As we look to the year ahead, we will continue to build a positive, welcoming, and fun learning environment at Lakewood, with a continued focus on Social Responsibility and helping every child feel successful, connected, and supported.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank our staff for their ongoing dedication to the students and families of Lakewood Elementary. Their commitment to creating engaging, caring, and inclusive learning environments has a tremendous impact on our school community. Our staff work hard to provide children with a well-rounded education that supports their academic, social, emotional, and physical development and helps them develop the skills they need to become confident and successful learners.

The connection between home and school is critically important, and we greatly value the partnership we have with our families. Strong relationships are built through open, respectful, and thoughtful communication. When questions, concerns, or challenges arise, we encourage families and staff, whenever possible, to connect face to face or by phone. These conversations give us the opportunity to listen to one another, ask questions, understand different perspectives, and work together toward solutions. Email and text are helpful ways to share information, but tone and intent can sometimes be lost in written communication. Approaching one another with kindness, curiosity, and a willingness to talk helps us maintain the respectful and caring community we want our children to experience every day.

Our families contribute to Lakewood in many other important ways as well. Whether supporting learning at home, volunteering at school, participating in school activities, or simply staying connected with your child’s teacher, your involvement makes a difference. Our Parent Advisory Committee also plays an important role in our school. The PAC provides a strong voice for our parent community, shares ideas and perspectives with staff, and supports programs and opportunities that enrich the experiences of our students. We are grateful for the time, energy, and commitment of our PAC and all of the families who contribute to our school community.

Lakewood Elementary is a wonderful school because of the students, staff, and families who make up our community. We may not always see things in exactly the same way, but when we communicate respectfully, assume positive intentions, and keep the needs of children at the centre of our conversations, we can work through challenges together.

We are looking forward to another fun-filled year of learning, growing, connecting, and creating wonderful memories together at Lakewood!

Kerry Arnot

Principal