‘Character is the ability to carry out a good resolution long after the excitement of the moment has passed.’ ~ Cavett Robert (Motivational Speaker)

As the quote suggests, the New Year is a great time for each one of us to make realistic educational resolutions or changes that will help improve our school and ensure that our Burkevale children reach their potential.

I encourage the teachers and EA’s to leave your comfort zone to try any new strategy that has the potential to improve student achievement. I encourage parents and other caregivers to provide regular constructive feedback to staff via the agenda, and to implement strategies suggested by your child’s teachers, at home, which will improve your child’s learning in the classroom. Finally, I especially encourage the students to work harder to increase your own success and that of the school, by being more respectful of others, demonstrating integrity (this month’s character trait) , asking more questions, becoming more involved in extra-curricular activities, and being more open to receiving help.

To benefit the children, as parents and educators, we all have a practical and moral obligation to create opportunities for success. Equally important, working together, we have a responsibility to continue to improve Burkevale Protestant Separate School, both academically and socially.

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 "It is the effort to live in a country of peace and prosperity, with laws that are just, with people who are humane, and where citizens of all backgrounds encounter equal opportunities when they set out to realize their potential, …” Michael Adams, 2007.

I was fortunate to attend ‘The Quest’ conference in Richmond Hill, from Nov. 16 to 18th. Its theme was Building Equitable, Inclusive and Engaging Schools.

Burkevale is proud of its Protestant heritage and maintains traditions which demonstrate our Christian roots. At the same time, the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the Ontario Human Rights Code make it clear that we have a legal responsibility to treat all people equally and with respect, regardless of culture or religious beliefs, physical or mental ability, gender, age or sexual orientation. Canadian laws protect all of us from discrimination.

In addition, I believe as educators and parents, we have a moral obligation to be role models for our children, and a duty to prepare them to be productive and caring citizens in an increasingly diverse province, country and world, which is becoming smaller and more connected thanks to modern technology.

As the quote suggests, we all have a right to experience opportunities to help reach our potential, which will improve our personal well being, and that of our community, country and world. At Burkevale, we will continue to promote the acceptance, rather than mere tolerance, of the unique qualities of all humans.

The staff at Burkevale Protestant Separate School extends their best wishes to you and your family for a safe and enjoyable Christmas break.

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