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https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55a930c6e4b073e60f366a3d/1683309937840-YOVJCUR7GZIXVA97MB57/Screenshot+2023-05-05+114738.png Welcome https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55a930c6e4b073e60f366a3d/1683309938855-XM6LTRYD2WZRFA0AOCCV/Screenshot+2023-05-05+114822.png Welcome https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55a930c6e4b073e60f366a3d/1683309939434-CYCPJ5S0W0LXP2WRY0GQ/Screenshot+2023-05-05+115229.png Welcome https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55a930c6e4b073e60f366a3d/1683309939740-FTZGL54WIAGH38VADHNS/Screenshot+2023-05-05+115303.png Welcome https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55a930c6e4b073e60f366a3d/1683309940397-2P21X8KGZ0E6MB9WBPKC/Screenshot+2023-05-05+115412.png Welcome https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55a930c6e4b073e60f366a3d/1683309940630-GGTCLURG791S4BDRISL9/Screenshot+2023-05-05+115450.png Welcome https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55a930c6e4b073e60f366a3d/1683309941372-I5A1RSFXBZ559NT7ZXK6/Screenshot+2023-05-05+115524.png Welcome http://www.greatjourneyslc.ca/book-a-tour daily 0.75 2023-06-06 http://www.greatjourneyslc.ca/about daily 0.75 2023-08-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55a930c6e4b073e60f366a3d/1683309938255-5AEIUQHU54RDLULL51JZ/Screenshot+2023-05-05+112150.png About Us - Philosophy Our philosophy on education is; make it fun, motivational, inspiring and most of all memorable. Look at, listen to, and learn from your students. They are a key to their own education. Use their interests to create their learning environment. Be a positive role model; children emulate what they see. Finally, treat everyone with respect. Life is a great journey, and on any great journey you should start off well equipped. Education, whether acquired in the classroom or out in the world, is one of life's greatest tools, and once acquired, can never be taken away. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55a930c6e4b073e60f366a3d/1683317797332-O7OHBQ3ZKI39T7H6ERZH/IMG-2767.jpg About Us - Mission "... all children deserve to believe in themselves" Great Journeys Learning Center was founded on the premise that children's love of learning occurs during fun, thought-provoking activities that tap into their natural curiosity. Field-trips, music, drama, dance, yoga, mindfulness, French, along with a myriad of activities are incorporated into the children's days. We believe it is our responsibility to make learning fun and to give children as many varied opportunities as possible. Great Journeys offers a secure, nurturing environment to enable each child to develop to their fullest potential. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55a930c6e4b073e60f366a3d/1683309405675-OER6PFWSWRW0Y2Q1SDTA/Screenshot+2023-05-05+115524.png About Us - Beliefs and Core Values Great Journeys Learning Center is founded on three core beliefs: 1. The importance of the individual student 2. The maximization of each child's potential in a fun and thoughtful way. 3. The necessity for active participation and cooperation of all members of the school and home communities. The following belief and core value statements also serve to guide decision and policy-making within Great Journeys Learning Center: We believe that all persons deserve to be treated with love, respect and dignity. We believe that children learn best through their own exploration and interests, thus it is up to us to provide those opportunities. We believe that each person has unique gifts and talents, which in collaboration with others, advances the learning of each student. As a school we have the responsibility to help develop those gifts. We are not just a service provider; we are a community that includes families, students, teachers and staff. We value parents as partners in the education of their children. We believe that parents are given the responsibility for the education of their children and the school works closely with the family to achieve this goal. We recognize that the parental involvement in the school creates a positive environment that benefits all parties involved. The school works closely with parents in helping the students to learn and solve their school related problems. This includes providing competent teachers, a full and balanced curriculum, regular reporting, supervision of the students and the program, and cooperation with the home. We believe that excellent achievement takes place in a context of excellent teaching. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55a930c6e4b073e60f366a3d/1644007849894-E6PPBWOMNCFQ4F85BDQ3/great+journeys+learning+center%2C+kindergarten%2C+preschool%2C+daycare%2C+calgary%2C+brentwood%2C+private+school%2C+alberta+education%2C+funded%2C+affordability+grant%2C+providence%2C+supported+childcare%2C+ECSL%2C+renfrew+19.jpg About Us - About Our Program Great Journeys Learning Center offers full-day Preschool, Junior Kindergarten, and Alberta accredited Kindergarten program. The Preschool program is for children who are three years old, the Junior Kindergarten program is for children who are four years old, and the Kindergarten program is for children who will be at least five by December 31st of that school year. For the parents' convenience, and continuity for the children, we also provide before and after care, from 6:00 am - 9:00 am and 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm. This allows working parents to have peace of mind knowing that their child is in a safe, nurturing environment, with familiar teachers and friends, throughout the day. We provide a secure, nurturing environment with a varied selection of materials that both stimulate and facilitate play. By staff employing active listening skills and taking a genuine interest in answering student questions, we promote the enthusiasm and interest of the children. In order to accommodate the diverse needs of our students, we incorporate a variety of teaching strategies and materials. We believe strongly in the implementation of centers as a tool for fostering independence, self-confidence, responsibility, cooperation and constructive work habits in children. The development of a child’s self-esteem is a core component of our school’s philosophy, and is therefore a pivotal point in the planning and execution of the daily activities taking place at GJLC. To promote a sense of belonging and to create a climate of social and economic equality, we ask that all children attending Great Journeys Learning Center wear our school uniform. http://www.greatjourneyslc.ca/our-founders daily 0.75 2016-05-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55a930c6e4b073e60f366a3d/1437158990089-K382GB8FKNUT7ECPG26I/GJ+6.jpg Our Founders https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55a930c6e4b073e60f366a3d/1437159952774-O6TE7TE6LDH49M3Z8T5Y/image-asset.jpeg Our Founders https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55a930c6e4b073e60f366a3d/1462404926101-4JS3U73EKHC0TM178KUN/image-asset.png Our Founders http://www.greatjourneyslc.ca/contact daily 0.75 2023-06-06 http://www.greatjourneyslc.ca/20152016-calendar daily 0.75 2018-06-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55a930c6e4b073e60f366a3d/1460396298359-BHLRSNPGZTI1YGTCGAFX/Great+Journeys+Photo.jpg 2018-2019 Calendar https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55a930c6e4b073e60f366a3d/1528909508949-SHXCR0INPHVX51DTPSV5/2018-2019+GJLC+Calendar.jpg 2018-2019 Calendar http://www.greatjourneyslc.ca/kindergarten daily 0.75 2020-06-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55a930c6e4b073e60f366a3d/1461035739058-XP44MWK1LHW1XW14BW66/Teacher+page.jpg Kindergarten http://www.greatjourneyslc.ca/what-is-reggio daily 0.75 2023-06-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55a930c6e4b073e60f366a3d/1643149132570-YW2A2V67UP5BJQGTVEBW/drum.jpg What is Reggio? - The Reggio Approach at Great Journeys For many parents of preschool-aged children, the beginning of the school years can be scary. When your child starts going to school, it means less parent involvement in day-to-day learning and more teacher-structured lessons - less play and more work. But a growing form of early childhood education, called the Reggio Emilia approach, is turning heads with its unique take on teaching - one that makes parents, teachers and children equal shareholders in the learning initiative. Although the Reggio approach shares some of the values of the better-known Waldorf and Montessori schools, it's not a philosophy with a set system of beliefs. Rather, it's an approach based around certain fundamental values about how children learn. "These values are interpreted in different schools, different contexts and different ways," says Susan Lyon, executive director of the Innovative Teacher Project, which aims to develop and promote Reggio-inspired education. Just what are these core values? Here's an introduction: The child as an active participant in learning. The Reggio approach “sees a child as a very competent protagonist and initiator who interacts with their environment,” Lyon says. Andra Young, head teacher of a Reggio-inspired school in San Francisco, says that students are allowed to follow their own interests, but that “it's not willy-nilly.” For example, she says, students in her classroom were showing an interest in building, so she brought wood stumps and building materials into the classroom. While exploring how to hammer nails, the children were given the opportunity to reinforce math skills, problem-solving and emerging literacy—all in relationship to their hands-on project. The significance of environment. “The environment of the school is seen as the third educator,” after the teacher and the parent, says Lyon. Most Reggio classrooms include a studio, or “atelier,” which is filled with materials such as clay, paint and writing implements. Children use these materials to represent concepts that they are learning in a hands-on way. The teacher, parent and child as collaborators in the process of learning. “Normally,” says Lyon, “parents are not seen as part of the educational process in an authentic way.” But the Reggio approach views the parent as an essential resource for the child's learning. To foster community, Reggio schools host a variety of events throughout each school year, including conferences and special lectures for parents. “For example, a teacher observed that a lot of parents were complaining that their children weren't sleeping well,” Lyon says. The school responded by bringing someone in to speak to parents about the issue. Making learning visible. “The teacher observes and documents the daily life of the school to make learning visible,” says Lyon. In Reggio-inspired classrooms, teachers use a variety of documentation methods, such as cameras, tape recorders and journals, to track children's thoughts and ideas as they play together or work with materials. For example, says Young, each child has a portfolio binder, including photographs of their projects, quotes from the child, artwork and writing samples. “It's kind of like a narrative of what the child learns at school,” says Young, noting that the children take great pride and satisfaction in their portfolios. Although adapting the values of the Reggio Emilia approach can be challenging for teachers, Young says it's worth it. “Validating the children's work and supporting the child to go deeper into their perception of the world is the most important part of the process.” Parents and teachers will agree: It's never too soon to start giving your child a nose for knowledge and the tools to investigate the world. via Education.com http://www.greatjourneyslc.ca/facts-and-questions daily 0.75 2026-02-27 http://www.greatjourneyslc.ca/what-is-montessori daily 0.75 2023-06-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55a930c6e4b073e60f366a3d/1462993166998-BZBGOB885U0ARN5H6FMT/REggio.jpg What Is Montessori? - What is Montessori? Montessori is an individualized approach to education for children from toddler through high school that helps each child reach full potential in all areas of life. It is a student-centered approach that encourages creativity and curiosity and leads children to ask questions, explore, investigate and think for themselves as they acquire skills. A Montessori environment focusses more on a student's learning than on a teacher's teaching. Specially trained Montessori teachers guide, coach and facilitate each child's learning through continuous observation and assessment. “Our aim is not merely to make children understand, and still less to force them to memorize, but so to touch their imaginations as to enthuse them to their innermost core.” Why is it unique? 1. The "Whole Child" Approach The primary goal of a Montessori program is to help each child reach full potential in all areas of life. Activities promote the development of social skills, emotional growth, and physical coordination as well as cognitive skills. Under the direction of a specially trained teacher, the holistic curriculum allows the child to experience the joy of learning, gives the child time to enjoy the process, ensures the development of self-esteem, and provides the experiences from which children create their knowledge. 2. The "Responsive, Prepared, Adaptive Environment" In order for self-directed learning to take place, the whole learning environment - facilities, room, materials, social climate, and experiences - must be supportive of the learner. The teacher provides necessary resources, including opportunities for children to function in a safe and positive climate. An atmosphere of support and trust enables the children to explore and discover confidently. 3. Mixed Age Groupings The multi-age grouping in each class provides a family-like setting where learning can take place naturally. More experienced children share what they have learned while reinforcing their own knowledge and skills. The multi-age community interaction is intrinsic to Montessori. This encourages rich language experiences, and opportunities for the development of empathy and social learning. In order to respond to the diversity of individual children’s developmental needs, classes in the Casa and Elementary programmes group children across a three-year age span. Toddler programmes may have a one year age span in order to comply with Ministry guidelines and/or the individual school’s programming. Learning with and from each other to develop the social skills that form a class community. The social setting is like that of an extended family. The emergent skills of the individual children come together to form the class community. 4. Co-operation and Collaboration Children are encouraged to respect and support one another in their learning, and with their daily needs and experiences. Learning is a social process. 5. The Montessori Materials Dr. Montessori's scientific observations of the children led her to design a number of multisensory, sequential, and self-correcting materials. These facilitate learning which builds from the concrete to the abstract in constructing their knowledge. 6. Self-Directed Learning Children are free to work at their own pace with materials they have chosen, either alone or with others. The teacher relies on his or her observations of the children to determine which new activities and materials may be introduced to an individual child or to a small or large group. The aim is to encourage active, self-directed learning and to strike a balance of individual mastery with small group collaboration within the whole group community. 7. Freedom within Limits Each Montessori class, from toddlers through elementary, operates on the principle of freedom within limits. Every program has its set of ground rules which differ from age to age, but is always based on core Montessori beliefs - respect for each other and for the environment. 8. The Teacher Originally called a "Directress", the Montessori teacher functions as designer of the environment, resource person, role model, demonstrator, record keeper, and meticulous observer of each child's behaviour and growth. The teacher acts as a facilitator of learning. This extensive training includes supervised classroom practice teaching and is specialized for the age group with which a teacher will work, i.e., infant and toddler, 3 to 6 year olds, 6 to 9 year olds, and 9 to 12 year olds. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55a930c6e4b073e60f366a3d/1643925758275-2QAUFVY3TXZYJUT9DJZY/great+journeys+learning+center%2C+kindergarten%2C+preschool%2C+daycare%2C+calgary%2C+brentwood%2C+private+school%2C+alberta+education%2C+funded%2C+affordability+grant%2C+providence%2C+supported+childcare%2C+ECSL%2C+renfrew+1.jpg What Is Montessori? - Montessori Learning Outcomes 1. Independence. Children are able to choose their own work, become engaged, construct their knowledge and complete it to their satisfaction. Guidance is given and children are able to seek help when necessary. 2. Confidence and Competence. The children upon observation, reflection, and/or discussion, should be capable of correcting their own work. They should be able to manage the various materials with a clear sense of purpose, leading them to further understanding. 3. Intrinsic Motivation. Children are able to work for the pleasure of doing so, without rewards or fear. Children routinely demonstrate newly achieved competencies to one another. 4. Ability to Handle External Authority. Children should be able to manage the classroom rules that have been established. They should demonstrate a level of discipline with or without the direction and correction of an adult. 5. Social Responsibility/Leadership. Children demonstrate social responsibility and leadership skills, such as empathy, communication, initiative and resiliency. 6. Academic Preparation. Children are acquiring academic skills appropriate to their age and stage, their interests, their abilities, potential and achieving individualized success. 7. Global Awareness. The children are encouraged to develop qualities of citizenship and stewardship through an understanding and respect for cultural diversity and environmental awareness. 8. Respect. There are opportunities to develop and practice qualities of peace and conflict resolution in their interactions with others. 9. Recordkeeping of Children’s Progress. The teacher shows an understanding of children’s progress and keeps clear and adequate records, as a continuous form of assessment. 10. Approachability. The children approach the teacher with ease and confidence, reflecting a personal connection and a sense of security. 11. Role Modeling. The teacher reflects the essential qualities of respect, order, enjoyment and engagement. 12. Spontaneity and Joy. The teacher nourishes and encourages spontaneity and expressions of the joy of learning. How is Creativity Encouraged? Creativity thrives in an atmosphere of acceptance and trust. Montessorians recognize that children, from toddlers to teenagers, learn and express themselves in a very individual way. Making choices, taking risks, self-correction of mistakes, openess to different perspectives, and the growth of self-confidence all encourage creativity to flourish. Music, art, storytelling, movement, and drama are part of every Montessori programme, as well as an emphasis on the sensory aspect of experience; and the opportunity for both verbal and nonverbal modes of learning. http://www.greatjourneyslc.ca/our-staff daily 0.75 2024-07-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55a930c6e4b073e60f366a3d/be10cc2e-4c0c-4b51-9a32-e87504a62b9d/GJLC%2Blogo.jpg Our Staff https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55a930c6e4b073e60f366a3d/ddbe8530-0c69-42ee-9c00-a9846e537132/IMG-2869.jpg Our Staff - Aisha Ahmed Dip.Ed., ECE 3 Teacher - Jr. Kindergarten (4-5yrs) I have been teaching preschoolers for 18 years and feel truly lucky to do my job! Teaching is my passion and I believe every child is special. A mixture of structured activities and free creative play allows optimal learning. Every child is different with unique needs, and my program plans enable each individual to learn at their own pace. My goal has always been to provide an environment that enhances self-esteem and self-confidence in each child. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55a930c6e4b073e60f366a3d/8133ac81-bfe5-4374-be59-4e60436448af/Muna.jpg Our Staff - Muna Goswami M.A., ECE 1 Teacher - Jr. Kindergarten (4-5yrs) I am from Nepal. I came to Canada in 2017 with my family. I completed a Master of Arts (M.A) in English literature from Tribhuvan University. In Nepal, I worked as a High School teacher for six years and as a Junior High school teacher for two years. I love reading books, travelling, listening to music and singing. I am so grateful to be the part of this institution with friendly environment. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55a930c6e4b073e60f366a3d/cee0a88f-0bef-48d1-afa1-fd7c6da066fc/No+Photo.jpg Our Staff - Amy Vila ECE 3 Teacher - Jr. Kindergarten (4-5yrs) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55a930c6e4b073e60f366a3d/e7e26234-510d-4fba-9280-4cbaf0494b2a/Carmen.jpg Our Staff - Carmen Yau DSW., ECE 1 Teacher Assistant I was a Residential and Social Worker in Hong Kong at a hostel and school setting for children with additional needs. I transitioned into Early Childhood Education and I now hold a certificate as a level one early childhood educator. My favorite part about teaching this age group is helping them to learn social skills and emotional regulation. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55a930c6e4b073e60f366a3d/487ad65c-abad-41c7-a73f-20b1d3749c78/Shamayl.jpg Our Staff - Shamayl Khan B.Ed., M.A., ECE 1 Teacher - Jr. Kindergarten (4-5yrs) I have a Masters in Islamic Studies and a Bachelor in Education. I moved to Canada in 2014 with my family. In my free time I love to spend time with my family and go to mountains. I like having the experience of working with children every day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55a930c6e4b073e60f366a3d/624b707d-db87-450e-83e8-cfa2b1a67d24/Araylla.jpg Our Staff - Araylla Lee ECE 1 Teacher - Jr. Kindergarten (4-5yrs) I have a passion for working with children who have additional needs. I have worked with this community for 14 years. I am happy to a part of the Great Journeys team. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55a930c6e4b073e60f366a3d/149b7229-a778-4187-b176-1f43b008df9b/Irene.jpg Our Staff - Irene Song B.Des., ECE 2 Teacher - Junior Preschool I received my Bachelor of Design from Alberta University of the Arts, and I have worked as an art instructor, illustrator and designer. I’ve always had a passionate heart towards young children and this led me into Early Childhood Education. I truly appreciate each child’s uniqueness and their creative spirit! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55a930c6e4b073e60f366a3d/33e1fb9f-314d-41a5-aba4-74b56dd939f3/Esther.jpg Our Staff - Esther Chun B.Music, ECE 1 Teacher - Music Specialist, Junior Preschool Teacher My name is Euikyung (Esther) Chun. I have a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Piano Performance and studied Music Education in graduate school in South Korea. I have a Secondary School Teacher's Certificate and a Diploma in Counselling. I enjoy traveling and listening to music. I have two adult sons and one granddaughter. After becoming a grandmother, I became more excited about working with young children. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55a930c6e4b073e60f366a3d/8681bd0e-55f5-499f-931a-b18cc7293592/Peterson-MsJan-00136.jpg Our Staff - Jan Peterson T.A. Certification, ECE 1 Teacher Assistant I have a Recreation Management Diploma from Mount Royal University and an Education Assistant Certificate from the University of Calgary. I have been with Great Journeys since 2015. With more than 20 years of experience, I couldn’t imagine myself anywhere else. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55a930c6e4b073e60f366a3d/76f0d3f8-b272-4fe2-b226-37fd21cadb53/Brailsford-MrsLori-00039.jpg Our Staff - Lori Brailsford B. Ed., ECE Dip., ECE 3 Assistant Director lori.brailsford@greatjourneyslc.ca I have a Bachelor of Education degree and an Early Childhood Education Diploma from the University of Calgary. Although I have taught children up to Grade Nine, I have always most enjoyed the young children up to the age of six. I love the sense of wonder and excitement they bring to their learning! I have worked at Great Journeys Learning Center since we opened in 2015, first as a classroom teacher, and now as the Assistant Director of the Center. I enjoy the sense of family that we have here, both with the staff, as well as with the families we serve. I am privileged to work with such a wonderful group of people! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55a930c6e4b073e60f366a3d/0d515a9d-64c7-4829-b8d5-0142f4c1b71c/Mi.jpg Our Staff - Mi Ji B.Comm. Accountant mi.ji@greatjourneyslc.ca I was privileged to become a part of the Great Journeys family after my daughter attended the Kindergarten program. I now work as the accountant for Great Journeys. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55a930c6e4b073e60f366a3d/cee0a88f-0bef-48d1-afa1-fd7c6da066fc/No+Photo.jpg Our Staff - Jitka Smuszko B.Ed., ECE 3 Director of Business Operations jitka.smuszko@thevillagecalgary.ca http://www.greatjourneyslc.ca/calendar daily 0.75 2024-09-25 http://www.greatjourneyslc.ca/our-founders-1 daily 0.75 2026-02-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55a930c6e4b073e60f366a3d/05542a15-90bc-4b50-85a7-d5aad606f590/image-asset.jpeg Our Founders - Lenka Popplestone Lenka Popplestone, has been an educator since 1990. During her attendance at University, she ran and was successful at being elected Treasurer of the Early Childhood Education Council for three consecutive years. During that time, she also enjoyed volunteering as an ESL aide in various schools in Calgary. After attaining an Early Childhood Education Diploma and a Bachelor of Education Degree with a minor in Child Psychology, Lenka worked with special needs adults, did respite work, and also volunteered in the area of adult literacy for the Calgary Catholic School Board. Concurrently, she married and started her family, becoming a mother of two boys. Throughout her career Lenka was involved with numerous new challenges in the field of education. She developed and taught specialized programs of study from preschool to high school, for typical students, ESL students, LD students, and special needs children, as well as adults. Lenka has always loved the challenge and the myriad rewards. Her biggest challenge came in 1996 when her sister Jitka and herself established Mountain View Academy; a non-profit Private School educating children from preschool to grade twelve. As Founder and Superintendent of Mountain View Academy, Lenka was an active participant in the administrative aspects of the school; developing policies, manuals, calendars, financials, and reports for Alberta Learning, as well as participating in an advisory capacity on the Board of Directors and the Parent Council. She also continued to mentor teachers and students alike, while maintaining an ongoing rapport with parents. Although her administrative duties kept her busy, her love of teaching never waned. Lenka is very excited to be able to carry her love of teaching, and children, to Great Journeys Learning Center, and can't wait to share her passion with the staff, parents and children! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55a930c6e4b073e60f366a3d/c7aa09dc-aa2d-48c3-8527-377476829682/image-asset.png Our Founders - Jitka Smuszko Jitka Smuszko acquired her Bachelor of Education Degree and ECE Diploma from the University of Calgary in 1988. She was accepted onto the Catholic Board of Education Substitution list and thereafter received a contract placement within the first year. She is highly motivated and committed to the teaching profession. Jitka has developed diverse teaching techniques throughout her career. She is sensitive to students' various needs and thus was chosen to work with a specific group of children who were culturally diverse and posed a considerable educational challenge. Design and implementation of appropriate educational programs are her primary functions. In evaluating and personalizing pupil’s lessons and progress at Mountain View Academy, Jitka has worked closely with psychotherapists, physicians, the Parent Council, the School's Board of Directors, and many other specialists to ensure the most effective program for each child. Jitka is also committed to helping improve her community and has been an active member within many organizations. She has been a coordinator and teacher at Ascension Parish, has provided various services with the Lung, Cancer and Heart Foundations and volunteered for the YMCA young children’s programs. As a board member of the Calgary Interfaith, she worked hard as an effective fund-raising coordinator. She has also served as co-founder and Vice Chairman of the Children of Chernobyl Association, and most recently served six years as a board member for the Association of Independent Schools and Colleges. Jitka’s twenty four years of educational and administrative background make her an invaluable and adaptable member of the Great Journeys Learning Center management team. Children, education, family and community are Jitka and Lenka’s passions. It’s their diverse experience, dedication and insight that will fuel Great Journeys Learning Center into a worldwide model for community learning and engagement.