Dear Evergreen Families,

As the school year ends, I would like to take a moment to reflect on the incredible journey we have shared together this year. It has been filled with growth, creativity, and many memories.

This year, we were inspired by our Loose Parts Residency with Play Perspective and Donna Gimble. This partnership brought to life an approach to learning that championed curiosity, creativity, and collaboration, an approach that felt perfectly at home in our Evergreen School Community.  Loose parts were more than just objects; they are invitations to explore, create, and make meaning. With materials like stones, fabric, pinecones, and cardboard, students across all grades were empowered to think deeply, imagine boldly, and share their stories in new and expressive ways.

In Kindergarten, students used loose parts to retell familiar stories they had read in class. Through creative play, they explored story structure and represented characters, settings, and key events with found materials. This not only supported their understanding of narrative but also built expressive oral language skills in a joyful and meaningful context.

Grade 1 students explored the world of living systems in Science. After planting seeds and learning about the needs of plants, they used loose parts to label and sketch their observations, reinforcing vocabulary and scientific concepts through hands-on exploration. Caring for their plants and documenting their growth brought learning to life in a playful and purposeful way.

In Grade 2, students made connections between creativity and social studies by using loose parts to represent the features of various communities. As they explored local, national, and global communities, they built models that reflected cultural landmarks, geographic features, and community values. These designs encouraged deep thinking about what makes communities unique and how people live and work together.

Grade 3 focused on oral storytelling as part of their English Language Arts learning. With inspiration from traditional legends, students created their own tales about how animals came to have their defining features. Using loose parts to build scenes and characters helped students develop their ideas, strengthen their storytelling skills, and meet curriculum goals related to oral language, communication, and creativity.

In Grade 4, students explored First Nations constellation legends creating their own constellation stories using loose parts to bring their narratives to life. This work supported key components of structured literacy—such as oral language development, sequencing, and fluency—while deepening their understanding of cultural perspectives and storytelling traditions. Sharing their creations orally helped build both confidence and communication skills.

Grade 5 students explored concepts from their Weather and Climate unit through loose parts as well. They discussed the difference between weather and climate and learned how to read and interpret weather maps. Students then used loose parts to creatively represent these scientific ideas, demonstrating their understanding through hands-on play and visual storytelling. This experience offered a powerful way to connect scientific content with imaginative exploration.

Our EES students explored different materials through science experiments, literacy, math, and culinary and sensory experiences.

We saw first-hand how this open-ended approach nurtured problem-solving, critical thinking, and joyful learning.

This year reminded us that learning is not always about reaching the “right” answer—it’s about asking questions, taking risks, and building something new from what we have around us and within us.

Thank you to Donna Gimble, to our staff who embraced this approach, and to our students who, day after day, showed us the power of play and the brilliance that emerges when we let imagination lead.

To our grade 5 students - I am so proud of all you have achieved this school year. Continue to stay true to yourselves, live fully in the present, and remember that small gestures of kindness can make a big difference in someone’s day.  You will always be a part of our Evergreen circle!

Our Evergreen staff are truly exceptional. I extend my heartfelt gratitude for their unwavering dedication and passion. Their expertise, creativity, and tireless efforts have nurtured the minds and hearts of our students.  

To our families, your constant support, active involvement, and partnership with our school have created a nurturing environment in which our students have thrived. Our School Council, Parent Advisory Council, and volunteers have played a critical role in supporting our students and staff and fostering an inclusive and welcoming school community.

As we move into the summer break, I wish all of our Evergreen families a joyful and restful summer. We can’t wait to see what our students will build next.

Check the SCHOOL SHOWCASE section of our website for photos from this past week.

With sincere gratitude,

Angela McPhee

Principal

​​​​​​​Next Year Information

Our student numbers continue to fluctuate daily as we welcome students from the developing communities of Wolf Willow, Alpine Park, and Vermillion Hill.  We continue to plan and will share grade configuration and staffing plans with you in August. 

Back to school information including our 2025-2026 downloadable calendar can be found on our website. CLICK HERE

Look for my welcome e-mail on Friday, August 23^rd, 2025 with important information about our first days/weeks back to school. 

Important September Dates

Mark your calendars now:

• Office opens @ 9:00 AM Tuesday, August 26^th. 
• Homeroom teachers will send welcome e-mails on Friday, August 29^th.
• First day of school is Tuesday, September 2^nd, 2025
• Staggered entry for Kindergarten on Tuesday, September 2^nd and Wednesday, September 3^rd, 2025.  Information about which time your child attends can be found HERE.
• First School Council meeting is on Wednesday, September 10^th @ 6:00pm
• Optional/Drop-in Open House for families on Thursday, September 18, 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM
• Fall Picture Day on Tuesday, September 23rd

With Sincere Gratitude,

Angela McPhee

Principal