August 29, 2024

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Welcome to a new school year at Dr. Oakley! I am thrilled to meet both our returning families and those who are joining our community for the first time as we embark on a new school year of learning and growth. As Principal, I am committed to building strong relationships and fostering a community where students, teachers, and families collaborate to celebrate diversity and promote a culture of well-being. Our dedicated team of educators and staff are passionate about helping each child reach their full potential.

At Dr. Oakley, students are grouped in multi-aged configurations with approximately 24 students and two teachers, and identified as colour teams (Teal, Yellow, Orange, Red, Purple, Blue and Green). We will be focusing on several key areas to enhance our students' educational experiences:

1.     Literacy and Reading: Reading is at the heart of Dr. Oakley School, and we provide rich, intensive literacy programming for our students, aligned with the Science of Reading. Literacy instruction is integrated across all curricular areas, and supported by three literacy support teachers alongside classroom teachers within flexible groupings.

2.     Mathematics: Explicit mathematics instruction is also provided in flexible groupings, supported by a mathematics learning leader alongside classroom teachers.

3.     Social and Emotional Learning: By integrating socio-emotional learning into our curriculum, we help students build a strong foundation for lifelong learning and emotional resilience. This not only enhances their academic performance but also prepares them to navigate life's challenges with confidence and compassion.

I firmly believe that education is a partnership between school and home. With open communication, we can create a supportive network that empowers our students to thrive. My door is always open, and I welcome your conversation and input. Here are a few ways we will keep you informed and involved:

·       Website/ E-mails: Stay updated with school news, upcoming events, and important announcements through our website/ e-mail messages.

·       Parent-Teacher and IPP Conferences: Regular conferences provide opportunities to discuss your child's progress and set goals for their continued growth.

·       Parent Volunteers: We welcome and appreciate parent volunteers. Your involvement in school activities, whether in the classroom, field trips, or as part of our School Council, makes a significant difference.

Thank you for entrusting us with your child's education. Together, we will create a positive and enriching school experience for all our students. If you have any questions, concerns, or suggestions, please do not hesitate to reach out to me or any member of our staff. Here's to a fantastic school year filled with learning, growth, and memorable moments!

Warm regards,

Chantel Crosby

Principal

t | 403-777-8300

clcrosby@cbe.ab.ca