This week really exemplifies for me that we may just be members of the most dynamic and compelling school community in the world. It sounds like an exaggeration, but I don’t think it’s so far from the truth. For me one of the things that differentiates an average school from a great one is parents who care and parents who participate. The Junior School Sports Day started the week. Lots of parents showed up to cheer on our kids and our students displayed incredible effort and sportsmanship. Tuesday’s Constitution Day gave us a little rest, but our students were back at it on Wednesday as we rolled out our Fantastic Festival of Super Science. The children who participated truly did us proud and showed themselves to be effective Inquirers, Thinkers and Communicators (key attributes of our IB Learner Profile). Once again, parental support and turnout was significant. On Thursday, our students engaged in the Winter Walking Street, an event organized by a dedicated group of parents. The joy for our children was ever so palpable at this well-organized festival of fun. 

As I conclude my first semester as JS Principal I am feeling reflective. This semester leaves me feeling humbled and appreciative to have the honour to be working alongside a community of children, parents and educators who are so giving of themselves and who collectively truly embody a very special community spirit. For this, I want to thank you all. Our children are the big winners, but really, everyone in this community benefits from such a special camaraderie. 

Report cards go out Friday. Please take some time to read your child’s report. Know that our teachers are always available if there is any aspect of the report, or your child’s education in general, that you would like to discuss further. And just like that we conclude our first semester in the Junior School. I wish all our families a truly wonderful family time. If I could offer one small piece of advice it would be to please use this time to connect as a family, to laugh, to play and to be as one. All the best and I look forward to seeing you again in 2020.

Yours appreciatively,

Aj.Justin Jarman