The first day of school for children at Gordon F. Kells High School and Carlyle Elementary was also a first for many of the staff members. A barbeque was held for students and families of Carlyle Elementary school the evening of Sept. 3. Students mingled and many of the first year students had their worries eased a bit, or perhaps it was the worried mothers whose minds were put at rest. Although the elementary school didn't have any new staff, Natalie Bloomfield has returned from maternity leave and intern Alex Langman has joined the crew.On Sept. 4, the day began with a school wide assembly so Principal Saltel could introduce some changes affecting the 2012/2013 school year. The first of those changes meant that the grade seven and eight group would be split into two sections this year, rather than the normal three. The reasoning behind this was the grade nine numbers were much larger than average and had to be split into two. The grade 10, 11 and 12 groups will each be having only one section per level. The second change was that Kevin Dyck has been gracious enough to bring a photography class into the high school. The course will be offered for credits, and includes a small talk about film photography, but focuses mainly on the digital art. It will currently only be offered to grade 12 but it is possible that grade 11will have their chance at it as well.Of course in traditional GFK style, the student council got involved with making the morning assembly and the first day back a little less grueling. The students organized a muffin and chocolate milk eating contest, encouraging six girls and six boys to participate. Of course the majority of the girls rejected the idea, but a brave two stepped up to the plate against the table of boys. It was a tough race, but one of the smallest boys took home the grand prize. For the remainder of the week he will be eating muffins and drinking milk on the house.The third change was to announce the addition of four new teachers, as well as new school counselor. Jason Andrusiak will be taking over part of the science division. Carly Broberg will be the English language arts teacher for the middle aged students. Tina Kurup will be part of the Special Ed team and Angelica Wiebe will be the new shop teacher.Tom Brococolo will be taking over for Jeff Laforet as the counselor and introduced himself to the entire student body Tuesday afternoon by making his way from class to class. Don't be shy to introduce yourself to the staff, as many of them are new to the area. Overall the school year is off to a good start and good things are on their way.
