Welcome to the newest edition of our newsletter! As we embark on another chapter of our journey together, we're thrilled to bring you updates, stories, and highlights that showcase the incredible impact of your generosity and dedication. Thank you for being an integral part of our mission to make a positive impact.

Annual Leacock Debate!


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Spotlight on March Break Math Literacy!

Money Matters: Teaching Financial Literacy 

Early exposure to financial literacy fosters a sense of financial responsibility, helping children develop habits of budgeting and making informed spending choices from a young age.

This year, we launched an enhanced full-day March Break Math Literacy program. We piloted a full-day format featuring not only 15 hours of classroom instruction but also an additional 15 hours dedicated to STEAM, coding, and robotics workshops and hands-on activities, complementing the curriculum. This year's program demonstrated increased success and garnered more favorable responses from students, parents, and staff. This sentiment was evidenced by the enrollment of 369 students, an 84% retention rate, an 86% attendance average, and an 88% satisfaction of Leacock programs. With increased funding, we were able to also add a Senior Kindergarten class as well as an Educational Assistant to support more personalized instruction.


Our program aims to make math enjoyable and accessible, providing a supportive environment where children can build confidence and proficiency in numerical literacy. Teachers reported that 72% of children improved their numeracy skills; while 73% exhibited an improvement in self-confidence and self-esteem.


  • Students in Senior Kindergarten learned about the concept of saving and created their own piggy banks for their personal savings. 
  • Grades 1 & 2 students compared the value of Canadian coins and made spending decisions to purchase decorations for their pencil cases.
  • Grades 3 & 4 students estimated and calculated change for transactions, assessed the cost of transactions without HST, and made informed decisions for a weekly meal plan.
  • Grades 5 & 6 students created and managed a budget for a trip, calculated unit rates and considered factors that may have impacted their financial goals.


“I really liked the volunteer from the Actuarial Foundation of Canada. He was interesting and taught me about saving money. He has a job that involves math and he said being good at math helped him get a good job. I want to be like him one day and have a good job!”


- Gr. 2 student, March Break Math Literacy

“I enjoy taking part in March Break Math Literacy as being from an immigrant family I understand the value of having representation. Being able to be seen and relate to the kids in the program helps inspire and push the kids in their learning.”


- Nicola Wealth Volunteer



Thank you to our Sponsors!






Special thanks to the CIBC Foundation, Nicola Wealth, Actuarial Foundation of Canada, S.M. Blair, and TDSB Caring & Safe Schools for their generous support and invaluable contributions!

Transforming Education Through Technology

Get Ahead has undergone a remarkable transformation with the introduction of Chromebooks.  At Queenstown Get Ahead Primary, we've embraced this educational revolution, and we're dedicated to paving the way for a brighter future. While this initiative is still in its infancy, it's brimming with potential. 

Fostering Innovation

Fuelled by a profound commitment to excellence, our vision encompasses enhancements to our Information Technology system, the introduction of cutting-edge programs, and a commitment to keeping our academic staff at the forefront of technological advancements. We've witnessed the positive effects, particularly in the enhancement of literacy and numeracy skills.


Among the standout additions is the IXL program. This web-based platform blends gamification with Mathematics and English learning, seamlessly integrating with Chromebooks. It has revitalized our learning environment, infusing it with enthusiasm and excitement. 


Encouraging Independent Learning

For our students at Queenstown Get Ahead Primary, Chromebooks have emerged as powerful confidence boosters, especially in the realm of English skills. Web-based programs offer a less intimidating alternative to traditional workbooks. The ability to progress through various levels, enhances engagement and focus, allowing students to chart their learning journey at their own pace. This personalized approach reduces anxiety and nurtures a culture of independent learning.


Our students have wholeheartedly embraced Chromebooks, fostering a deeper understanding of technology. Additionally, Chromebooks have enriched their research skills, bridging the digital divide for those who may not have access to technology at home.


Empowering Educators

The integration of Chromebooks has not only empowered students but also our dedicated educators at Queenstown Get Ahead Primary. It has enabled the adoption of a constructivist approach to teaching and learning, where students actively participate in knowledge construction and develop higher-order thinking skills. This data allows our teachers to identify areas where additional support is needed, tailoring their teaching to meet the unique needs of each student.


Embracing the Future of Education

Our vision at Queenstown Get Ahead Primary is to become one of the most innovative and technologically advanced schools in South Africa. We're adaptable and open to change and innovation and our mission is to provide the best possible education and learning environment.


Unleashing the Potential of Chromebooks

As we look ahead, it's clear that the potential of Chromebooks in education is boundless. The remarkable achievement of our Queenstown GAP Grade 7 learners who secured the 9th place nationally in the Matific Olympiad stands as a testament to the transformative potential of Chromebooks. These devices are ideally suited for primary education as their small keyboards and lowercase alphabets make them accessible to young learners. The mobility and extended battery life of Chromebooks offer flexibility and the opportunity to seamlessly integrate technology into classroom activities, further enhancing the educational experience. 


We express our gratitude to our sponsors at the Leacock Foundation for the devices, and we are confident that their impact will be profound.

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