It looks like there are greener pastures ahead for St. Anthony’s School as sod is being installed on the new field, just in time for back to school.
It has been a long time coming for the school to have its sports field completed, and principal JoAnne Akerboom is excited to see the progress.
“It’s pretty exciting the kids are coming back to a new field,” she tells the Mail.
She said the irrigation system is installed the sod should be complete this week. After that, it needs to sit for a couple of weeks, and should be ready to use after the long weekend.
“They still have to put a fence up and then they are going to start the assessment of the hill, where it is crumbling a bit. This has to be done before we can look into the track,” explains Akerboom.
Along with the new field, the school is looking at another great year. It has great numbers projected for its kindergarten intake and is projecting some growth at various grade levels. Official numbers will not be confirmed until school begins, but it appears it is on a positive trend.
The school is welcoming three new teachers. Evangeline Mabley of Okotoks is coming to teach kindergarten.
“She is very excited, she is very musical and she is going to start a children’s choir!” said Akerboom.
The school community is also welcoming Kayla Clampitt who will be teaching Grade 2. She hails from Oyen.
Anton Sioatong is also joining the staff and will be teaching math and sciences.
Akerboom explains that Sioatong, originally from the Philippines, was at the University of Saskatchewan working on his Ph.D., when he discovered his love for teaching.
“We have some pretty talented teachers coming here,” said Akerboom.
The school is excited because this year the have a unique plan for the music program. They have two piano teachers who will be signing up students for lessons. Christine Burfield and Shauna Murphy have signed on to teach.
“We are offering the venue, the rest of it is up to the student, the teacher and the parents,” said Akerboom.
She praises the flexibility built into it new high school redesign and the support of Alberta Education, with alternative delivery. “The Sky’s the limit!” She said.
She adds for example that this fall, a student will be traveling to Africa, and they are able to design course work based on learning outcomes so the students is able to earn credit.
The school has made strong community connection over the past few years. This includes the Chamber of Commerce, Junior Achievement, the ATB, exchanges with the Rotary Club, an active role with Habitat for Humanity and fundraising efforts with Western Chev.
“I just feel we have made a lot for connections with the community. It really helps support our students and our school and it is a perfect example of our village raising our children.”
Classes resume Tuesday, August 30.