Photo Karen Graham.
A new red chair is the first new splash of colour new MSC Principal Janice Mackenzie brings to the school
Janice Mackenzie has arrived in Millbrook and she is eager to greet her new students. Janice Mackenzie brings a youthful energy and enthusiasm that belies her 30 years of experience. She has big shoes to fill after Sheryl Hunter’s retirement, but the two educators share a love of their job, their students and their communities. She arrives her from her last posting in Warsaw, and already she sees a difference in the locations. There is more action here, with more traffic outside her office, but that does not faze her. Change is something Janice embraces, and with eight new staff members and a new subdivision under construction, there will be plenty of change in her new position.
Both principals share many values, but after 10 years under the same administration, Millbrook staff and students will no doubt notice some changes with a new leader at the helm, many of them stemming from the growth the school is experiencing. The school is prepared for new students as they begin to trickle in, with class sizes set intentionally lower than usual to accommodate new arrivals. The three portables that arrived at the end of the school year were placed in anticipation as well- no classrooms will be housed in them at this time, but according to the new principal, classes that end up in portables will well accommodated. Despite their position in the yard, the new Principal is pleased with the generous outdoor play area at the school and is quite excited about the outdoor classroom.
Every educator brings their own special interests that influence their schools, and Janice is no exception. She has already brought some log pieces to the outdoor classroom supplied by a neighbour who specializes in post and beam construction. She hopes these sturdy blocks of wood will stimulate students as they explore this unique space. Her enthusiasm about the environment presents the possibility of introducing an after-school eco art club where students can explore the environment through art and she will be encouraging students to explore our community trails.
An interest in Indigenous culture led her to invite local elders to her previous school, with profound results for the students. Expect to see further efforts to break down cultural barriers and ensure everyone feels valued and included as she engages other local community groups in school activities in Millbrook.
With 22 classrooms, the logistics behind some regular programs becomes complicated, and with as little as one hour a week, volunteers can help bridge that gap. The school relies heavily on volunteers for breakfast and other programs and the only credentials required is love of children a police check. Share your skills in a club, in the kitchen or bring your gardening tools and spruce up the front garden bed with some student helpers. To learn more about how you can get involved in our local elementary school, contact the office by calling 705-932-2789, or drop into the school Open House on September 13th from 5:30 to 7:30 pm and talk over your ideas with our new Principal. KG
