By Jesse Hyder

I would like to take this opportunity to wish all our readers a Happy Canada Day and an enjoyable summer. Thank you to all who have contributed to the success of James Bay Community School this year including staff, volunteers, students and community members who have supported our programs and activities.

Congratulations to all our students in grade five, who are leaving James Bay Community School to attend grade six at Central Middle and Lansdowne Middle Schools in September. At the year end assembly, students were acknowledged and honoured as they were sent on their way.

As always, the community centre continues to operate through the summer with a number of programs and activities. Childcare, summer recreation programs, facility rentals, yoga, karate and the popular youth getaways will be happening. Thanks to the support of Service Canada, Summer Career Placement Program we have two university students helping out with our summer programs.

Starting Wednesday, July 2 the summer childcare program opens. Care is available every day from 7:30 to 5:30 PM for the full day or from 9:00 to 4:00 for the summer camp portion of the program. This year activities are again organized around weekly themes. If you are looking for child care for children from 5 to 10 years old whether for the entire summer or for one or two weeks, we have only a limited number of openings available. Call Mr. Darcy Topinka at 389-1470 for more information.

In September there will be a change of principals at the school. Mr. Mike Phelan will take on a new assignment as Principal of Oaklands Elementary School and Ms. Janice Matthews will return to James Bay as principal. Welcome Ms. Matthews and thank you to Mr. Phelan for three great years of leadership at James Bay.

The first day of school for next term is Tuesday, September 3. School opens at 9:00 am, but is dismissed at 11:30 am on that first day. School hours for next year will remain the same with school in session from 8:45 am to 2:42 pm except Wednesday when we dismiss at 1:42.

All parents of the school are reminded that they are members of the Parent Advisory Council and are encouraged and welcome to attend any or all of the PAC meetings held monthly throughout the year. In June the PAC Executive Committee members were selected. They include President: Allison Armond, Vice-president Susan Traill, Treasurer Liz Phelan and Secretary Jason Armond. Please join the PAC at the first meeting of the year on Monday, September 8 at 6:00 pm for the Welcome Meeting. Get to know your PAC Executive and help set the plans for the year at a friendly and informal get-together in the Parent Room.

In the Community Cafe, the Seniors Dinner Program will get under way for the new season on Tuesday, September 9, at 5:00 PM. Plan on bringing a friend and new guests are always welcome.

As a reminder James Bay Day is scheduled this year for Saturday, September 13. Watch for more information in the September issue of the Beacon.