Dear Parents and Guardians,

Today, we wrap up the 2019-2020 school year.  I reflect back on this school year with fond memories.

Brookes Farms, VIP with Officer Mo, the Kin Canada presentation, Praying the Rosary, Halloween Dance, Skating at the Ice Palace, Swimming lessons at the pool, Remembrance Day, Brave Workshops, First Lego League Robotics Challenge,  Crockadoodle, Silver Birch Reading Club,  Christmas Concert and Crafts, World Day of Prayer, Terry Fox Run,  Cross Country,  Carnavale, Junior Sports, Primary Floor Hockey and many more.  We accomplished a lot from September through March.

Once the school was shuttered in April, we did not slow down.  Every day, the children logged on and tackled distance learning. Together, we accomplished a remarkable task; a task of adaptability, perseverance and hard work.

We do not know what September will look like and I promise to keep you apprised of the details of the back to school plan.

We are saying farewell to 3 permanent teachers.  Mr. McBeth, (Grade 4)  has transferred to St. Mark’s in Stouffville where he will be teaching an Intermediate class.  Mrs. Spalla has transferred to a Grade 3/4 class at Good Shepherd in Holland Landing, closer to her home.  Finally, Mrs. Game (Kindergarten) will be following her passion to teach visually impaired students throughout YCDSB.  We wish them much success and love in their new professional journeys.

We also say farewell to our fabulous team Long Term Occasional Teachers:

– Ms. Barnett, Ms. Ponzo, Ms. K. Welk, Mrs. Quagliara, Ms. Polsinelli, Ms. Abbandandollo, Mr. Amatiello, Ms. Campagna, Ms. S. Welk, and Ms. Douglas

Each of these teachers has left an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of our staff and students.  We are grateful for all they have offered to St. Bernadette community.  We wish them a wonderful summer and hope we will see them again in September.

I also wish to acknowledge and thank the Catholic School Council for their hard work throughout the year.

Finally, on behalf of the staff, I wish to express gratitude to each of our families.  Over the past 3 months, it has been a joy to see the children in their Google Classroom or on Google Meets.  The Clap Out was a heart-warming experience for us.

Please take some time this summer, to rest and re-charge. Stay safe and enjoy all the beauty the season brings with your family.

As always, if you have any questions or concerns throughout the summer, please reach out to me.

May God bless you always.

Mrs. deHaas, Principal