Richview is as busy as ever! Each day there are about five co-curricular events taking place. The school day begins with rehearsals and practices at 7:30 a.m. and many activities continue into the evening. We appreciate the dedicated teachers at Richview who give so much of their personal time to the students.

We held our Co-operative Education Fair this year with a special breakfast at 8:00 a.m. for all who are involved with Co-op. Employers and parents were genuinely impressed by the students’ presentations and displays about their work placements.

Our music groups including the choir, the band and the symphony orchestra, are participating in the Kiwanis Music Festival this year and returning with impressive marks from the adjudicators. Our new Marching Band and Cheerleading Squad created an upbeat atmosphere at our fall football games.

Our Improv team competed in the Canadian Improv Games. We are so proud of their achievements and their third place standing in our district. Another student Drama group is participating in the Sears Festival at the Etobicoke School of the Arts.

The celebration of all our arts programs takes place at Arts Night on Thursday, May 29.

The French Immersion Department has organized a trip to France over the March Break. Nous vous souhaitons un bon voyage! In May, we look forward to our annual trip to New York City for graduates.

The models, dancers, dressers, set designers and backstage crew are busy preparing for the Fashion Show in May. Excitement is in the air, as this has become an exhilarating spring tradition for Richview.

The teams continue to compete and do well. This term’s teams include swimming, boys’ and girls’ hockey, curling, skiing, basketball and volleyball.

We hosted two speakers from the police force to speak to our students in an assembly about bullying and the obligation we all have to report crimes. Grade elevens have recently attended Drug Awareness sessions.

It is a stressful time for the “Double Cohort” group. This includes our OACs and grade 12s. They are both aiming for coveted university spots. We are continually reminding them to complete and document their 40 Hours of Community service since it is a requirement of graduation. Many grade 12s who have hurried through their high school years are now reconsidering their haste. They have told us that they would like to return to Richview in September to re-take some courses for upgrading and to enrol in new programs that they could never fit into their schedules over the past four years.

On Thursday, October 9, 2003, just before the Thanksgiving weekend, Richview will hold its two Commencement ceremonies for the OACs in the afternoon and Grade 12s in the evening.

Richview continues to be a very popular school. This is due to its extensive co-curricular program and its high academic standards. However, for September 2003 we were instructed by the school board to accept only half of the grade nine applicants from outside the immediate area who applied for a spot at Richview. This will enable neighbouring schools to maintain viable enrolments. Consequently our student enrolment will decrease to 830 students from 950 this year. This will unfortunately mean the loss of at least eight young teachers who contribute so much to our school. The school board will be removing the portables from our property.

In spite of the September enrolment decrease, we will endeavour to offer some of the co-curricular programs to students that we have traditionally offered. The parents on the School Council will be discussing the implementation of an increase in the student registration fees to enable us to continue to offer co-curricular and other special programs to students. It is a reality that as student enrolment decreases, the school generates significantly fewer dollars for its operations.

Excitement abounds these days as the school prepares for the annual leadership program for all grade nines at Muskoka Woods just after the March Break. It is a life-changing experience, an opportunity to meet new people, make lifelong friends, take risks, achieve goals and live the spirit that is Richview!

Our Rizmah yearbook is currently well underway and we anxiously await its distribution in June.

The annual formal for senior students marks the culmination of Richview memories. Students’ Council has chosen the Liberty Grand as its venue for this special year.

Thank you, parents, for your continuing support. Our partnership with you makes Richview a truly unique school.