BY: SIYA SHARMA
As chillier winds breeze their way in and the leaves once again begin to turn, we welcome another fall season back to our neighbourhood. With this gentle shift comes plenty of new opportunities and beginnings, including the ever-awaited back-to-school season! Yes, the time has come for stacks of paper and exciting transitions. Let’s take a look at the latest news from our community to learn about what we can look forward to this back-to-school season!
This summer saw some great changes in our schools. A number of public schools in the area underwent, or are wrapping up, renovation and repair projects to improve student experience. Those at Yorkwoods, Gosford, Driftwood, Lamberton, and Gulfstream P.S. will be met with newly-renovated playgrounds. Students at many other schools, including Brookview M.S., Firgrove P.S., Daystrom P.S., and Elia M.S., will be happy to see some new expansions to their outdoor spaces.
Of course, there is still much on the way this year – beginning with the inauguration of a brand new arts program at Westview Centennial S.S. this September! The program, entitled “ArtSpeaks,” includes four years of specialized courses and integrated arts studies. ArtSpeaks embraces art as a form of expression with transformative power, viewing it through a dedicated social justice lens. Beginning in November 2024, the program will be accepting applications for entry at the grade 9 and grade 10 level, with the school hosting an open house for the program on November 12th.
There is something special about the back-to-school season. It brings about an opportunity to reset, allowing us all to reflect on our growth as learners, friends, family – and, as a community. Many of the exciting things that we have to look forward to this season are the fruits of a community’s labour and love. From community representatives to local organizations, everyone is gearing up to support the community in this transition. Let us all prepare to welcome the school year, and to continue this precious cycle of community, as a new adventure begins.