October 26, 2018
Dear Urban Academy Families,
It has been a full and productive week. We have completed some baseline assessments in the school; School Wide Writes to assess the level of writing from primary through to senior, Numeracy Assessments in Grades 2-6 and individual Reading Assessments in Grades 1-5. This helps us plan instruction more effectively and with so many new students, it helps with a new baseline of our students’ achievement overall in the school.
Every independent school in BC has a full External Evaluation by the Ministry of Education every six years. In between full inspections, condensed monitoring inspections are conducted in each school every two years. This was the year for our full External Evaluation and the visiting team was here at both campuses this week. We had an excellent outcome and very positive feedback on our work with students as well as our compliance with the Ministry’s expectations for all of the statutory requirements.
The Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Joanne Ward to the Board. Joanne and Mark have been part of our community for 5 years and have a daughter, Heather, in Grade 5 at Uptown. Joanne will be continuing with a number of her volunteer initiatives as she transitions to her new responsibilities. Welcome Joanne, we are looking forward to working with you in this new role.
Our Grade 5 boys’ soccer team spent Wednesday taking part in a full play day at Meadowridge. They did very well, competing in four games during the day, winning two, tying one and giving up one. They have had a great season and a lot of fun. Uptown students took part in the ISABC Track Meet at Jericho on Thursday as well and did very well. Thank you to our coaches and parent drivers.
Your Evite to the Parent Education evening on November 28 is out – please RSVP and plan to join us for an interesting and informative evening. Thank you to PAX for hosting a fun Hallowe’en celebration last weekend for our parents to get together and socialize. It was a first to go off-site and guests had a wonderful time.
Enjoy the weekend.
Mrs. Cheryle Beaumont
Head of School
