Community Update and Conversation

On behalf of the school, I would like to thank the many parents and guardians who attended last week’s Community Update and Conversation. I look forward to continuing these conversations in the months ahead with openness and curiosity. Greenwood wants to lead in developing Jewish and antisemitism education and resilience, and we are committed to achieving that goal, with your help. A summary of the session was emailed to you earlier today should you wish to review it.

This month, we bid farewell to two Greenwood staff members. As you know, Jamie Lougheed is heading to his alma mater, Crescent School, to become their new Chief Advancement Officer. Jalina Korsmit will also move on to her next adventure, as she and her husband are moving to Ottawa in January. Jalina joined Greenwood in September 2021 as an Apprentice Teacher and immediately made an impact; she has taught math, biology and science and has been very involved with student life as our Associate Coordinator, Student Council & House. Jamie and Jalina will both be missed, and I know you join me in wishing them the very best.

It can be hard to shift out of the here and now, but when I thought back on the past four months, there were so many things that made me happy -- and many more that left me in awe of our community. In September, we went on OE trips across the country. In October, we had party after party in honour of Greenwood’s 20th year -- the celebrations were flowing, and so was the cheer. In November, we had championship games and our first in-person Athletics Assembly in over two years. In December, we showcased the Junior Musical, an incredibly popular Grade 7 & 8 dance, a Music Night, and our first Business Case Competition of the year. 

We have accomplished a lot in the past four months. For me, the greatest reward was seeing the students get back into the groove of a full school program. The students are thriving, and this is because of all of you -- students, staff, parents/guardians and family members -- and the small but impactful things we do each day for each other.

Over the past few weeks, we have come together as a community and shown integrity and care for each other. I know we will continue to hold that same community spirit when we return from the break in January, and that there is nothing we cannot accomplish together.

Wishing you all a wonderful vacation -- I look forward to seeing everyone in January!