Ăy swayel and hello! We are excited to welcome you back to Hatzic Elementary!
Below are a few pieces of information before the first day of school:
I look forward to introducing myself as the new principal of Hatzic Elementary School. While I may be new to this community, I have been part of the Mission Public School District since 2007, and I feel very fortunate to now be joining your school family. As many of you know, I was previously the principal at Dewdney Elementary, and I look forward to bringing that experience with me as I get to know the students, staff, and families here at Hatzic.
One of the things I am most looking forward to is learning about the unique character of Hatzicâthe students, the families, the dedicated staff, and the traditions that make this school special. I know that every school has its own personality, and I am eager to get to know what makes Hatzic shine.
Iâve had the privilege of working with a handful of our staff before, and I know firsthand the excellent reputation they carry, so I feel confident that Iâm joining a strong, caring team.
First Week of School
The first day of school will be Tuesday, September 2nd, with dismissal at 11:00 a.m.
To help with a smooth start:
- All returning students will line up at and be dismissed from their last yearâs classroom with their previous teacher. We will have Ms. Winkelmans and Ms. Sahota and their old grade fives help out with our returning Division 11 and Division 12 students-so donât be surprised if your little ones talk about their âbigâ kid classmates when they get home!
- New students will meet in the gym on September 2nd and work with Ms. McRobbie and her old grade five students.
- Students will stay in these classes for the entire week.
- On Wednesday, students will take part in some small, combined class activitiesâthese are just a short part of the day, with most of the time spent on the learning and activities already planned by their teacher.
- During the week, staff will also be reviewing enrollment to see who has joined and who may have moved on.
- On Monday, September 8th, students will move into their new, permanent classrooms. That morning, theyâll still start the day in their last yearâs class (or their temporary class if new) before transitioning. Students will head back the morning classes for pick up and begin in their new rooms Tuesday morning.
School Supplies
For the first week only, please keep school supplies at home. Students just need a pencil case with some colours and a pencil. Full school supplies can be brought on Monday, September 9th (or later that week once permanent classes begin).
Class Placements
Our staff have already invested a great deal of thought and care into building class lists. We take into account ability levels, personalities, friendships, and student cohorts to create balanced learning environments for all children. Because of class size limits and district composition guidelines, making changes to placements is very difficult. We appreciate your trust in the thoughtful work the staff has already done.
Moving Forward Together
Hatzic is home to about 260 students, and while we know there are challenges, we also know that those challenges bring opportunities to grow stronger as a community. My approach is always to meet students where they are, to celebrate their successes, and to work alongside families as partners in their learning journey.
On the first day, youâll find me out front ready to greet families and students. Please donât hesitate to come over and say hello; Iâd love to start putting names to faces right away.
Thank you for welcoming me into your community. If you have any questions about the year ahead, please feel free to reach out to me. I am always happy to listen, answer questions, and support you and your child in every way I can.
Quick Reference for Families
- Sept 2 (First Day): 11:00 a.m. dismissal. Returning students go to last yearâs class. New students meet in the gym.
- Sept 2â5: Students remain in last yearâs/ or temporary class.
- Sept 3: Small class combined activities (majority of time with classroom teacher).
- Sept 8 (Monday): Students move to permanent classrooms (start and end the day in last yearâs room).
- Supplies: Bring only a pencil case with colours & a pencil the first week. Full supplies come week of Sept 8th.
See you soon,
Karina Zimmerman (she/her)
Principal, Hatzic Elementary School
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T: 604-826-2481
I acknowledge that I work, live, and learn on the Traditional, Ancestral, Unceded, and Shared lands of the StĂł:lĹ people, which includes Sq'ĂŠwlets, Leq'ĂĄ:mel, Sema:th, MatheqwĂ and QwĂł:ltl'el First Nations, peoples of this land since time immemorial.
