Last update of the 2011-12 school year!

Playing exams are now complete. All Westmount rental instruments must be returned to the school immediately. Store rental instruments and student-owned instruments should be claimed from the Band Room storage areas and may be returned to the music store as appropriate.

Fundraising rebate cheques will be sent home with students on Monday. Students should stop by the Band Room during the course of Monday or Tuesday to pick up the cheque for their family.

“It is our job, as parents, educators, and friends, to see that our young people have the opportunity to attain the thorough education that will prepare them for the future. Much of that education takes place in the classroom. We must encourage our youngsters in such pursuits as music education. In addition to learning the valuable lesson that it takes hard work to achieve success, no matter what the arena, music education can provide students with a strong sense of determination, improved communication skills, and a host of other qualities essential for successful living.”

It's been a fantastic year. Relocating an entire school on short notice was no small task. I am proud of the work my coworkers have done this year at Westmount; as difficult as the task was at times, they refused to let the quality of eduction delivered to our students diminish even the slightest amount, despite sometimes impossible circumstances. I am also proud of the work the students have done; every day they proved their desire to learn, and demonstrated their care for each other. We have more than a school here... this is a family.

On behalf of Wendy, Gideon, and myself, I also want to thank our wonderful WMA Executive: Margaret Phoenix, Heather Lofthouse, Elaine Bohme, Elke Sterner, Sandeep Aggarwal, Donna Stirling, and Susan Friesen. We had a lot of good times this year, and together, we always found ideas and solutions that benefitted the students. Thanks for your time, your humour, and your hard work!

Finally, a thanks to all of our Band and Orchestra parents again this year. It was great having your kids with us in the program this year, and we wish everyone a pleasant, restful summer! (Good luck, Grads!)

Graham Green
Director of Bands,
Westmount Charter School