James Bay Community Centre School

By Darcy Topinka

The past school year has been an incredibly busy time for both children and staff. The school and community centre have much to be proud of. With the approaching end to the school term comes the time for us to say good-bye to our grade 5's and we look ahead to working with the next generation of students arriving in the fall. On Friday June 4^th we will welcome 23 anxious little faces and their families for a 2 hour welcome to kindergarten orientation. During those first few weeks in September we observe how timid and unsure they all are, but before long they too are running down the hallways with their book-bags and back-packs spilling over with their latest creations from Mrs. Schactman's kindergarten class. 

Our grade five students are celebrated during our final assembly. The event is certainly a time where parents, staff and fellow-students have an opportunity to showcase our school pride. To the 33 grade 5's who are leaving us this year: we wish you the very best as you begin your studies at your new school. Don't be alarmed if on your first day at your new school, it seems a bit like kindergarten. Well at least the nervousness and the anxiety might be familiar. Hopefully by now you have learned to tie your own shoes and wipe your nose. In no time, you will make new friends; you will truly understand what homework means; plus school sports and clubs will be competing for your attention.

Yes, your world is about to change. I guarantee there will be many new and exciting things happening in your life. On a daily basis you will be faced with making good choices and decisions about your studies and free time. James Bay Community School may no longer be your school, but remember you still live in our community, and we hope to see you participating in community activities and dropping into the centre once in awhile. 

One of our favorite school traditions is hosting the annual end-of-the-year talent show, which will be held on June 2^nd in the gymnasium. Students are given the opportunity to demonstrate their many talents. The talent show is open to all interested community members.

Our 10^th annual James Bay Community School Picnic is taking shape. Staff and volunteers are preparing for a great afternoon of entertainment, family fun and our very popular silent auction fundraiser. Many thanks to all the local merchants and groups who have already donated to the silent auction. Without your generous support we could not provide this fantastic event to our community. The fun gets underway at 3:30 pm on Wednesday June 16^th.

For all you music lovers please note that our awesome children's choir will perform with the Arbutus Singers June 12^th   at 7:00pm at the First Metropolitan Church. This unique community partnership once again has proven to be a huge success. The year-end concert will highlight some of the great music our children have mastered over the year. Tickets are available at the front desk of the community centre.

The last day of school this year is June 29^th. Children are dismissed at 2:49 pm. Parents are welcome to register for summer care as of June 1^st. Our popular full-day youth getaway program will return, running Tuesdays from 10- 4:00 pm. Summer programs begin July 6^th and run through to September 3^rd. A special thank-you to all the incredible volunteers who participated in the many school and community events we hosted over the school term. Your time and energy are valued and your contributions are among the many building-blocks needed in supporting our Community School and making it the huge success it is.