April 11, 2025.

Dear Goulbourn MS Community,

This week, students enjoyed hearing from our guest speaker, Katie Weatherston.  Katie brought her gold medals and an Olympic torch for students to see.  She spoke to students about setting goals and overcoming obstacles on the way to achieving those goals, and also shared stories about her career as an Olympic and World Champion hockey player.  We appreciate the GMS School Council for arranging and funding this inspiring visit from Katie.

Ms. Chugh’s classes are learning about the history of the Canadian railway and building a model to demonstrate their learning.  This week, her class and others enjoyed a virtual tour of the Canadian Railway Museum, which is located not too far from Ottawa, in Saint-Constant in the Eastern Townships of Quebec.

You will have received today a message from Mr. Jamal announcing that his return to GMS begins next week.  While we will be sharing administrative duties over the coming weeks, I want to take this opportunity to thank the GMS community for their kind support during my time here.  It has been a pleasure to reconnect with the wonderful staff and students this year. Many thanks!  I know that Mr. Jamal is eager to return and will enjoy completing the year with you, and I wish you all success in the coming months.

With thanks,

Kimberly Power, Principal (Acting)

Spirit Activities April 14-17

GMS Students’ Council has prepared a number of special days and activities for the coming week.  The activities on Thursday are funded by their hot dog days.

• Monday 14: Pajama Day
• Tuesday 15: Dress like a Teacher Day
• Wednesday 16: Twin Day (you and a friend or group dress similarly)
• Thursday 17: Beach Day & afternoon social activities - 3 options: dance, movie and games room.  Please, see the already-provided Google form to indicate your child’s selection for the afternoon activity.

Pajama Patrol:  April 7-11

Thank you to everyone who has generously contributed this week to the Pajama Patrol campaign by donating pajamas and bathing suits.  Mme Ross’s class has been involved in counting and sorting the items which have been received and they report that about 87 items were collected this week. Outstanding! Thank you for your support of this initiative and thank you to Mme Ross’s class for being eager helpers.

April 13-20: Christian Holy Week

Palm Sunday this weekend marks the start of the Christian Holy Week.  Following the reflective period of Lent, Palm Sunday commemorates the arrival of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem while Maundy Thursday commemorates his Last Supper, Good Friday remembers his crucifixion and Easter celebrates his resurrection.  A Happy Easter is wished to those who will be observing these traditions over the course of the coming week.  

Upcoming Events

April 15 School Council meeting

April 14-17 a variety of special dress activities are listed above

April 17 Student Council Social Activity 1:10-2:15

April 18 Good Friday (holiday - no school)

April 21 Easter Monday (holiday - no school)

April 28 Federal Election: GMS is a polling site

April 29-May 1  Play Performance Week: Shrek Junior