Lights, Camera, Action was the back to school theme for Ponoka Elementary School (PES) as students got back into their classrooms and prepared for a new school year.
Principal Lois Spate said this will be the first full year of being in the new school without having to move classes. It is also a year to introduce a new program called Seven Habits of Highly Effective students.
Last year teachers worked on the positive habit building program and took a break from its practices to allow everyone a chance to move into the new school and get used to a new education model, added vice-principal Nicole Rawlinson.
Construction has also begun in the east side of the school, which will bring a paved staff parking lot with 22 spots and two handicapped spots. Spate said the goal is to have it complete in three to four weeks. She added a new sidewalk will be built on the east side of the building as part of the project.
“It will just give us more parking for the staff who have for now been parking in different places,” said Spate.
Some playground equipment was moved to accommodate the parking spots, but Spate added they will be relocated once the new playground project is complete.
Spate referred to the Belly Dance Gala and Fundraiser set for Saturday, Sept. 19 at the Kinsmen Community Centre, which is the newest fundraising event for the new playground. Tickets can be purchased at the Walrus and Carpenter store and Spate said she will be at the event helping out.
Other areas parents can look out for at PES are the Terry Fox Run fundraiser set for Thursday, Sept. 24 and the AMA Patrollers crossing guard program.
“It builds some leadership in the students, too,” said Spate of the program.
A welcome back barbecue was held Thursday, Sept. 3 to welcome back students and parents and to welcome new students to the school.