Wow. What. A. Week.

Hello Redfish Families,

I apologize for the delay in reporting this information out to you. It has been a whirlwind.

As you know, last Tuesday, Redfish was on the Board of Education's agenda to decide if Redfish could extend to Grade Six and then Grade Seven. The decision was unanimous! Redfish Elementary has finally been given the green light to extend to Grade Six starting in the 2019/2020 School Year (then Grade Seven in the 2020/2021 school year). This means that next year's Grade Fives will have the choice to stay in their school and their community. Thank you so much to all the actively involved parents who, before my children were even in Redfish, have been advocating for this change. There have been letters, tears, and endless discussions around the PAC table, at pick-ups and drop-offs, and at bus stops for years regarding this wish - it has now been granted!

Although there isn't a minimum number of students who need to stay in order for this plan to go forward, it is important for our community and student cohort that the numbers are strong. Thus, over these next few months and into next year, Redfish PAC would like to know your thoughts, comments, and concerns regarding your child staying at Redfish. As always you can email redfishpac@gmail.com. Formally, you can look forward to a survey (especially Grade Four families!), an information evening (in the autumn), and opportunities to discuss this around the PAC table. I truly believe that our community has the capacity to offer high quality, unique, and diverse learning opportunities just like Trafalgar's Life-long explorations and extra curricular programs in our own Redfish way that we have grown to love!

Meanwhile, on Thursday last week, we had an evening PAC meeting that was well attended as Victoria McAllister, our new Principal next year, introduced herself and sat in on the meeting. I am very excited to welcome Victoria to our school. She is looking forward to getting to know our community, our school, and our families. The meeting minutes will be sent out in the next couple of weeks, but there was good discussion about fundraising (please buy some grocery cards!), a new Hot Lunch Coordinator (Thank you to Melyssa - a new to Redfish family, who has graciously agreed to take on this duty!!!), After School programs (look for the survey), and Redfish extending. There are lots of events happening in the rest of May and June, so please check your calendars, and don't forget to volunteer when you can.

Redfish Families are strong! Thank you for all that you do.

Raeanne