The Grove
Welcome from Head of School
2024/2025 New School Year Theme Staff Professional Development
Welcome from Head of School
A warm welcome to new and returning parents and students! I trust that you all enjoyed a restful and rejuvenating summer Whether you travelled abroad or enjoyed a staycation, I hope that the summer was filled with moments to cherish with family and friends
It is an honour for me to continue to be your Head of School I have had the privilege to work in the public, the independent, the alternative, and the private education sectors. Each experience has fueled my curiosity, passion, and dedication in education, and I look forward to continuing to fuel my learning with the faculty and staff, students, and you!
The phrase “back to school” instills a feeling of excitement in all of us. The faculty and staff are certainly looking forward to sharing this excitement with your children. The Newton’s Grove faculty and staff are a dynamic community who cultivate an environment where the students achieve and believe in each other and the school As well, a positive parent community directly impacts the school and therefore we value your input and support This collaboration between home and school is critical to the improvement of our teaching and learning environment and to your child’s success We all know, it “takes a village to raise a child”!
This Year’s School Theme Is:
Finding Daily Gratitude
This year our school-wide theme is, “Finding Daily Gratitude” in our teaching and learning. We look forward to sharing these moments of gratitude with the community in our weekly editions of, “The Grove” We ask that you chat with your child about the benefits of practicing gratitude and why it is so important to practice daily
Faculty & Staff Professional Development
Summer Professional Development
The staff and faculty at Newton’s Grove School are returning re-energized and deeply committed to making a positive difference in the lives of your children this year. They have had excellent opportunities to learn over the summer. Below are some of the professional development opportunities that the faculty took part in this summer:
Summer Reading
How STEM can enrich the Primary Science Curriculum (Articles)
“Radical Candor”, by Kim Scott
“Elementary and Middle School
Mathematics: Teaching Developmentally” by John A Van de Walle, Sandra Folk, Karen S Karp, and Jennifer M Bay-Williams
“50 Key Ideas Unpacked” by Emily Ralls and Tom Collins
“Race and Human Evolution” by Milford Wolpoff and Rachel Caspari
Workshops
“AI in Education”
“AI Curriculum JK – 12”
Additional Qualification courses in Various Areas of Focus:
Mathematics Primary/Junior Part 1
French as a Second Language
Additional Qualification in the Junior Division
Teacher Leadership Part 2
Principal Qualification Program
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT),
Instructor: Dr Himani Sharma
“Middle School Math Summit” hosted by Kathy Martin
“Band Conducting and Pedagogy” at U of T and Eastman School of Music
This type of engaging professional development provides the Faculty at Newton’s Grove rich opportunities to continue to grow and develop in their profession and supports our goal to have leading-edge experts working in the classrooms.
Nia’s Eats
Who needs Uber Eats when we have “Nia’s Eats!”
This summer the cafeteria has been given a, “new, sleeker look”! We are excited for the students to explore the new space and the new menu
We are now offering a more accessible hot food table, a salad and sandwich bar, and healthier daily choices.
We will be installing a digital menu screen for easier access to menu choices
Global Learning Program!
We are excited to unveil our new “Global Learning Program” This year we will be offering national and international “Global Learning” experiences for the students at Newton’s Grove.
Be sure to click on the link below to read about the experiences available from grades 6 – 12.
To highlight a few Two new excursions for Grade 9-12 are New York City, USA and Machu Picchu, Peru!!!
The Grade 6 students will be heading to Algonquin Park in the spring!!!
Staffing Announcements & Bio's
Director of Admissions and Enrolment Management
Ms. Melissa Meevis
Ms Meevis joins us in this new role as our Director of Admissions and Enrolment Management Ms Meevis is an experienced Administrator in the private school sector, and she brings with her a strong skill set in Admissions and Enrolment. She looks forward to working closely with Ms. Kim Mellet and Ms. Emily Petroff in continuing the excellence of our recruitment practices and in the retention of our students.
It is with great enthusiasm that I introduce myself to you; my name is Melissa Meevis, and I am delighted to join the Newton’s Grove Leadership Team.
With over 25 years of experience in education and leadership, I bring passion, innovation, and a commitment to fostering positive growth within the school community I have worked with students from Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 8 and held roles including Principal, Vice Principal, Head of Primary School, and Head of Curriculum & Programming
I have had the privilege of working at several distinguished private schools, fostering academic excellence and building strong, collaborative relationships To further my professional development, I completed PQP Parts 1 & 2 and earned an Executive MBA from McGill University I am passionate about innovative education, having previously developed programs such as STEAM, Character Education, and Gifted & Enriched Education, along with leading philanthropic initiatives
I find joy in engaging with prospective families, guiding them through the admissions process, facilitating smooth student transitions, and nurturing a sense of belonging. Living with gratitude and authenticity, I believe one person can make a meaningful difference every day. I value environments where integrity, passion, and a shared vision are upheld to the highest standard. I eagerly anticipate meeting the Newton’s Grove community in the coming months and look forward to your partnership. We are our best version of ourselves when we give to others
Educational Support Coordinator
Ms. Elizabeth Dekker
Ms. Elizabeth Dekker will take on a new role as the Coordinator of Educational Support Ms Dekker has a vast experience in Educational Support in private schools, and she looks forward to supporting the students in JK - 12, as well as teachers, to ensure that each child experiences joy and success in their learning at Newton’s Grove.
“I am so excited to be taking on the role of Coordinator of Educational Support Through my 15 years of teaching in single gender and co-ed schools
I have had the privilege of taking on the roles of Homeroom Teacher for Grades 1, 3, 5, and 8, while also teaching various subject specific classes for grades 2 and 6 I have been a Learning Strategist for 5 years supporting students from Grades 1-8, and a Resource Lead for Grades K12
Through career and professional development, specific to special education, I have been able to utilize my knowledge and experiences to develop an understanding that students have different learning styles and needs. Through targeted and customized support and in partnership with parents/guardians, teachers, and school administration, students, can develop the necessary skills to be their best selves.
Marketing & Administrative Assistant
Mr. Elliot White
It is so exciting to be coming back to Newton’s Grove this year, to join the MarketingandAdministrationteams!
I have a very long history with the school, not only as a former teacher, but also a student It was a very difficult decision when I had decided to change my career path, taking me away from NGS; I was going to be leaving behind a great community, and a team that, I felt, was the best teamIhaveeverbeenapartof.
Asmanyinthecommunitywhohavemetmeknow,adesiretolearnand understand more, has always been a strong element of my character, which has led me to shift my career away from leading a classroom and towards marketing and administration. When this opportunity arose to not only return to this community, but to use my knowledge and experiences to help support and grow our community, it felt kismet I can’t wait to hit the ground running, reunite with community, learn from myteam,andbringmyownknowledgeandexperiencestothetable!
We are excited to welcome back Mr Elliot White, taking the role of Marketing and Administrative Assistant Mr White is not only an Alumnus but was our History Teacher in the Senior School from 2020 – 2023 We are certain that the students and parents will be happy to have him back at Newton’s Grove School!
Current Coordinator Roles
New Coordinator Roles
Arts Coordinator
Ms. Michelle Hewitt
It is with gratitude and excitement that I take on the role of Arts Coordinator this coming school year
With a degree in Dramatic Arts Performance, over 35 years of experience in the theatre, and 18 years of directing and leading productions at Newton’s Grove; my goal is to continue supporting our students, faculty, and parents in our phenomenal arts initiatives. I believe that the arts are a vital way of developing an emotionally intelligent, expressive, and confident student.
While participating in the arts, students deepen their appreciation of diverse perspectives, learn about their own identity, and develop the ability to approach others with openness and flexibility
Music, drama, visual art, and dance guide our students to nurture their whole selves, by fostering their mind-body-voice connection I look forward to creating magical moments for our students with our Music Director, Mr Alonso, and our incredible arts department Through art, our students help us see the beauty in this world, and discover their own endless potential It is this potential that inspires me each day and I will also continue to teach my Drama classes!
Mr. Ryan Penner Athletic Coordinator
Ms. Emily Petroff Admissions Coordinator
Ms. Elizabeth Dekker Student Success Coordinator
Student Success and Wellness Coordinator
Ms. Katie Wloka-Patterson
I’m excited to move into the role of Student Success and Wellness Coordinator this September
I will continue to provide social and academic guidance to our Senior School students, as well as direct them toward extra-curricular and post-secondary opportunities.
I will also have the privilege to work with various groups and prefect teams to promote student wellness, inclusion, and unity at Newton’s Grove School I've worked in the Student Success field for more than 10 years, and I am looking forward to continuing to develop meaningful opportunities with the exceptional staff at Newton’s Grove.
Past versions of my educational life have allowed me to teach in more than 11 countries world-wide, it is this global perspective that gives me a greater understanding and appreciation for the diversity of student experiences. Pairing my real-world experiences with my academic qualifications, I strive to craft meaningful and dynamic environments for learners throughout their time in school. Looking forward to another amazing year at Newton’s Grove School!
PLEASE NOTE: OTHER STAFFING ANNOUNCEMENTS WILL BE MADE BY MS EVA DIAB, PRINCIPAL JK – 12, IN NEXT WEEK’S “THE GROVE” COMING OUT FRIDAY, AUGUST 23RD.
As the Leadership Team and the staff and faculty come together over the coming weeks, we will be focussing on the importance of spreading “gratitude” into our teaching and learning practice,
while at the same time collaborating to ensure our high standard of excellence continues to be part of everything we do as a team.
tue, aug 27th: 11am-3pm
Prefect Leadership Training for ALL prefects
wed, aug 28th: 1pm key dates
New Student Orientation JK – 12 Students and Parents
thu, aug 29th: 1pm
New International Student Orientation Grades 2 – 12 Students, Parents, Agents
tue, sep 3rd: 8am-9am (at drop off)
“Coffee on the Court” for Parents and Guardians
ACCESS OUR FAMILY HANDBOOK HERE
Cheri Grogan
Please enjoy the last few weeks of summer, and we look forward to welcoming your child to school on Tuesday, September 3rd
Should you have any questions or suggestions, my door is always open to you!
