West Meadow school year well under way

By Rob Vogt – Local Press Writer
There is a lot happening at West Meadow Elementary School from an increase in enrollment and new staff, to a lot of the activities that make the school a busy place.
Principal Sean Latta said enrollment is at 313 students, which represents about a five percent increase over last year.
Heather MacDonald is starting her first year as the school’s new assistant principal, replacing the retiring Dana Burrows. MacDonald comes over from Stavely Elementary School.
Also joining the staff are Chelsea Kasprick, teaching Grade 1; Bella Lissel, teaching Grade 5; Carly Hoar, returning from a year of travelling, to teach Grade 6; and Cara Pawlick, coming over from Granum School, to teach Grade 1.
The school will continue on with its Leader in Me program as well.
“We are working with our students to maintain and create traditions in our building,” Latta said.
Discovery Days are Fridays, where students can pursue an interest they are passionate about.
There will be another Leadership Day, building on the success of last year’s day.
The school’s talent show is coming back, as is the award-winning school choir, which has more than 40 signed up.
“Sports are going to be in full force,” Latta said.
Run club has started and, this past weekend on Sept. 24, students travelled to Lethbridge for the two-kilometre “Run for the Pumpkin”.
There will also be triple ball, basketball, badminton, tennis, and martial arts club.
The school held its Terry Fox Run/Walk on Sept. 23, while the choir is preparing for Remembrance Day.
That week also featured Steve Harmer and his Motivational Magic show on Sept. 21, and an online safety session with speaker Paul Davis on Sept. 22.
Students will lead school assemblies this year, roughly the first Friday of every month.
“Students run our assemblies beginning to end,” Latta said.
Part of those assemblies is the recognition of a volunteer of the month. The first recipient was Manpreet Cheema for all he has done for their school.
Back again this year as well will be the students of the year, presented in January and June to students who exhibit the seven habits of highly effective kids, and give back to the school.