Dear Crossing Park Students, Parents, and Staff,

Welcome back.

I hope you all had a restful and rejuvenating break- even if summer weather decided to begin in late August!    As we enter the 2025-26 new academic year, we have an opportunity to set new goals and build on the many successes we have had as a school.   On a personal note, I had a relaxing break and had the opportunity to travel to India and Sri Lanka- two regions, which are well represented in our community!   I look forward to visiting more regions in the future and discussing the experiences with our distinctly international community. 

This year marks a year where there is lots of consistency as we continue to build on our vision of a safe, happy, learning community with the entire administration, and most all teachers and support staff are returning to build on our great work from 2024-25.   For example, we will continue to focus on our School Development Plan around developing literacy through an emphasis on oral language development.   This is the basis for literacy and English as another language (which is 76% of our student population).     In consultation with staff, students and parents, we will also continue on our journey with our Truth and Reconciliation (TRC Call to Action 63iii) building student capacity around Indigenous issues relating to intercultural understanding, empathy and mutual respect.   These aims are also universal and speak to our need to foster a safe and welcoming environment as a whole.   In addition, we continue to use our common language and strategies for social problem solving such as IMEST and look forward to offering a wide array of fun and successful athletic and extracurricular events.  Indeed, it’s a year to build on our existing formula which gave us a number of success ranging from academics, to attendance, to safety measures and participation on teams and events.

 While much will stay consistent in service of our vision, September brings a fresh start for many.   This means new goals as well as a meaningful chance for growth—both academically and personally.    As a parent, please consider what this might look like with your children in advance of meeting with teachers.   The job and focus are always centered on one year's worth of growth.   This should be ambitious, but also realistic and achievable.   We look forward to being part of what “the triangle of success” (student, parents and teachers being the three pieces to the triangle).   

To our returning families, thank you for your continued trust in our school community. To our new students and families, we extend a warm welcome. We are thrilled to have you join the Cobras!   We look forward to the unique energy and perspectives you bring to Crossing Park School.  

Let’s make this year one of collaboration, kindness, and achievement. Together, we can accomplish great things.  As always, if you have questions, please contact us by phone or email and we will make time to discuss any matters to support you in the best way possible.

Yours in a safe, happy, learning community,

Mr. Andrew Bews

Principal

Crossing Park School