Greentree School started their first day back to school on Tuesday, with staff and students excited about some new changes this year.
Principal Erin Campbell-Bentley says they are welcoming two new teachers as well as the return of some who were off on maternity leave.
One teacher, Angie Neiser, received a full-time position after a short subbing stint last year and will be leading the Achieving Independence class for children with particular needs.
“She has a very strong elementary background and a lot of experience with social and emotional learning,” Campbell-Bentley says.
Another new teacher is Peter Ehrman who is a brand new education graduate and who has previously worked at the Atlas Coal Mine developing their education program. The principal says he’s “very enthusiastic and passionate” and brings a strong understanding of local history to his Grade 5 classroom. He joins another male Grade 5 teacher as the only two male teachers.
“It’s nice to have that for kids who need it,” Campbell-Bentley says.
One program returning is club days with more days in the school calendar, which allows students to sign up to try different activities from French club, boot camps, junior first aid, knitting, and fitness clubs.
“It’s an opportunity for students to try different things as well as learn about some teachers’ interests,” Campbell-Bentley says.
They also will bring back leadership clubs so kids can get involved with not only the school community but also go out into the broader community to learn leadership skills.
They held an open house on Tuesday for students and staff to meet their new teachers and to ease into the new school year. Coffee was donated by McDonalds.
