Dear
Parents and Guardians:
We
have had a fantastic first two weeks at Lord Selkirk. I am thrilled to be
returning for a third year as Principal of this strong supportive community. We
have so many positive supports here for the students at Lord Selkirk and we
value our relationship with parents as partners in education.
With
the beginning of the new school year, I always find it good to reflect on the
importance and power of vulnerability. Changes often place us in vulnerable
situations as we are going from a place of comfort to a place of discomfort or
unfamiliarity. Often these transitions can be scary or difficult. Students may
feel vulnerable in these new phases of their lives. This is an opportune time
to help students develop courage. The courage to begin a new year in a new
class, possibly with new friends.
Brene
Brown writes about the power of vulnerability- “We can choose courage or we can
choose comfort, but we cannot have both.” This resonates for us in education as
we want children to be courageous and strong. It is by embracing challenges and
places that are not always comfortable that one can find great opportunity to
grow and develop. With positive adult support, students can choose courage and
feel strength in their experiences. The staff at Lord Selkirk is excited to be
embarking on a new journey with all the students and families.
We
have our Meet the Teacher and Selkirk Staff on Thursday September 20th
from 6 pm-7 pm. This is a fantastic time to come and meet some of the school
staff that support your children over the year, including our teacher librarian,
administration, physical education staff, inner city support staff and of
course classroom teachers. Please go to meet your classroom teacher to get a
passport when you arrive.
This
is the only newsletter that will be going home on paper. Please bookmark the
Lord Selkirk website http://go.vsb.bc.ca/schools/selkirk
so that you can check regularly. In addition, I will be sending out our school
newsletter via email. If you do not receive it please let the office know.
My
door is always open if you have any questions, concerns or comments. Thank you
for your continued support of Lord Selkirk School.
Sincerely,
Shannon
Burton