June 3, 2009

Anne McClymont Elementary: Growing Together and Branching Out

KELOWNA, BC: On Thursday, June 4 starting at 12:15 p.m., British Columbia’s second largest public elementary school will gather all 800 students and staff for one major celebration called Growing Together and Branching Out.  When Chute Lake Elementary opens its doors in September, Anne McClymont Elementary will lose approximately one third of its student population (268 students).  Although it is a change that students and staff are eagerly anticipating, it also marks the end of a very special and very large community.

The Growing Together and Branching Out event will kick off with the group assembling on the playing field to spell the letters AME.  The spectacle will be captured for posterity by two cameras – one on a tripod and one on a fire truck bucket.  

SunFM personality Susan Knight will be Master of Ceremonies for the day’s events, also including:

Music: AME’s last very large band of 107 students will perform O’Canada.

School Spirit:  At approximately 1:00 p.m., AME’s Spirit Council will lead fellow Timberwolves in the school cheer.  Next, the AME Skipping Team will give a demonstration of double Dutch, criss-cross and double under to inspire students for the next part of the program.

Fundraising: Students will disperse throughout the field in preparation for the Good Cause Committee’s final fundraiser—Jump Rope for Heart.  Youthful skippers (students and a few energetic staff members) will participate in this Heart and Stroke Foundation event.  “This is the same event that took place 15 years when Anne McClymont Elementary opened,” says Donna Stathers, Vice-Principal.  “We thought it would be a great way to enjoy the outdoors and celebrate the last time we will all be together in one location.”

The fundraising total will be announced at approximately 1:40 pm.  Students began collecting pledges for this event a few weeks ago.  Organizers have established a target goal of $4,000. 

Branching Out: Three trees with plaques that read Growing Together and Branching Out will be given to the three schools that will welcome students in the fall: AME, Chute Lake Elementary and Okanagan Mission Secondary. 

Approved by the Superintendent and Donna Stathers on June 3, 2009

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For comments, please contact:

Brenda Leimert, Principal, Anne McClymont Elementary, (250) 764-4122

Donna Stathers, Vice-Principal, Anne McClymont Elementary, (250) 764-4122

Mike Roberts, Superintendent of Schools (250) 860-8888

For background information, please contact Lisa Harrison lharriso@sd23.bc.ca or 470-3284.