The halls of Crescentview School are once again buzzing with energy as students and staff kicked off the new academic year on Tuesday with an enthusiastic opening assembly. Principal Doyle Moar led the gathering, using the event to welcome everyone back, outline key routines, and build excitement for the numerous clubs and sports programs launching this fall.
The assembly began with an introduction—for some, a re-introduction—of all the teachers and staff in the room.
Many staff members received excited applause from the students, setting a positive and welcoming tone for the event.
Following the introductions, Principal Moar dove into the details of what students can expect in the coming weeks and months.
"We like getting them all back into the gym on the first day just to do a little review on some of our Cobra Code expectations and school-wide expectations and welcome them back," Moar says. "We talk about our morning routine. We talk about how kids are entering and exiting the building. We also talk about some of the programs that we're offering, as well as our open gym in the morning, along with the breakfast club, and what time that starts."
Clubs, sports, and cobra cash
A major focus of the assembly was highlighting the wide array of extracurricular activities available to students.
From cross-country and volleyball starting immediately for older grades to a diverse roster of clubs, there are opportunities for every interest.
"We have an outdoors club that will get going, and we usually do hikes. We go to Spruce Woods, and we'll take a grade at a time," Moar says, and further adds, "We have an art club that teachers run, a craft club. We have a puzzles club. We have a drama club that usually starts later in the year. And we have eSports - that's a very popular club."
Another system that generates student excitement is the school's Cobra Cash initiative, a rewards program for positive behaviour.
"If they're following the Cobra Code and they get acknowledged for doing great things, they get Cobra Cash," Moar explains, "They can either turn that in for a reward... or they can put it in a draw. We usually have a draw at the end of every month. Kids get pretty fired up about it."
A bright start to the year
The assembly served as the perfect launchpad for the 2024-25 school year, effectively combining necessary information with fun and motivation.
The event reinforced the school's community spirit and gave students a clear picture of the engaging year ahead.
"It's just an exciting time. It's nice to see the gym full again. It's nice to see all the kids again," Moar concludes, noting, "It's been a nice summer, but it's always nice to get back here."
As the students left the gym to the sound of Queen's timeless song "We Will Rock You", they can now look forward to rocking their school year.