Principal's Message

NO unusual rates of absenteeism being reported as of 10:00 a.m. today.

November 20, 2009

Dear Parents:

Volleyball is in full swing, and the basketball season will be upon us in no time. I realize that I have already sent out a request for coaches, and we are pleased to have had three parents indicate an interest; however, I appeal once again to you, our parent community, for additional people to come forward. The reason for this request is because we are interested in creating a sustainable group of parent coaches. With an eye towards future teams, we would like to have coaches in the "wings". Because our teams are comprised of grades 6, 7, and 8 students, and typically coached by the parents of those students, we often only benefit from their expertise for one or two years.

Our vision is to have parents of students in younger grades mentored by parent coaches in older grades so that there is a continuous loop of up-and-coming coaches. Where are our staff in this picture, you ask? The athletic department is overseen by our physical education teacher, Mrs. Van Dale. She coaches in almost every sport season of the year and facilitates the scheduling and details of all extra-curricular athletics. With a background including multisport competitive A & B theory and Level I NCCA certification, she works with each of the teams to ensure that the skill development and values espoused by our school are consistent with the Manitoba Catholic Schools Athletic Association. Depending on the interest and skill level of other teachers, we may have one or two who coach (in addition to a minimum of three other extra-curricular assignments). We also have five teachers who act as athletic supervisors, assigned to attend games and practices when a team is coached by a volunteer. Additionally, we believe in the value of having high school students work in an assistant coaching capacity which provides a wonderful leadership opportunity for them as role models to our students; each year, we have at least two former students return to serve our community in this capacity. In this way, a comprehensive athletics program is a sustainable community undertaking.

In short, we need you, not just when your children participate on these teams, but before then as a way of contributing to the larger community and in preparation to pass the torch. Please contact Mrs. Van Dale or me to discuss any questions you have about becoming involved in this vision.

Thank you for the privilege of educating your children;

Danielle Kolton

Our Community Commitment for Over 100 Years

At St. Ignatius School, we take pride in being rooted in a parish community with a long standing tradition of commitment to quality education. We believe that all children should be able to access quality Catholic education. Our faith and support transcend the challenges we face day-to-day, or decade-to-decade. At St. Ignatius Parish, we have over 100 years of practice in meeting the changing needs of families.

St. Ignatius School is a nursery to grade eight school with a population of approximately 240 students. We offer one class of each grade and are proud of the quality faculty and educational assistants who teach our programs.