Night time is family time in Timberlea
Posted 7 months ago
ASHLEY CREWE
Today staff
Timberlea School is blurring the line between school and home for their students with the introduction of their family night events.
Representatives from the school addressed the Fort McMurray Public School board staff and trustees Tuesday about their growing evening program.
"Family nights have become somewhat popular to families in Timberlea," Thorne said.
The school had a drastic staff turnover last year, he added, and the new staff kept hearing about the family evenings from parents, students and fellow staff members.
Through a video presentation at the board meeting, the events showcased included Science Night, Healthy Family Fun Night, Movie Night, a Fine Arts Carnival Night, and a Multicultural Night where families participated in a potluck feast and Grade 7 students created displays on different cultures around the globe. Carnival Night was complete with face painting and cotton candy.
"I arrived in town 12 years ago not knowing anyone," said Cathy Colli, a Grade 1 teacher at Timberlea. "My kids were in Grade 1 and Grade 3 at the time, and becoming involved in the school community in that time really helped me — so helping to organize these family events is my way to give back."
Colli said she remembers events that brought families to school when she was growing up usually meant parent-teacher interviews or holiday concerts, which were more spectator experiences for parents.
"These family nights provide an opportunity for parents to get involved in activities with their children," she said.
Nadine Dixon and her two daughters Jayden, 7, and Johanna, 9, also spoke on the impact of the family nights.
"We can't say enough about the staff at the school," Nadine said. "They are like our family away from home."
Johanna and Jayden both agreed they liked last year's Literacy Night the most.
"It's fun," Johanna said.
"Teachers, parents, students and new families are all interacting together," Nadine said. "At school the students tend to have their own groups, but at night you don't see that ... we're out there meeting new people all the time. To see them developing such a great sense of loyalty and pride in the school at such a young age ... it's growing that sense of community that keeps families coming back for more."
Trustee Angela Adams was happy to hear about the success of the program.
"One of the things I've missed since my girls went on to high school was the family nights," Adams said.
"This is absolutely a treat," added board trustee Jeff Thompson.
"It's extending school into the home, it's not just a place to get bad news ... this is a place for parents to come and have fun with their children. It's families being educated together."
Timberlea's next family event is Literacy Night on Feb. 17 at 6 p.m.
acrewe@fortmcmurraytoday.com
