Our Accomplishments this year - WOW!!!

Ø       We faced the challenge of our budget being cut – and survived-even managing to put $10,000 towards our technology ever greening fund and purchasing $20,000 in library resources!

Ø       We helped implement a School-wide Reading Program and raised over $8,000 for it.

Ø       We completed our casino application.

Ø       We bought a new sign for the Outreach Program.

Ø       We have funds set aside for playground maintenance and repairs. (which will be completed over the summer)

Ø       We, sadly, lost our principal  (but he will be staying on as a jr. high teacher)

Ø       We got to be involved in choosing our next principal and are confident he will be a good “fit” for our school.

Ø       We organized a teacher appreciation month and arranged for volunteers to provide “goodies” each Monday.

Ø       We conducted a “School Improvement” survey to provide us with input on the direction Parent council should be taking.

Ø       We hosted a school-wide open house for all new and existing caregivers.

Ø       We worked with school administration to increase supervision and safety.

Ø       We increased communications with caregivers, administration, teachers and the board of trustees.

Ø       We made our parent team stronger.

Ø       We created a Parent Council Web page (http://www3.telus.net/public/stmarypc/home.htm)

Ø       We worked with school administration on a new Emergency Response Plan.

Ø       We helped start a Crossing Guard program for next year, which Linda Miller has so kindly agreed to co-ordinate for the Grade 5 & 6 students.

 In addition, we worked very hard with the school board and administration to ensure that Alberta Infrastructure was aware of the problems with our school building and are hopeful the issue will be resolved soon.

Reading Program

The Parent council, working closely with the school administration and staff, have decided to implement a school-wide reading program.  Watch for the brochure to come home shortly.  Anyone wishing to volunteer to help us with this program should contact Leigh-Anne Sheldon-Houle.

Outreach School Sign

St. Mary of the Lake Outreach School has won many awards for innovation in education.  They are considered one of the best in the province.  Parent Council recently approved the purchase of a sign for the outreach school to ensure a community presence and to draw attention to the fact that there are two different outreach programs in the town. 

New Sand 

They playground is in need of maintenance.  Parent Council has recently approved the purchase of new sand for the playground.  The job will require the removal of the old sand and general maintenance of the equipment.  It is expected to take about two full days.  We are trying to co-ordinate with the contractors to ensure that the job is done while the students are not in school. 

Magazine Fundraiser

WOW - We raised $2,200 (net) with our magazine sales.  Thank you to all the students and parents who helped support this fundraiser.

Book Fair

The Book fair was a big SUCCESS!!  Thank you to all who volunteered to help us with this event and Thank you to all parents who supported us.  Our profit was $2,800 that we used towards the purchase of $4,000 in reading program resources!!

Spring Catalogue

Spring fundraising plans are currently underway.  This year, we will be selling items from a spring catalogue.  Watch for it to come home after Easter Break. 

Casino Application

Last year, Parent Council approved an application to work a casino in Grande Prairie, Alberta.  The usual wait time is 18 months.  We are hoping that our opportunity will occur about halfway through the 2005/2006 school year.  Other clubs in the area who have worked the Grande Prairie casino have raised $30,000 to $50,000!