January 09, 2026 - Elementary School Principal Blog

Dear Parents,

Welcome Back! I hope you all had a wonderful and restorative holiday break, filled with opportunities to reconnect and create lasting memories with your loved ones.

I had the good fortune to spend the break in Ottawa with our adult children and extended family. While the snow was deep and the temperatures dipped to -30°C, the joy of being surrounded by family and friends kept us incredibly warm. It was a beautiful reminder of the importance of connection, a value we hold dear here at ISY.

This return to school is truly one of my favorite times of the year. The winter break provides more than just rest; it offers students the vital space to consolidate their learning from the Fall. During these weeks away, we often see children returning having made remarkable leaps, not just academically but also physically and socially-emotionally.

Walking through the classrooms, the playground, and the lunchroom this past week, I was struck by the renewed energy in our halls. It has been a joy to hear the students enthusiastically share stories of their break. They have returned ready to collaborate, play, and tackle new challenges in different ways. This "mid-year" window is an ideal time for learning, as students are settled into their routines and ready to dive deeper into the curriculum with fresh perspectives.

We have a vibrant few months ahead, and I am excited to share several upcoming opportunities for our community to connect:

We are eagerly preparing for the Grade 5 Chinthe Expedition (February 9 - 11). We invite all Grade 5 parents to join us for a special Expedition Presentation. We strongly encourage all Grade 5 parents to attend to learn more about this transformative experience for your children.

We are thrilled to launch a brand-new event: Chinthe Discovery Day. We invite our current parents and any non-ISY friends who might be interested in learning more about our school to join us for a day of exploration. Feel free to share this with your friends, or register your interest here.

I am personally very excited to attend my first ISY Gala! Please mark your calendars for March 28. This 7th annual event is a cornerstone of our community support. Tickets will be on sale soon. 

Thank you for your continued partnership as we enter this exciting second half of the school year. It is a privilege to watch your children grow and thrive every day.

Warm regards,

Mr. Geoff Heney
Elementary School Principal

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