Welcome Back, Allenby!

H-e-l-l-o Allenby !As everyone is enjoying the last bits of summer, the school and APA are getting ready for the 2013-2014 school year! So get ready and get excited, it is going to be a great year.

Allenby is a busy place, lots going on and always exciting things to report, so for new parents, this is the place to get your information! This publication comes out on Thursday afternoon. I know inboxes get filled but please try and read this newsletter. This year, based on parent input, we will be making it even more of a joint school/APA publication. This means more school information, more parent information and therefore even more important to read and stay informed.

In the spirit of fall and our renewed summer energy, think about getting involved this year. During September, we will be listing volunteer positions that are needing great people. Start to think about how you would like to contribute to our school. As I have said many times, there truly is something for every everyone. Think about your time, think about your interest and contact me. I am here to help find the right role for you. Whether it is taking an executive position, heading a committee, joining a committee, planning a fundraiser, being part of the literacy program or Kiss ‘n’ Ride, or the greening committee, every little bit adds to the enrichment of our school. So please think about getting involved this year.

The date of the first APA meeting will be Wednesday, September 18th from 7 to 9 in the school library. At this first meeting, the 2013-2014 APA budget that was presented in June will be voted on by the parents attending. For those of you who are new to the school, all voting takes place at APA Meetings. Motions are tabled at a meeting and if it involves an expenditure over $1000, it is voted on at the next meeting. If it is less than $1000, or does not include an expenditure, it can be voted on at the same meeting. Therefore, attending APA meetings is important so that you are able to vote.

The second order of business for the September meeting is to elect the executive committee. Elections are held every year. While some directors have expressed an interest in returning, positions are open to everyone every year. If you are interested in any of the following positions, please contact me by September 11th. Nominees will be listed in the September 12th newsletter.

Please note that these are often co-directed, so each position can have 2 people working together. Executive/director positions are as follows, descriptions can be found on allenbyparents.com.

Director of Fundraising

Director of Health and Safety

Director of School Programs

Director of Communications

Director of Community Awareness

The meetings are also an important venue to voice opinions, give suggestions, discuss school business and of course, get to know other parents. Please try and attend when possible. The agenda and minutes for the previous monthly meeting are always posted on allenbyparents.com and announced in this newsletter one week prior to the meeting so everyone knows what will be discussed/voted at the meeting.I want to welcome Cate Spidel, our new Principal, to Allenby! We are so excited to have her and look forward to a fabulous first year. Below is her first message!

And lastly, if you know someone who did not receive this newsletter, please forward to them and tell them they can sign up to receive it themselves on allenbyparents.com .