Principal’s Message

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the entire school community for all the help  they have given me in the education of their children over the past year.  This year was  challenging, but at the same time extremely rewarding.  The school has undergone many changes in the past year, and we feel that these changes have made Baltimore a better place for your children.  We have great plans for next year to make this school better, and we look forward to even greater support from parents.  The support and volunteerism displayed by parents this year was unbelievable, from the Breakfast program, to the tournaments, to the everyday things that needed to be done around this school, you parents went beyond the call of duty.  Our school still has many challenges ahead, but I truly feel that we are heading in the right direction.  To the students, I hope you have a very happy, enjoyable and safe holiday.  To the parents, I encourage you to spend quality time with your children this summer.  To the teachers and staff, I want to thank you for all your help and support this year.  We have a tremendous group of teachers at our school and our students are the greatest benefactors.  Also, I want to extend a big thank you to our support staff, who keep the entire school in superb shape.  There is great pride and tradition at Baltimore School and next year we hope to build on these to even greater lengths.

Farewell

The school wants to take this opportunity to offer best wishes to our Level III class as they prepare to take on the world.  Good luck and know that Baltimore will always be a place where you are welcome to drop by for a visit.  We look forward to seeing you back at the school in the Fall for the graduation of those who have successfully completed the high school graduation requirements as set out by the Department of Education.  Successful graduates will be contacted in early September with further information on graduation proceedings.

The school also wants to take this opportunity to bid farewell to several teachers who were employed in replacement positions for the school year 2005-06.  Those teachers include Ms. Tina Sullivan-Carew, Ms. Allison Moore, Ms. Terry Lynn Kavanagh, Ms. Wanda Budgell, Ms. Sherri Pittman, Ms. Tracey Philpott, Ms. June Mayo.  Also, good luck to Ms. Kim O’Keefe-Swain who will be on maternity leave next year. In addition, a fond farewell to Mr. Jamie Jenkins who has accepted a teaching position at Holy Heart.  The school greatly appreciates the contribution that each of you have made to our entire school community.

Our last farewell is to Ms. Myra Brophy and Ms. Mary Chidley who have spent their entire teaching career educating students in the Primary and Elementary grades.  In total, both of you have taught nearly 1000 students each in your careers.  Your dedication and commitment is greatly appreciated.  We ask that you please keep in touch with the school in the coming years and we will welcome you back at any time.  Thank you for thirty-plus years of excellence!

Supplementary Exams

Supplementary exams for school based exams, not public exams, will go ahead during the first week of school.  Supplementary exam applications will be sent home with report cards.  Cost is $20 each.  Students may write supplementary exams in a maximum of two different courses.   Students will also be given the opportunity to attend Summer school.  Application forms have been sent home with the report cards.

Donation

During the past couple months, the Scotiabank Branch at the Goulds held a book drive to raise money for additional technology at Baltimore.  All Bank employees, Baltimore Staff, as well as many parents and past graduates of Baltimore donated gently used books to the bank which they sold.  All money raised would be matched by the Head Office.  Mr Nick Cardoulis, the Branch Manager, visited our school this past week to present us with a cheque.  The total amount raised was $1,632.00.  We thank the staff of Scotiabank, as well as all bank customers for supporting our school.

Acknowledging Our Volunteers

The Staff and Students of Baltimore School would like to thank all those parents, as well as community members, who so willing gave of their time and talents to help make our school a better place.  Throughout the year, volunteers could be found in every aspect of school life : The chess Club, Basketball, Track and Field, Cross country, The Breakfast Program, School Council, Varsity sports, Library, Book Fairs and Hoopsters, etc.

Goodbye

I was stuffing report cards into envelopes when it hit me; this is the last time I will be doing this at Baltimore. To all the students I had the pleasure to deal with I say thank you for making my job so enjoyable over the past nine years. I  wish you the best of luck in all your future endeavors and remember with physics teachers in charge what could go wrong!! Thanks. Mr. Jamie Jenkins

Duke of Edinburgh

Congratulations to Jamie-Lynn Greene, Tracey Oates, Adam Kavanagh and Nadine Lidstone who were presented with their Silver Standard on May 26 by the Honourable Edward Roberts, Lieutenant Governor of Newfoundland and Labrador, at a special ceremony at the Battery Hotel.

Playground Equipment

The playground equipment is en route and should be in St. John’s this week.  If all goes well the equipment will be in place for September.

Peace Garden

Due to circumstances beyond our control, the Peace Garden to commemorate “The Year of the Veteran” will have to be postponed until September.  From what we have been told the lawn will be excavated over the summer to allow for the installation of a new water line.