We need Grade 6 grad photos by Friday, May 16th:
One recent photo
One baby photo
(Optional) Any class photos from past years
Please click on this link to upload them here:
The calendar’s got more red ink on it than a marked-up witness statement, and this month’s looking busier than a gumshoe in a city full of secrets. Here’s what’s on the docket for our squad of junior sleuths:
Chapel Line-Up: May 14’s Investigative EnsembleThe spiritual vibe’s in good hands this week with this dedicated chapel crew:
Tech: Ari, Elliot
Vocals: Jordan, Sina, Alexis, Danna
Keys: Alivia, Grace
Bass: Kianna
Drums: Jace
Acoustic Guitar: McKena
Electric Guitar: David
Percussion: Nathan
Door Greeters: Thomas, Emilie
Important Dates & Major Clues
May 12 – Grandparents Day, Math Test, & Memory Verse Quiz
Three cases in one day. Detectives, don’t forget to bring your sharp minds, warm smiles for visiting grandparents, and those memory verses locked and loaded.
May 14 – Pay to Wear Casual (Library Fundraiser)
Trade your uniform for undercover attire with a $2 donation to our library fund. Casual never looked so classy.
May 15 – Science Test
Grade 6: Excretory system – know your kidneys from your nephrons.
Grade 5: Respiratory system – it’s all about breathing easy (and not just after the test).
May 16 & May 19 – No School
Pro D Day & Victoria Day. Take the time to recharge. Even detectives need rest.
May 21 – Puberty and Sex Talk
Sensitive case files ahead. Grade 5 students will be split into boys’ and girls’ groups to discuss puberty. Attendance is optional—pick up an info packet from HQ (a.k.a. the office). Students not attending may be picked up at noon.
May 22 – Newsies Field Trip
Time to hit the town and follow the trail of headlines. Bring your curiosity and maybe a notepad—this one’s got style and story.
May 30 – Spring Showcase @ 1:30 PM
Lights, camera, growth! Celebrate our students’ hard work in a display of talent, creativity, and probably some toe-tapping tunes.
June 6 – Grade 6 Graduation
It’s the final chapter for our oldest sleuths. A night of nostalgia and new beginnings, 6:00–10:30 PM.
Photos Due by May 16:
1 recent photo
1 baby photo
Optional: Class photos through the years
Upload your evidence and RSVP—let’s build a memory wall to crack hearts wide open.
June 13 – 11:30 AM Early Dismissal
A short day—but the mysteries don’t end there.
June 16 – Intermediate Fun Day
Games, laughs, and curiously fun time.
June 19 – Waterslides Field Trip (Last Day of School)
Close out the year with a splash. A fitting end to a year full of learning, laughter, and the occasional classroom caper.
Keep your trench coats pressed, your pencils sharp, and your curiosity alive. Until next time, keep sniffing out the truth and showing the world what junior detectives can do. 
Tomorrow, May 7th, we roll out early—real early. The kind of early where the dew’s still fresh and the robins are just clearing their throats. Why? Because the whole crew is heading to the Britannia Mine Museum.
The plan?
Departure: 7:00 AM sharp. Be there by 6:50 AM, or you’ll be chasing the bus down the highway.
The Scene: We’ll dig into the depths of mining history, pan for truth, and maybe even find a nugget of knowledge.
The Extras: A pit stop at the gift shop—bring a bit of pocket change if you plan to take home a souvenir.
The Getaway: A quiet walk to Shannon Falls, soaking in some West Coast beauty before heading back.
ETA Back at HQ (school): 4:00 PM.
Dress like you’re tracking clues in unpredictable weather: layers, closed-toe shoes, and extra snacks in your pack. Leave your gadgets at home—this investigation’s screen-free.
Graduation – The Final Chapter Begins
There’s another major operation on the horizon: Grade 6 Graduation. The evening of Friday, June 6th, will be one to remember. It starts at 6:00 PM and runs until 10:30 PM—four and a half hours of celebration, recognition, and probably a few nostalgic tears.
To pull off this caper, we need some evidence—a few key photos:
One recent photo (your star detective as they are today)
One baby photo (to show how far they’ve come)
Optional: Class photos from over the years (for a visual timeline of their school story)
Please upload these files and RSVP by Friday, May 16th. We’re building a memory wall, and we need your piece of the puzzle.
Wonder Reading Assignment – Case of the Open Heart
Meanwhile, in language arts, we’re diving into Wonder—a novel about kindness, courage, and not judging a book by its cover. Students are following Auggie Pullman through his journey of fitting in, standing out, and reshaping perspectives. Read the parent letter to find out more about expectations for the reading schedule, thinking notes, and reading check-ins as we read through May.
If your student seems quieter than usual, they might be thinking deeply about friendship, empathy, or the power of a precept. This story hits home.
Stay sharp, stay warm, and stay curious.
– Detective Wolfsen, on the trail of knowledge
April 28 – Prepare to be captivated by an unforgettable night of creativity and inspiration! Our talented Grade 4-6 students have poured their hearts into masterpieces that will amaze and delight. Bring your family and friends and immerse yourselves in a magical world of colour, imagination, and artistic expression.
Art Gala Details
Date: Monday, April 28th
Location: The Chapel
Time: 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
May 1 – We are headed to South Surrey Athletic Park for the Christian School Track Meet. We need parent volunteers and transportation is limited. Please let me know if you are able to drive your student. my email: dwolfsen@highroadacademy.com
May 5 – Dress up as your favourite superhero or star wars character. Bring the force, but leave weapons and lightsabers at home.
May 7 – Feel free to join us for our trip to the Brittania Mines. It is a long trip, so we leave at 7:00 am.
May 21 – Families received an email and letter about the upcoming puberty and sex education afternoons for Grades 5 & 6 students. The school is offering information packages at the office for those who want to learn more. Attendance is not mandatory, and parents can pick up their child at noon on Wednesday, May 21st, if they prefer. Grade five students will attend the session on puberty, and grade six students will attend the sex education session.
June 6 – We are thrilled to share that our recent bake sale was a tremendous success! Thanks to your generosity and support, we raised $1,800, which covers all our graduation costs.
As we begin planning our graduation evening, we need your help! Please take a moment to fill out the jot form linked below, and kindly attach two photos of your child:
Additionally, there’s a section where you can upload any class photos you have from previous years. These memories will make our graduation celebration even more special!
Important Update: The time for our grad ceremony has changed! Please note the new details:
Photos are due by Friday, May 16th.
Thank you once again for all your support. We can’t wait to celebrate this milestone with all of you!
Link to Jot Form: https://highroadacademy.jotform.com/251115018602948
Our Bake Sale is on Tuesday, April 8th, to raise funds for our Grade Six graduation! This is a wonderful opportunity for our community to support our sixth graders.
Here’s How You Can Help, students can choose from two options:
1. Bake and Bring: Bring in 2 dozen homemade baked goods to sell.
2. Send in Support: If baking isn’t an option, send in $20 cash with your child to help purchase treats.
Important Dates:
Bake Goods Due: Morning of Tuesday, April 8th
Monetary Contributions: Please send $20 cash (no debit machine available) by Friday, April 4th
Please use the link below to sign up and indicate what your child will bring to the bake sale.
If grocery costs are a concern, please email Mrs. Goosen at pgoosen@highroadacademy.com, and she will provide supplies for your child to bake treats.
The calendar is packed, the cases are piling up, and March is shaping up to be a whirlwind of events, challenges, and surprises. From dressing up in national pride to cracking the code on the nervous and digestive systems, there’s no shortage of mysteries to unravel. And just when you think you’ve got it all figured out—poof—Spring Break arrives like a magician’s trick. So grab your notebooks, stay sharp, and let’s dive into this month’s biggest investigations.
Red, white, and maple leaves—those are the clues, and they all lead to one thing: Canada Dress-Up Day. This Wednesday, agents are advised to blend into their surroundings by donning national colors. Got a hockey jersey? A beaver hat? Maybe just a simple red-and-white combo? Whatever your disguise, wear it with pride.
Two groups. Two different mysteries to crack.
Agents, study hard. The test is coming, and there’s no escaping it.
At exactly 11:30 AM, the school halls will empty as students vanish into the Spring Break abyss. But before they go, interim reports will be delivered—cold, hard evidence of the progress made so far. Read them carefully. The clues to future success might be buried inside.
After two weeks in the wild, the squad reassembles. Backpacks dusted off, pencils sharpened. School resumes, and the next case begins.
A good detective never works alone. This week’s crew is ready to bring the soundtrack to our investigations:
Bake Sale – April 8th! 
Detectives, we’ve got another case on our hands—a case of deliciousness! On Tuesday, April 8th, we’re hosting a Bake Sale to raise funds for our Grade Six graduation, and we need your help to crack the code to success!
Bake & Bring – Whip up 2 dozen homemade baked goods to sell. (Think cookies, muffins, or anything your sweet tooth desires!)
Send in Support – If baking’s not your style, no problem! Send in $20 cash with your child to help purchase treats.
Baked Goods Due: Morning of Tuesday, April 8th
Monetary Contributions Due: By Friday, April 4th (Cash only—no debit machine available!)
Sign Up: Please click on the this link Bake Sale Sign-Up Sheet to let us know what your child will bring.
If grocery costs are a concern, no worries! Email Mrs. Goosen at pgoosen@highroadacademy.com, and she’ll provide supplies so your child can still take part in the fun.
Let’s make this the sweetest fundraiser yet! 
Another week, another case. Stay sharp, agents. There’s always another mystery lurking just around the corner.
Join the Middle School Track Team! 
Detectives, it’s time to trade in your magnifying glass for some running shoes! If you’re in grades 6 to 8, get ready to run, jump, and compete because our Middle School Track Team is gearing up for an exciting season!
Practices begin right after Spring Break
Track meets will take place in April and May
If you’re interested in joining or have any questions, email Mrs. Goosen at pgoosen@highroadacademy.com. Don’t miss this chance to race to victory! 
The wind howled through the alley as I sifted through the latest case files. This wasn’t your average case—no missing jewels, no mysterious footprints in the snow. No, this one was different. A journey into a world beyond the ordinary, a place where adventure, identity, and belonging collide. The name on the file? The Barren Grounds.
The Assignment
We have our next investigation: a novel study of The Barren Grounds by David A. Robertson. It’s a story with layers, twists, and turns that’ll sharpen our detective skills: reading comprehension, critical thinking, and deep reflection.
Here’s the deal:
The Schedule
The case unfolds one chapter at a time, with all files locked for the break between March 15–30. Here’s the breakdown:
Week 1 (March 3-7): Chapters 1-5
Week 2 (March 10-14): Chapters 6-10
Week 3 (March 31-April 4): Chapters 11-15
Week 4 (April 7-11): Chapters 16-20
Final Weeks (April 14-25): Chapters 21-27
Investigative Techniques: Cracking the Code
Each night, we use one of these methods to dig deeper:
Connection – Linking the case to personal experience, another story, or the real world.
Visualization 
– Painting a picture of the scene with sensory details and a sketch.
Questioning 
– Digging into the unknown, asking the tough questions.
Inference – Reading between the lines, picking up on clues.
Transformation 
– A shift in thinking, a new perspective gained.
How You Can Assist the Investigation
This case isn’t solved alone. Parents, we need your help. Keep your detective on track—remind them to read, discuss their deep thoughts, and encourage their discoveries.
Need backup? Struggling readers can access YouTube read-alouds (links provided in class).
Got questions? Clues to share? Contact dwolfsen@highroadacademy.com.
The case is open, detectives. Grab your notebooks, sharpen your pencils, and let’s crack this mystery wide open. The Barren Grounds await.
The streets are buzzing, the clues are piling up, and this detective’s notebook is filling fast. There’s no time to rest, gumshoes—February and March are packed with action, and we need all hands on deck. Let’s crack the case.
Key Events on the Radar:
Feb. 26 – Pink Shirt Day: A reminder to take a stand against bullying. Wear pink and show the world that kindness always wins.
Feb. 27 – Math Test
March 3 – Class Picture Day: Look sharp, detectives! Whether it’s a fedora or a fancy hairdo, make sure you’re camera-ready.
March 4 – Math Mayhem (6:30-8 PM): A night of mind-bending math mysteries, hosted by the Grade 10-12 crew. Expect puzzles, challenges, and a whole lot of detective-worthy problem-solving.
March 4 – Pay to Wear Casual ($2): Drop two bucks, ditch the uniform, and help fund the Missions Trip. Looking good while doing good—it’s a classic move.
March 12 – Canada Dress-Up Day: Flannel shirts? Mountie gear? Hockey jerseys? Get creative and show off your Canadian pride!
Mission: $10,000 on the Line
The Mission Team is working hard to raise $10,000 by the end of February. Here’s how you can help: buy a brick for $10 at the office and watch our school grow—brick by brick—on the bulletin board by Mr. Morris’ office. Every donation brings us closer to making a difference. Check out the mission video here: Vimeo Link Highroad Academy News
Chapel Line-Up – The Squad in Action
Tech: Ari, Elliott
Keys: Mrs. Van Santen, Alivia
Drums: Jase E Guitar: Grace A Guitar: Averi Vocals: Kaiya, Olivia, Avery, Mckena Stage Manager: Nathan
Bass: Kianna Percussion: Manny FOH (Front of House): David, Scott, Danny, Isaac D Door Greeters: Thomas, Emilie
The pieces are in place, the clues are set, and now it’s time to take action. Let’s make February count, detectives! Over and out.
The city was quiet—too quiet. That is, until the news hit my desk. A VIP might be making an appearance in our very own classroom. Not just any VIP… the mayor.
That’s right, detectives, we could soon be shaking hands with the head honcho of municipal governance. But here’s the deal—we need to be ready. If we get the chance to grill the mayor, we better have the right questions. Why is voting so important? What’s being done to stop crime in town? How do city budgets work? This is our shot to crack the case on how democracy functions at the local level. So put on your thinking caps, dust off your detective notebooks, and start brainstorming. The more we know, the sharper our questions will be.
Word on the street is that a group of Grade 10-12 masterminds are cooking up a night of numbers and logic. Math Mayhem is set to be an evening of puzzles, brainteasers, and equations that will put even the best detectives to the test. If you think you have what it takes, mark your calendars.
February 14 – Pro D Day (No School) February 17 – Family Day (No School) February 26 – Pink Shirt Day (Stand against bullying!)
Vocals: Averi, Kayleigh, Shiloh, Neariah E Guitar: David A Guitar: Isaac D Drums: Jayce
Bass: Kyara Keys: Mrs. Van Santen, Alivia
Tech: Elora, Danna Percussion: Nathan Front of House (FOH): Maddox, Max, Danny Stage Manager: Sina Door Greeters: Thomas, Emilie
With this all-star lineup, chapel is set to be a case worth investigating. Keep your eyes peeled, detectives—something tells me this week’s chapel will be one for the books.