our Council meets once a month. If you are interested in this position, please contact the school principal at 730-9328.
Even though we are a small school, our students will be involved in many creative and innovative learning activities and events. Visit the school!! You will be impressed by what you see. If you would like to learn more about our school, contact the school at 730-9328 or visit our website www.occdsb.on.ca/~smm.