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Hello Gaglardi Families,

I would like to welcome you to the 2023–24 school year—the best year yet!

My name is Lonnie Penner, and I will be the Kindergarten to Grade 6 elementary principal this year. I will also continue to serve on the Learning Support Team, along with Han Bae, the high school principal, and Alex du Boulay, the school-wide Learning Support Teacher.

I joined the Gaglardi team when my daughter entered fifth grade and my son in eighth grade, who graduated last year, enjoying the life-changing Tanzania mission trip. I have been teaching for over 30 years. I enjoy teaching students of every age, and I homeschooled two of my children to graduation. I am passionate about Christian education and desire to see flexible faith-based opportunities grow in our valley.

Our school theme this year is "Choosing to Connect." How will your family connect and grow in relationship with our Gaglardi family this year? Reach out; there are so many opportunities to volunteer!

The team has been busy collaborating this past week and setting up the classrooms, preparing them for your children. Our Gaglardi family has grown this year, and we are excited to get to know one another. Last night we celebrated our return to school with pizza at the playground. It was so wonderful to meet new families and reconnect with old ones! We look forward to hosting you throughout the school year and have planned new events. Details will come soon.

School Basics:

The school day for all elementary students (K–6) is 8:40 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. (School opens at 8:30, the first bell rings at 8:35, and class starts at 8:40.)

The buses depart each day at 3:05 p.m.

This year, students are asked not to bring cell phones, iPads, or smart watches to school. If they use a device on the bus, they are to check it in at the office at the start of the day and then pick it up after the 2:45 p.m. bell. Mrs Taylor, in the office, will be delighted to communicate with your children on your behalf anytime you need to contact them.

Student entry:

  • Kindergarten - Kindergarten Door at the back of the school (Note: Kindergarten First Day is Sep. 11)
  • GR 1/2 & 2/3 - East Door
  • K/1, GR 3 & 4 - Undercover area (NO OCTOPUS; it is unsafe)
  • GR 5/6 - Students are to walk around to their portables; they are not to go through the school.

First Day Back is Tuesday, Sept. 5th, with picture day on Friday, Sept. 8th. It is formal uniform all week!

Enjoy the long weekend, and we will greet you with smiles on Tuesday morning!

Lonnie Penner