Associate Principal Updates

This month’s IB Learner Profile trait is Caring. Kids who are caring show kindness, respect, and a desire to help others. They notice when someone needs support and do something nice to help. The story of the Good Samaritan teaches us that caring isn’t just about feeling compassion, but about taking steps to help, even if it’s a bit inconvenient.

Parents can encourage caring in simple and meaningful ways:

• Help children spot when someone at school or home needs help and encourage them to do small kind things.  
• Volunteer together as a family at a local charity or food bank.  
• Do random acts of kindness, like writing a note to someone or helping a neighbor.  
• Read stories that show empathy and talk about the choices the characters make.  
• Celebrate and discuss times when your child shows caring, showing them that their actions really matter.

When children practice caring at home, they build empathy and kindness that grow with them into school, the community, and beyond. Like the Good Samaritan, caring kids become a positive light for others by showing love and kindness through both what they say and what they do.

This month, we are learning about the story of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:30–37). In the story, Jesus tells about a man who is traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho. Some robbers attack him and leave him hurt along the road. A priest and a Levite see him but do not help. However, a Samaritan arrives, cares for the man, and makes sure he gets the help he needs. Jesus then asks, “Which of these three was a true neighbor to the man in need?” The answer is the one who showed kindness and compassion.

This story teaches us that having faith isn't just about believing; it’s also about what we do to help others. It encourages us to care for those who are hurting or in need, even if it takes effort or if they are different from us. This month’s focus in our learning, called Caring, is closely connected to this story. Caring means showing empathy, respect, and kindness to others and to the world around us. At home, families can think about: How can we be good neighbors today? How can we show kindness to people near us and far away? By acting with compassion, we reflect God’s love and help children understand how important it is to help others.

This month’s IB Learner Profile trait is being a good Communicator. Communicators share their thoughts and feelings in many ways—by talking, doing, creating art, or even sitting quietly when that’s best. They also pay attention to others and respect different opinions. Being a good communicator isn’t just about speaking; it’s about connecting with others, sharing ideas, and understanding each other. The story of the lamp reminds us that our talents and faith are meant to be seen and shared, not hidden away. In the same way, being a good communicator means letting our “light” shine so others can learn from our kindness and ideas.

Parents can help kids become better communicators at home with fun and simple activities:

• Play games like charades or Pictionary to practice understanding non-verbal signals.
• During mealtime, ask each family member to share something good that happened and something challenging from their day, and listen carefully without interrupting
• Read a story from the Bible or a picture book together, then tell the story again in your own words to practice clear talking.
• Try a game called “back-to-back drawing”: one person describes a picture while the other draws it without looking. This makes everyone laugh and shows the importance of clear instructions
• Show good communication yourself by saying sorry when needed and showing how to fix disagreements with kind words.

When kids learn to communicate well, they realize their words and actions can shine like a lamp in the dark. Good communication brings happiness, helps others, and makes our families and communities stronger.

This month, we focus on the Parable of the Lamp (Luke 8:16–18). Jesus explains that when someone lights a lamp, they don’t hide it under a jar or put it under a bed. Instead, they place it where everyone can see the light. This reminds us that faith isn’t something to keep hidden away, but something to share with others. Our actions, words, and kindness are how we let the light of Jesus shine in the world.

Jesus also warns us that when we use our gifts of faith and love, they grow stronger. But if we hide them, they become weaker. This idea fits well with our focus this month on being good Communicators. Just like a lamp gives light, our faith is meant to be shared through kind and clear words. We are called to listen carefully and speak words that bring hope and encouragement. At home, families can think together: How can we let our light shine today? How can we use our words to show God's love to others? By sharing our faith through our words and actions, we help make our homes and communities brighter.

Welcome back to the first year of a new faith plan, Open Wide the Doors! This year, we will focus on knowing God through the parables found in the book of Luke. Each month we will read a new parable and focus on it as a school. This month, we begin with the Parable of the Sower. Jesus tells the story of a farmer scattering seeds on different types of soil. Some seeds fall on the path and are eaten by birds, some on rocky ground where they wither, some among thorns where they get choked, and some on good soil where they grow strong and yield a rich harvest. Jesus explains that the seed is the Word of God, and the soil represents the state of our hearts. If our hearts are hard or distracted, God’s Word cannot take root. But if we prepare our hearts like good soil—open, receptive, and ready to live our faith—God’s Word will grow in us and guide our actions.

The lesson for us and for our children is clear: faith requires care, attention, and willingness to listen. Just as gardens need water, sunlight, and weeding, so too does our faith need prayer, reflection, and community. This parable also connects beautifully to this month’s IB Learner Profile attribute: Open-Minded. When we are open-minded, we make space for God’s Word to take root. We become more willing to hear, reflect, and grow, even when new ideas challenge us. This parable encourages us to ask: What kind of soil are we creating in our hearts and homes? Are we preparing our families to be open-minded learners who welcome God’s Word with joy? With intentionality and love, we can help our children develop “good soil” hearts that flourish in faith and in learning.

We are so excited and proud to be an official International Baccalaureate World School! We achieved this milestone through your support and your students’ hard work, and we are looking forward to growing together in our new journey. Once again this year, we will have a monthly learner profile attribute focus. The learner profile attributes are ten traits we hope all students embody. This month, we’re focusing on the idea of being open-minded. Being open-minded means appreciating your own culture and traditions, while also being willing to learn about others’ beliefs, values, and customs. Just like the Parable of the Sower teaches us that growth happens when we are open and ready to learn, being open-minded helps children grow both as learners and as people of faith.

Here are some simple and fun ways parents can help their children become more open-minded at home:

- Try cooking a meal from a different culture together and chat about its traditions.

- Read a children’s story from somewhere else in the world and ask, “What’s similar or different from our lives?”

- Encourage your child to ask questions when meeting someone new and to listen with curiosity instead of jumping to conclusions.

- Show open-mindedness yourself by saying, “I hadn’t thought of that—thanks for showing me a new point of view.”

When we practice being open at home, children learn that differences are not something to fear, but chances to learn and grow. If we prepare our hearts and minds like good, healthy soil, we make space for kindness, respect, and faith to develop and flourish.

As we enter the final month of the school year, we take the time to celebrate the amazing growth our students have made. This month, we’re shining a light on the IB Learner Profile attribute of Knowledgeable. Over the year, our students have really dug into important concepts across all subjects, laying down a solid foundation of knowledge they’ll carry with them moving forward. Being knowledgeable isn’t just about soaking up facts; it’s about using that knowledge to make smart, informed choices. Our students are becoming individuals who can think critically and apply what they’ve learned in meaningful ways.

We’re also highlighting the Catholic Social Justice principle of Subsidiarity and the Role of Government. While it can be a tricky concept for younger students, we explain that subsidiarity is all about ensuring decisions are made at the most local level possible—by the people who are directly affected. This principle encourages students to consider the different roles that people and organizations play in looking after society, from families and schools to local governments and beyond. It teaches them that everyone has a part to play in supporting the common good, and we can all make a difference in our communities by using the knowledge we gain.

This month, we invite you to revisit our assessment policy since the school year is wrapping up. Although students will receive brief summative assessments, the bulk of their learning exists in their Spaces portfolio, showcasing their growth and capabilities over this last year. Our assessment practices provide meaningful feedback to both students and parents, giving a well-rounded view of each student’s learning journey. By focusing on assessments that celebrate growth and knowledge, we help students reflect on their progress and set goals for what’s next.

As we wrap up the school year, we want to wish all our students and their families an awesome, relaxing summer. This year has been packed with inquiry, discovery, and growth, and we’re really proud of everything our students have achieved. As they dive into the summer months, we encourage them to keep learning and reflecting on what they've picked up, and to stay curious about the world around them. We can't wait to see everyone back in the fall, ready for another exciting year of learning and growth. Have a summer full of joy, good health, and blessings!

As we head into May, we're still celebrating the joy and renewal that Easter brings. At Our Lady of the Assumption (OLA), the Easter season is a time to reflect on Christ’s resurrection and the hope it gives us all. It reminds us about the power of fresh starts and our call to live as Jesus’ disciples, spreading love, compassion, and justice in everything we do. This season is a great chance for us to remind our students that Christ’s teachings encourage us to think about not just ourselves but also others, working together for the good of all.

This ties in perfectly with the IB Learner Profile attribute of Thinkers, which we’re focusing on this May. As thinkers, we encourage our students to use their critical and creative thinking skills to tackle complex problems and make smart, ethical choices. We challenge them to apply their smarts to real-world situations, considering how their actions can make a positive impact on those around them. Being a thinker is about more than just solving schoolwork problems—it’s about making thoughtful choices that help the community.

Our emphasis on the Catholic Social Justice principle of the Common Good fits right in with this. The common good is all about ensuring that society is set up so everyone has a chance to thrive, and we all share the responsibility of making it happen. We teach our students to think about the needs of the wider community, not just their own wants. By working for the common good, we live out our faith and help make sure everyone can enjoy God’s blessings.

This month as we celebrated the ressurection of our Lord, we were deeply saddened to learn that Pope Francis passed away on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. During his time as Pope, he showed kindness, humility, and a strong dedication to helping those in need. He worked to support the vulnerable, cared for the environment, and reminded us that the Church should be a place of help and comfort for everyone. His actions—like helping prisoners, sharing with the poor, and living simply—taught us important lessons about caring for others. As our school community grieves his loss, we are inspired to follow his example by showing love, including everyone, and trusting in our faith to guide us every day.

As we kick off the month of April, we're excited to keep celebrating our journey in the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP), especially our students' growth as Inquirers. Next month, we will have our verification visit that will be the final step in our journey to IB certification -- though not, of course, our journey in growth and learning. Through inquiry, we encourage students to be curious, ask meaningful questions, and dig deeper into understanding, and that's what the teachers have done the last two years as we explored this new way of serving our students. This month, we’re all about nurturing their natural curiosity by guiding kids to explore new ideas, conduct investigations, and reflect on what they’ve learned. Being an inquirer is a big part of the IB philosophy, which inspires students to take charge of their learning and develop a lifelong love for discovery and knowledge.

In April, we also shine a light on the Catholic Social Justice principle of Economic Justice. While this idea might be a bit tough for younger students to fully understand, we teach them that economic justice starts with simple actions and making good choices about how we use and spend our money. We all have a part to play in building a fairer world by being mindful of how we use resources, lending a hand to those in need, and recognizing that our financial decisions reflect our values. By instilling these ideas early on, we help students appreciate the importance of fairness and responsibility in creating a more just society.

As we walk through Lent, it’s a great chance to reflect on how our choices—big and small—can really make a difference. Lent is all about sacrifice, self-reflection, and renewal, reminding us to make thoughtful choices that match our faith. During this season, we encourage our students to think about ways they can give back, whether through acts of kindness, being financially generous, or choosing to consume less for the benefit of others. This reflection helps them live out the principle of economic justice.

Our focus on Economic Justice is really connected to our faith plan theme, Proclaim! Pilgrims of Hope. As inquirers, our students discover that asking questions and searching for answers helps them make better choices—not only for themselves but also for the greater good. During Lent, we encourage them to think about how their actions, like how they spend money and show generosity, can help those in need and make the world a fairer place. By embracing both inquiry and economic justice, our students can strengthen their faith and become positive change-makers in their communities, putting the Gospel values we teach into action.

At Our Lady of the Assumption, we've been on an amazing journey of growth and discovery with our IB Primary Years Programme (PYP). Over the past few months, our students have really blossomed as curious learners, diving into the IB approach to education that encourages curiosity, critical thinking, and a deeper connection with the world around them. This experience has not only enhanced our academic environment but has also helped build a community of learners who ask meaningful questions and strive to understand different perspectives, all while staying grounded in our Christ-centered values.

This March, we're shining a spotlight on the IB Learner Profile attribute of Balanced. As balanced learners, our students work to find a healthy and thoughtful approach to their intellectual, physical, and emotional well-being. We encourage them to strike a balance between the different areas of their lives, recognizing that true well-being comes from caring for both their own needs and the needs of others. Being balanced is about appreciating the importance of a well-rounded life—one that respects academics, physical health, personal reflection, and relationships with others.

On top of that, we emphasize the Catholic Social Justice principle of the Dignity of the Human Person. Every person is made in the image of God, so everyone deserves respect, care, and love. Through this principle, we teach our students that their own dignity is linked to the dignity of others. This month is a great chance to remind students that living a balanced life also means recognizing and uplifting the worth of every person they meet.

As we keep moving along our faith journey with the theme Proclaim! Pilgrims of Hope, we're encouraging our students to actively embrace the principle of Dignity of the Human Person. By leading a balanced life that's all about compassion and empathy, students can honor their own God-given dignity while also recognizing the dignity of others. This balance is incredibly important not just for personal growth but also for building a more just and caring community. Through inquiry, reflection, and action, our students are growing their understanding of how to live as Christ's disciples, helping create a world where everyone is respected and valued.

At Our Lady of the Assumption (OLA), our mission is really what drives us. Although we share this mission frequently, mid-year is a good time to review it and keep it fresh in our minds: “Fostering Christ-centered inquiring learners who enrich our global community: Inspiring Action for Positive Change.” This mission shows how dedicated we are to helping students not just excel academically but also embody the teachings of Christ through their actions. We work hard to motivate our students to become caring, curious learners who use their knowledge and faith to make a difference in their communities and beyond.

We also follow the IB mission statement:

“The International Baccalaureate® aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect. To achieve this, the organization collaborates with schools, governments, and international organizations to create challenging international education programs and rigorous assessments. These programs encourage students worldwide to be active, compassionate, and lifelong learners who appreciate that other people, with their differences, can also be right.”

Both missions stress the need to cultivate students who are not only knowledgeable but also compassionate, open-minded, and dedicated to making a positive difference in the world. Through our Christ-centered approach and the IB program, we aim to nurture a global mindset, inspiring students to engage actively in their communities and work towards a more peaceful and respectful world.

This month, we’re highlighting the IB Learner Profile attribute of Communicators, encouraging students to express themselves confidently and creatively in multiple languages, while also being good listeners to others' perspectives. Good communication is essential for understanding and getting involved with the world around us. At the same time, we’re focusing on the Catholic Social Justice principle of Participation, which highlights the importance of everyone playing a role in the common good. We urge students to take part in decisions that impact their lives and communities, recognizing that their voices and actions can spark change.

This month, we’re really focusing on Participation, and it ties in closely with our school’s faith plan theme, Proclaim! Pilgrims of Hope. As we keep walking in faith together, we remember that participation isn’t just about getting involved—it's also about making meaningful contributions that reflect our values and beliefs. In our school and in the wider community, everyone is called to share their gifts, talents, and insights to help create a more just and loving society. By embracing participation, our students are learning to be active members of their communities, living out the Gospel, and truly becoming "pilgrims of hope" who bring positive change to the world.

At Our Lady of the Assumption (OLA), our Academic Integrity Policy is essential in helping students grow into responsible, principled learners. Our goal is to teach them why it’s important to give credit to other people’s ideas and show them how to document their own learning. Academic integrity goes beyond just following rules—it’s about developing a deeper respect for learning and valuing the contributions of others. From the early grades, we gradually teach students age-appropriate ways to reference their sources, with a solid grasp of bibliographies and quotes by Grade 6. At OLA, we view academic violations as chances to learn, helping students appreciate the importance of honesty and integrity in their work.

Our focus on academic integrity matches the IB philosophy, which encourages students to take charge of their learning, reflect on their actions, and recognize the hard work of others. By nurturing these attitudes, we’re helping our students become principled, knowledgeable individuals ready for future academic success and responsible citizenship. This month, we’re highlighting the IB Learner Profile attribute of being Open-Minded, encouraging students to think about different perspectives while staying true to their integrity. The Catholic Social Justice principle of Solidarity will inspire students to act with empathy and a sense of community, working together to promote fairness and honesty in all areas of school life. By bringing these together, we hope to create students who are genuine agents of change in the world! We invite you to explore the full academic integrity policy located here.

In November, we had our visit from our IB consultant, who was impressed with the hard work we are doing as a school! We expect her report soon, and after that we will begin our final application to become an official IB school. Stay tuned for more updates!

This month’s focus on Solidarity starts a new year of proclaiming our faith to the world. As we kick off 2025, it’s a good reminder that we’re all part of a global family, united through our shared responsibility and care for each other. Just like academic integrity pushes us to recognize and respect everyone’s contributions, solidarity encourages us to stand together with our brothers and sisters, especially those who need a little extra support. By being fair and helping one another out, we can spread hope and live out our faith both in school and in our personal lives. When we come together in solidarity, we create a stronger, more caring school community.

If you didn't see it in our newsletter, please check out our faith based IB linked advent calendar for fun holiday activities to share with your family!

At Our Lady of the Assumption (OLA), we’re all about making sure every student feels valued, respected, and supported through our Inclusion Policy. Guided by the principles of the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) and our Catholic faith, we believe diversity enriches our community and creates a more vibrant learning atmosphere. Our inclusion policy focuses on respecting all backgrounds, ensuring everyone has equal access to education, and working together to meet individual needs. With differentiated instruction and personalized support plans, we make sure every child can reach their fullest potential.

The importance of our inclusion policy really shines through in its alignment with the IB philosophy, which highlights the need to create learning environments where all students can thrive, no matter their individual needs or backgrounds. Inclusion goes beyond just physical access; it’s about building a space that honors and celebrates diversity. By embracing each child’s uniqueness, we help create open-minded, empathetic learners ready to engage with the world in meaningful ways. This commitment to inclusion ensures that our students not only get the academic support they need but also grow socially and emotionally in a caring, respectful community. As always, we encourage you to read the whole Inclusion Policy, which is located here.

This December, we’re focusing on the IB Learner Profile attribute of being Principled. This is all about encouraging our students to act with integrity, fairness, and honesty in their interactions. We’re also highlighting the Catholic Social Justice principle of the Preferential Option for the Poor, which urges us to prioritize the needs of the most vulnerable. As we get ready for Advent and Christmas, we’ll reflect on the importance of giving, empathy, and our responsibility to help those in need. This principle will be at the heart of our classroom discussions and actions as we nurture a spirit of generosity and compassion during this special season.

December's focus on the Preferential Option for the Poor fits perfectly with our school's faith plan theme, Proclaim! Pilgrims of Hope. As we go through Advent, we're encouraged to share messages of hope, love, and peace with those around us, especially those who sometimes get overlooked. Just like Christ came to support the poor and bring light to the world, we're also invited to be instruments of peace by helping those in need. By living out these values, our students can truly make a difference in their school, community, and beyond, capturing the spirit of Christmas and really sharing their faith with others.

At Our Lady of the Assumption (OLA), our assessment policy is all about supporting student growth and promoting continuous learning. Our approach aligns with the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) philosophy, focusing on formative assessments, self-assessments by students, and ongoing reflection. We use Spaces Learning Portfolios as a handy tool that gives parents and students a clear view of their progress and achievements across all subjects. By encouraging students to regularly reflect on their learning, we help them become independent thinkers ready to take risks and face new challenges.

The real value of our assessment policy is that it gives a complete picture of each student’s learning journey. Following the IB assessment philosophy, we believe assessments should be tools for growth, not just ways to measure success. By emphasizing formative assessment, we make sure students get constructive feedback that helps guide their learning. Self-assessment allows students to take charge of their progress while developing critical thinking and self-reflection skills. With this approach, we promote a deeper understanding of learning and inspire students to be lifelong learners. We encourage you to check out our  full assessment policy located here. 

This month, we’re shining a light on the IB Learner Profile attribute of Risk-Takers, urging students to step outside their comfort zones and explore new learning opportunities. Alongside this, our Catholic Social Justice principle of Peace will help us foster understanding and harmony within our school community. As Remembrance Day comes up, we will take a moment to reflect on the courageous individuals who took risks for peace and justice. This will remind our students of the importance of both courage and peace in creating a better world.

This month's focus on Peace helps us share our faith more clearly. As pilgrims of hope, we’re encouraged to actively chase peace in our lives and spread this gift to others. Remembering the sacrifices made by those who sought peace during conflicts reminds us of our duty to be peacemakers in our own communities. By putting the principles of peace into action, students can make a real difference in their daily lives, reflecting our Catholic values and spreading hope to others. Together, we can build a more just and loving world.

At Our Lady of the Assumption School, we think language is the backbone of learning and a key tool for building global understanding. Our language policy emphasizes the value of linguistic diversity, with English as our main language for teaching. We also give students the chance to learn French starting in grade 1, which reflects Canada’s bilingual heritage. By promoting multilingualism, we help boost cognitive development and cultural awareness, so our students can grow into open-minded global citizens.

For parents, this policy means that every child will gain important communication skills and be ready for success in a connected world. In line with the IB philosophy, we understand that learning languages is essential for fostering international-mindedness. By supporting mother tongues and other languages, we create a learning atmosphere that honors each child’s cultural identity while also sparking curiosity about the wider world. Parents play a crucial role in building this environment, and together, we can nurture confident, empathetic, and culturally aware learners. Please see our full language policy here!

This month, we’re focusing on the IB Learner Profile attribute of being reflective, encouraging students to think about their learning experiences, celebrate their wins, and identify areas where they can grow. Reflection is a key part of personal development and ties in closely with our Catholic Social Justice principle of the month: Rights and Responsibilities. As a school community, we’re helping students understand that everyone has rights and responsibilities—to themselves, to others, and to the wider community. By being reflective, students can see how their actions and choices affect those around them, fostering a strong sense of responsibility and justice that aligns with our Catholic values.

This month's focus on Rights and Responsibilities fits perfectly with our faith plan theme, Proclaim! Pilgrims of Hope. As we walk this journey of faith together, we highlight how important it is to acknowledge both the rights we enjoy and the responsibilities we have as part of our school and community. Our faith encourages us to share hope by respecting the dignity of everyone and acting with compassion and fairness. By doing this, we "Proclaim" Christ's teachings, living as pilgrims who spread faith, hope, and love in everything we do and say.

After our hard work, it's awesome to let you know that we’re working towards getting our IB certification this year! As we blend the Alberta curriculum with the IB-PYP framework, students will get a richer, more global view of their learning. They'll be introduced to various languages and cultures, which will help them better understand the world around them. We’d love for families to join in on this multicultural experience by sharing their own cultural practices and languages with their child’s class. If you’re interested in getting involved, please reach out to your child's teacher to set up a visit.

Each month we’ll spotlight one IB-PYP learner profile attribute and connect it to a related social justice teaching of the Catholic Church. For September, we’ll be focusing on the learner profile attribute "caring" and the social justice theme of "caring for God's creation." We hope to inspire students and families to actively engage in taking care of the environment. This month, we encourage you to practice and promote responsible waste management at home, which ties in nicely with our classroom talks about caring for the environment. Together, we can make a positive impact and foster a sense of responsibility towards our planet and each other.

For more information about our school's IB-PYP journey, or what the IB is, please remember to see our IB-PYP website!

We're excited to share that this year's theme in the final year of our three year faith plan is Proclaim! Pilgrims of Hope. Our aim is to create a space where every student feels confident and empowered to express their faith openly. To help with this, we’ll be offering regular chances for students to share their faith journeys and experiences during our school assemblies.

Also, our learning will incorporate Catholic social justice principles along with the IB-PYP learner profile attributes each month. This will help students link their faith to meaningful actions and service projects. By focusing on service and action, we want to inspire our students to live out their faith in practical and impactful ways. We can’t wait for this journey and look forward to growing together in faith and hope!