Dear Northridge Community,
As I write my final note to you I find myself looking back at the wonderful memories and shared successes we have together over the past two years. From the recent installation of our new Gaga Ball Pit, the long awaited completion of our new build, whole school performances, athletic events, family dances and lunches, to parking lot visits and sharing Kleenex and hugs in my office in service of your children, I will treasure each of these memories as I leave this place that I have called my second home for the past two years. I would like to acknowledge and recognize our incredible PAC at Northridge for their support of everything from silent bikes in every classroom to our new garden install as well as the continuing vision they have had around Northridge as a Healthy school; socially, emotionally, physically and environmentally.
The Field:
You will be pleased to know that our school field will be ready for much sooner than was originally anticipated. The district has decided to place sod down which will mean the field will be ready for use at some point in the fall.
Staffing Changes:
We would like to recognize the following Northridge Staff who will be departing Northridge for new adventures. We have appreciated their service.
Mr. Sean Gorman has accepted a grade 3/4 position at our neighbouring school of McKenzie. Mr. Gorman has added such fun and life to our school. Whether he is dressed as a turkey or pulling off magician tricks, Mr. Gorman has brought joie de vivre to our Northridge Family. Good luck, Sean! We also wish you all the best as you get married this summer!
Miss Meghan Kelly has been sharing one of our Kindergarten classes alongside Ms. MacKeachie in Division 13. Miss Kelly is creative, calm and the children have loved Mondays and Tuesdays in her care. We will anxiously await to hear of Miss Kelly’s next placement. You never know- sometimes you end up back from where you departed! Good luck, Meghan!
Ms. Megan Mendelson, who has been teaching one of our grade 1/2 classrooms, is leaving us for Toronto for a year to support her husband in his new position. We know she will most miss us as the winter snow starts to blow! Ms. Mendelson is a talented and committed teacher. Her next big role will be as “mom!” Congratulations Megan. We will look forward to your return with your little one.
Ms. Jessie Moore, one of our superstar Inclusive Learning Teachers has decided to follow make the move to Victor School alongside me for the fall. Ms. Moore was also recently a successful candidate for the Vice Principal pool in our district. We wish her all the best as she moves on to several new adventures.
Ms. Kristi Rielly has been our Youth and Family Counselor the past year and is moving on to Vic West Elementary School. Kristi has brought incredible skill and support to our team; students, staff and parents alike. Northridge will feel her absence deeply next year. Best wishes as you move on, Kristi. Enjoy your new home and puppy!
Miss Lauren Willson has been teaching our kindergarten/grade one classroom in Div. 11 classroom since April. Lauren is flexible, insightful and had brought laughter and beautiful artistic creations to the bulletin boards of Division 11. Miss Willson is likely to spend her summer on her paddle board but we just might see her again in the fall as one of our preferred Teachers on Call . Thank you for everything, Lauren!
Finally as I say goodbye and thank you for our time together I would like to introduce you to Mr. Read Jorgensen who will serve as your principal beginning August 2019. Mr. Jorgensen has been a principal in our district for over ten years and brings a diverse set of experiences and skills to our school.
A warm welcome to the following staff who will be joining the Northridge Team in September:
Ms. Chelsea Tebo- We welcome Ms. Tebo back to Northridge in grade 2/3 for the fall. Ms. Tebo worked previously at Northridge in Kindergarten and this year has been our Roots of Empathy mom with her beautiful little one Clara as our Roots Of Empathy Teacher!
Ms. Heather Kupiak: We welcome Ms. Kupiak to Northridge most recently from Shoreline Middle School and raising her three little girls and completing her masters degree. Heather will also teach grade 2/3 as part of a job share with Ms. Nicole Harris. Northridge is so fortunate to have this dynamic duo on board next year.
NEW LOGO!
After over twenty years with the Northridge Sun as our logo we hired one of our own parents Mr. Brad Felt to help us re-envision and redesign our logo. We will be the Northridge Hawks. We chose the hawk as it is indigenous to this territory. The Hawk is always watching and aware. The Hawk is strong, swift, and graceful.
The Hawk is focused, aware, and intuitive. The Hawk provides wisdom, and creativity. The Hawk is the messenger of insight, openness, and truth.
Watch for Northridge SWAG (athletic gear) to be available for purchase in September!
It has been both an honour and a pleasure to serve as your principal. Thank you for your support, kindness and friendship during my time here. I will keep you in my hearts as I continue along my path. Best wishes for a safe, healthy and happy summer holiday.
With warm regards and affection,
Nadine