Newsletter # 11 – June 2, 2025
Dear Highland Park Huskies,
PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE: It’s June! This school year has flown by. I know our students are looking forward to the following year end activities: recreational swims, additional fieldtrips, district track and field meet on Tuesday, June 3, our HPE triathlon on Friday, June 6, PAC meeting/AGM on Wednesday, June 11, Grade 12 HPE Grad visit on Wednesday, June 18, The Resiliency Ride, Ned Show/Performance on Thursday, June 19, Indigenous People’s Day Celebration on Friday, June 20, Fun day on Monday, June 23, our Year End Assembly and Grade 5 farewell on Thursday, June 26 at 8:30 am. The last day of school for students is on Thursday, June 26 and dismissal will be 4 hours earlier, at 10 am. Buses will run as usual, just 4 hours earlier. We have a year end assembly planned for students on Thursday, June 26 starting at 8:30 am. Your child’s final report card – the written summary of learning, will be available online and sent home on the last day of school. For a more comprehensive list of all the upcoming events, CLICK HERE. On a personal device, scroll to the bottom. On a desktop or laptop, view the right side of the screen under UPCOMING EVENTS. CLICK HERE to access previous Newsletters. There is still time to complete the PAC Executive Nomination form . The final PAC meeting of the school year and AGM is on Wednesday, June 11.
As the school year comes to a close, I wish to express what an honour and a privilege it has been to serve this school community. I look forward to next school year, especially now that I have had a year to acquire a greater knowledge of the school, the students, the staff and the families. The main purpose of this newsletter is to keep you informed of what’s in the works for the 2025-2026 school year.
PARKING LOT: I’d like to begin by thanking you all for your feedback and cooperation with the changes to our parking lot. CLICK HERE to review the initial information posted on our website. Feedback received so far has been very positive and improvement has been noted by everyone who has spoken to me, especially at the kiss and ride area. Here are a few key points that seem to make a BIG difference with the flow of traffic. It is important that EVERYONE cooperates. Please be respectful and adhere to the volunteers who are helping direct the flow of traffic. Please review this information and pass it along to any other caregivers for pick up and drop off times.
- Allow space for two lanes of traffic along the kiss and ride lane. One for kiss and ride and one for through traffic. Imagine a center line and stick to one side of it. This ensures people behind you can access the kiss and ride lane and pull up to the very end at all times.
- When using the kiss and ride lane for pick up or drop off, use your signal and pull up to the very end of the kiss and ride lane and signal to enter back in the through lane. Be quick, stay in your vehicle, have children load and unload on the passenger side of the vehicle onto the sidewalk, not in the through lane.
- Turn right ONLY onto Wood Avenue at our busiest times (7:40 – 8:00 AM and 1:50 – 2:10 PM). Outside of these times, two vehicles can fit at the stop line if the vehicle turning left keeps to the very left of the line.
- Do not park in staff designated areas during our busy times (see picture below). This prevents the need to turn around and back up into congested areas. The road leading to the back of the daycare is for staff, accessible parking permit holders and day care traffic ONLY.
- Use cross walks only. Especially to cross the two lanes of traffic – the kiss and ride and through traffic lane.
FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL 2025 – 2026: Please contact our office at 250-546-8723 as soon as possible if you are moving or know of anyone moving into our catchment. This information is vital for planning purposes. The more secure we are with our enrollment, the faster we can get into assigned classrooms for the school year. The first day of school for students in grade 1 – 5 at Highland Park is Wednesday, September 3. Students will be returning to their previous classroom for the first day and for as long as it takes to solidify our enrollment and balance out student placement given any unexpected moves and new registrations. Dismissal on the first day of school for students is three hours earlier, at 11:00 am. Buses will run as usual, just 3 hours earlier. In order to ride the bus, your child must be registered.
2025 – 2026 KINDERGARTEN INFORMATION: The first day of school for our new kindergarten students is on Thursday, September 4. CLICK HERE to view the gradual entry schedule and instructions specific for our new kindergarten crew. CLICK HERE for additional information shared at our Kindergarten orientation on Wednesday, May 28.
SCHOOL LEARNING PLAN 2025 – 2026: Our school learning plan will look very similar in terms of our areas of growth. You can CLICK HERE to access the 2024 – 2025 School Learning Plan. The 2025 – 2026 version will be available at the start of the 2025 – 2026 school year. The school learning plan represents our collective focus and efforts as a school community. This year our staff worked incredibly hard focusing on the narrowing of our goal area of Writing. We are hoping to develop greater clarity around our goal area of Numeracy so we can implement strategies and measures to better gauge success. We also worked hard with our efforts at our monthly assembly and related classroom follow up on topics to help improve student belonging. I am proud of our staff for their efforts and our students for the growth they are making.
NEW VICE PRINCIPAL: As many of you are already aware from an email sent earlier from our Superintendent, I’d like to welcome Ms. Morgen MacDonald to our school as Vice Principal. I’m very excited to have her join our HPE team. Please review her message below to learn a little more about her:
Hi there, my name is Ms. MacDonald (Ms. Mac to the kids)! I’ve been in education for the past 10 years, teaching grades 3 through 7 before stepping into the role of vice principal, which I’ve proudly held for the last four years at M.V. Beattie Elementary and Carlin Elementary Middle. I’m especially passionate about instructional leadership and literacy, and I love supporting both students and staff in their learning journeys. I’m new to the Armstrong area and really looking forward to getting to know the community. I currently live in the beautiful Sunnybrae area, where I’m trying my hand at gardening, I’m still learning, but really enjoying the process! In my downtime, you’ll often find me curled up with a good book, working on a quilt, or spending time with my lively little crew: two mini dachshunds and a shepherd puppy, all under a year old. I’m also a proud step-mom to a wonderful son who’s a teacher too!
THANK YOU Mr. von Niessen!: Even though he isn’t going anywhere, I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Mr. Erik Von Niessen for filling in as teacher in charge since the start of February, when Mr. Hazelwood moved schools. His familiarity with the school, the staff, the students was a big help to me, the students, the staff, and our families. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to lean on him for support. He has been so gracious in extending a helping hand in so many ways. I couldn’t be more appreciative of all he has contributed.
FAREWELL TO SOME HPE STAFF: I’d like to wish the following staff members farewell as their temporary positions have come to an end at our school or they have opted for leaves or different assignments for the 2025-2026 school year or they have retired. At this time we bid farewell to teachers, Katie Gordon (Grade K), Trina Sene (Learning Resource Teacher), Olivia Johnson (Grade 4), Darby Brandoli (Grade 3), Lisa Scott (Grade K/1 and Grade 3), and Hannah Calso (Grade K-5 Music). We also bid farewell to CEAs Sara Kelly, Victoria Orr, Hayley Halvorson and Irene Kados. While we bid farewell, I suspect we will see many of these individuals return in the new school year.
Those retiring include Mr. Ellis (previous Principal of HPE), Ms. Janet Anderson, (our secretary), Ms. Dolinar (Grade 1) and Ms. Lee (Librarian and Grade 4).
Mr. Ellis was hired to SD83 in 2001. He worked at many schools in our district both at the elementary and secondary level. HPE was lucky to have Mr. Ellis for the last 6 years of his career. Ms. Anderson has been a secretary in SD83 since 2010 and at our school since 2018. Ms. Dolinar has been teaching for 34 years. She was hired to SD83 in 1991 and has worked at Highland Park School for the last 20 years, since 2005. Ms. Lee has been teaching for 39 years, 34 years in our school district. She was also hired to SD83 in1991 and has been in many Armstrong Schools. She has been at Highland Park for the last 10 years. Please join me in wishing this wonderful retirees the very best. They will all be missed greatly at Highland Park School and within our school district.
STUDENT PLACEMENT AND PARENT INPUT: I thank you for all the parent input that was provided regarding student placement. The due date for this input was Friday, May 23. If you emailed input to me, you should have received a follow up email to confirm it was received. The following instructions were communicated in the April Newsletter:
- If you wish to provide input on student placement, send an email to Mrs. Cull with “Student Placement 2025 – 2026” as the subject by Friday, May 23.
- Not to request a specific teacher. This is because teachers and their assignment and/or assigned grade level may change.
- Not to request your child to NOT be with certain children. Children continue to grow and learn more socially acceptable ways to interact with children. If ever you have concerns about your child’s school experience because of other children, it is important that this be brought to the attention of your child’s classroom teacher or the school principal so we have the opportunity to address your concerns. This is the most effective way to bring about change and work towards a more positive experience for your child at school.
- While friendships are one of the considerations when placing students in classes, it is not the top priority when considering all of the other educational factors.
While student placement remains a staff decision, based on many different factors observed at school, parent input does matter to us. Student placement in classrooms is a complex process. Please understand that purposeful student placement and class design is a significant undertaking. Our goal as a staff is to create classes that are balanced with each child’s needs being reviewed and discussed prior to class placements. When drafting class lists, teaching teams discuss each child’s strengths, social and emotional needs, as well as their academic needs in an effort to create a balanced and effective learning environment for all students in that particular class. We work hard as a staff to consider the best learning environment for all children, one that prioritizes learning for all. Given the contractual constraints of class size and composition requirements, we consider a variety of scenarios to best meet the educational needs of our students, school wide. Due to the amount of effort and thought that goes into the construction of a classroom learning community (including the consideration of parental input), we are unable to accept input after the deadline. Making changes to student placement in the new school year is extremely rare as individual changes made to class lists begin to compromise the educationally sound reasoning originally intended in the classroom design. Please note that when a class contains more than one grade level, learning standards from all grade levels in the class will be taught. Providing a rich, meaningful educational experience is important in every classroom. Thank you for your trust in our staff and their rationale for student placement.
2025 – 2026 SCHOOL CONFIGURATION: Given what we know about our student enrollment and staffing at this point, the table below outlines our school configuration for the 2024 – 2025 school year. I would like to make mention that this could change if enrollment changes significantly. Again, please keep the school informed if you are planning on moving or know of anyone moving into our catchment. This configuration allows for the possibility of greater balance, sense of belonging among students, teaming among our teachers and the potential for some looping (having students for more than one year, if deemed in their best interest). While building a classroom community takes priority, we will look for ways to bring our grade level groups (both our grade 4 group and our grade 5 group together) for various events/experiences and activities.
| Kindergarten | Ms. Sandberg |
| Kindergarten | Ms. Myhre |
| Kindergarten/Grade 1 | TBA |
| Grade 1 | Ms. Terrell |
| Grade 1 | Ms. Cooper |
| Grade 2 | Ms. Fassbender |
| Grade 2 | Ms. Kalf |
| Grade 3 | Ms. Coombs |
| Grade 3 | TBA |
| Grade 3/4 | Ms. Daughtry |
| Grade 4/5 | Ms. MacDonald/TBA |
| Grade 4/5 | Mr. Benge |
| Grade 4/5 | Mr. Byrnes |
| Grade 4/5 | Mr. Vallance |
At this time, we will be posting a K/1 position, a grade 3 position, a .4 library position, .2 classroom position (grade 4/5), and .4 LRT position. Stay tuned for more information about the changes to our HPE staff team.
2025- 2026 SCHOOL CALENDAR: CLICK HERE to access the 2025 – 2026 school calendar and record all the pertinent dates in your family calendar. CLICK HERE to access a pdf to download and print for your reference.
UPCOMING EVENTS: These can also be found on our website. Please record what’s pertinent to you and your family in your personal calendar.
Monday, June 2 – Thursday, June 5
Grade 3 Swimming Lessons: Brandoli/Scott 9:25 – 10:25
Monday, June 2
Swimming 10:30 – 11:30 – Myhre, Sandberg, Byrnes
Tuesday, June 3
SD83 District Track and Field Event (Field of Dreams – Salmon Arm) – gr. 4/5
Wednesday, June 4
Whole School Assembly
– SHARING
Hot Lunch (PAC) – OPA
Fieldtrip: Fassbender and Kalf to O’Keefe Ranch (Vernon)
SD83Talks Showcase Finale @ALF Theatre 5:00 (doors open at 4:30 pm) by invitation (Gr. 5 – 8)
Swimming 11:35 – 12:35 – Dolinar and Terrell
Swimming 12:40 – 1:40 – Byrnes, Benge, Vallance
Thursday, June 5
Fieldtrip: Coombs to Thomas Hayes
Swimming 11:35 – 12:35 – Myhre and Sandberg
Swimming 12:40 – 1:40 – Kalf, Fassbender, Johnson
Friday, June 6
HPE Triathlon – Grade 4/5 students (participants bring bikes to school Thursday, June 5)
Swimming 9:25 – 10:25 – Scott/Brandoli and Cooper
Swimming 10:30 – 11:30 – Daughtry, Coombs, Kalf
Monday, June 9
Ms. Laura’s Canoe Trip
Swimming 8:20 – 9:20 – Dolinar and Terrell
Swimming 10:30 – 11:30 – Myhre, Sandberg, Cooper
Swimming 11:35 – 12:35 – Brandoli and Johnson
Swimming 12:40 – 1:40 – Fassbender and Kalf
Tuesday, June 10
Swimming 8:20 – 9:20 – Vallance
Swimming 9:25 – 10:25 – Myhre, Sandberg and Cooper
Swimming 10:30 – 11:30 – Coombs and Daughtry
Swimming 12:40 – 1:40 – Byrnes, Fassbender, and Johnson
Wednesday, June 11
School Spirit Day – Tie Dye Day
Hot Lunch (PAC) – Soup Day
Chess at Memorial Park organized by Mr. Benge
PAC Meeting 2:30 pm
Swimming 11:35 – 12:35 – Mhyre, Sandberg and Cooper
Swimming 12:40 – 1:40 – Byrnes, Benge and Vallance
Thursday, June 12
Swimming 8:20 – 9:20 – Vallance
Swimming 9:25 – 10:25 – Dolinar, Terrell and Kalf
Swimming 10:30 – 11:30 – Coombs, Benge and Byrnes
Swimming 11:35 – 12:35 – Johnson and Daughtry
Swimming 12:40 – 1:40 – Brandoli and Fassbender
Friday, June 13
Fieldtrip: Dolinar and Terrell to Haney Heritage Village
Fieldtrip: Byrnes to Myra Canyon and H20 Kelowna
All Books returned to our library
Swimming 10:30 – 11:30 – Coombs, Brandoli/Scott and Daughtry
Swimming 11:35 – 12:25 – Benge and Vallance
Swimming 12:40 – 1:40 – Johnson, Kalf and Fassbender
Monday, June 16
Fieldtrip: Byrnes to Rail Trail and Kal Beach
Fieldtrip: Cooper, Myhre and Sandberg classes to Blackburn Park
Wednesday, June 18
Graditude Tour – Former HPE grade 12 graduates tour HPE 1:05 – 1:30 pm
Hot Lunch (PAC)
Indigenous Drumming, Singing and Cultural Experience with Indigenous Educator, Deanna Gestrin – grade 3, 4, 5
Thursday, June 19
Ned Show – Ned’s Resiliency Ride 1:00 pm
Indigenous Drumming, Singing and Cultural Experience with Indigenous Educator, Deanna Gestrin – grade 3, 4, 5
Friday, June 20
National Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration – Whole School Round Dance
Monday, June 23
Fun Day k- 5 at Memorial Park
Tuesday, June 24
Fieldtrip: Coombs and Daughtry’s classes to Paddlewheel Park (Vernon)
Fieldtrip: Kalf and Fassbender’s classes to Blackburn Park (Salmon Arm)
Thursday, June 26
End of Year Whole School Assembly 8:30 am
Last day for students and CEAs
Early Dismissal at 10:00 am (busses run as usual, just 4 hours earlier)
Final Written Summary of Learning available
Friday, June 27
Non-Instruction Day (teachers only)
