November 21, 2025 Principal Message

Dear Robina Families,

We hope you had a wonderful November break. It was great to welcome everyone back—our week was filled with adventure, learning, and lots of joy!

We also have some important staffing news to share with mixed emotions. After more than 30 years of dedicated service to Black Gold School Division, Mrs. Theresa Spreen has announced that she will be retiring over Winter Break. Mrs. Spreen holds a very special place in the hearts of our students, staff, and families. While we will miss her dearly, we are excited for her to begin this well-deserved next chapter. This announcement was shared with our staff, with School Council, and with families in Mrs. Spreen’s Grade 3/4 class earlier this week.
Congratulations, Mrs. Spreen—you deserve to put your feet up!

I also want to extend a sincere thank you to our School Council. We had a wonderful turnout at our meeting earlier this week, and we truly value the perspectives we gain from our parent community. During the meeting, I asked for feedback regarding our Kindergarten programming. Hard to believe, but registration for next year opens January 1st! We had a thoughtful discussion about preferences for half-day or full-day programming, and our hope is to offer a combination of both options next year. If you were unable to attend and have thoughts to share on this topic, I would love to hear from you—please feel free to email me.

On the student side of things, it was fantastic to see our students back on their skates practicing this important skill. Thank you to all the parents who joined us at the rink—whether you were on the ice or helping tie skates, your support makes these experiences possible. A special thank you as well to the Town of Devon for the joint-use agreements that allow us to access both the rink and the pool for our free swim days.

Looking ahead, the next month promises to be filled with JOY!

During Parent Teacher Interview week, Mrs. Joosse has organized our Book Fair, including extended hours on December 10th. This is a wonderful opportunity to support our school library and maybe even get a head start on holiday shopping. While you're there, be sure to check out the recent library upgrades generously supported by School Council—we are so grateful!

On the same evening, December 10th, our Mental Health Capacity Building Team will be hosting a cookie-decorating night in the gym. We hope you’ll stop by to decorate a cookie and enjoy some holiday cheer.

Finally, our Winter Concerts are just around the corner, and the music room has been buzzing with beautiful sounds. Mr. Scott has been hard at work preparing another fantastic series of performances. Please note the dates below:

December 16th
• EIPK PJ & Sing-along: 5:45–6:15
• Kindergarten Concert: 6:30–7:00

December 17th – Grades 1 & 3
• Afternoon Show: 1:00–1:45
• Evening Show: 6:30–7:15

December 18th – Grades 2 & 4
• Afternoon Show: 1:00–1:45
• Evening Show: 6:30–7:15

Thank you for your continued partnership and support—it is truly appreciated.

Mr. Coffin

Mr. Coffin & Mrs. Kirton

Parent- Teacher Meetings

We’re excited to invite all parents and guardians to our upcoming Parent-Teacher Meetings! Mark your calendars so you don’t miss this opportunity to connect with your child’s teacher, celebrate their progress, and ask any questions you may have.

📅 Date: Wednesday, December 10
⏰ Time: 3:15 - 7:30 pm
📍 Location: Your child’s classroom

Join in the other activities happening at that time like Cookie Decorating in the Gym and the Book Fair in the Library!

Club Moo Program

A big thank you to all the parents who have ordered milk tickets for our Club Moo program! 🥛

Leadership students will be helping by fulfilling and delivering milk orders to each class (Kindergarten to Grade 4) at lunchtime every day.

Parents can purchase milk tickets through PowerSchool: 20 tickets (white or chocolate) for $20.

How to use your tickets:

• Send them all at once – Cut the tickets apart and return them in a baggie or envelope. They will be kept in your child’s reading bag, and your child can decide when to use them.
• Send them as needed – Place one ticket in your child’s reading bag on the days you’d like them to have milk.

📸 Picture Perfect!

School Picture Retake Day

Mark your calendars! School Picture RETAKE Day is scheduled for:

Tuesday, December 9th

The photographer will be at the school from approximately 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM to take retakes and photos for students who may have been absent on the original date.

Important Note for Retakes:

If your child does not normally attend school on Wednesdays and you require a retake, please bring them to the school specifically during the 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM window so they can be photographed.

Looking for Book Fair Volunteers!

Mrs. Joose is looking for a couple of parent volunteers to help supervise students during recess times during the Book Fair!

If you are available to help, please see the requested times below:

• Morning Recess: 10:00 AM – 10:30 AM (Nov. 9th, 10th, and 11th)
• Lunch Recess: 12:00 PM – 12:30 PM (Nov. 9th, 10th, and 11th)

Please contact Mrs. Joose directly if you can lend a hand during any of these half-hour slots. Your support is greatly appreciated!

[email protected]   

Winter Concert Buzz! 🎶

Get ready for some festive music! Our students are working hard with Mr. Scott to prepare for our annual Winter Concerts! We've expanded the schedule this year to make sure everyone has a seat.

Please note the dates for your child's performance:

• Dec. 16th: EIPK and Kindergarten
• Dec. 17th: Grades 1 & 3
• Dec. 18th: Grades 2 & 4

Whoville Holiday Arrangement Fundraiser!

Join us for a festive night of creativity and cheer as we build beautiful Indoor Greens Arrangements—perfect for adding a little Whoville magic to your home this season!

Workshop Date: December 11 at 6:00 PM

Order Closes: November 28 at 5:00 PM — don’t miss out!

Each Whoville Arrangement Kit includes everything you need:

• Step-by-step instructions

• Metal tin pot (design may vary)

• “Wet” floral foam (keeps your greens fresh!)

• A mix of 3 fragrant greens:

- Cedar

- Silver Fir

- White Pine

• Seasonal embellishments (varies by kit)

Come support a great cause and make something merry and bright!

Click the link to reserve your kit before they’re gone!

https://docs.google.com/.../1FAIpQLSfjWmu2WI9AlK.../viewform

Library Corner: 

• I would like to thank the Parent Council for funding new shelving, tables, and stools for the library!  It’s going to be beautiful once it’s all done!  Check it out during our Book Fair which has been moved to December.
• Book Fair Dates: Dec. 8-11  Hours to follow.
• Book limits for students are as follows:

            Grades PK, K and 1 - 1 book

            Grades 2 and 3 - 2 books

            Grade 4 - 3 books

• Please email me, not your teacher, if you have any questions or concerns about library items.  [email protected]   

•  Amazon Wishlist. We have a wishlist for the library!  If you would like to buy one of these books for the library, please don’t forget to have Amazon send us a gift note with your name on it.  I like to acknowledge the person who purchased the book.  Thanks!
• Happy Reading!

Contest deadline extended to December 1!