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THURSDAY, JUNE 29, 2006 THE NEW TANNER 15 Al Bailey, Chair of the Board Lou Piovesan, Director of Education Paul Tate, Chair of the Board Wayne Joudrie, Director of Education Graduates of 2006 Congratulations & best wishes for success in all your future endeavours! Halton District School Board Outstanding work of Acton students, staff is recognized One of the guiding prin- ciples of the Halton District School Board states, We are committed to providing learning opportunities which enable individual growth and encourage students to become critical thinkers, creative prob- lem solvers and achieve their personal best. As this school year ends and one reflects on the learning opportunities provided to our Acton and area community schools, it is clear that students have been exposed to, and have participated in, many ac- tivities inside and outside our classrooms, which bring this guiding principle to life. Staff and students from Acton have been recognized regionally, provincially, and even nationally for their out- standing work in many areas. Whether these accomplish- ments are individual or group endeavours, all schools have a great deal of which to be proud. Through academics, the arts, athletics and technology, students have been encouraged to become critical thinkers, creative problem solvers and achieve their personal best. At the secondary level our athletic teams and individual athlet- ic performances have been outstanding. Our music and drama programs are second to none, and our tech programs simply put, are superior. At the elementary level, schools are recognized for outstanding environmental initiatives, healthy living pro- grams, athletic teams, the science fair, quality daily fit- ness, bands, choirs, public speaking and a host of other activities. Every school has dem- onstrated good citizenship through participation in such activities as food drives, Jump Rope for Heart, UNICEF, and Relay for Life. We are excep- tionally proud to observe our students becoming caring, re- sponsible citizens of the larger community. Of course, the key focus of all our schools is student achievement. Over the past year much work has been done by staff in the areas of literacy, numeracy and school culture. We applaud all staff and stu- dents for their exceptional work in these areas. In our community schools, we are blessed to have out- standing staff providing rich learning experiences for students. Thank you to admin- istrators and staff who work tirelessly to improve student achievement. School council members of each school are to be commended for supporting our schools, staff and stu- dents in so many positive and tangible ways. Your many contributions are greatly ap- preciated. In all communities schools welcome and appreciate the support of volunteers. We are fortunate in Acton to have many parents who give so freely of their time and talents to enrich student learning. Local businesses also provide exceptional support to our schools. To all community partners, I offer my thanks. Finally, I extend warm con- gratulations to all students on your success over the past year. Some of you will be moving on to new schools, college, university or the world of work. Best wishes for continued success in all that you do. Some staff have retired or will be moving to new posi- tions in September. Thank you so much for your many contributions to Acton stu- dents, and we wish you well in your future endeavours. I would also like to ac- knowledge and say farewell to Heather Maxwell, the very first Student Trustee from Acton. Heather has served on our board for two years, and has been an outstanding ambassador for our commu- nity. She is representative of the many exceptional young people who attend our community schools. As this school year draws to a close, it is with much pride and gratitude that I recognize the very success- ful and fulfilling year in all aspects of school life that has been experienced this year, especially in Catholic education in Halton Hills and around our region. I am very proud of our schools. I want to express my gratitude and appreciation to our partners in education. To our students whose talents, diligence, and hard work consistently keep our schools top notch. To the staff whose creativity, teach- ing skills, and especially their love of children enhance the learning experience for students. To our volunteers who give of their time and efforts to keep our schools running efficiently and add that extra sparkle of fun. To our parents, who constantly encourage and instil a love of learning in their children. To Father Bob Bulbrook whose spiritual leadership continues to guide our staff, students and parents on their journeys of faith. St. Joseph Catholic El- ementary School has had a very rich and flourishing to Principal Gail Ruther- ford, who will be moving on to St. Brigid Catholic Elemen- tary School in Georgetown. We are grateful for the many innovations she brought to St. Joseph and her valuable Catholic leadership. The Board thanks you and wishes you great success in your new school. We welcome back Colin Simpson, who is returning to St. Joseph School. We look forward to his leadership and guidance once again. St. Joseph in Acton has once again this year excelled in its charitable activities. Mackenzie Carroll, a grade 3 student raised $500 by making and selling her handi- work for the students annual Pennies from Heaven. A total of $2,900 was raised for the Special Muscular At- rophy Association to help a Grade 1 student at St. Joseph School. The EQAO scores in Math- ematics achieved by Grade 3 students at St. Joseph School during the Spring 2005 testing were among the top percent- age in the province. St. Josephs Battle of the Books students placed first in the Junior Division and second in the Senior Division. Forty students won awards at the Acton Fall Fair in art, poetry, story-telling, and penmanship. Sports activities are an integral part of St. Joseph Catholic Elementary School community. Their teams are always well-coached and they are always competitive. Taylor Masse placed first in the Special Olympics Basket- ball Throw as well as picking up other medals in various events. The students learned valuable leadership skills, team co-operation skills, and communication skills in their house league games and varsity sports. Our school enrolment is growing in various areas across the region. There are long term accommoda- Halton Catholic School Board St. Joseph School enjoyed rich and flourishing year Ethel Gardiner Public School Trustee Irene McCauley Catholic Board Trustee school year. We bid farewell Continued on page 16