While staff and students did their best to enjoy summer despite challenges due to flooding in the Parkland region, others continued preparing for the new school year.
Students begin school next Thursday. Preparation for the new year included getting bus routes confirmed, maintenance on buses, and tech-related needs.
Custodians clean all facilities while administration staff plan for the new year.
Superintendent and CEO Suzanne Cottyn says MVSD is very excited to welcome staff and students back.
"We recognize the school year ended in a challenging way for many of our families with the flooding," said Cottyn. "The recovery process is ongoing. We really hope that with the start of the school year, students will find our schools to be welcoming spaces where they can settle into positive routines for the year."
The school year will begin with a new transportation supervisor. After 13 years in the role, Ernest Karpiak stepped away at the end of last year.
John MacKinnon is the new transportation supervisor, and he settled in nicely over the summer.
"The summer was a good time for the transition. It gave him time to get into the office, learn the role, and meet all the staff," said MacKinnon. "Speaking with him the other day, we were talking about the countdown. They're ready to go. Ready to start the year in a good way with our students."
When it comes to bus safety, there are several ways to stay safe. Never approach the bus until it has come to a complete stop and the doors are open. Keep your distance. Take five steps back from the road while waiting for the bus to arrive.
Never cross behind the bus; always cross in front. Make sure the driver notices you before crossing. If you drop something near the bus, tell the bus driver before picking it up. When on the bus, sit down facing forward.
Hold bags and backpacks in your lap so others don't trip. Never put your head, hands, or objects out the windows. Also remove headphones when approaching or crossing roads and listen for traffic.
Cottyn believes MVSD is a great place for students to learn and grow because they're proactive. They think innovatively and offer flexible programming.
With summer less structured for most, here are some tips to get ready for what's ahead. It's important to get rest and be mentally prepared. Cottyn knows many students will be excited to come back and reconnect with friends and staff.
She realized some will have worries, whether they're entering a new school or grade.
Cottyn challenges all students to think about one thing they're looking forward to this year.
"And also, there are lots of staff ready to welcome them and support them," said Cottyn. "I encourage any students or parents who have concerns to reach out early and regularly to the school and classroom teacher. Ask those questions. That way we can have that really good home and school partnership throughout the year."
MVSD has about 3,100 students.
There are around 250 teachers. They have about 150 educational assistants.
Cottyn says the staff comes to do their best on behalf of the students every day.
"I've seen their hearts towards our students and how much they care," added Cottyn. "The extra time they'll put in. I see all of our staff going that extra mile many times to show their care and concerns for students. Really see them and speak up on their behalf. We have many staff who will advocate on behalf of students."
Late last month, the Manitoba government introduced a pilot program for a new health and physical education curriculum. Premier Wab Kinew said every student in Manitoba, from kindergarten through grade 12, will have gym class in-person.
Kinew said the government will change gym so it works for everyone.
It's as much about the kid who thinks working out is no joke as the kid who cracks a joke to skip a turn. Kinew said if a student doesn't want to get changed for gym class, then let's not make them.
This is already in place in some of Mountain View School Division's schools. Space is a key factor. Staffing is another.
"We know the curriculum needed to be revamped. We are looking forward to seeing what that will look like," said Cottyn. "Looking at how we may implement that for our students."
School is right around the corner, and MVSD is ready for a great year.
