Estimadas familias,
A time of transition…. Es una temporada de cambios…
The final weeks of school at Escuela Eugene Coste have been incredibly busy. As with every year end, it seems that we are barrelling to an abrupt finish with the end of classes and move to summer break. Each May/June brings complexity to our work. While we are continuing to plan and work with the students in front of us, it is also necessary that our thoughts move to the next school year.
I have been working closely with all teaching and support staff to make long-range school-wide plans, develop class lists- keeping in mind equity, strong relationships and optimal conditions for learning- and also, encourage and provide for the professional growth of our staff.
Staff professional growth is often embedded within the school through changes in grade level taught, collaborating with new partners and engaging in specific topics of learning that we plan for each year. Movement between schools is also encouraged and celebrated!
Who is teaching what next year?
Each year does bring change, and this is an important lesson for our students. It is also necessary to develop the skill to work, play and learn with a range of individuals. Everyone has unique gifts to share. With that in mind, we have some staffing changes to share with our families.
Sra. Jodi Schmidt (grade 3) – has accepted a Learning Leader position at Collingwood School within their Spanish bilingual program.
Srta. Jordan Van Eerden (grade 5) – is taking on middle school. She will be teaching at Senator Patrick Burns, within their Spanish bilingual program as well.
Sra. Julia Wolf (grade 1) – is moving to Kindergarten! We look forward to working with her and our youngest learners.
Sra. Elena Castro (K) – is returning to grade 1! We are excited to see her apply her literacy expertise within our grade 1 team.
Sra. Holly Gray (K) – is moving to grade 5! Sra. Gray has extensive experience teaching and leading in division 2 and we are excited to share these talents with our students.
Sra. Magda Salamanca ( grade 1) – is moving to grade 2! Her return to grade 2 will be a great asset!
Sr. Andy Gossen (grade 2) – is moving to grade 4! Sr. Gossen is returning to a division 2, and we happy to have him reconnect with this grade level!
Srta. Monica Zarco’s acting Learning Leader role within the System Languages portfolio has been confirmed as a permanent position. She will continue to be a support to our school and the Spanish Bilingual Program.
These changes have also required some new hiring to take place. We are pleased to welcome:
Srta. Sofia Cesar Fernandez to a position in grade 4.
Srta. Jeanne Neumier to a position in grade 3.
Sra. Luciana Knight to our kindergarten program, in a part-time position.
Hiring is still ongoing across the system. We will communicate further changes and updates as they become available.
La despedida de Grado 5 / Grade 5 Farewell Another important transition!
Our grade 5 students, teachers (Srta. Van Eerden and Sra. Tamara) and music specialist (Sra. Jenn), planned and executed a touching farewell. It was amazing to see our families gathered together for one last time in the gym to celebrate this group of young people. There were many memorable moments including several surprises!
Muchas felicidades a Evelyn Gandar and Claire Reynolds for being this year’s recipients of our annual Thea Roelofsen award. Both Evelyn and Claire exemplify the leadership attributes (superpowers) that Thea possessed
We would also like to extend our gratitude to the Roelofsen family for taking the time to join us to share Thea’ story. She will always be a part of our Eugene Coste family.
At Escuela Eugene Coste we are fortunate to have among us a strong group of parent volunteers who take the time to gift us their time, to make events at our school even more special for our staff and students. Thank you to the Grade 5 Farewell Parent Committee for the beautiful decorations in the gym, snacks, and gifts for our grade 5 students.
¡Su futuro es brillante!
Commitment to Truth and Reconciliation – 2024-2025 School Year
On June 21, 2024, and in recognition of National Indigenous Peoples Day, we are honoured to share our Commitment to Truth and Reconciliation for the 2024-2025 school year. As you read through the commitment, you will notice how we are engaging with ReconciliACTION, as we continue to learn to weave indigenous pedagogies and ways of knowing into our teaching and learning.
Eugene Coste Swag – Get ready for next year!
One of the vendor’s at last week’s Fiesta, Summarized Designs, showcased upcoming school swag for the new year. We will be introducting full colour logo shirts, zippable hoodies, and an inclusive-take on our “Se amable”/ “Be Kind” shirts with a new rainbow coloured text . T-shirts and pullover hoodie designs are still available. If you are curious about school shirt or hoodie options, check out the link to our “swag store” on our website. More updates are coming up, so check back!
https://eugenecoste.cbe.ab.ca/merchandise
